Touch Football is an inclusive sport, suitable for deaf or hearing impaired people. This information sheet provides the Touch Football community with general tips to include Touch Football players or officials who are deaf or have a hearing impairment.

One in six Australians today is deaf, has a hearing loss or has a chronic ear disorder; hence it is likely that your affiliate or Touch Football team will encounter a person who may fall into this category.

Below are some tips that are suggested by Touch Football Australia on advice from Deaf Sports Australia as to ensure that your affiliate or team welcome and ensure the best possible inclusion outcome for a person who has a hearing deficiency.

Talk About It

Ask the deaf person how they would like to communicate and don’t just assume. There are a variety of ways to communicate and the person will tell you what works best for them. To get things started try communicating through basic gestures or use a pen and notepad. Some deaf people may be proficient with lip reading and if you ask they may indicate this to you.

If the deaf person is about to play, it is ok to ask if they would like the referee and opposition team to know that they are deaf so as to avoid any confusion and frustration during the game.

Face To Face Communication

Communication with a deaf person will be enhanced if you ensure that you are standing where they can clearly see your face. Speak clearly without shouting and with normal inflection and timing.

Use Touch To Gain Attention

Attract the deaf person’s attention before speaking to them or else they may not realise you are talking to them. A tap on the shoulder or a wave is acceptable. 

It is reminded that even though the deaf person may wear a hearing aid or cochlear implant device in general, it is common for a deaf person to take their devices off when playing as sweat damages their personal devices. In this case it is most likely the deaf player may not be able to hear anything at all. 

Display Information Visually

Display information visually wherever possible, such as whiteboards, written notes, electronic signs, use of laptops and so on.

The Importance Of Light

Always try and maintain a well-lit environment, especially when your affiliate or team plays in the evenings or at night. It is ideal to have good lighting around administration areas and around the venue so that communication with teams or players can take place there.

Confirm That Your Message Is Understood

If a deaf person does not reply or seems to have difficulty in understanding, rephrase what you just said before moving on.

A deaf person will usually confirm they understand what you are saying by a nod of the head, or if they can speak may verbally repeat what you said to ensure that they understand, and conversely you should do the same.

Make Sure That They Are Included

Touch Football is a community game and has good social elements; however a deaf person may struggle to be included with your affiliate and teams as they are usually unaware as they may not be clearly encouraged. The more inclusive your affiliate or team is, the better the experience for the deaf person and their families, as they will feel part of your community.

You will find more information on Deaf Touch Football in the section ‘A Game for Everyone’ on the Touch Football Australia website - www.austouch.com.au.

You can also contact either:

Touch Football Australia on 02 6212 2800 or deaftouch@austouch.com.au

or

Deaf Sports Australia on 03 9473 1191 or dsa@deafsports.org.au

Generic information sheets about playing Touch Football are available in the ‘Play Now’ section on Touch Football Australia website - www.austouch.com.au.

Touch Football - A Game for Everyone!