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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

06 - 15 Mar 2026
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LA28 Paralympic Games

15 - 27 Aug 2028
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French Alps 2030 Paralympic Winter Games

01 - 10 mar 2030
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CLASSIFICATION RESEARCH

classification research

As an outcome of the historical development and the growth of the Paralympic Movement, each Para sport has developed its own Classification System. While the majority share key features, there is considerable variability in a range of fundamental areas. 

These include: the basis for determining Minimum Impairment Criteria, the measurement methods for assessing the Minimum Impairment Criteria, and Sport Class allocation. The IPC has recognised the need to harmonise Classification across the Paralympic Movement, which led to the development of the IPC Athlete Classification Code.

The Code aims to provide a clear statement of the purpose of Athlete Classification, as well as a framework of policies and procedures that will uphold confidence in Classification Systems across the Paralympic Movement.

This includes the mandate for the development of evidence-based systems of Classification through multidisciplinary scientific research (Article 10.2.1, IPC Athlete Classification Code) 

Professors Sean Tweedy, and Yves Vanlandewijck wrote a scientific paper on the “Background and Scientific Rationale for Classification in Paralympic Sport,” which the IPC adopted as the official position statement on research in Classification. This paper can be found in the IPC Handbook, along with the Code.

In 2018, the IPC Governing Board approved a second position statement, specifically for the Classification of Athletes with Vision Impairment, titled Position Statement on the Sport-Specific Classification of Athletes with Vision Impairment (also found in the IPC Handbook). 

As a consequence of now having a conceptual framework for Classification in Para sport, Classification Systems should aim to: 

  • be consistent with the taxonomy and terminology of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF),
  • be based on scientific evidence, 
  • define eligible types of impairment (by sport),
  • define Minimum Impairment Criteria, and 
  • classify impairments according to the extent of activity limitation caused.  
Classification Research
ⒸIPC

 

In order to support the activities across sports in the Paralympic Movement, the IPC has engaged three universities to assist the co-ordination of the Classification research agenda, each centre being dedicated to one particular impairment type: 

  • Athletes with Physical Impairment - School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Australia (Sean Tweedy) 

  • Athletes with Intellectual Impairment - Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium (Yves Vanlandewijck) 

  • Athletes with Vision Impairment - Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Free University Amsterdam, Netherlands (David Mann) 

Aside from leading sport specific Classification research projects, these centres facilitate exchange of knowledge and dialogue with Classification research groups to align concepts and applications across sports. 

They also assist sports and the IPC in delivering Classifier training and provide advice on the further development of Classification in the Paralympic Movement. 

Should you have any questions, please contact classification@paralympic.org.