What is Classification?

Classification panels evaluate athletes in four steps:

1. 1. Medical documents: the athlete provides medical documents to confirm their diagnosis meets the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) eligibility criteria.
   2. Physical assessment: all athletes complete medical tests such as: vision tests for athletes with a vision impairment; cognition tests for athletes with an intellectual impairment or measures of strength, movement and coordination for athletes with a physical impairment.
   3. Technical assessment: some athletes complete key sports drills and skills for example dives, turns and stroke technique in Para Swimming or passing the ball and pushing their wheelchair in Wheelchair Rugby.
   4. Observation during competition: some athletes are observed by classifiers while they are competing.

For more information on the classification process see the fact sheets in the Classification Education and Resources.

Classifiers are specialised sports officials with a medical or sport science background who have completed the classifier education of their sports federation.

Classifiers conduct classification evaluations with athletes and their support person to determine the extent to which their impairment impacts their ability to execute the tasks fundamental to their sport. This determines an athlete’s eligibility for Para sport and their sport class.

Interested in becoming a classifier? Please refer to the impairment specific classification pages:

• Physical impairment
• Vision impairment
• Intellectual impairment

Can’t find the information you are looking for on our classification pages? Visit our FAQ section or contact us at [email protected]