The Paralympic system of classification intends to guarantee fair competition between all athletes. Athletes go through the classification process before taking part in a Paralympic competition, during which they are assessed and allocated a sport class in accordance with the degree and nature of their eligible impairments. There is no single classification system that applies to all sports due to their history and the way they are played, which is why each discipline has its own system. Paralympic classification is a functional classification system, in which all athletes who compete in the same category are sure to have similar functional abilities in terms of movement, coordination and balance.
This is why athletes with different impairments may be allocated the same sport class and compete against one another. The classifications outlined below are designated by a letter, typically the initial of the sport for example S for swimming and a number. The lower the figure, the greater the impairment, though this is not always the case.
However, to ensure fair competition, all outfield players must wear eyeshades. Find out more about the Blind football events at the Paris Games. Boccia is split into four classes. Sports assistants for BC3 players keep their backs to the game during all innings.
There is therefore a strong connection between the player and his or her assistant during a match. Find out more about the Boccia events at the Paris Games. Find out more about the Goalball events at the Paris Games. Find out more about the Para archery events at the Paris Games. Athlete classification is defined by a letter and a number: T for track and jump events and F for field events.
Figures represent impairments as follows:. Find out more about the Para athletics at the Paris Games. Find out more about the Para badminton events at the Paris Games. Find out more about the Para canoe events at the Paris Games. Find out more about the Para cycling track events at the Paris Games.
