The Athlete Classification Pathway

Classification is not required for general participation in sport. Any person can participate in sport; socially, without a need to be classified. To compete in sport as an athlete with a disability, an athlete must meet the minimal disability criteria for that sport, and hold a particular level of classification.  Classification is an assessment process, which allows us to group athletes whose disability causes similar limitations in their sport in order to allow for meaningful competition.

Access to early classification evaluation is an important part of the athletes’ developmental pathway;  as it provides confirmation that they are eligible for Paralympic sport. Once an athlete has been classified, they may compare their performance with athletes of the same class, determining how competitive they may be and setting realistic performance goals. Athletes should have access to accurate classification advice at all levels of competition, by a person who is trained as a classifier.

Where there is uncertainty about an athlete’s classification, it is typical for a higher class rather than lower class to be allocated to an athlete.

Levels of Classification

The national classification pathway exists to provide regular, local classification at a level appropriate for the athlete’s development.  

Provisional Classification

The provisional classification process has been designed to allow athletes who do not have access to a sport specific classification panel, to gain an indication of their classification for their specific sport. This provisional classification must be given by a certified classifier, and is conducted in line with International classification rules for the sport.

All provisional classifications provide an indication of a sport specific classification and are generally only valid for a 12 month period.

An athlete may generally participate at club level, school level or local competition. A provisional class is generally not valid for state level competition. Athletes with provisional classification are not eligible for national rankings, records or team selections.

Get classified

National Classification

National Classification is a sport-specific classification process that involves the same tests that are used for the International Classification process.  

This level of classification is for athletes who have a genuine interest in competing against others with a disability in their chosen sport.  National Classification should be available several times through the year, often in conjunction with a state or national championship for that sport. It is valid for up to national level competition, and is required for selection to National teams, and to claim Australian records or rankings.

In cases where an athlete’s class may be borderline or where an shows potential for International competition, the athlete may be reviewed by the most experienced classifiers for the sport in Australia, to ensure that the class given nationally is as accurate as possible.

Get classified

International Classification

Once an athlete progresses to international competition, they will need to undergo International Classification conducted at an appropriate International event by the International Federation for their sport.  An International classification outcome always supersedes any National level classification. The APC works with the sports at this level to ensure that athletes and teams are adequately prepared for the process.

For information about classification system for your sport please refer to the summer and winter sport profiles.