IPC CLASSIFICATION FUNDAMENTALS

Learn about the most important features of Paralympic Classification in this interactive online course provided by the International Paralympic Committee. Whatever your role or interest in Para sport, with four modules to choose from, we invite you to increase your knowledge and contribute to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

The IPC welcomes feedback on any of the modules or resources featured in this Classification Fundamentals course. To provide your comments, please complete the short form linked to from the button below. Alternatively, you may wish to email us at classification@paralympic.org.

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  MODULES

Each module contains a number of individually themed lessons, followed by a quiz to test your knowledge.
MODULE 1
A female Athlete and their guide competing in Nordic skiing

The Paralympic Movement

Learn about the emergence and growth of the Paralympic Games, and the role of the International Paralympic Committee as the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement.

  Start module
MODULE 2
An Athlete concentrating on placing his shot in Boccia

The development of Paralympic Classification

Find out what Classification is, how it has developed since the beginning of the Paralympic Movement, and familiarise yourself with the ten Eligible Impairments found in Para sport.

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MODULE 3
A female table tennis Athlete celebrating with a shout and clenched fists

The IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards

Understand the significance of the IPC Athlete Classification Code and five International Standards as the framework and guiding principles for Classification.

  Start module
MODULE 4
A male athletics Athlete upside down in mid-air whilst competing in the high jump

Classification and the Athlete journey

Improve your knowledge of the Athlete Evaluation process, including Minimum Impairment Criteria, Sport Class Allocation and Sport Class Status, as well as how Classification decisions can be challenged.

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  LESSON SUMMARIES

Lesson summaries are microlearning resources that contain the key points found within the corresponding Classification Fundamentals module.
MODULE 1
The Paralympic Movement
A female Athlete and their guide competing in Nordic skiing
  Introduction to the Paralympic Movement   The International Paralympic Committee
MODULE 2
The development of Paralympic Classification
An Athlete concentrating on placing his shot in Boccia
  What is Classification?   The three eras of Classification   Eligible Impairments
MODULE 3
The IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards
A female table tennis Athlete celebrating with a shout and clenched fists
  The 2015 Athlete Classification Code   International Standards   Classification roles and responsibilities
MODULE 4
Classification and the Athlete's journey
A male athletics Athlete upside down in mid-air whilst competing in the high jump
  Athlete Evaluation and the Classification process   Minimum Impairment Criteria   Sport Class Allocation and Sport Class Status   Challenging Classification decisions and Intentional Misrepresentation

  LEARNING RESOURCES

Standalone resources that help to explain key aspects of the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code.
Classification Evaluation room examples screenshot

Classification Evaluation room examples

Preview what a typical Classification Evaliation room might look like (and include) for the three different Impairment groups by exploring 360 degree images.

  Open resource
Classification glossary screenshot

Classification glossary

A glossary of commonly used terms related to Classification within the Paralympic Movement.

  Open resource
Roles and responsibilities explainer screenshot

Classification roles and responsibilities

An interactive resource defining each of the Classification roles found within the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards.

  Open resource
Eligible Impairments explainer screenshot

Eligible Impairments explainer

An interactive list of Eligible Impairments with definitions, examples and audio descriptions.

  Open resource
Protests and Appeals explainer screenshot

Protests and Appeals explainer

A step-by-step guide to help explain the procedures and main roles involved in Protests and Appeals associated with Classification.

  Open resource