Question Number: 23435

Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,
Recently I refereed a game where a player had two hearing aids. These hearing aids were visible and they were sticking out a little bit. I allowed her to play. Was this right?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Hopefully the player's parents are aware of the possible dangers of wearing a hearing aid. Could it be smashed into the ear if it was hit by a ball? Could it fall out and get stepped on?

Then the family has to decide if it is unreasonable to play without the hearing aids. There were two profoundly deaf players on teams in my area a few years ago, and we got on well. There are teams from schools for the deaf where all the players have little or no hearing, and the game can be played.

If the referee felt that it posed an undue hazard for the player,or for any other player, she could require the player to play without it. But in general, we try to allow adaptive devices to assist the handicapped or partially handicapped players.

Parents should go to the league authorities and explain the need for the hearing aids (or any other adaptive equipment). If the authorities can examine the issue at leisure, probably a more satisfying solution can be found than relying on a referee's decision every game. The league will make their decision known to the referee community.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Leah
I believe you made the correct decision and I certainly would not prevent a player with a hearing aid from playing. I have refereeed team with special needs and some players had hearing aids. There is an element of risk but IMO it is minimal and it is of little risk to any other player. All the games that I have done with players that have used hearing aids caused no difficulties.