C.I.s and Hearing Aids Illegal in Denver 2009 Deaf Golf Tournament

Cochlear implants and hearing aids illegal in Denver 2009 Deaf Golf Tournament!Registered players are forced to remove and leave their hearing aids or cochlear implants behind before entering the golfing tournament to be held in Denver in 2009.

Ok. Not exactly news to me on this forced requirement (instead of encouraging those to leave their "paraphernalias" behind) but this will be for many others who are reading this for the first time.

But before I begin, let’s look at “Accessible Rhetoric” discussion on his/her discovery of a deaf contestant with a cochlear implant in American Gladiator.

What’s going on here? Why does being deaf on this game show present a “bigger challenge” than being able to hear? From what I’ve seen of the show (I haven’t seen much, but I’ve seen enough), I can’t recall or imagine an example in which a contestant’s ability to hear or speak played a significant role in the game’s outcome. Contestants simply don’t need to hear in order to do well, and in fact not being able to hear may actually be an advantage in this context because deaf contestants may be less distracted by trash-talking gladiators or boisterous audiences.

Now, let's turn this discussion around on whether the ability to hear offers any advantages in a game of golf which is, not surprisingly so, none. And revisit what I wrote 3 and 4 years ago on a subject where deaf and hard of hearing competitors are BANNED from wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants at any “officially sanctioned” Deaf Golf Tournaments which is a prime example of political correctness run amok in the guise of “spirit in the game of golf” where everyone is “equal.” I’m sure the USGA Resource Center feels the same thing.

Review my past blog entries from a few years ago here and here.

That was 3 years ago. Ah…such an example of “diversity” and “tolerance” and all those things that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling. Yea, they, too, practiced discrimination. Not that I’m complaining just that it’s a critical observation of mine.

Though it is interesting that the US Deaf Golf Foundation (USDGF) is no longer but US Deaf Golf Association (USDGA) is and they have the same rules about competitors who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants in order to stay “compliant” with World Deaf Golf Championships' rules (WDGC):

2) Because the WDGC doesn’t allow Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants during the WDGC; therefore, we will follow the same rule – Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants are not allowed during the 2007 USDGC play.

The funny thing is that you have to dig around in order to find this "Waiver of Liability" form that states the rules about hearing aids and cochlear implants which isn't apparent or visible off of their main rules webpage. Instead this is what they state under the rules section.

COMPETITION:
- All play shall be governed by USGA Rules and its decisions; and where applicable, by local rules, conditions, and definements, subject to changes by the Committee. Decisions of the Committee are final.

- If a referee has been appointed by the Committee, his decision on the golf course is final. (Rule 34-2 and A “referee’’ is one who is appointed by the Committee to accompany players to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. He must act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is reported to him.)
- Competition is considered to have closed when all players have submitted their scorecards to the Tournament Director and the results are officially announced.
- Protest of any contest and/or tournament is not allowed.`
- Entry Qualification: Deaf/Hearing Impaired golfers must have 55dB or above in the better ear.

See the last one highlighted in red? That's the only requirement regarding a player's deafness and no mention on anything about wearing cochlear implants or hearing aids during a tournament. There is nothing that states about the illegal use of hearing aids or cochlear implants during a "Deaf" golfing tournament.

Interesting albeit a bit deceitful on not being upfront under their "Competition" rules page regarding hearing aids and cochlear implants. You have to dig around in order to find the exact rules regarding hearing aids and cochlear implants.

*sarcasm on*

So, *ahem*, how dare they aggregate deaf and hard of hearing players and force them to remove their hearing aids and cochlear implants before competing in a tournament round of golf! Such paternalistic attitudes!! How dare they force their hands and require them to remove their paraphernalias from their heads and ears.

*sarcasm off*

Oh, by the way, be sure to visit the 2009 Deaf Golf Championships to be held in Denver, Colorado. I am sure they could use an enthusiastic crowd of cochlear implant and hearing aid audience over there to cheer on the officials, er, competitors. I’m sure they’ll find a very tolerant crowd there all in the name of “diversity.” I guess other deaf golfing associations know better than not to put down silly rules regarding cochlear implants or hearing aids in the name of "diversity" and "tolerance."