Deadline approaching for classification self-audit assessment

“A strong classification system is integral to the success and growth of Para sport around the world..."

International Federations for Para sports have until 30 June to complete self-audits of their classification programmes as part of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) strategy to monitor compliance with the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code.

As part of the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code, the IPC must take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the Code and International Standards by its members.

To help facilitate this process, the IPC Classification Committee published the International Sport Federation Compliance Review Strategy in February 2017. The document outlines both the mechanism of the compliance review as well as the specific criteria that must be complied with.

As the strategy initially focuses its compliance work on International Federations, the IPC has requested that each provides an assessment of the scope of its own classification programme by the end of June. Each International Federation must also supply a detailed assessment of the identified Code Compliance criteria.

Peter Van de Vliet, the IPC’s Medical and Scientific Director, said: “The aim of the Compliance Review Strategy and self-audits is to assist and guide IPC members in implementing the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code. Starting with the International Federations, we want to ensure that all IPC members become compliant with the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code. By achieving this we will improve classification procedures and policies across the Paralympic Movement which, in turn, will result in a higher degree of confidence in classification by our Para athletes.

“A strong classification system is integral to the success and growth of Para sport around the world and I am optimistic that by conducting these self-audits against the new Code, International Federations will review their current systems and strengthen them further.

“Once we have assessed International Federations in relation to their Code compliance our focus will switch towards National Paralympic Committees and National Federations and ensuring their Code compliance.”

International Federations are invited to engage in a dialogue with the IPC Classification Committee and IPC Medical & Scientific Department, and to take advantage of the already anticipated meeting opportunities. The IPC is hosting five Open Days for International Federations to visit its headquarters in Bonn, Germany, and at these Open Day members of the IPC Medical & Scientific Department will be available for consultation.

Upon receipt and review of the self-audits, the IPC Classification Committee will engage in further dialogue with the International Federations as required. This includes meeting opportunities at the occasion of the VISTA 2017 Conference in Toronto, Canada, on 19-20 September 2017.