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.
- 20s – athletes that compete standing with an intellectual impairment.
- 30s – athletes with co-ordination impairments. May compete standing or seated using a racing wheelchair or throwing frame.
- 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.
- 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.
- 60s – athletes who compete standing with a prosthetics leg due to amputation or other reason.
- 70s – athletes with co-ordination impairments that compete standing using a running frame.
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.
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.