With the CP Athletics Day around the corner, you may be wondering how classification works in para-athletics. Understanding classification is essential in ensuring fair competition for all athletes, including those with cerebral palsy.
Why Do Para Athletes Have to Be Classified?
Classification is designed to create a level playing field by grouping athletes based on how their impairment affects their ability to compete. This ensures that success in competition is determined by skill, training, and effort rather than the severity of an athlete’s impairment.
Understanding Classification:
T (Track) – This category covers running, wheelchair racing, and Frame Running. Jumps are also included in T events because they require a run-up.
F (Field) – This category includes both standing and seated throwing events.
Understanding the Classification Numbers
The first number in an athlete’s classification represents the type of impairment.
The second number represents the degree of impairment (the lower the number the greater the impact on performance).
10s – Athletes with a vision impairment competing in standing events.
20s – Athletes with an intellectual impairment competing in standing events.
30s – Athletes with coordination impairments (such as cerebral palsy). They may compete standing, using a racing wheelchair, or a throwing frame.
40s – Athletes with standing impairments such as short stature, limb difference, or joint/muscle restrictions.
50s – Athletes competing seated using a racing wheelchair or throwing frame due to impairments affecting their legs.
60s – Athletes with leg amputations who use prosthetics.
70s – Athletes with coordination impairments who use a running frame.
For example, a T38 athlete has a coordination impairment (such as cerebral palsy) and competes in track events, while an F34 athlete has a coordination impairment and competes in seated field events.
How Are Athletes Classified?
Athletes undergo assessment by certified classifiers, one of whom must be a qualified health professional. The classification process evaluates how their impairment affects sports performance and assigns them to the appropriate category.
What is the RAZA System?
The RAZA System allows athletes with different impairments to compete against each other by converting their performance (distance thrown/jumped or time run) into points. The athlete with the most points wins, making competitions more inclusive.
Understanding classification helps parents support their child’s athletics journey while appreciating the skill and dedication required to compete at any level.
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