Classification
Classification is a requirement for students with disability to participate competitively
in school sport. The video below highlights the classification process.
Classifications
Classification is an assessment process that groups athletes into a variety of categories based on their impairment. Classification is completed on a sport-by-sport basis and exists to ensure competition is experienced fairly and equitably for students and athletes with disability.
The sport classification system is managed by the International Paralympic Committee who delegate responsibility to national sporting organisations.
There are six sporting classification categories that are overseen by the following governing bodies:
Autism – Sport Inclusion Australia
Deaf & Hard of Hearing – Deaf Sport Australia
Vision Impairment – Sport Inclusion Australia
Intellectual Impairment – Sport Inclusion Australia (formally Ausrapid)
Physical Impairment – Athletics Australia & Swimming Australia
Transplant – Transplant Australia
Further information can be found on the Paralympics Australia website:Â https://www.paralympic.org.au/classification/
Require more information?
Each sport has a set of rules that determine when and why a classification is required for athletes to compete. For example, events listed in SSWA’s competitive section require students to have a classification.
In sports where multi class competition is occurring, athletes must be classified for each level – school/ association/ SSO/ West Australian Institute of Sport.
An athlete can obtain the following levels of classification: –
Provisional – allows entry to multiclass events up to and including Schools Sport Australia level.
National – allows entry to multiclass events, up to and including national level.
International – allows entry to multiclass events at international level.
Review – allows entry in multiclass events up to and including School Sport
Australia level with reassessment of classification required during the year
stated.
The application process involves:Â
Completing a classification eligibility application form
- Supplying requested medical information/ documentation
- Visiting a specialist/ medical practitioner if required
- Submitting an application form and documentation to the relevant sporting
organisation/ body. - Classification categories each have different requirements.
To access further and more specific information regarding eligibility application forms,
select the relevant category below.
Classifications
Eligibility for the Autism classification is overseen by Sport Inclusion Australia.
Please note: this classification is recognised in swimming, cross country and athletics.
In swimming the class is S19 and in athletics and cross country it is ii-3.
If already classified for swimming, the ii-3 autism classification covers all sports that
include autism in their competition format. A student does not need to apply again for
athletics or cross country.
 Autism Classification Eligibility Form
 Autism Classification Eligibility Notes
Deaf and Hard of Hearing classification eligibility is overseen by Deaf Sports Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must have a hearing loss of 55dB 3FAHL or greater in the better ear.
 Deaf Sport Australia’s Classification Eligibility Form
 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Classification Eligibility Form
Eligibility for the Intellectual Impairment classifications is overseen by Sport Inclusion
Australia. To be eligible for an Intellectual Impairment classification, a student must have an IQ of 75 or below.
Intellectual Impairment Eligibility Form
Intellectual Impairment Guidance Notes
Students with an Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment,
including Down Syndrome, may be eligible for a specific classification.
Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment Eligibility Form
Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment Guidance Notes
More information on Sport Inclusion Australia.
Separate applications need to be submitted for Physical Impairment classifications for athletics / cross country and swimming.
Physical impairment classification eligibility is overseen by:
• Australian Athletics – for Athletics and Cross Country
• Swimming WA – for Swimming
Athletics and Cross Country
Australian Athletics Physical Impairment classification form
Medical professional information sheet Â
Parents & Teachers Information sheet
Swimming
To apply for swimming physical impairment classification, visit Swimming
Australia’s Multi-class swimming engagement portal
More information on Swimming Australia.
Transplant Recipient classification eligibility is overseen by Transplant Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must be a solid organ or bone marrow
recipient.
Transplant Recipient classification application form
Transplant recipient application guide
More information on Transplant Australia.
Visual Impairment classification eligibility is overseen by Paralympics Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must have a diagnosis of at least one of the
following:
• Impairment of the eye structure;
• Impairment of the optic nerve or pathways;
• Impairment of the visual cortex of the brain.
If you would like to start the process of getting a Vision Impairment classification please
complete the request for classification form.
School Sport WA gratefully acknowledges the NSW Department of Education, School
Sport Unit, for its assistance and support in the development of this website.
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