Para Athletics (Multi-Class Athletics)
Para Athletics, also known as Multi-Class Athletics, provides athletes with a physical, intellectual or vision impairment the opportunity to participate in athletics in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Capital Athletics welcomes athletes of all abilities to train, compete and achieve their personal best. Multi-Class athletes can participate in a wide range of track and field events alongside other athletes, with competition opportunities available at club, state and national level. Events are conducted using classification systems to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
Whether you're new to athletics or an experienced competitor, Para Athletics offers opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, improve fitness and be part of a welcoming athletics community.
Classification
Classification is used in Para sport to ensure athletes compete in fair and equitable competition. It groups athletes according to how their eligible impairment impacts their ability to perform in a particular sport.
Because different sports place different physical demands on athletes, each Para sport has its own classification system. In Para Athletics, athletes compete against others with a similar level of functional ability, helping to ensure that results are determined by skill, fitness and performance rather than the degree of impairment.
New Athletes (8 years or older) or athletes only competing in club and state championships events are only required to hold a provisional classification.
Classification involves an assessment of impairments and how this affects running, throwing, and jumping for athletics.
Eligible physical impairments are hypertonia (e.g. Cerebral palsy acquired brain injury), ataxia (e. Cerebral palsy), athetosis (e.g. Cerebral palsy), impaired muscle power (e.g. Spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy), impaired range of motion (e.g. Arthrogryposis), limb deficiency (e.g. Amputation, dysmelia), leg length difference (e.g. Trauma to growth plate) and short stature. Please note there is an established minimal impairment criteria that a child must meet to be eligible.
Paralympics Australia is responsible for managing classification opportunities for athletes with a vision impairment. Athletes wishing to obtain a Vision Impairment Classification must contact Paralympics Australia directly, first filling out the request for classification form. This process puts athletes and families in direct contact with Paralympics Australia and limits any confusion around the process.
Athletes seeking a review for National Vision classification are also required to fill out the request for classification form linked above.
Intellectual Impairment
Sport Inclusion Australia (SIA) are the national organisation responsible for classifying athletes with an Intellectual Impairment. Athletes wishing to obtain an intellectual impairment classification must complete the following stages of classification.
Intellectual Impairment National Classification Form
VIRTUS EVENTS
Athletes wishing to progress to representing Australia at a Virtus international event or the Paralympics must hold a valid Virtus International Eligibility. Athletes must read through the Virtus Eligibility Notes, Complete the Virtus Application Form and return it to mail@siasport.org. Please use the link above to complete the classification.
Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) is the national sports organisation that are responsible for Hearing Impaired classifications. Athletes wishing to obtain a classification as a Hearing Impaired Athlete, must complete the following steps:
Any new athletes wishing to compete in multi-class athletics under a Transplant Australia Classification must first complete a Transplant Australia Classification Form. This form is to be complete by the athlete and their transplant specialist. Please use the link below to download and complete the Transplant Classification Application form and for information on who is eligible to compete under a transplant classification.
Guidelines and Classification Master List
Please note that queries regarding the Classficiation Master List should be directed towards Australian Athletics.
