IPC launches Classification Code Review process

The IPC Classification Code was adopted by the IPC Governing Board in 2007 and provides policies and procedures for Paralympic classification that should be common to all sports and to the Paralympic Games.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) launched its Classification Code Review process this month, encouraging all the Paralympic Movement’s stakeholders to suggest reasonable amendments to the current Code.

The IPC Classification Code was adopted by the IPC Governing Board in 2007 and provides policies and procedures for Paralympic classification that should be common to all sports and to the Paralympic Games.

This Code aims to contribute to sporting excellence for all athletes in the Paralympic Movement by providing equitable competition through classification processes that are robust, transparent and fair.

Peter Van de Vliet, IPC Medical and Scientific Director, said: “The IPC Classification Code is one of the basics of para-sport, through which each sport commits to the development of sport-specific and evidence-based classification systems. This is achieved by identifying eligible impairments specific to each sport, describing accurate methods of sport-specific assessment of athletes, and detailing classification policies and procedures.

“Feedback from our stakeholders on this Code is vital and will only help us strengthen classification across sports for the future.”

With continued development of classification, the IPC Governing Board recognises the need for a review of the Classification Code, which will include two consultation rounds.

The first round will run from 1 June-30 September 2013, and the second round will run the same dates but in 2014.

Following each consultation round, the feedback will be reviewed by the IPC Classification Committee and the IPC Governing Board. Following the first consultative round, a first draft of the modified IPC Classification Code will be circulated to the membership for the second consultation round.

The modified Code will be presented by the IPC Governing Board as a motion at the 2015 IPC General Assembly, and the amendments will take effect within one year of approval.

Anyone wishing to leave feedback should download the forms on the Classification Code Review page.