USA Deaf Basketball
Athlete Information
Everything you need to know about representing the United States in deaf basketball — eligibility, tryouts, costs, forms, and resources.
Compete for Team USA
Represent the USA
USA Deaf Basketball is committed to fielding the most competitive national teams possible while ensuring every eligible deaf athlete has a clear, transparent pathway to tryouts and selection. This page covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and documentation to tryout procedures, player costs, and funding resources.
Who Can Compete
Eligibility Requirements
To compete for a USA Deaf Basketball national team, athletes must meet all of the following requirements.
Hearing Loss Threshold
Athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 dB in the better ear (unaided) as defined by the Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF). This is measured using the pure-tone average (PTA) of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz.
Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices must be removed during competition per DIBF rules.
US Citizenship or Residency
Athletes must be a US citizen or hold permanent resident status. Athletes who have previously represented another country at a DIBF-sanctioned event may be subject to a waiting period before representing the USA.
Proof of citizenship or residency is required at registration.
Age Requirements
Senior national team (Men's and Women's): No minimum age, though athletes must be at least 16 years old. U21 programs: Athletes must be under 21 years of age as of January 1 of the competition year.
Age documentation (passport or birth certificate) is required.
DIBF Registration
All athletes competing in DIBF-sanctioned events must be registered with USA Deaf Basketball and cleared by the DIBF. Registration includes submission of audiological documentation and identity verification.
DIBF registration must be completed before the tryout deadline.
Documentation
Proof of Hearing Loss
All athletes must provide official audiological documentation to verify eligibility. This is a DIBF requirement and cannot be waived.
55 dB Minimum Threshold
Pure-tone average (PTA) at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz — unaided, in the better ear.
Obtain an Audiogram
Schedule an evaluation with a licensed audiologist. The audiogram must be conducted without hearing aids or cochlear implants and must show pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz in both ears.
Required Documentation
The audiogram report must be on official letterhead, signed and dated by a licensed audiologist, and conducted within the past 24 months. The report must clearly show the unaided PTA in the better ear is 55 dB or greater.
Submit with Registration
Upload your audiogram as part of your athlete registration. Documents are reviewed by USA Deaf Basketball staff and submitted to the DIBF for final clearance. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.
DIBF Medical Commission Review
For international competitions, the DIBF Medical Commission conducts a final review of all submitted audiological documentation. Athletes will be notified of their clearance status prior to the competition.
Questions about audiological documentation? Contact us at [email protected]
Travel Documents
Passport Requirements
All athletes selected to represent the USA at international competitions must hold a valid US passport.
Valid US Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the competition. Do not wait until you are selected — begin the passport application process as soon as you register for tryouts.
Passport Submission Deadline
A copy of your valid passport must be submitted to USA Deaf Basketball no later than the passport deadline communicated with each competition cycle. Late submissions may result in ineligibility for international travel.
Name Consistency
The name on your passport must match the name on your DIBF registration and all other submitted documents. Any discrepancies must be resolved before the submission deadline.
Pro tip: Apply for or renew your passport early — processing times can exceed 10–12 weeks during peak periods. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
Selection Process
Tryout Process
USA Deaf Basketball conducts open national tryouts for all eligible athletes. The tryout process is designed to be transparent, competitive, and accessible.
Register for Tryouts
Complete the online athlete registration form and pay the tryout fee. Registration must be completed by the posted deadline. Late registrations are not accepted.
Submit Required Documents
Upload all required documentation: audiogram, proof of citizenship/residency, passport copy, and signed code of conduct. Incomplete registrations will not be processed.
Attend Tryout Camp
Attend the national tryout camp at the designated location and dates. Athletes are evaluated by national team coaching staff on skill, athleticism, basketball IQ, and coachability.
Selection & Notification
Coaching staff selects the national team roster following the tryout camp. All athletes will be notified of their selection status within 2 weeks of the tryout. Selected athletes proceed to the onboarding process.
Onboarding & Commitment
Selected athletes complete the onboarding process: sign the athlete agreement, submit remaining documents, and confirm participation. A non-refundable commitment deposit is due within 7 days of selection notification.
Tryout dates and locations are announced on the USA Deaf Basketball website and social media channels. Sign up for the mailing list to be notified when tryout registration opens.
Player Costs
Player Costs & Payment
Competing for Team USA involves real costs. USA Deaf Basketball is committed to transparency — here is a full breakdown of what athletes can expect to pay.
A non-refundable tryout registration fee is required to participate in national tryouts. This fee covers facility costs, coaching staff, and administrative expenses.
Due at registration
Selected athletes pay a non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm their spot on the roster. This deposit is applied toward the total player fee.
Due within 7 days of selection
The player fee covers a portion of travel, lodging, uniforms, and competition expenses for international events. The exact amount varies by competition and destination.
Payment schedule provided upon selection
A DIBF athlete registration fee is required for all athletes competing in DIBF-sanctioned events. This fee is paid directly to USA Deaf Basketball and submitted to the DIBF on the athlete's behalf.
Due with registration documents
All fees are subject to change by competition cycle. Final fee schedules are communicated at the time of tryout registration. Payment plans may be available — contact [email protected] for more information.
Accepted payment methods: credit/debit card, check (payable to USA Deaf Basketball), or bank transfer. All payments are processed securely through the athlete registration portal.
Financial Resources
Funding & Financial Assistance
USA Deaf Basketball understands that the cost of competing internationally can be a barrier. We are committed to helping athletes find funding support.
USA Deaf Basketball Athlete Assistance Fund
USA Deaf Basketball maintains a limited athlete assistance fund for athletes who demonstrate financial need. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Contact the board to apply.
USADSF Athlete Grants
The USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) offers athlete grants for deaf athletes competing in international competition. Visit the USADSF website for current grant opportunities and application deadlines.
Community Fundraising
Many Team USA athletes run personal fundraising campaigns through platforms like GoFundMe or local community events. USA Deaf Basketball can provide a support letter for fundraising purposes upon request.
Corporate & Local Sponsorships
Athletes are encouraged to seek local business sponsorships. USA Deaf Basketball can provide sponsorship documentation and recognition for sponsors who support individual athletes.
Athlete Forms
Forms & Documents
Download, complete, and submit all required forms as part of your athlete registration.
USADSF Sports Engine
Sign in to the USADSF Sports Engine portal to manage your athlete profile, registration, and membership.
Available nowICSD Audiogram Form
Official audiogram form required by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. Complete and submit this form as part of your DIBF eligibility documentation.
Available nowCode of Conduct Agreement
All athletes must read and sign the USA Deaf Basketball Code of Conduct before participating in any tryout or team activity.
Available at registration openingLiability Waiver and Media Release
Authorizes USA Deaf Basketball to use photos and video of the athlete for promotional and educational purposes, and releases liability for participation in team activities.
Available at registration openingCode of Conduct
Athlete Code of Conduct
All USA Deaf Basketball athletes are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect — on and off the court.
Respect & Sportsmanship
Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and staff with dignity and respect at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
Integrity & Honesty
Represent yourself and the United States with honesty and integrity. Any misrepresentation of eligibility documentation is grounds for immediate disqualification.
Team Commitment
Once selected, athletes are expected to fulfill all team obligations including training camps, travel, and competition. Withdrawals after the commitment deadline may result in forfeiture of fees.
Anti-Doping Policy
USA Deaf Basketball follows the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code as adopted by the ICSD and DIBF. Athletes are subject to testing and must comply with all anti-doping regulations.
Social Media & Public Conduct
Athletes represent the United States and are expected to conduct themselves professionally on social media and in public. Conduct that brings the organization into disrepute may result in disciplinary action.
Safe Sport
USA Deaf Basketball is committed to providing a safe environment for all athletes. All participants are expected to comply with USA Deaf Basketball's Safe Sport policies and report any concerns to the board.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from athletes interested in competing for Team USA.
Don't see your question here? Contact us and we'll get back to you.
Ready to Compete for Team USA?
Tryout registration opens prior to each competition cycle. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when registration opens.