International Classification

Athletes with a Physical Impairment

For information on international classification preparation for Australian athletes with a Physical Impairment, please click on the following:

Please be aware that as of the 01/11/2017 WPA have issued a new PI Medical Diagnostics Form to be completed for any athletes attending International Classification in the future (2018 onwards). The link above contains the updated document required - to be filled out electronically by a GP.

Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment

For information on international classification preparation for Australian athletes with an Intellectual Impairment, please click on the following:

*Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment must compete in the event they wish to be classified for - Shot put or Long Jump (Intellectually Impaired athletes wishing to be classified in Track can compete in either the 400 or 1500 metres).

Athletes with a Visual Impairment

For information on international classification preparation for Australian athletes with an Visual Impairment, please click on the following:

*All athletes must present for International Classification with an 'Athlete Representative' (ideally this would be the athletes personal coach).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION

Who do I speak to about provisional/national classification?

For information on provisional/national classification including obtaining a classification, accessing a classification review, eligibility of classification – please visit AA Diversity and Inclusion OR contact our national classification department

INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION

How do I access International Classification in Australia?

International Classification is run by World Para Athletics, facilitated by Athletics Australia and Paralympics Australia when held in Australia.  

International Classification is typically offered annually in Australia for para athletes with a Physical Impairment and biennially (alternating years) for athletes with a Vision or Intellectual Impairment.

International Classification is usually run between January and April. There is only one International classification opportunity within the Oceania region each year, and Australia is usually the facilitator of this.

There are limited classification slots available to each NPC (National Paralympic Committee) who attends the classification opportunity. Due to the demand of classification slots, Athletics Australia will prioritise Australian athletes using the principles outlined below.

For further information on the documentation required to attend international classification please review the information available specific to your impairment (‘Preparation for’ - Physical, Intellectual, Visual).

Access to International Classification is via nomination. Please register your details for the mailing list (coming soon) if you wish to be contacted when this portal goes live.

How are Australian athletes prioritised for international classification?

Prioritisation decisions are based around the proximity to BME such as World Championships and Paralympic Games.

Decisions are based on our understanding of an athletes most recent results; an athletes current national and international classification and classification status; and the level of information and direction we are given from World Para Athletics

Prioritisation considerations:

1. High medal chance and/or high classification risk athletes will be prioritised prior to attending senior Benchmark events (WPA Championships / Paralympic Games).
2. An athlete will be prioritised where a classification circumstance limits that athlete’s ability to compete Nationally
3. NASS Athletes and/or Podium/Paralympic Pathway Athletes will be prioritised over Non-NASS athletes.

Athletics Australia prioritises access to international classification to athletes with a realistic medal chances at the upcoming Paralympic games and those athletes on the Paralympic pathway.

What happens if I do not get the opportunity to be internationally classified in Australia?

There are several international classification opportunities worldwide, applications to attend these opportunities must be submitted to WPA by Athletics Australia. These opportunities can be viewed here.  

Attendance at these opportunities will be at the attendee’s own expense.

Please contact the Paralympic Pathways Lead if you wish to attend an international classification opportunity overseas.

I have read about an IPC license; What is the difference between an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) License and International Classification?

An athlete must have an IPC license in order to obtain an international classification. Information on who needs an IPC license and how to obtain one is listed here.

How do I know if I have a current IPC license and when my international classification needs to be reviewed?

If you have a current IPC license you will appear on the WPA Classification Master list for NPC – AUS. This master list will also tell you whether you are classified for Track or Field (or both) and when you will be required to have this classification reviewed.

For questions regarding international classification please contact the Paralympics Pathway Lead.