CLASSIFICATION CODE COMPLIANCE

Compliance with the 2025 IPC Classification Code (the Code) and International Standards is crucial in order to achieve the aim of a consistent, structured and effective approach to Classification across Para sport. This page provides details on who must be Compliant with the Code, why maintaining Compliance is so important, and what activities the IPC has undertaken on Code Compliance.

The information on this page has been updated to reflect Compliance with, and implementation of the 2025 Code.

IPC Classification Code

 
The Code is the fundamental document upon which Classification in the Paralympic Movement is based and it is designed to support the Paralympic Movement in developing effective Classification systems. It is intended to be specific enough to achieve harmonisation in areas where standardisation is required, and general enough in other areas to permit flexibility regarding the implementation of its principles.

The Code and International Standards can be accessed as part of the IPC Handbook.

Scope of the Code

 
Article 3.1 of the Code stipulates that all IPC Members and Recognised International Federations (RIFs) are bound by and must comply with the Code and International Standards. The IPC Members are:

• International Federations (IFs)
• National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
• International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs) 
• Regional Organisations (ROs)

Additionally, Recognised International Federations (RIFs) are also bound by the Code. RIFs are not IPC Members, nor are they not part of the Paralympic Games Sport Programme, and so are not eligible to become an IPC Member as an International Federation, but still contribute to the development of the Paralympic Movement.

Furthemore, the Code details specific provisions regarding IFs and RIFs. As stated in Article 3.1.1, International Federations are only required to comply with the Classification Code and the International Standards in relation to disciplines that are on the Paralympic Games Sport Programme. Whereas RIFs, as stated in Article 3.1.2, must undertake to be bound by and to comply with the Classification Code and the International Standards in relation to at least one discipline that it administers.

IFs and RIFs are bound to the Code and International Standards for Covered Competitions. As illustrated in Article 3.2, Code Covered Competitions include:

• 3.2.1. the Paralympic Games;
• 3.2.2. World Championships;
• 3.2.3. any Competition that is part of the direct qualification pathway to participate in the Paralympic Games, as determined by the relevant International Federation;
• 3.2.4. any Competition where Observation Assessment may take place as part of a Classification process; and
• 3.2.5. any other event or Competition specified by the International Federation in its Classification rules.
   

IPC Classification Code

Compliance mission

To ensure Code-Compliant Classification systems and accompanying processes are being implemented and enforced consistently and effectively across the Movement by all IPC Members.

Compliance vision

To achieve a positive Code Compliance culture underpinned by a shared commitment to the principles of Classification. Doing so will support the IPC’s commitment to advance Classification across the Movement, thereby promoting greater understanding of Classification as well as giving Athletes and the wider public confidence in the integrity of Para sport.

A well-functioning Classification System and processes are paramount for upholding and strengthening the integrity of Para sport. Classification is unique to Para sport and it is an ever-evolving area, therefore maintaining Code Compliance and following best practice models is the optimum way for Para sports to instil confidence that their Classification system and processes are fit and proper. Moreover, maintaining Code Compliance enables fair and competitive sport decided by sporting excellence.

2025 IPC Classification Code implementation

 
As stipulated in Article 67.1 of the Code, the Code becomes effective on 1 January 2025 with the exception that, for winter sports on the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games Sport Programme, it will come into force on 1 July 2026. Each IF and RIF will be expected to work towards the implementation of the Code from 1 January 2025 forwards.

IF Compliance strategy

The IPC have developed a Compliance Strategy detailing the approach in respect to implementing the 2025 Code and International Standards and running the Compliance programme.

The strategy focuses primarily on the implementation of Classification rules using a criteria-based approach (by reference to 27 distinct Compliance criteria). The purpose of this Compliance Strategy is to detail the process on how IFs report Compliance to the IPC and how the IPC monitors Code Compliance in respect of those IFs.

Included in this Strategy is the Compliance process flowchart which outlines the steps of meeting Compliance and how issues of non-Compliance will be dealt with.

Download the IF Compliance Strategy (PDF)

Compliance activities

The IPC has produced an IF Self-Assessment Survey as part of the Compliance programme for Code implementation. Alongside the completion of this survey, IFs and RIFs will be expected to develop a Compliance plan indicating how and when they will meet Compliance with each Compliance criteria under the Code.

Download a copy of the IF Self-Assessment Survey questions (PDF)

The deadline for IFs to complete the IF Self-Assessment survey is 30 November 2025. Following their submission, the IPC will review the information and engage with each IF as deemed appropriate.

Throughout 2025, there will be opportunities for calls to discuss matters relating to Code implementation and Compliance. The IPC may also request in-person visits to monitor Code implementation.

More information can be found in the IF Compliance Strategy.

IPC resources to support Code implementation

• Model Classification Rules - Drafted to help IFs and RIFs to implement the IPC Code and International Standards in connection with their respective sports.
  
  Download the Model Classification Rules (.docx Word document)
   
• Compliance Plan Template (to follow shortly) - Designed to help IFs and RIFs develop their action plans in respect to Code Compliance criteria.
   
• Code review webpage - Containing resources such as the Summary of Changes related to each consultation phase of the review process, consultation overview, presentation material, and the case of Azibo - a fictional Athlete case study explaining the key changes between the 2015 Code and the 2025 Code.
  
  Go to the Code review webpage

Compliance archive

2022 Classification Survey

The 2022 Classification Survey was been sent to IFs, RIFs and IOSDs, with the aims of encouraging dialogue on Code Compliance, as well as gathering information on Classification. A preliminary overview of the survey results was presented to the membership during the 2023 Annual Classification Meeting.

IFs are encouraged to regularly track and use analytics as part of their Classification programmes, for example, in respect to the number of Classification opportunities within a season/cycle, and the details of Athletes assessed, protests received, and so on. This information will help inform decisions in respect to the growth and development of the IF's Classification programme.

The IPC will look to periodically request this information as part of the Compliance oversight.

2017/18 Code Compliance exercise

In accordance with article 13.1 of the 2015 Code, all IFs and RIFs were required to have Code Compliant Classification rules by no later than 1 January 2018. In order to be Code Compliant, each set of IF Classification rules were to be reviewed and approved by the IPC. This was a considerable task on both sides. The assessments were carried out in accordance with the International Federation Compliance Review Strategy, dated January 2017. The Classification rules were assessed against twelve Compliance criteria.

2017 International Federation Compliance Review Strategy  

Models of Best Practice

• Models of Best Practice: National Classification*
• Models of Best Practice: Choice of Sport Class for Multiple Impairments**
• Models of Best Practice: Sport Class Changes following First Appearance**

* Developed under the 2015 Code and subject to review.
** Developed under the 2007 Code, with provisions captured under the 2015 and 2025 Code.