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 Nordic

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 Nordic, 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 Nordic 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 Nordic

(Detailed Sport Class profiles are set out in lassification rules).

SPORT CLASSES LW 2-9: STANDING SKIERS
Lower limb impairments:
LW 2: Athletes have an impairment in one leg.
LW 3: Athletes have an impairment in both legs.
LW 4: Athletes have an impairment in one leg.

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

Combined upper and lower limb impairments:
LW 9: Skiers in this Sport Class have an impairment that affects arms and legs. Depending on the nature and degree of their activity limitation, they will compete with one or two poles.

SPORT CLASSES LW 10-12: SIT-SKIERS
LW 10-12: All sit-skiers have an impairment affecting their legs and compete in a seated position.

SPORT CLASSES B1-3: SKIERS WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT
B 1-3: Athletes in these sport classes have vision impairment. Athletes with vision impairment ski with a guide, who verbally gives directions to the athlete.

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 Nordic Classifiers may be former Athletes or coaches, sport scientists, physical educators, or 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 Nordic Classification Rules and Regulations.

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

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

History of Para Nordic

Para Nordic is the collective name for two different Para sport disciplines: Para Biathlon and Para Cross-Country Skiing.

Para Cross-Country

Cross-country skiing first appeared at the 1976 Winter Paralympic Games in Örnsköldsvik (SWE). The competition is open to athletes with a physical impairment and vision impairment. Men and women used the classical technique in all cross-country distances until skating was introduced at the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympic Winter Games.

Since then, events have been split into two separate races: classical and free technique. The new technique, however, was not officially used in a medal race until 1992 in Albertville, France.

Depending on the degree of activity limitation resulting from the impairment, a competitor may use a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis. Athletes with vision impairment compete in the event with a sighted guide.

Male and female athletes compete in sprint, 5km, 10km and 20km or participate in a team relay using classical or free techniques.

FIS acts as the International Federation for the sport since July 2022 following the transfer of governance of Para Snow Sports from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).