CLASSIFICATION

Click here to open the ENTIRE WEB SITE in a NEW BROWSER WINDOW

GENERAL INFORMATION

Classification is simply a structure for competition. Not unlike wrestling, boxing and weightlifting, where athletes are categorized by weight classes, athletes with disabilities are grouped in classes defined by the degree of function presented by the disability.

Traditionally there are athletes who belong to six different disability groups in the Paralympic Movement: amputee, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disability and a group which includes all those that do not fit into the aforementioned groups (les autres).

Classes are determined by a variety of processes that may include a physical and technical assessment and observation in and out of competition. The classes are defined by each sport and form part of the sport rules.

Classification is an ongoing process. When an athlete starts competing, they are allocated a class that may be reviewed throughout the athlete's career. Sports certify individuals to conduct the process of classification and these officials are known as classifiers.

Since the 1960's, the development of sport for athletes with a disability has produced the development of classification systems; and this continues to evolve to the present day.

SOURCE: IPC: Classification

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

CPISRA provides sports opportunities for individuals with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or stroke whose level of neurological impairment disadvantages them in training for and competing in sports. CPISRA provides a sporting avenue where athletes with impairments can compete equitably against peers.

Cerebral Palsy is a brain lesion, which is non-progressive and causes variable impairment of the coordination, tone and strength of muscle action impacting on postures and movement.

This central motor disturbance may be associated with:

Perceptual deficits

Visual and hearing problems

Seizures

Speech difficulties

Dystonic movements

1.1 Eligible participants must have a diagnosis of non-progressive brain damage with motor control dysfunction such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke or similar conditions.

1.2 At the discretion of the Sports Technical Committee (STC) of CPISRA individuals with motor control problems resulting from impairments other than non-progressive brain damage may be eligible for the CPISRA programme. For further clarification contact the CPISRA Chief Classifier.

1.3 The athlete is not eligible for CPISRA competitions if an abnormality can only be detected by a detailed neurological examination and impairment of function is not clearly evident during classification and does not obviously impact on sports performance Check with profiles in Section 4 for further information.

1.4 Eligible participants for international competition must be 15 years or older on the first day of January. Exceptions are SWIMMING and YOUTH EVENTS.

1.5 Notes on eligibility

1.5.1 Stroke/Brain Injury. A person who has experienced a stroke or brain injury may compete in CPISRA events. An individual who has an acquired brain injury requires compulsory evaluation every year for a period of four years after the initial injury. This will be at the discretion of the CPISRA classification team.

1.5.2 Seizures. Persons with a seizure disorder may compete in CPISRA events provided that the condition is controlled. The seizure disorder must be a secondary characteristic of cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury.

1.5.3 Spina Bifida. Persons diagnosed with spina bifida are not eligible to participate in CPISRA sports unless evidence of motor control dysfunction of a cerebral nature is shown. Persons with spina bifida are eligible for international sports competition organised by other disabled sports organisations.

1.5.4 Intellectual Impairment. Persons with intellectual impairment/learning disability, without motor control dysfunction are not eligible for CPISRA competitions.

1.5.5 Disabilities. Individuals with arthrogryposis, osteogenesis imperfecta, myopathies, or a disability which does not result in motor control dysfunction of a cerebral origin are not eligible for CPISRA events with the exceptions of athletes who compete in specific boccia classes. For further information refer to the boccia specific classes in section 4.

1.6 At multi sport/multi disability games (e.g. Paralympics, World Championships, Regional Games) eligible athletes who choose to compete in CPISRA events MAY NOT compete in events organised under another sports organization or IOSD ( e.g. IBSA, INAS-FID, IWAS).

1.7 The STC of CPISRA reserves the right to alter any of the above eligibility criteria due to changes in specific sports or the international sports movement as a whole.

SOURCE: CPISRA: Classification and Sports Rule Manual 2005-2008

CLASSIFICATION

3.1. Purpose of classification

The CPISRA classification system recognises that cerebral palsy and other conditions resulting from brain lesions cause impairments of varied severity. The purpose of classification is to provide all athletes with an equitable starting point for competition and to prevent the elimination of athletes from potential success due solely to their degree of neurological impairment. The goal of classification is to ensure that athletic success hinges on an athlete's training, skill level, talent and competitive experience rather than their neurological ability. The system categorises neurological function of an athlete in relation to his/her sports in a way that will allow for competition against those with similar degrees of neurological involvement.

3.2 National Classification

All athletes eligible to participate in CPISRA sports must receive an initial classification from their own National Federation. Classification should be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out in the classification profiles. (Reference Section Four.) It is recommended that national classifiers be educated using the CPISRA Introductory course. National classifiers should contact the STC of CPISRA if in need of advice or guidelines regarding the classification process. For information on Classification training please refer to 4 3.3 International Classification Team

International classifications must be carried out by a CPISRA accredited and appointed multidisciplinary team comprised of a physician, a physiotherapist and a sports technician. Classification will not be valid unless the entire multidisciplinary team is present at the assessment or protests.

A classification team consists of a doctor, physiotherapist and sports technician as described below:

· A physician, with a particular knowledge of cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke (typically a physiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or doctor of rehabilitation medicine). The physician makes possible the identification of the neurological and other related features of the impairment profile, in the athlete. The physician's input is particularly necessary for the determination of eligibility, when the diagnosis is in question.

· A physiotherapist familiar with the clinical manifestations of cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. The therapist provides particular insight in details of reflex development, static and dynamic balance and associated reactions, and the measurement of muscle tone, strength and joint range of motion.

· A sports technician familiar with the sports implications of cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. The sports technician brings to the athlete assessment the knowledge of the sports skills and physical demands of the sport, and through the application of dynamic sport specific tests, provides the vital link between impairment review and the potential performance in the sport.

Working together, the classification team members offer the best possible solution to the difficult task of comprehensive impairment analysis, leading to classification in sport.

3.4 Athlete Classification General

All athletes must be prepared to be fully assessed by the classification team and present themselves as follows:

· In appropriate sports attire, shorts are required.

· Warmed up and ready to perform athletics activities

· With all necessary sports equipment (e.g. the sports wheelchair or throwing frame, strapping to be used during competition, sports shoes to be used when running etc).

· Passport for identification purposes. The name on the passport will become the official name that the athlete will be recorded under. This name must be used when registering for all events in the future.

· Athletes may have one person accompany them into classification. This person should have an understanding of the athlete s disability and the sports performance. If needed the person may be asked by the classifiers to assist with communication.

· All athletes must sign the Consent to Classify Form at the time of classification. (See Section Classification Section on the CPISRA web site for current forms)

· The athlete must provide information to the team regarding their disability, medication and surgeries that affect sport performance.

· The athlete s picture will be taken for the Classification Card.

3.5 Classification Process

CPISRA is responsible for assigning a classification category to athletes who compete in CPISRA events. The process used to establish the appropriate classification category for each athlete is called classification.

Each sport has a different number of categories in which an athlete may be classified. The categories for each sport are outlined in Section 5 of this Manual.

SOURCE: CPISRA: Classification and Sports Rule Manual 2005-2008

RELEVANT FUNCTIONAL PROFILES FOR SOCCER

4.5 FUNCTIONAL PROFILE - Class 5

Diplegic - Moderate involvement

This individual may require the use of assistive devices in walking but not necessarily when standing or throwing. A shift of centre of gravity may lead to loss of balance. A Triplegic may appear in this Class.

Lower Extremities-Spasticity Grade 3 to 2. Involvement of one or both legs which may require assistive devices for walking. A Class 5 athlete may have sufficient function to run on the track. If function is insufficient Class 4 may be more appropriate. Balance-Usually has normal static balance but exhibits problems in dynamic balance e.g. attempting a spin or throwing forcefully.

Upper Extremities-This is an area where variation occurs. Some moderate to minimal limitation in upper extremities can often be seen particularly when throwing, but strength is within normal limits. Hand Function-Normal cylindrical/spherical, opposition and prehensive grasp and release in the dominant hand is seen in all sports.

SOCCER. During sport, exertion will increase tone and decrease function. The athletes will have difficulty in turning, pivoting and stopping. Usually running only short distances.

4.6 FUNCTIONAL PROFILE - Class 6

Athetoid or Ataxic - Moderate involvement

The athlete ambulates without assistive devices. Athetosis is the most prevalent factor, although some ambulant spastic quadriplegics (i.e. more arm involvement than in ambulant diplegics), may fit this Class. Athetosis means unsteady (writhing), not having the capability to remain still. All four limbs will usually show functional involvement in sports movements. Class 6 athletes have more control problems in upper limbs than Class 5 athletes, although the former usually have better function in lower limbs particularly when running.

Lower Extremities-Function can vary considerably depending on the sports skill involved, from poor, laboured, slow walking to a running gait, which often shows better mechanics. There can be a marked contrast between the walking athetoid with inco-ordinated gait and the smooth even paced co-ordinated running/cycling action. Cyclical movements however are much better performed like cycling, running and free-style swimming.

Balance-May have good dynamic balance compared with static balance. Spasticity is common in Class 6 athletes and should not be a reason for placement in Class 5.

Upper Extremities and Hand Control-Grasp and release can be significantly affected when throwing in the moderate to severe athetoid athlete. The more spasticity present the greater the limits on follow through and maintenance of balance after throwing.

SOCCER (SOC 6) The athlete will have trouble stopping and changing direction quickly. Coordination and timing problems will be seen when trapping and kicking the ball.

4.7 FUNCTIONAL PROFILE - Class 7

Hemiplegic

This Class is for the true ambulant hemiplegic athlete. A Class 7 athlete has Spasticity Grade 3 to 2 in one half of the body. They walk without assistive devices but often with a limp due to spasticity in the lower limb. Good functional ability in dominant side of the body.

Lower Extremities-Hemiplegia Spasticity Grade 3 to 2. Dominant side has better development and good follow through movement in walking and running. Athlete has difficulty walking on his heels and has significant difficulty with hopping on the impaired leg. Side stepping towards the impaired side is also affected. Athletes with moderate to minimal athetosis do not fit into this Class.

Upper Extremities-Arm and hand control is only affected in the non-dominant side. There is good functional control on the dominant side.

SOCCER (SOC 7) As seen in track the athlete who walks with a noticeable limp may appear to have a smoother stride when running but will not have a heel strike. The athlete has difficulty pivoting and balancing on the affected side and therefore often pivots on the unaffected side and kicks with the affected foot.

4.8 FUNCTIONAL PROFILE - Class 8

Minimal involvement

This class is for the minimally affected diplegic Spasticity Grade 1; hemiplegic Spasticity Grade 1: monoplegic; minimal athetoid/ataxic athlete.

According to point 1.2 the athlete must have an obvious impairment of function evident during classification. This athlete may appear to have near normal function when running but the athlete must demonstrate a limitation in function to classifiers based on evidence of spasticity (increased tone), ataxic, athetoid or dystonic movements while performing on the field of play or in training.

Clear evidence must include at least one major and one minor sign from the list below:

Major

1. Clear uni or bilateral Babinski

2. Clear uni or bilateral clonus

3. Noticeably brisk reflexes or clear difference in reflexes left vs. right.

4. Clear evidence of athetosis or ataxia.

Minor

1. Stiffness or rigidity in one or more limbs.

2. Mild atrophy or shortening of a limb.

The above problems must have a demonstrable impact on sport performance as seen by the classification team.

SOCCER (SOC 8) This athlete may appear to have near normal function when running but the athlete must demonstrate a limitation in function to classifiers based on evidence of spasticity (increased tone), ataxic, athetoid or dystonic movements while performing on the field of play or in training.

SOURCE: CPISRA: Classification and Sports Rule Manual 2005-2008