Paralympics codes got you a bit baffled? The codes are essential to having fair sporting opportunities for all para-athletes. Per the International Paralympic Committee, “The IPC Athlete Classification Code is created to fulfil this mission by supporting and coordinating the development and implementation of accurate, reliable, consistent, and credible sport-focused classification systems.” Here, your essential guide to Paralympics codes at the Games. Plus: boccia and goalball, explained!
Archery
W1
This Paralympics code is for wheelchair users with impairment in all four limbs with either a clear loss of muscle strength, coordination or range of movement.
Open
Wheelchair users where their arms show normal function, but the trunk and legs are strongly affected. (Some athletes in this class may choose to compete standing but require some support because their impairment affects their balance.)
Athletics
All impairment groups can compete. F is for field, T is for track and the number refers to their impairment.
11-13
This Paralympics code refers to track and field athletes who are visually impaired. Blind athletes compete in class 11, wear compulsory blindfolds and run with a guide runner. Athletes in class 12 are visually impaired, but running with a guide is optional.
20
These track and field athletes are intellectually impaired. Athletes in this class have difficulty with reaction time and memory recognition during an event.
31-38
Track and field athletes with cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions that affect muscle coordination and control. Athletes in classes 31-34 compete in a seated position (using a racing or throwing chair); athletes in classes 35-38 compete standing.
40-41
This Paralympics code refers to track and field athletes with short stature (also known medically as dwarfism).
42-47
Athletes without prostheses are affected by limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement. In classes 42-44 the legs are affected, in classes 45-47 the arms are affected.
T51-54
Wheelchair track athletes. Athletes in classes 51-52 have impairments in both lower and upper limbs. T53 athletes have fully functioning arms but no trunk function; T54 athletes have partial trunk and leg function.
F51-58
These para-athletes have limb deficiency, leg length difference, impaired muscle power or impaired passive range of movement.
F61-64
Those with lower limb/s competing with prosthesis and/or are affected by limb deficiency and leg length difference.
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Boccia (a bowling game)
All players compete in wheelchairs due to severe coordination impairment affecting both legs and arms.
BC1
Players with severe activity limitations affecting their legs, arms and trunk, and typically dependent on a powered wheelchair.
BC2
Players have better trunk and arm function than those in class BC1. The abilities of their arms and hands often allow them to throw the ball overhand and underhand and with a variety of grasps.
BC3
These para-athletes have significant limitations in arm and leg functions, and poor or no trunk control. They are unable to grasp or release the ball and are unable to propel the ball consistently. They’re allowed to use a ramp with the help of a sport assistant.
BC4
Here, players have non-cerebral impairments that also impact their coordination.
Canoeing
All athletes with physical impairments are eligible to compete in canoeing using a kayak with a double-blade paddle. ‘KL’ refers to a kayak and double paddle and ‘VL’ refers to a pirogue (Va’a) and single paddle.
KL1-VL1
Athletes have no or very limited trunk and no leg function.
KL2-VL2
Athletes have partial trunk and leg function; they are able to sit upright in the kayak. They will have limited leg movement during paddling.
KL3-VL3
Athletes have trunk and partial leg function and are usually able to use at least one prosthetic.
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Cycling
Athletes with physical impairments either compete on handcycles, tricycles or bicycles. Athletes with a vision impairment compete on tandems with a sighted “pilot.”
B1-2
Visually impaired athletes compete on tandem bikes with a sighted guide.
Handcycle H1-5
Cyclists in H1-4 compete in a reclined position. H1 athletes have no trunk or leg function and limited arm function; H3 athletes have no leg function but good trunk and arm function. H5 athletes sit on their knees and use their arms and trunk.
Tricycle T1-2
Races for athletes who are unable to ride a bicycle because of a condition affecting their balance and coordination. Athletes in the T1 class have more serious coordination problems than T2 athletes.
Bicycle C1-5
Cyclists may have a condition like cerebral palsy or have a leg or arm amputation. C1 athletes have the most severe limitation; C5 athletes meet the minimum impairment criteria. For example, an athlete with a double leg amputation would compete in the C3 class, while an athlete with a single leg amputation would compete a class higher in C4.
Equestrian
All impairment groups can compete in equestrian sport with Para-dressage as the only event on the Paralympic programme.
Grade 1A
Severely disabled riders with impairments of all limbs and poor trunk control who usually use a wheelchair in daily life.
Grade 1B
Riders with either severely reduced trunk control and minimal upper limb conditions or moderate upper and lower limb and trunk conditions. Most use a wheelchair in daily life.
Grade II
Riders have a very limited ability in both lower limbs and trunk balance, or milder limitations in upper and lower limbs with reduced trunk control. Some use a wheelchair in daily life.
Grade III
Ambulant riders (those able to walk independently) who have impairments in both arms or have no arms, or moderate impairments of all four limbs. This category also includes blind riders and those with conditions such as dwarfism.
Grade IV
Ambulant athletes with either impaired vision, reduced motion or muscle strength or impaired arm or leg function.
Grade V
Coordination is affected to a low degree, moderately affected movement in the forearms and hands, the absence of limbs, or a visual impairment. These riders can perform complex movements and lateral work at all paces requiring accuracy and dexterity.
Football 5-a-side
All players are visually impaired. All players in the five-a-side game must wear eyeshades except the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is sighted but can’t leave the area. There are no offside rules. The football contains ball bearings to produce a noise when it moves.
Football 7-a-side
Players have cerebral palsy or a subsequent brain injury. Players are classified into one of the following groups; the C5, C6, C7 or C8 divisions, decided by the player’s level of limb control and coordination problems when running. All classes are comprised of ambulant athletes. Those in class five are least physically able; those in class eight are minimally affected. At least one C5 or C6 class athlete must be on the field at all times and a team isn’t allowed to have more than two C8 players on the field.
Goalball
Visually impaired athletes play goalball. Participants wear black-out masks to ensure everyone, whether blind or visually impaired, competes equally. The masks are checked during the game. The ball has bells inside it to help orientate the players. As a result, the game is played in total silence.
Judo
Judo is contested by visually impaired athletes only.
B1
Players compete in complete blindness
B2-3
Athletes are visually impaired.
Powerlifting
Open to all athletes with a physical disability and classified by weight alone. Paralympic powerlifters have disabilities in their lower limbs or hips, including paralysis, cerebral palsy and lower limb amputation. Both male and female competitors take part in 10 separate weight classes.
Rowing
PR1
Rowers with minimal or no trunk function who primarily propel the boat through arm and shoulder function. These rowers have poor sitting balance, which requires them to be strapped to the boat/seat.
PR2
Rowers that have functional use of arms and trunk but have weakness/absence of leg function.
PR3
Rowers with residual function in the legs; able to slide the seat. This class also includes athletes with vision impairment.
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Sailing
Sailing is a multi-impairment sport where athletes from the amputee, cerebral palsy, visually impaired, wheelchair and les autres groups can compete together. Competitors are ranked according to a points system from one to seven. Lower numbers indicate severe conditions and high numbers indicate moderately able competitors. Each crew of three can have a maximum of 14 points between them.
The Paralympics code TPA includes athletes with more severe impairments, equivalent to a sport class 1 or 2. Athletes with complete tetraplegia or a double above-the-elbow amputation could, for example, compete in the TPA class. Class TPB means that an athlete should meet the minimum impairment criteria for sailing. Athletes of all seven classes could compete in the TPB sport class, including athletes with visual impairment.
Three-person keelboat
To make sure that no crew has an advantage or disadvantage in competition due to impairment, this Paralympic code means each crew is only allowed a maximum of 14 points.
Two-person keelboat
One sailor should be “TPA” and the other should be “TPB.” Also, one of the crew members must be female.
Single-person keelboat
To sail on the single-person keelboat, athletes should pass the minimum impairment criteria.
Shooting
Shooters are divided into wheelchair and standing groups. These divisions are split into six sub-classes. Each determines the type of mobility equipment the competitor can use.
SH1
For pistol and rifle competitors who don’t require a shooting stand. Athletes in this class usually have an impairment in one limb. Athletes can choose to compete sitting or standing.
SH2
For rifle competitors who have an impairment in their arms and therefore require a shooting stand. Most competitors in this class compete in wheelchairs.
Swimming
Swimming is the only sport that combines limb loss, cerebral palsy (coordination and movement restrictions), spinal cord injury (weakness or paralysis involving any combination of the limbs) and other disabilities (such as dwarfism and major joint restriction conditions) across classes. The prefix and class number provide a range of classifications, from swimmers with severe disability (S1, SB1, SM1) to those with minimal disability (S10, SB9, SM10). In any one class, swimmers may start with a dive or in the water.
1-10
Swimmers with a physical impairment. The lower the number, the more severe the impairment.
11-13
Swimmers with a visual impairment.
14
Swimmers with an intellectual impairment.
S
Freestyle, backstroke and butterfly.
SB
Breaststroke.
SM
Multi-swimming events.
Table tennis
Played by athletes with a physical or intellectual disability.
1-5
Athletes compete from a wheelchair, with class one the most severely impaired and class five the least impaired.
6-10
Ambulant athletes, with class six the most severely impaired and class 10 the least. These athletes compete standing.
11
Athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Triathlon
Triathlon was accepted onto the Paralympic programme for the 2016 Games in Rio and it consists of a 750m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km race.
PTWC1
Wheelchair users. They swim, cycle using a hand-bike and complete the 5km run in a racing wheelchair.
PTS2-5
Para-athletes with limitations in lower and/or upper limbs who do not require a handcycle for the cycling segment or a racing chair for the running segment. Assistive devices such as prosthetic legs and/or bike modifications are allowed.
PT5
Visually impaired athletes have the option to ride a tandem cycle and run with a guide. Starts are staggered in intervals so there’s a level playing field between the partially-sighted and blind triathletes competing with a guide.
Sitting volleyball
Athletes with a physical impairment. Athletes must have the ability to move around easily and safely in a seated position. Only two VS2 athletes (athletes with a less severe impairment) can be on a team’s roster.
Wheelchair basketball
This sport is open to wheelchair athletes whose impairments may include paraplegia, lower limb amputation, cerebral palsy and polio. Here, the Paralympics code is a points rating between 1 and 4.5. A 1-point player has the most severe impairment; 4.5 has the least. Each team has five players but the rating of each player must not exceed a total of 14 points at any time.
Wheelchair fencing
Open to wheelchair athletes, whose impairments may include spinal cord injuries, lower limb amputation and cerebral palsy and whose conditions prohibit them from competing against standing, able-bodied fencers.
Category A
Athletes with good balance and recovery and full trunk movement with a fully functioning fencing arm. Additionally, not all athletes in this class use a wheelchair in daily life.
Category B
Athletes with poor balance and recovery, but full use of one or both upper limbs. The fencing arm they use may be affected. They can usually support themselves with their non-fencing arm while in action.
Wheelchair rugby
The Paralympics code here classifies athletes using a points system. The most severely impaired athletes are graded at 0.5 points, rising to 3.5 points for the more able. Each team comprises four players and is allowed a maximum of eight points on court at any one time.
Wheelchair tennis
Players are allowed two bounces of the ball, and also the first bounce should be within the bounds of the court.
Quad
Here, athletes have a lower limb impairment(s).
Open
Athletes have both upper and lower limb impairments.
