IPC releases Classification Model Rules

“The IPC wants to ensure we can provide the best possible classification experience for Para athletes, and we strongly encourage the use of Classification Model Rules by the membership.”

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have released the Classification Model Rules and the Model of Best Practice on National Classification, both of which aim to assist the membership with the implementation of the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code (the Code).

The model rules are compliant with the Code and the International Standards, and are readily accessible for International Sport Federations to adopt as part of their Classification Rules and Regulations.

International Sport Federations are required to have the Code compliant rules no later than 1 January 2018.

These model rules will be presented and explained in detail by the IPC Classification Committee during the next IF Head of Classification Meeting, to be held in Bad Honnef, Germany, 7-8 February 2017.

Anne Hart, the IPC Classification Committee Chairperson, said: “The IPC wants to ensure we can provide the best possible classification experience for Para athletes, and we strongly encourage the use of Classification Model Rules by the membership.”

The Classification Model Rules are available online at the IPC Classification webpage.

The IPC Classification Committee has also developed a Model of Best Practice on National Classification. This responds to demands from the nations on how to implement the Code at a national level.

This Model aims to promote the development and implementation of a National Classification Strategy, and to provide recommended provisions for a National Classification Programme (including athlete classification opportunities, classifier training and certification, and monitoring Code compliance at the national level).

The Model of Best Practice is available online at the IPC Classification webpage.

Hart said: “We thank the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) for their input and contribution in developing this model.”

The IPC also invites the International Sport Federations, International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled, NPCs and Regional Organisations to the Joint Classification Meeting to be held in combination with the VISTA 2017 Conference in Toronto, Canada, from 20-23 September.

“This will be a great opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the different members,” said Hart.