Without classification there is no Para sport. It is crucial to the integrity and fairness of Para sport competition.
Classification determines which athletes are eligible to compete and how they are grouped together for sports competition.
The aim of classification is to group together athletes whose impairments affect them in similar ways in their sport.
Para sport classification is similar to grouping athletes by age, gender or weight.
Paralympics Australia (PA) is responsible for leading the Australian National Classification Program (ANCP). Through the ANCP, PA works with our National Sporting Organisation Partners and National Institute Network Partners to create opportunities for athletes to access the highest standard of classification at the relevant point in their sporting pathway.
We actively promote ethical and safe classification practice, ensuring that our athletes and people know their rights and responsibilities and that Para sports integrity is upheld.
To compete in Para sport, athletes must undergo a classification evaluation and hold a sport class in their chosen sport.
Visit the Para sports overview to find out more about the classification system or the physical, vision or intellectual classification pages to get classified in your sport of interest.
Classification panels evaluate athletes in four steps:
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:
Can’t find the information you are looking for on our classification pages? Visit our FAQ section or contact us at [email protected]
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