Record number of attendees discuss code implementation at IPC Classification Meeting

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Annual Classification Meeting took place between 9 and 11 October, gathering a record number of participants to discuss the implementation of the 2025 IPC Classification Code and to exchange best practices.

Over 140 representatives from International Federations (IFs) and International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled, National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and Recognised International Federations (RIFs) attended the three-day meeting at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany.

Members of the IPC Code Review Team also participated. The team led the review and drafting of the new Classification Code, which was approved by an Extraordinary IPC General Assembly earlier this year.

Discussing classification

In anticipation of the new Classification Code coming into force from January 2025, classification staff and experts across the Paralympic Movement discussed a wide range of topics, including the implementation of the Code, classification education, and athlete support.

This year’s meeting also welcomed members of the IPC Board of Appeal of Classification (BAC), an independent body available to all IFs to hear classification appeals. The board demonstrated what an appeal hearing looks like and raised awareness about the appeal process.

Participants also presented the work they are doing in different areas, including classifier training, research, national classification strategies and development, and resources available to athletes and other stakeholders to support them in classification.

Tea Cisic, IPC Director of Classification, said: “On behalf of the IPC, I would like to thank all Members and Recognised International Federations for attending the meeting and actively participating. It was wonderful to facilitate and be part of the discussions, to see the level of engagement from all participants, the openness to share their knowledge and practices, and to support each other. We are even more inspired and motivated to work hard in supporting our Members to implement the Code and develop classification.”

The meeting also featured targeted conversations around the compliance programme under the new Code, with important messaging being shared on its implementation.

Cisic said: “We envisage for the provisions from the 2025 Code and International Standards to start being activated and implemented as of January 2025. However, full implementation and compliance will take place over time and will potentially look different from one Para sport to another.

“International Federations are required to carry out their self-assessment and develop action plans to address every aspect of the Code. Only once this exercise is completed, with dialogue between the Members and the IPC, will we be in a position to establish more concrete implementation timelines in respect to different sections of the Code.

“The focus is to support Members in developing and completing their action plans to ensure the practices reflect provisions from the Code.”

Growing engagement

With a record number of NPCs attending the meeting, the IPC is looking to grow the engagement with NPCs on classification. A number of representatives were financially supported through solidarity to attend the meeting and it was impressive to witness the level of dialogue and support amongst the group.

Many participants shared positive feedback following the meeting.

“I have been involved in the Paralympic Movement for 12 years, and the Annual Classification Meeting remains one of the most valuable experiences I've had. In every Para sport, classification is always part of the conversation. I've learned so much from these discussions,” said Shardea Arias-Croes from NPC Aruba.

Graham Arthur, IPC Classification Compliance and Oversight Committee Member, said: “The Annual Classification Meeting was an impressive reflection of the IPC's commitment to achieving a consensus-based approach to critical classification issues - every voice is heard.”