Classification field guide
A class is sport-specific. EOAA can explain the pathway, but only an authorized classifier can determine eligibility and sport class. Current federation rules and the event’s entry packet control.
01 Individual
Track & field Track uses T prefixes; field uses F. Class ranges reflect vision, intellectual, coordination, short-stature, limb-deficiency, muscle-power and range-of-movement impacts.
Class structure T11–13, T20, T31–38, T40–47, T51–54, T61–64, T71–72; F classes for field
What evaluators consider Medical eligibility, minimum impairment criteria, physical or technical assessment and observation in competition when required.
Open current World Para Athletics rules Complete the correct medical diagnostics form Request an evaluation opportunity Official classification rules 02 Individual
Para swimming S applies to freestyle, backstroke and butterfly; SB to breaststroke. SM is the individual-medley entry index.
Class structure S1–10 / SB1–9 physical; S/SB11–13 vision; S/SB14 intellectual
What evaluators consider Physical and water assessment for physical impairments; separate standards apply to vision and intellectual impairment.
Identify the impairment pathway Prepare medical documentation Confirm whether the meet offers classification Official classification rules 03 Precision
Shooting para sport SH2 rifle is for athletes whose upper-limb impairment necessitates a shooting stand. Class and equipment adaptations are separate decisions.
Class structure SH1 pistol; SH1 and SH2 rifle; SG-S, SG-L, SG-U trap; SH-VI rifle
What evaluators consider Medical documentation plus sport-specific functional testing. Equipment and shooting-position assessments may also apply.
Complete the correct diagnostics form Arrange classification before entry closes Confirm support and equipment specifications Official classification rules 04 Team
Wheelchair basketball Players receive a point value based on functional capacity relevant to wheelchair basketball. Lineup point limits are controlled by competition rules.
Class structure Player points 1.0–4.5
What evaluators consider Trunk movement, sitting balance and basketball-specific movements through testing and observation.
Contact an NWBA team or classifier Gather medical eligibility records Confirm roster and lineup point rules Official classification rules 05 Team
Wheelchair rugby Classes reflect functional ability in rugby-specific tasks. Lower-point and higher-point athletes fill different tactical roles.
Class structure Player points 0.5–3.5
What evaluators consider Upper- and lower-limb function, trunk function, ball skills and wheelchair activity.
Find a USAWR club Ask for new-athlete classification guidance Complete evaluation before sanctioned competition Official classification rules 06 Precision
Boccia Classes group athletes by the functional impact of eligible severe physical impairments; BC3 athletes use a ramp and sport assistant under defined rules.
Class structure BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4
What evaluators consider Limb and trunk function, ball delivery, eligible impairment and sport-specific activity limitations.
Contact USA Boccia Review current class profiles Ask whether an event offers classification Official classification rules 07 Strength
Para powerlifting Eligible athletes compete in one sport class, then competition is divided by gender and bodyweight category under current rules.
Class structure One sport class; bodyweight categories
What evaluators consider An eligible physical impairment affecting the lower limbs or hips must meet minimum impairment criteria.
Review minimum impairment criteria Complete medical diagnostics documentation Confirm technical and weigh-in rules Official classification rules 08 Endurance
Para cycling Equipment type and functional impact determine the pathway: tandem, standard cycle, handcycle or tricycle.
Class structure B tandem; C1–5 cycle; H1–5 handcycle; T1–2 tricycle
What evaluators consider Eligible impairment, functional assessment and cycling-specific observation; vision-impaired athletes compete on tandem with a pilot.
Contact USA Cycling para-cycling Identify the likely equipment pathway Request classification Official classification rules 09 Endurance
Paratriathlon Sport classes cover wheelchair, standing physical-impairment and vision-impairment pathways under current rules.
Class structure PTWC, PTS2–PTS5 and PTVI categories
What evaluators consider Medical eligibility, functional assessment and activity limitations across swim, bike and run.
Review USA Triathlon para resources Prepare classification documents Confirm equipment, guide and transition rules Official classification rules 10 Precision
Table tennis Lower class numbers generally reflect greater functional impact within wheelchair or standing groups; class 11 follows intellectual-impairment eligibility rules.
Class structure 1–5 wheelchair; 6–10 standing; 11 intellectual impairment
What evaluators consider Range of movement, muscle power, balance, coordination and table-tennis-specific activity.
Contact the national para program Complete the relevant eligibility pathway Confirm classification status needed for entry Official classification rules 11 Racquet
Para badminton Classes cover wheelchair, standing lower-limb, standing upper-limb and short-stature competition pathways.
Class structure WH1–2, SL3–4, SU5 and SH6
What evaluators consider Balance, mobility, limb function and badminton-specific movement against current profiles.
Review BWF classification rules Contact USA Badminton’s para pathway Arrange evaluation at an approved event Official classification rules 12 Precision
Para archery Eligibility, sport class and bow division are distinct. Current rules control W1 or Open placement and permitted assistive devices.
Class structure W1 and Open divisions; equipment category also matters
What evaluators consider Strength, range of movement, coordination and functional impact on shooting.
Contact USA Archery classification Document requested assistive devices Verify bow and equipment rules Official classification rules 13 Racquet
Wheelchair tennis The Quad division requires qualifying impairment affecting at least three limbs; other eligible wheelchair athletes compete in Open divisions.
Class structure Open and Quad divisions
What evaluators consider Medical eligibility and functional impact, particularly upper-limb involvement for Quad status.
Join a wheelchair tennis program Review USTA and ITF eligibility rules Confirm division before entry Official classification rules 14 Winter
Alpine skiing Athletes compete in standing, sitting or vision-impairment groups. Factoring systems may combine classes for results.
Class structure Standing LW1–9; sitting LW10–12; vision B1–3
What evaluators consider Medical eligibility, functional movement, skiing-specific activity and equipment pathway.
Start with an adaptive ski program Ask about domestic classification Confirm sit-ski, guide and factoring rules Official classification rules 15 Winter
Nordic skiing Para cross-country and biathlon use standing, sitting and vision-impairment groups with discipline-specific percentage systems.
Class structure Standing LW2–9; sitting LW10–12; vision B1–3
What evaluators consider Functional impact on skiing, eligible impairment, technique and equipment pathway.
Find a Nordic adaptive program Review current FIS rules Arrange evaluation through the event or federation Official classification rules