Classification Matters: The People Behind Fair Play

Long before the crowds cheer and medals are won, a quieter moment shapes what follows. Behind closed doors, in careful assessments and thoughtful conversations, nerves and hope sit side by side. 

For Para athletes, classification is one of the most significant steps in their sporting journey. It’s where ambition meets eligibility, years of preparation align with a sport class and the pathway ahead becomes clear. 

This is where fairness begins – and where classifiers make their mark. 

On February 27 at The Hangar, Paralympics Australia will host a Classification Conference for more than 100 current classifiers working across the Australian Para sport system. 

“The conference is more than a technical update, it celebrates the vital role of Australian Para sport classifiers and strengthens the consistency and athlete-centred quality of classification through shared learning, collaboration and professional development,” Paralympics Australia’s Classification Lead, Amy Williamson, said. 

Participants will explore the evolving classification framework, revisit core principles of athlete evaluation and share real-world experiences that demonstrate why classification matters. 

The conference will welcome Tea Cisic, Director of Classification at the International Paralympic Committee, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to international best practice, and a special awards evening to shine a spotlight on Australia’s world-leading classifiers, recognising their outstanding contribution to integrity and fairness in Para sport. 

The national push to strengthen classification has been driven by the Federal Government’s Para System Uplift, a transformative investment revitalising the system across Australia. 

“The Para System Uplift has been a game changer for classification, not just in Australia, but in setting the standards for the rest of the world,” said Melissa Wilson, General Manager, Classification & Pathways at Paralympics Australia.  

“The breadth and depth of classification support we are now able to direct towards enhancing positive experiences of classification is remarkable, with significant impacts already being observed.” 

Long under-resourced, the system faced delays, bottlenecked pathways and limited opportunities for new classifiers. The Para Uplift is addressing those challenges by improving consistency across sports, expanding professional development pathways and ensuring Australia’s classification workforce meets international standards. 

Classification is not just a process, it provides athletes with confidence that performance will be decided by skill, preparation and determination. Behind that confidence are highly trained medical and technical professionals guiding athletes through a rigorous, evidence-based system that safeguards fairness. 

Swimming Australia Medical Classifier Keith Layton has been part of the system for many years and has witnessed its evolution first-hand. 

“This conference allows us to share experiences and improve our understanding from an athlete’s perspective and the perspective of other classifiers to improve the classification process for everyone,” Layton said. 

For classifiers, continual learning strengthens the system – for athletes, it builds trust. 

Paris 2024 Paralympian Kane Perris knows exactly why that trust matters. The younger brother of fellow Paralympian Chad Perris, Kane lives with albinism, which effects his vision, and competes as a legally blind athlete – he relies on a system that is rigorous and trusted. 

“The Classification Conference strengthens the system as a whole,” Perris said. 

“By bringing key stakeholders together, it improves consistency and drives collaboration. For current, new and future athletes, an athlete-centred approach to classification builds confidence, clarity and trust in the process,” he added. 

Paralympics Australia is proud to host the Classification Conference, a key opportunity to strengthen the system, share expertise and build on the knowledge and experience of classifiers across the country. 

Find out more: Classification – Paralympics Australia 

By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.

Published 25 February, 2026.