Para Athletics Classifications explained
With a busy summer of sport ahead, we want everyone to enjoy all the action. To help you with this, we've provided a guide to help explain what all the different para classifications mean, so you can understand the different events across our sport.
Why do para athletes have to be classified?
Classification minimises the impact of eligible impairments on the outcome of competition.
What is the difference between T & F classifications?
T stands for track, which covers all the distances for wheelchair racing, running and Frame Running. Jumps are also included as T events due to the run up required.
F stands for field and includes both standing and seated throws.
What does the first number in the classification represent?
This number represents the impairment type.
- 10s – athletes that compete standing with a vision impairment. Athlete to watch: Dan Pembroke F13 javelin throw.
- 20s – athletes that compete standing with an intellectual impairment. Athlete to watch: Hannah Taunton T20 1500m.
- 30s – athletes with co-ordination impairments. May compete standing or seated using a racing wheelchair or throwing frame. Athletes to watch: Hannah Cockroft T34 wheelchair racing and Sophie Hahn T38 100m & 200m.
- 40s – athletes who compete standing with impairments such as short stature, leg length difference, arm amputation, weak muscles, or restricted joint range of movement. The second number specifies whether arm or leg affected. Athlete to watch: Luke Nuttall T46 1500m.
- 50s – athletes who compete seated using a racing wheelchair or throwing frame with impairments such as leg length difference, leg amputation, weak muscles, or restricted joint range of movement. Athlete to watch: Nathan Maguire T54 400m & 800m.
- 60s – athletes who compete standing with a prosthetics leg due to amputation or other reason. Athlete to watch: Jonnie Peacock T64 100m.
- 70s – athletes with co-ordination impairments that compete standing using a running frame. Athlete to watch: Rafi Solaiman T72 Frame Running.
What does the second number in the classification represent?
The second number represents the degree of impairment. A lower number indicates greater impairment
How are para athletes classified?
Athletes are assessed and then placed into competition categories, called Sport Classes, according to how their impairment affects sports performance. This assessment will be done by two certified classifiers, one of whom must be a qualified health professional.
What is the purpose of the RAZA System?
The RAZA System is applied to allow people with different disabilities to compete against each other and allows a direct comparison of performances so that placings can be determined.
How does the RAZA System work?
Each disability classification is given set points. The distance an athlete throws/ jumps, or time they run is put into the system and converted. The total number of points they achieve are their RAZA points. The athlete with most points is the winner.
Where can I watch para athletics this summer?
The Paralympic Games will be taking place between the 28 August and 8 September in Paris. These will be broadcast live on Channel 4.
If you are looking for live athletics, the England Athletics Para Championships will be integrated into both our senior and age group championships taking place on 19-21 and 26-28 July respectively. Get your tickets here.
I'm a para athlete looking to develop further in athletics. What support does England Athletics provide?
The England Athletics Talent Pathway is fully inclusive of para athletes who have a national or international para athletics classification and have met the consideration standards. Athletes will also join the Para Academy which provides para athletes with training and competition support tailored to their particular discipline, event or classification. The Talent Pathway is proudly supported by London Marathon Events, Sport England and TASS.
Find out more about the Para Academy
Our network of affiliated clubs across the country also provide support to help the development of para athletes.
Who will be competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?
The first athletes selected to compete for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have been announced. They include English athletes Hannah Cockroft (Leeds City, Paul Moseley), Kare Adenegan (Coventry, Job King), Jonathan Broom-Edwards (Newham and Essex Beagles, Beth Partridge) and Dan Pembroke (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow, John Trower).