About Para Classification

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2023/24 Classification Calendar

Impairment TypeLocationClassification DatesObservation DatesPanelsSchedule
VISydney, AUS11 November 2022N/A1Schedule (version 01/11/23)
VICanmore, CAN18 - 19 November 2023N/A2Schedule (version 15/11/23)
VIResterhoehe, AUT22 - 24 November 2023N/A

2

Schedule (version 17/11/23)
PIResterhoehe, AUT23 - 24 November 202325 November 20232Schedule (version 17/11/23)
VI Wanlong Ski Resort, CHNCancelledN/A--
PIWanlong Ski Resort, CHNCancelledCancelled--

 


 

This is a brief introduction to Classification and is in no way legally binding. In case of any discrepancies, the Para Alpine Skiing Classification Rules and Regulations will take precedence. For any questions please contact: paraalpine@fis-ski.com.  

What is Classification?

In order to safeguard the integrity of fair competition, all Para sports have a system in place which aims to ensure that winning is determined by sporting factors such as skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus, the same factors that account for success in sport for able bodied athletes. This system is called classification.

Through classification, it is determined which athletes are eligible to compete in a sport and how those athletes are then grouped together for competition, in order to minimise the impact of those athletes’ impairments on sport performance.

Classification is sport-specific because an impairment affects the ability to perform in different sports to a different extent. As a consequence, an athlete may meet the criteria to compete in one sport, but may not meet the criteria in another sport. Having an impairment is thus not sufficient for an athlete to compete in Para sport.

The groupings of athletes by the degree of activity limitation resulting from their impairments are called ‘Sport Classes’. This, to a certain extent, is similar to grouping athletes by age, gender or weight.

Classification across the Paralympic Movement is governed by the IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards. More information about the IPC Athlete Classification Code can be found here.

Are you interested in finding out more about how Classification works? The IPC have created a free, interactive online course for anyone interested to learn more about the most important features of Paralympic Classification, available here: IPC Classification Fundamentals

Classification in Para Alpine Skiing

Classification is carried out through a process called Athlete Evaluation. Athlete Evaluation involves the assessment of an Athletes Impairment(s) by a panel of Classifiers. To be eligible to compete in Para Alpine Skiing, Athletes must have an Underlying Health Condition leading to one of the following Eligible Impairment Types:
   • Impaired Muscle Power
   • Limb Deficiency
   • Leg Length Difference
   • Hypertonia
   • Ataxia
   • Athetosis
   • Impaired Passive Range of Movement
   • Vision Impairment

If the Athlete has an Eligible Impairment, they must also meet the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC), as set out in the Para Alpine Classification rules and regulations, to ensure that the Athlete's Impairment causes activity limitation. The MIC will be assessed during the Athlete Evaluation. After an Athlete has been designated as Eligible, the Classification Panel will assess which Sport Class the athlete will compete in. 

Sport Classes in Para Alpine Skiing 

(Detailed Sport Class profiles are set out in Classification Rules).

Sport Classes LW 1-9: Standing Skiers 

Lower limb impairments:
LW 1: Athletes have an impairment in both legs and ski with 2 skis and 2 poles or outriggers.
LW 2: Athletes have an impairment in one leg and ski with 1 ski and 2 poles or outriggers.
LW 3: Athletes have an impairment in both legs and ski with 2 skis and 2 poles or outriggers.
LW 4: Athletes have an impairment in one leg and ski with 2 skis and 2 poles.

Upper limb impairments:
LW 5/7: Athletes have an impairment in both arms and compete without ski poles.
LW 6/8: Athletes have an impairment in one arm and compete with one ski pole.

Combined upper and lower limb impairments:
LW 9: Athletes have an impairment that affects arm(s) and leg(s). Depending on the nature and degree of their activity limitation, they may compete with one or two skis and one pole.

Sport Classes LW 10-12: Sit-Skiers
LW 10-12: Athletes have an impairment affecting their legs / trunk and compete in a sit ski.

Sport Classes B1-3: Skiers with Vision Impairment
B 1-3: Athletes have Vision Impairment and meet the minimum impairment criteria to compete. Athletes with vision impairment ski with a guide, who verbally gives directions to the athlete.


 

Classifier Education

What is a Classifier? 

A Classifier is a person authorised as an official and certified by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to evaluate Athletes as a member of a Classification Panel. Para Alpine Skiing Classifiers are medical professionals, all of whom have the competencies and qualifications relevant to conduct all, or specific parts, of Athlete Evaluation in accordance with the FIS Para Alpine Skiing Classification Rules and Regulations.

Are you interested in becoming a Classifier? The FIS Para Alpine Classifier Pathway is available here: Classifier Training and Certification Pathway.

Upcoming Classifier Seminars:

LocationDatesApplicationsInvitation
Campus Sursee, Sursee, Switzerland31 May - 02 June 2024OpenInvitation
    

 

 

 

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