Being Severely Visually Impaired at Tournaments

[LegendOfZeldaNut]

Hey,
I am a newish Smash player who is looking to go to some tournaments.
There's just one problem, I am VERY visually impaired. I am legally blind, and am completely blind in my left eye. I currently use my 3DS as a controller, provided that I can't sit very close to the TV, because I can't see the TV, and I always sit on the left so I can see the whole stage. I am wondering if, A. I would be allowed to sit close to the TV, and be on the left, or if that would be considered giving me an advantage, and B. If it is legal at tournaments to use 3DS's or other controllers (GamePad) that let me see better, or if GameCube controllers are required.
Thanks in advance for any help
LegendOfZeldaNut

 

[Pazx]

Hey,
I am a newish Smash player who is looking to go to some tournaments.
There's just one problem, I am VERY visually impaired. I am legally blind, and am completely blind in my left eye. I currently use my 3DS as a controller, provided that I can't sit very close to the TV, because I can't see the TV, and I always sit on the left so I can see the whole stage. I am wondering if, A. I would be allowed to sit close to the TV, and be on the left, or if that would be considered giving me an advantage, and B. If it is legal at tournaments to use 3DS's or other controllers (GamePad) that let me see better, or if GameCube controllers are required.
Thanks in advance for any help
LegendOfZeldaNut

It varies from tournament to tournament, but most tournament organisers (TOs) should be able to accommodate you as best they can. Gamepads are usually banned at tournaments due to the fact that only 1 can be synced to a console at any given time, but I think if you explained your situation most TOs would let you use one anyway (at smaller local level events). As for sitting on the left or sitting close to the TV, both of those things should be fine, just talk to the TO and your opponents and they'll likely be more than willing to swap seats and let you move closer.

You should be able to use your 3DS as a controller however I think you may still need to look at the monitor while you play as the 3DS display has something different on it, but I don't play with a 3DS so I'm not 100% sure.

 

[LegendOfZeldaNut]

Thanks!
Do you know about how big the TV most tournaments use? Not for the grand finals, etc, but the ones they use for pools? Is there a standard screen size?

 

[Pazx]

Thanks!
Do you know about how big the TV most tournaments use? Not for the grand finals, etc, but the ones they use for pools? Is there a standard screen size?

There isn't any standard unless you're at a super large sponsored tournament like EVO, most tournaments just use whatever monitors the players bring themselves. If you're concerned you should talk to the TO beforehand and request a larger TV if that's possible.

 

[SiO2]

Tournament TOs might be able to accomodate by providing you a dual TV/monitor setup. Its uncommon but not unheard of. Logistically it might be a challenge for the TO if their dual-monitor setups are limited (they lack the hardware or space), but it never hurts to ask the TO if they can provide one specifically for you.

 

[Derpnaster]

I know the pain mate, 20/700 without correction here and I have to have a large screen otherwise I can't see well enough to play effectively. Plus I can't see anything on FD but that's an easy workaround.
But yeah the best thing you can do is just speak with the organizers and see if hey can accommodate you.

 

[the_muffin]

Hey,
I am a newish Smash player who is looking to go to some tournaments.
There's just one problem, I am VERY visually impaired. I am legally blind, and am completely blind in my left eye. I currently use my 3DS as a controller, provided that I can't sit very close to the TV, because I can't see the TV, and I always sit on the left so I can see the whole stage. I am wondering if, A. I would be allowed to sit close to the TV, and be on the left, or if that would be considered giving me an advantage, and B. If it is legal at tournaments to use 3DS's or other controllers (GamePad) that let me see better, or if GameCube controllers are required.
Thanks in advance for any help
LegendOfZeldaNut

You'll always be sitting close to the TV, usually no more than 18 inches away. Most players are pretty chill and wouldn't have an issue with you sitting on the left.

3DS/Gamepad legality is a different issue. As far as I'm aware nearly all tournaments ban the Gamepad and at least at my weekly the 3DS is also banned as a controller. But I would suggest getting in contact with the TO of the tournament you plan to go to and see if you can work something out. The Smash scene has always been very inclusive and welcoming and I'm sure they would work with you to help you out.

 

[LegendOfZeldaNut]

Yeah, FD is my problem child too, how do you get around it?
Also thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[Derpnaster]

Firstly I request either Omega Battlefield or Omega PT. If they won't allow it I pick the White color swap for my character, save for Link, for some reason I can see the green tunic fairly well, but I can see Gre(y)ninja just fine.

I've also trained myself to listen to the sounds of each character and I fight off of that and the power of the force.

 

[deepseadiva]

You might run into problems at national tournaments. Those run hundreds of contestants and usually wireless controllers aren't possible due to interference. But maybe it's time to amend that typical ruling for special cases like this. Inclusivity is Smash's forté.

At least we say.

 

[LegendOfZeldaNut]

I know this might seem a kinda weird question, but as well as being visually impaired, I am also at high risk of retinal detachment. That basically means that if I hit my head too hard, my retina, well it, peels off my eye. Now don't get me wrong, it won't happen at the drop of a hat, and there are warning signs, but I have 12 hours tops (the surgery itself takes upwards of 7 hours), after that, the retina dies and I am blind. Would that be a concern at tournaments? Are there things flying around and being thrown? And if it did happen, would I be able to leave at a drop of a hat and get my butt to a hospital?

 

[Derpnaster]

Not really, not unless someone is crazy and incredibly salty, like more salt than is physically possible

 

[the_muffin]

I can't imagine you being hit in the head, at least not very hard. Depending on how big the venue is and how many people are there, you might get bumped into or bump into someone else moving around, but certainly nothing high impact.

And yes, you can always drop out early. Things happen sometimes that you have to take care of. It's usually considered a nice move to let the TO know before you have to leave, but that's more for things that are not as important as "i'm about to permanently loose my vision." You do what you need to.

I also saw that post in the other thread you made, so I'll just answer it here. As far as I know, Omega Palutena's Temple being a substitute for FD isn't a guarantee, but it is a thing at my weekly (Xanadu). I'd ask your TO if that's a thing they do, and worst comes to worst you can ask your opponent if playing on Omega PT is an acceptable substitute for FD. I can't imagine most saying no to that.

 

[roymustang1990-]

Poor guy

 

[Wintermelon43]

For the gamepad and 3ds, some tournaments ban them and some tournaments allow them.

For the screen thing, the seats are already close to the screen, so you should be fine. If it still isn't good, you should be allowed to move forward I assume. You ahould be allowed to sit on the left, but idk if it messes wirh portmpriority.

For FD, most tournaments allow omega stages. If they don't allow omegas then you're screwed I guess.

idk about flying objects