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Two courses containing essential new information about Classification in Para-sport have been launched by Paralympics Australia, in conjunction with Sport Integrity Australia.
The Introduction to Classification and International Classification courses provide athletes, coaches, classifiers and sport organisations the latest rules, processes and responsibilities around what is an indispensable tool in creating fair competition for athletes with an impairment.
“Athlete classification is absolutely vital to the integrity of Para-sport,” said Melissa Wilson, Paralympics Australia’s General Manager Classification and Pathways.
“It is the cornerstone of our movement and determines who is eligible to compete in Para-sport and who each athlete competes against.
“The better it is understood, the greater the impact we can have on increasing opportunities for participation which, ultimately, improves our performance at the elite Paralympic level.
“We’re pleased to provide these easily accessible educational resources that we anticipate will serve as a valuable asset for all involved in the Australian Para-sport community.”
Both courses are mandatory for Australian Paralympic Team athletes and staff heading to Paris 2024. The deadline for completion is June 15.
The Introduction to Classification is an updated edition of the previously released Classification Fundamentals course and incorporates information reflecting jurisdictional changes around Intentional Misrepresentation (IM). Paralympics Australia took authority of national level IM matters from Sport Integrity Australia in 2023. The refreshed course also includes changes to protest and appeals and some additional terminology updates.
The International Classification course provides several modules to inform and prepare athletes, support personnel and others involved in Para-sport at the international level or those working towards that level.
“We received strong interest and positive feedback after the initial course was released in 2022,” Wilson said.
“I hope the changes we’ve made will give athletes and stakeholders the knowledge they need to participate and progress confidently in Para-sport.”
The courses are housed on the SIA eLearning portal and can be accessed through the following links:
Classification Fundamentals Course
International Classification Course
Paralympics Australia would like to thank SIA for the collaboration and resources they have and continue to provide with this project.
By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Published: 3 May, 2024
