Pan-Disability Classification

in Sport

Penny Broomhead Penny Broomhead

Manchester Metropolitan University

March 3rd 2011

Objectives

To understand

• the need for classification in sport

• the difficulties surrounding classification in disability sport

• the classification process

Classification in Sport

Ensures fair and

equitable competition

Classification in Disability Sport

• Sporting ability is judged by the results of the competition

• The winner is the most skilled or highly trained not the least ‘disabled’

Classification issues

• Pan disability

• Sports specificity

• Access to classification

Attributes of a good classification system

• Simple & Flexible

• Consistent & Objective

• Use recognised (validated) tests

Assessment

The critical factor in establishing a protocol for recording results is that each assessor uses the same system and that all team members interpret the results in the same manner

O’Sullivan et al (1981)

Attributes of a good classification system

• Acceptable to competitor

• Sensitive

• Accessible

• Based on impairment

Impairment

Impairments are problems in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss.

WHO 2000

Impairment

• Locomotor

• Sensory

• Cerebral

• Other

Impairment (deviation or loss)

Loss of function, limits activity

Restriction in participation, limits role

WHO 2007

Why measure impairment?

Why measure impairment?

Unclassifiable?

To say someone is ‘not eligible or not classifiable’ is not to say they are not disabled. The severity of the disability is not in doubt, but some disabilities do not fit into a classification system.

IPC Classification Committee 2000

The Profile System

• Developed in 1980’s for DSE by Dr Chris Meaden

• Fulfils criteria for a good classification system

• Pan disability & sport specific

Classification process

• Bench test

• Observation in competition

• Protests

• Appeals

Bench Test

• Consent

• Eligibility

• Medical evidence

• Code of conduct

• Sport specific testing

Classification status

• process not complete until observed in competition

• Status Confirmed

Review

Classification process

• Protests

• Appeals

Interested?

Attend a classification course

• to be able to assess athletes for eligibility & training

• to be able to accompany an athlete through the process

Objectives

To understand

• the need for classification in sport

• the difficulties surrounding classification in disability sport

• the classification process

Thank You for your attention Any

Questions?

With thanks to the following for the photos;

• Graham Bool, Photographer

• Danny Crates, Paralympian

• Joyce Martin, Photographer

• Karl Sachs, Beyond boundaries