In sport, not all athletes are created equal, and each athlete brings his own unique mix of skill, athleticism and mental game to the playing field. Competing in the Paralympic Games is no different. Regardless of their physical limitations, Paralympic athletes are the best in their class, competing fiercely for medals that acknowledge their prowess. Classification ensures an even playing field for all qualifying competitors.
Premise for Classification
Because paralympic athletes have a physical condition that puts them at a competitive disadvantage, in 2003 the International Paralympic Committee, or IPC, constructed a classification strategy to ensure that "winning is determined by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus." The Committee has defined six individual categories for classification of athletes: amputees, cerebral palsy, visually impaired, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disability and a sixth group that covers athletes who do not fit into any of those groups.
Sport-Specific Classification
Because sports vary widely in nature, paralympic guidelines for classification are specific to each sport. For example, alpine skiing features events like downhill, super-G, super combined, slalom and giant slalom, with subcategories for specific limitations such as visually impaired, sitting and standing. Sports are governed by international federations that set rules, standards and criterion for competition. All athletes must meet general classification requirements established by the IPC and be classified for the season in which they plan to compete.
Qualification and Licensure
To qualify for competition, athletes must undergo a classification evaluation by national and/or international evaluation committees. In the evaluation, athletes must exhibit appropriate apparel, equipment and documentation and be prepared to demonstrate skills and abilities. Once qualified, athletes receive an eligibility code, which is then used to apply for a license. A passport scan and license fee of $25 -- as of 2011 -- must be submitted with the application. Once accepted, each athlete is given an identification number which remains with that athlete for as long as they compete.
Gender and Age
According to Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, on average only 27 percent of Paralympian athletes are female. However, it is not because the IPC does not welcome and openly solicit female athletes. Carla Qualtrough, president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, attributes the discrepancy to a disinclination for qualified women to compete for social and personal reasons. Technically, there are no upper limits on an athlete's age, although the team selection process may weed out older athletes. While lower age limits vary, with each international federation governing a particular sport, athletes must have reached puberty before competing.
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