The 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code is a creation of the IPC. The IPC also owns the © in the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code, including all previous editions.

Effective as of 1 January 2017

The Code was never designed to be a document that stood still. As classification and the Paralympic Movement developed, so would the ideas that would form rules, regulations and policies in the future. Following the experience gained in the application of the 2007 Code, the IPC Governing Board initiated a consultation process in 2013 to review and revamp the Code. The review process was a fully collaborative process that involved all Paralympic stakeholders, all of whom sought an enhanced Code that would benefit athletes around the world.

Over three phases and the publication of several preliminary drafts, the revised Code was approved by the IPC Governing Board in June 2015, and brought forward as a motion to the General Assembly in November 2015, at which time the motion was passed.

The review process for the revised Code has resulted in a stronger, more robust tool that will ensure athletes worldwide are provided with the greatest opportunity to achieve sporting excellence.

Key objectives of the Code

The 2015 Athlete Classification Code and International Standards continue with the objective to standardise policies and procedures for classification across sports, while allowing the International Federations to adapt these to the needs of their sport. However, the 2015 Athlete Classification Code and International Standards differ from the 2007 Classification Code and International Standards in:

• Creating objectives that are long-term, athlete-centred and visionary

• Clearly defining the purpose and principles of classification

• Clarifying when and where classification occurs

• Defining NPC roles and responsibilities

• Clearly defining the IPC role in classification

• Ensuring athlete data protection

• Updating classification administration procedures

International Standards

The revised 2015 Athlete Classification Code is supplemented by five International Standards for:

 Eligible Impairments: identifies which impairments are eligible in para-sport

 Athlete Evaluation: procedures for sport class and sport class status allocation

 Protests and Appeals: procedures for the management of classification related protests and appeals

 Classifier Personnel and Training: classifier recruitment, training and certification strategies

 Classification Data Protection: ensures the proper use of athlete classification data

Compliance with these International Standards is required by all signatories of the Code.

Classification Model Rules

Classification Model Rules have been developed to assist the membership with the implementation of the 2015 Athlete Classificaiton Code, and are readily accesible for International Sport Federations to adopt them as their Classification Rules.

 Classification Model Rules for Para Sport

Models of Best Practice

The revised 2015 Athlete Classification Code is supported by Models of Best Practice which offer examples of excellence related to Classification. Once Models of Best Practice have been developed under the 2015 Athlete Classification Code they will be published here.

 Model of Best Practice on National Classification