Poker ruling/rules

Ill set the scenario then ill check back later to tell you how they ruled. While playing a small 4 table tournament, there were 2 people that knew each other, seat 2 and seat 6. nothing unusual happened poker wise at the table but before, during, and after hands were completed, they would often talk to each other thru sign language as seat 6 was indeed deaf. the question was posed at the table then eventually floor was called over as to ask if those 2 players were allowed to sign to each other while at the table. Your thoughts on this matter.