CLASSIFICATION CODE

Background

Classification has matured enormously since the Paralympic Movement first began. Initially, classification was based on medical evaluation, placing little emphasis on assessing the impact of impairment on sport. In the 1980s and 1990s many athletes and classifiers recognised this shortcoming and drove the development of functional classification systems, shifting the focus to sport performance.

During this period there were no unifying principles to guide the development of classification systems, with the rate of development varying greatly from one Para sport to another. The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Governing Board recognised that to secure the Movement's future, a more harmonised approach to classification was needed. Therefore, a classification code was created to fulfil this mission by supporting the development and implementation of accurate, reliable, consistent, and credible sport-focused classification systems.

The Code is intended to evolve continuously, as will the ideas that contribute to developing the rules, regulations, and policies that sit alongside it.

2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code

Using the experience gained from the application of the 2007 Code, the IPC Governing Board initiated a consultation process in 2013 to review and revamp the Code. The review process was a collaborative process that involved all Paralympic stakeholders, whom sought an enhanced Code that would benefit athletes around the world.

Over three consultation rounds and the publication of several preliminary drafts, the revised Code was approved by the IPC Governing Board in June 2015 and brought forward as a motion to the General Assembly in November 2015, at which time the motion was passed.

The 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code provides a framework which aims to manage the challenges and seize opportunities in aid of the Paralympic Movement's development.

The Code can be downloaded from the IPC Handbook page.

International Standards

The Code is complemented by International Standards that provide technical and operational standards for specific aspects of classification to be carried out by all signatories in a manner which athletes and other Paralympic stakeholders understand and have confidence in, namely:

• International Standard for Eligible Impairments (September 2016): Defines what an Eligible Impairment is in Para sport, thereby ensuring that Para sports are reserved for those that have an Eligible Impairment.
   
• International Standard for Athlete Evaluation (September 2016): Details the procedures for the assessment of athletes and the allocation of Sport Class and Sport Class Status.
   
• International Standard for Protests and Appeals (February 2018): Defines procedures for the management of classification related protests and appeals.
   
• International Standard for Classifier Personnel and Training (September 2016): Outlines the procedures for classifier recruitment, training, certification and re-certification.
   
• International Standard for Classification Data Protection (September 2016): Ensures that classification organisations use classification data consistently in accordance with their legal obligations.

All International Standards can be downloaded from the IPC Handbook page.

Compliance with these International Standards is mandatory by all signatories of the Code. To find out more, visit the Code compliance page.