Classification (Para Sport)
The system of grouping para athletes so that those with a similar degree of activity limitation compete together.
Definition
Classification is the structured process used in para sport to decide who is eligible to compete and to group athletes whose impairments affect performance to a broadly similar extent. The aim is to make sure that winning comes down to training, skill, and tactics rather than differences in the underlying impairment, in much the same way that weight categories work in combat sports.
Each sport sets its own eligibility criteria and its own classes based on how an impairment affects the specific demands of that sport, and assessment is carried out by trained classifiers using sport-specific rules. Classification is a technical, evolving field, and this entry describes the concept only; the detailed class codes and eligibility criteria belong to each sport's governing body.
Scope: Conceptual overview only; specific class codes and eligibility criteria are set by each sport's governing body.
Where you’ll hear “classification (para sport)”
Sports that use this term:
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
Cycling
A low-impact endurance sport that doubles as transport, exercise and adventure.
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Classification (Para Sport) to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Adaptive sports
- Para sportsThe competitive branch of adaptive sport, where athletes with disabilities train and compete, often within organised classification systems.
- Ambulant Para SportsPara sports for athletes who compete standing or on foot — walking or running — rather than from a wheelchair or seated position.
- Classification in para sportThe system used in para sport to group athletes so that competition is fair — decided by how much an impairment affects a specific sport.
- Adaptive competitionsOrganised events where athletes with disabilities compete, from local grassroots fixtures up to major international championships.
- Adaptive coachingCoaching that adjusts how it teaches — communication, planning and pace — so that people with a disability can learn, improve and enjoy a sport.
Knowledge Atlas
People
- CouplesHow sport can fit two people doing it together — shared activity that doubles as time together, mutual motivation and a common goal.
- Competitive athletesHow the platform fits someone who trains and plays to compete — structured, goal-directed preparation with coaching and recovery central.
- FamiliesHow families can be active together with inclusive, all-ages sports that make movement social and fun.
- ChildrenHow sport can fit into a child’s life through play, variety and supported, age-appropriate movement.
- Weekend athletesHow to enjoy recreational sport on weekends while staying comfortable and consistent through the week.
Healthy living
- Family Active TimeMaking activity something the whole household does together, so movement becomes a shared, everyday habit.
- Morning MovementA little gentle activity early in the day to wake the body up and start on a positive note.
- Weekend ActivityUsing the extra time at weekends to be active in ways that feel more like fun than exercise.
- Recovery routineBringing your recovery habits together into a simple, repeatable rhythm — so rest becomes a natural part of an active week.
- Active BreaksShort bursts of movement woven through the working or study day to break up long stretches of sitting.