Tips For Referees
One in six Australians today are deaf, has a hearing impairment or has a chronic ear disorder, hence it is likely that your will encounter a person who may fall into this category while refereeing at your local competition.
Below are some tips that are suggested by Touch Football Australia on advice from Deaf Sports Australia as to assist referees to ensure the best possible inclusion outcome for deaf or hearing loss Touch Football players.
Acknowledge That A Deaf Player Is Participating
If you as a referee know that a deaf player is about to play, either through local knowledge or when the team captain of the deaf player indicates to you who is deaf, it is advised that you and other referees officiating the game indicate to all players and coaches that there is a deaf player participating.
It is simply a matter of being proactive by informing everyone involved in the game.
Use Of The Whistle And Visual Communication
For any referee, the whistle is the easiest way for attracting a player’s attention.
When refereeing one or several deaf players, the whistle is no longer the most relevant tool to communicate with players. Other ways should be emphasised, such as official signals, physical presence, body language and visual communication. However, the whistle remains relevant as players with hearing loss might be able to hear loud noises; if possible, check this point before the game. Also, you need to keep in mind that other people on and off the field need to be aware of your decisions.
Additionally, a focus on your whistle tone and length is an asset while refereeing deaf Touch Football: you can emphasise penalties with long and loud whistles; conversely, don’t over blow it, as the necessary adjustment is more in your gesture and positioning.
Stick To Your Normal Game And Emphasise Officials’ Signals
In any situation refereeing deaf teams or several deaf players, it is advised that you referee as you would a normal game. Do not make any special adjustments to the official rules to accommodate the deaf team or player.
The key to effective refereeing of deaf players is ensuring that you display clear signals as indicated in the seventh edition of the Rules of Touch Football and at times hold them a bit longer.
Additional Visual Effects
There will be times when deaf players do not hear the whistle and don’t stop playing. As a referee it is advised that after blowing the whistle and making the correct signal for the call, you put two hands in the air to indicate that play has stopped.
If there are hearing players in the game, they should stop playing so that the deaf player will realise that the game has stopped due to a call by you or another referee.
It is strongly advised that as a referee before the game, you indicate to the deaf player/s what the agreed signal to stop the game is.
Sometimes, deaf players will stop playing when no whistle has been made by you or another referee; in this case, it is advised that you indicate a waving motion towards yourself and call ‘play on’. This will indicate that you have not stopped the game and it is still playing.
Specific Confusion Between Opponents
One area which needs to be monitored from time to time is for opponents (and hearing players in particular) to ‘pretend to stop’ so as to confuse deaf players into stopping play.
This behaviour is treated similarly to a ‘phantom touch’, as it goes against the spirit of the game and is personally insulting to the deaf player.
It is advised that the referee treat this situation as similar to that for a professional foul.
Verbal Communication During A Game
Communication with a deaf person will be enhanced if you ensure that you are standing where they can clearly see your face. In a game situation, it is best to indicate to the deaf player to approach you to be placed in a normal face to face situation.
Speak clearly without shouting and with normal inflection and timing.
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 able to hear anything at all.
Providing Further Explanation Post-Game If Needed
If a deaf person seems to have difficulty in understanding aspects of the game, the rules or showing signs of frustration, it is advised that it is best to approach them post game.
The best place to communicate is in a place that is well lit. If your game is at night, it is ideal to communicate near the administration area or canteen where there is likely to be light.
Before you start, it is best to check how they want to communicate. If they are signing deaf, unless you can communicate in Auslan, it is advised that you use a note pad and pen as well as have a copy of the Touch Football rule book to show them where the rule/interpretation is.
If the deaf person can use the assistance of hearing aids or a cochlear implant, it is advised for you to wait until they have their devices on or working, as most deaf players do not play with the devices on due to risk of sweat damage. In this instance, it is best to communicate face to face and advised to have rule book available to show them where the rule/interpretation is.
You will find more information on Deaf Touch Football in the section ‘A Game for Everyone’ on the TFA 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!
