International Standard for Athlete Evaluation
September 2016

International Paralympic Committee
Adenauerallee 212-214
53113 Bonn, Germany

Tel. +49 228 2097-200
Fax +49 228 2097-209

www.paralympic.org
info@paralympic.org

Introduction
The fundamental purpose of the IPC Athlete Classification Code (the Code) is to uphold
confidence in Classification and advance participation by a wide range of Athletes. To achieve
this purpose, the Code details policies and procedures common across all sports and setsprinciples to be applied by all Para sports.
The Code is complemented by International Standards that provide technical and operational
standards for specific aspects of Classification to be carried out by all Signatories in a mannerthat Athletes and other Paralympic stakeholders understand and have confidence in.
Compliance with these International Standards is mandatory. This International Standard forAthlete Evaluation should be read in conjunction with the Code and the other International
Standards.

PurposeThe purpose of the International Standard for Athlete Evaluation is to detail the accepted
procedures for the assessment of Athletes and the allocation of Sport Class and Sport Class
Status.

Definitions
This International Standard uses the defined terms from the Code. Further defined terms
specific to this International Standard are:
Adaptive Equipment: implements and apparatus adapted to the special needs of Athletes,
and used by Athletes during Competition to facilitate participation and/or to achieve results.
Chief Classifier: a Classifier appointed by an International Sport Federation to direct,
administer, co-ordinate and implement Classification matters for a specific Competition
according to that International Sport Federation Classification Rules.
Head of Classification: a person appointed by an International Sport Federation to direct,
administer, co-ordinate and implement Classification matters for that International Sport
Federation.
Evaluation Session: the session an Athlete is required to attend for a Classification Panel:to assess that Athlete’s compliance with the Minimum Impairment Criteria for a sport; andInternational Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 20162

to allocate a Sport Class and Sport Class Status depending on the extent to which thatAthlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport.
Health Condition: a pathology, acute or chronic disease, disorder, injury or trauma.
Medical Review Request: a request made by a National Body or National Paralympic
Committee for Medical Review, made on behalf of an Athlete.
Protest Panel: a Classification Panel appointed by the Chief Classifier to conduct an
Evaluation Session as a result of a Protest
Underlying Health Condition: a Health Condition that may lead to an Eligible Impairment.

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1

General Provisions

1.1

Athlete Evaluation is the process by which an Athlete is assessed in accordance with
the Classification Rules of an International Sport Federation in order that an Athlete
may be allocated a Sport Class and a Sport Class Status.

1.2International Sport Federations are required (by way of their Classification Rules) toimplement and publish provisions relating to Athlete Evaluation that are consistent withthis International Standard.

1.3

A reference to ‘sport’ in this International Standard refers to both the sport and any
individual discipline within a sport.

[Comment to Article 1.3: Sport Classes can be allocated in relation to a sport itself or for individual
disciplines within a sport (for example, swimmers are allocated Sport Classes for different strokes; trackand field Athletes are allocated different Sport Classes depending on their individual track or field events).
The references to ‘sport’ in this International Standard encompass all of these situations.]

1.4

1.5

Athlete Evaluation encompasses:a)an assessment of whether or not an Athlete has an Eligible Impairment for a sport;b)

an assessment of whether the Athlete complies with Minimum Impairment
Criteria for a sport; andc)the allocation of a Sport Class and designation of a Sport Class Status dependingon the extent to which the Athlete is able to execute the specific tasks andactivities fundamental to the sport.

The assessment of whether or not an Athlete has an Eligible Impairment for a sport
must be conducted by an International Sport Federation as provided for in theInternational Standard for Eligible Impairments.

[Comment to Article 1.5: an Athlete will only be eligible to compete in a sport if the Athlete has a relevant
Eligible Impairment. As provided for in the International Standard for Eligible Impairments, an Athlete
may be required by the International Sport Federation to demonstrate that he or she has an Underlying
Health Condition that may lead to an Eligible Impairment, or demonstrate the existence of an Eligible
Impairment. Whether or not this is required will depend on the relevant Eligible Impairment and is
explained further in the International Standard for Eligible Impairments. If an Athlete does not have an
Eligible Impairment the Athlete will be Not Eligible to compete in a Para sport.]

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4

1.6

2

The assessment of whether or not an Athlete complies with Minimum Impairment
Criteria for a sport, the allocation of a Sport Class and designation of a Sport Class
Status must be undertaken by a Classification Panel in accordance with thisInternational Standard for Athlete Evaluation.

Classification Panel Procedures

2.1

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions for each of the sports that they govern concerning thecomponents of Athlete Evaluation that must be undertaken by a Classification Panel aspart of an Evaluation Session.

[Comment to Article 2.1: the term ‘Athlete Evaluation’ refers to the entire process by which an Athlete
becomes eligible to compete in a sport. This International Standard makes provision for those parts ofAthlete Evaluation that must be undertaken by a Classification Panel during an Evaluation Session].

2.2
2.2.1

At a minimum these provisions must specify that:
Classification Panels must include a minimum of two Classifiers. In exceptional
circumstances a Chief Classifier may provide that a Classification Panel consistsof one Classifier only, subject to the restriction that such a Classifier must possessa medical qualification.

[Comment to Article 2.2.1: ‘Exceptional circumstances’ will arise if there are genuine and unavoidable
practical difficulties at a Competition (such as travel delays, Classifier illness or conflicts) that mean that
there is an insufficient number of Classifiers to constitute two-person or more Classification Panels.
Regardless of circumstances the Classifier who constitutes a single person Classification Panel musthave a medical qualification that is relevant to the Eligible Impairments of the Athletes to be evaluated bythat Classifier.
An International Sport Federation may require that more than two Classifiers constitute a Classification
Panel.]

2.2.2

Athletes have the right to choose one person, who must be a member of theAthlete’s National Body or the National Paralympic Committee, to accompany
them when attending an Evaluation Session. If the Athlete is a minor, a member ofthe Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic Committee must accompany
that Athlete.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 20165

[Comment to Article 2.2.2: in certain circumstances International Sport Federations may, if they wish,
permit Athletes to attend before a Classification Panel without a member of a National Body or
National Paralympic Committee being present. For example, in relation to certain sports, Competitions
may not involve National Bodies or National Paralympic Committees but rather individual Athletes.]

2.2.3

The Classification Panel must conduct its assessments in English unless otherwise
stipulated by the International Sport Federation. If the Athlete requires aninterpreter, the National Body or National Paralympic Committee is responsible
for arranging for an interpreter. The interpreter will be permitted to accompany
the Athlete in addition to the person nominated by the Athlete to accompany him
or her when attending an Evaluation Session.

2.2.4

A Classification Panel may at any stage seek medical, technical or scientificopinion, with the agreement of the Head of Classification and/or a Chief Classifier.
This expertise may only be sought if the Classification Panel feels that such
expertise is necessary in order to allocate a Sport Class.

2.2.5

An Athlete must disclose the use of any medication and/or medical device/implant
to the Classification Panel.

2.2.6

An Athlete must comply with all reasonable instructions given by a Classification
Panel.

2.3

A Classification Panel may only have regard to evidence supplied to it by the relevant
Athlete, National Body, National Paralympic Committee and International Sport
Federation when allocating a Sport Class.

[Comment to Article 2.3: it is important that a Classification Panel has access to all the evidence that it
considers necessary for the allocation of a Sport Class. This includes the making of and/or reference toaudio-visual evidence. Caution must be exercised when using audio-visual evidence and care taken to
ensure that such use does not infringe any third party rights. It is recommended that International Sport
Federations develop and publish policies regarding the use of third party material so as to avoid any
potential misuse.]

2.4

Athlete Evaluation must take place in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of
the International Standard for Classification Data Protection and consistent with theprovisions of the International Standard for Classification Personnel and Training.

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3

Assessment of Eligible Impairment

3.1

4

The assessment of whether an Athlete has an Eligible Impairment must be undertaken
as provided for in the International Standard for Eligible Impairments.

Minimum Impairment Criteria

4.1

The Classification System used by an International Sport Federation must define theminimum level of impairment required to participate in a sport. This is referred to as'Minimum Impairment Criteria'.

[Comment to Article 4.1: when defining the Minimum Impairment Criteria, the International Sport
Federation must clearly state which sport will be adversely affected by Eligible Impairments. This may be
the Para sport or an equivalent sport for Athletes without an Impairment. For example, an InternationalSport Federation can set Minimum Impairment Criteria so that Athletes will be eligible if they have a
Permanent Impairment; and are unable to participate in an equivalent sport for Athletes without an
Impairment, without experiencing a significant adverse effect on their ability to conduct the relevant
activities in this equivalent sport.]

4.2

Minimum Impairment Criteria must ensure that an Athlete’s Eligible Impairment affects
the extent to which the Athlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities
fundamental to the sport.

4.3

An Athlete who wishes to compete in a sport must have an Eligible Impairment thatcomplies with the relevant Minimum Impairment Criteria for that sport.

4.4

In relation to the use of Adaptive Equipment, the International Sport Federation mustset Minimum Impairment Criteria as follows:

4.4.1

for Eligible Impairments other than Vision Impairment, Minimum Impairment
Criteria must not consider the extent to which the use of Adaptive Equipment
might affect how the Athlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities
fundamental to the sport;

4.4.2

for Vision Impairment, Minimum Impairment Criteria must consider the extent towhich the use of Adaptive Equipment might affect how the Athlete is able toexecute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 20167

[Comment to Article 4.4: the role of Adaptive Equipment in defining Minimum Impairment Criteria isdifferent to the role of Adaptive Equipment in the allocation of a Sport Class (see Article 5.2). The
difference in approach for Athletes with Vision Impairment must be seen within the historical context ofClassification for these Athletes, which is an assessment with 'best correction' as used in the context ofmedical diagnostics for visual acuity.]

4.5

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions for each of the sports that they govern regarding the process bywhich a Classification Panel will assess whether or not an Athlete meets the Minimum
Impairment Criteria after an International Sport Federation has verified an Eligible
Impairment. At a minimum these provisions must include:

4.5.1

A clear description of the Minimum Impairment Criteria applied to each relevant
Eligible Impairment for each sport.

4.5.2

A stipulation that compliance with Minimum Impairment Criteria must be
assessed by a Classification Panel.

4.5.3

The means by which compliance with Minimum Impairment Criteria is to beassessed by a Classification Panel.

4.5.4

A stipulation that compliance with Minimum Impairment Criteria be assessed on
the basis of the Athlete's Eligible Impairment.

4.5.5

A stipulation that the assessment of Minimum Impairment Criteria must be
consistent with Article 4.4.

4.6

5

A determination that an Athlete who does not comply with Minimum Impairment
Criteria for a sport will result in the Athlete being allocated Sport Class Not Eligible forthat sport as provided for in this International Standard.

Sport Class Allocation

5.1

An Athlete who complies with the Minimum Impairment Criteria for a sport must be
allocated a Sport Class, subject to the provisions of Article 10 and Article 11 of thisInternational Standard.

5.2

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions for each of the sports that they govern regarding the methods bywhich a Classification Panel will assess the extent to which an Athlete can perform thespecific tasks and activities required by a sport.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 20168

[Comment to Article 5.2: the use of Adaptive Equipment permitted by the rules of an International Sport
Federation is an integral component of the tasks and activities required by a sport. Therefore, Athletesmust attend Athlete Evaluation with the equipment they will use in competition. Consequently, SportClass allocation must take into consideration the (optimal) use of such technical aids and equipment(such as strapping, gloves) during competition. For example, if the rules of the sport permit wheelchairathletes to use abdominal strapping, and an Athlete with poor sitting balance does not use such strapping
and performs poorly as a result, this Athlete should not be allocated a Sport Class for Athletes with either(a) more severe impairments; or (b) impairments causing more difficulty with sport specific tasks andactivities.
The current criteria for assessment of Athletes with Vision Impairment (see the International Standard for
Eligible Impairments) is not currently sport specific and does not include a requirement that Athletes beassessed in respect of the ‘extent to which an Athlete can perform the specific tasks and activities
required by a sport’. International Sport Federations must develop such proposed criteria, and provide
these criteria to their membership and the IPC by no later than 31 December 2017.]

5.3

The allocation of a Sport Class must be based on an evaluation by a Classification Panelof the extent to which the Athlete’s Impairment affects the specific tasks and activities
fundamental to the sport. This evaluation must take place in a controlled noncompetitive environment that allows for the repeated observation of key tasks andactivities.

5.4

A Sport Class must be allocated based solely on the impact that Eligible Impairment hason the fundamental tasks and activities of the sport. Although other factors such as low
fitness level, poor technical proficiency and aging may also affect the fundamental
tasks and activities of the sport, allocation of Sport Class must not be affected by thesefactors.

[Comment to Article 5.3 and Article 5.4: in order to determine how much these other factors affect anAthlete’s performance in the sport, a Classification Panel should consider an Athlete’s training history,
technical skills and age. Consideration of these factors will assist the Classification Panel to determine
the influence of these factors on the Athlete’s ability to execute the specific tasks and activities
fundamental to the sport that may affect the allocation of Sport Class Status. For Athletes with Vision
Impairment, the Comment to Article 5.2 above also applies.]

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6

Observation in Competition

6.1

International Sport Federations must provide that a Classification Panel may requirethat an Athlete undertakes Observation in Competition before it allocates a final SportClass and designates a Sport Class Status to that Athlete. The International Sport
Federation must specify what a Classification Panel is to observe, how Observation in
Competition is to take place and by whom.

6.2

Observation in Competition must take place during First Appearance. First Appearance
is the first time an Athlete competes in an event during a Competition in a particularSport Class. First Appearance within a Sport Class applies to all participation in otherevents within the same Sport Class.

[Comment to Article 6.2: Wherever possible, Observation in Competition Assessment must not take place
at a final of an event.]

6.3

If a Classification Panel requires an Athlete to complete Observation in Competition, theAthlete is permitted to compete at First Appearance with the Sport Class that isallocated to that Athlete by the Classification Panel after the conclusion of the initial
components of the Evaluation Session.

6.4

For team sports First Appearance must take place during the preliminary rounds of aCompetition. Teams must not be permitted to select Athletes for participation inelimination rounds if those Athletes have not made a First Appearance in earlier nonelimination rounds.

6.5

The Classification Panel must allocate a Sport Class and designate a Sport Class Status
upon completion of First Appearance. If changes to an Athlete Sport Class or SportClass Status are made following Observation in Competition, the changes are effective
immediately. International Sport Federations must make clear provision as regards tothe impact of any such changes on results and prizes.

6.6

If the Athlete is allocated Sport Class Not Eligible following Observation in Competition,
the provisions of this International Standard apply.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201610

7Sport Class Status

7.1

If a Classification Panel allocates a Sport Class to an Athlete, it must also designate aSport Class Status. Sport Class Status indicates whether or not an Athlete will be
required to undertake Athlete Evaluation in the future; and if the Athlete’s Sport Class
may be subject to Protest in accordance with the International Standard for Protest andAppeals.

7.2

The Sport Class Status designated to an Athlete by a Classification Panel will be one of
the following:

7.2.1

Confirmed (C);

7.2.2

Review (R); or

7.2.3

Review with a Fixed Review Date (FRD).

[Comment to Article 7.2: an International Sport Federation may designate Athletes who are entered for an
International Competition but who have not competed at an International Competition previously (or are
returning to International Competition) with Sport Class Status ‘New’, meaning that the Athlete will beassessed by a Classification Panel at that Competition. This is addressed in Article 7.8 below.]

7.3

An Athlete will be designated with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) if the Classification
Panel is satisfied that the Athlete’s Eligible Impairment is and will remain stable. An
Athlete with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) is not required to undergo any further
Athlete Evaluation.

[Comment to Article 7.3: the only circumstances in which an Athlete with Sport Class Status Confirmed(C) will be required to undertake Athlete Evaluation will be as provided in the International Standard forProtests and Appeals or as provided in Article 7.9.]

7.4

A Classification Panel that consists of one Classifier may only designate a Sport Class
with Sport Class Status Review (R).

7.5

An Athlete will be designated Sport Class Status Review (R) if the Classification Panelbelieves that further Athlete Evaluation will be required. This may be for a number ofreasons, including but not limited to situations where the Athlete:

7.5.1

has only recently entered Competition in Para sports;

7.5.2

has a fluctuating and/or progressive Impairment/Impairments that is/arepermanent but not stable; and/or

7.5.3

has not reached full (muscular skeletal) or sports maturity.

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7.6

An Athlete with Sport Class Status Review (R) must complete Athlete Evaluation prior tocompeting at any International Competition unless the International Sport Federation
specifies otherwise.

7.7

A Classification Panel may designate an Athlete’s Sport Class with Sport Class Review
with a Fixed Review Date (FRD). An Athlete with Sport Class Status Review (FRD) isrequired to attend an Evaluation Session at the first opportunity after the relevant fixed
date.

7.8

An Athlete may be allocated a Sport Class by an International Sport Federation prior toundertaking Athlete Evaluation. Any such Athlete will be designated Sport Class Status
New (N). An Athlete with Sport Class Status New (N) must attend an Evaluation Session
prior to competing at any International Competition, unless the International Sport
Federation specifies otherwise.

7.9

If an International Sport Federation changes the criteria or methodology used toallocate Sport Classes, it may re-designate Athletes with Sport Class Status Confirmed(C) and Athletes with Sport Class Status with Fixed Review Date (FRD) as being SportClass Status Review (R).

8

Athletes who are Not Eligible

8.1

If an International Sport Federation determines that an Athlete has:

8.1.1

a Health Condition that will not lead to an Eligible Impairment; or

8.1.2

an Impairment that is not an Eligible Impairment,

the International Sport Federation must allocate that Athlete Sport Class Not Eligible (NE).
[Comment to Article 8.1: these provisions are explained further in International Standard for Eligible
Impairments. If it is determined that an Athlete does not have an Underlying Health Condition (if suchdetermination is required), or an Eligible Impairment, the Athlete will be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible(NE). The Athlete has no right to have this determination reviewed. This does not affect the Athlete’s rightto make an Appeal as provided for in the International Standard for Protests and Appeals].

8.2

If a Classification Panel determines that an Athlete does not comply with Minimum
Impairment Criteria for a sport that Athlete must be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible(NE).

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201612

[Comment to Article 8.2: a Classification Panel will be in a position to assess compliance with Minimum
Impairment Criteria if the relevant International Sport Federation has established that an Athlete has a
relevant Eligible Impairment. In its sole discretion, a Classification Panel may also review a decision of anInternational Sport Federation as to the whether or not an Athlete does, in fact, have an Eligible
Impairment.]

8.3

If a Classification Panel allocates Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) because the Athlete
does not comply with Minimum Impairment Criteria that Athlete may be eligible tocompete within another sport, subject to Athlete Evaluation for that sport.

8.4

If an Athlete is allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE), it must not be inferred from thisthat the Athlete does not have any Impairment.

8.5

If a Classification Panel allocates Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) on the basis that the
Athlete does not comply with Minimum Impairment Criteria, the Athlete must be
reviewed by a second Classification Panel. This must take place as soon as ispracticable. Pending any such second assessment, the Athlete will be allocated SportClass Not Eligible (NE) and designated Sport Class Status Review (R). The Athlete will
not be permitted to compete before such re-assessment.

8.6

If a second Classification Panel allocates Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) because theAthlete fails to meet the Minimum Impairment Criteria, or if the Athlete declines to bereviewed by a second Classification Panel at that Competition, Sport Class Status
Confirmed (C) will be allocated and the Athlete will not be permitted to compete at that
Competition or in any future Competitions.

[Comment to Article 8.5 and Article 8.6: if an Athlete is allocated with Sport Class Not Eligible (NE)because a Classification Panel finds that the Athlete does not comply with relevant Minimum Impairment
Criteria, that Athlete will have an automatic right to a re-assessment by a further Classification Panel.
This right also applies in situations involving Protests. For example, if an Athlete is allocated a Sport Class
that permits participation in sport, and makes (or is subject to) a Protest in respect of that allocation, if
the Protest Panel allocates the Athlete with Sport Class Not Eligible (NE), the Athlete will have the right toa re-assessment by a further Classification Panel].

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9
9.1

Eligibility for Multiple Sport Classes
An Athlete can only hold one Sport Class for a sport, even if he or she is eligible for two
or more Sport Classes within that sport.

[Comment to Article 9.1: some Athletes are in a position to be allocated more than one Sport Class withina sport. This might, for example, be the case if an Athlete has a combination of physical Impairment,
vision Impairment and/or intellectual Impairment. Further, an Athlete might have a physical Impairment
which would make him or her eligible for a Sport Class in two different disciplines (for example sitting andstanding in sports like archery/alpine skiing/Nordic skiing). International Sport Federations must specify
within their Classification Rules (and/or any other relevant rules) how to deal with such scenarios].

10 Failure to Attend Evaluation Session
10.1

An Athlete is personally responsible for attending an Evaluation Session.

[Comment to Article 10.1: where appropriate, an Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic
Committee must take reasonable steps to ensure that the Athlete attends Athlete Evaluation.]

10.2

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions for each of the sports that they govern regarding failure to attend
an Evaluation Session. In this regard the failure to attend relates solely to any failure toparticipate in an appointment set for the Athlete to meet with a Classification Panel forthe purposes of Athlete Evaluation.

10.3

If an Athlete fails to attend an Evaluation Session, the Classification Panel will report the
failure to the Chief Classifier. The Chief Classifier may, if satisfied that a reasonable
explanation exists for the failure to attend the Evaluation Session, specify a revised date
and time for a further Evaluation Session at the relevant Competition.

10.4

If the Athlete is unable to provide a reasonable explanation for non-attendance, or if theAthlete fails to attend an Evaluation Session on a second occasion, the Athlete will not
be permitted to compete at the relevant Competition.

[Comment to Article 10.4: International Sport Federations are under no obligation to provide unlimited
opportunities for an Athlete to undertake Athlete Evaluation. Article 10.4 does not preclude anInternational Sport Federation from offering an Athlete any further opportunities to attend Athlete
Evaluation, but the International Standard makes it clear that two failures to attend at a Competition areenough to preclude participation at that Competition.]International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201614

11 Suspension of Athlete Evaluation
11.1

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions regarding suspension of Athlete Evaluation.

11.2

A Classification Panel, in consultation with the Chief Classifier, may suspend an
Evaluation Session if it cannot allocate a Sport Class to the Athlete, including, but notlimited to, in one or more of the following circumstances:

11.2.1a failure on the part of the Athlete to comply with any part of the relevant
Classification Rules;

11.2.2

a failure on the part of the Athlete to provide any medical information that isreasonably required by the Classification Panel;

11.2.3the Classification Panel believes that the use (or non-use) of any medication
and/or medical procedure/device/implant disclosed by the Athlete will affect theability to conduct an Evaluation Session in a fair manner;

11.2.4

the Athlete has a Health Condition that may limit or prohibit complying withrequests by the Classification Panel during an Evaluation Session, which theClassification Panel considers will affect its ability to conduct an Evaluation
Session in a fair manner;

11.2.5

if an Athlete is unable to communicate effectively with the Classification Panel;

11.2.6if, in the reasonable opinion of the Classification Panel, the Athlete is physically or
mentally unable to comply with the instructions of the Classification Panel;

11.2.7the Athlete refuses to comply with any reasonable instructions given by any
Classification Personnel to such an extent that an Evaluation Session cannot be
conducted in a fair manner; and/or

11.2.8the Athlete’s representation of his or her abilities is inconsistent with any
information available to the Classification Panel to such an extent that an
Evaluation Session cannot be conducted in a fair manner.

11.3

If an Evaluation Session is suspended by a Classification Panel, the following steps must
be taken:

11.3.1

an explanation for the suspension and details of the remedial action that isrequired on the part of the Athlete will be provided to the Athlete and/or the
relevant National Body or National Paralympic Committee;

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201615

11.3.2

if an Athlete takes the remedial action to the satisfaction of the Chief Classifier or
Head of Classification, the Evaluation Session will be resumed; and11.3.3

if the Athlete fails to comply and does not take the remedial action within any
timeframe specified, the Evaluation Session will be terminated, and the Athlete
must be precluded from competing at any Competition until Athlete Evaluation iscompleted.

11.4

A suspension of an Evaluation Session may be subject to further investigation into any
possible Intentional Misrepresentation.

[Comment to Article 11: an International Sport Federation may implement disciplinary measures inrespect of any Athlete Support Personnel who are complicit in any Athlete behaviour resulting insuspension of an Evaluation Session, or fail to take reasonable steps to avoid a suspension taking place.

12 Medical Review
12.1

A change in the nature or degree of an Athlete’s Impairment may mean that a review isneeded to ensure that any Sport Class allocated to that Athlete is correct. This review isreferred to as ‘Medical Review’. A Medical Review is commenced by way of a ‘Medical
Review Request’.

[Comment to Article 12.1: Examples of situations where a Medical Review Request would be appropriate
include where the effect of surgery or some other medical procedure has resulted in an Athlete’s ability to
execute the specific tasks and activities relevant to a sport, either positively or negatively. They also
include situations where an Athlete appears to have a new Health Condition or Eligible Impairment.]

12.2

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions regarding Medical Review.

12.3

A Medical Review Request must be made if a change in the nature or degree of an
Athlete’s Impairment changes the Athlete’s ability to perform the specific tasks andactivities required by a sport in a manner that is clearly distinguishable from changes
attributable to levels of training, fitness and proficiency. Any Athlete or Athlete Support
Personnel who becomes aware of such changes in ability to perform but fails to drawthese to the attention of their National Body or National Paralympic Committee may beinvestigated in respect of possible Intentional Misrepresentation.

12.4

A National Body or National Paralympic Committee must make a Medical Review
Request on behalf of an Athlete. An Athlete must not make a Medical Review Request.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201616

[Comment to Article 12.4: an International Sport Federation may permit an Athlete to make a Medical
Review Request if it is impractical for this to be made by a National Body or National Paralympic
Committee.]

12.5

A Medical Review Request must be completed by a National Body or National
Paralympic Committee and must explain how and to what extent the Athlete’s relevant
Impairment has changed, and why it is believed that the Athlete’s Sport Class may nolonger be accurate. This must include all relevant supporting documentation.

[Comment to Article 12.5: it will generally be the case that any Medical Review Request will of necessity
need to be accompanied by reasonably detailed medical records.]

12.6

The Head of Classification must decide whether or not the Medical Review Request
must be upheld as soon as is practicable following receipt of the Medical Review
Request.

12.7

If the Medical Review Request is upheld, the Athlete’s Sport Class Status will beamended to Review (R) with immediate effect.

13 Notification of Outcomes of Athlete Evaluation
13.1

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules clear andtransparent provisions for the publication of Sport Classes.

13.2

International Sport Federations must ensure that the outcome of Athlete Evaluation is
notified to the Athlete and/or National Body or National Paralympic Committee andpublished as soon as practically possible after Athlete Evaluation. International Sport
Federations must identify the means by which such notification will be made.

[Comment to Article 13.2: the International Sport Federation must publish an interim outcome of Athlete
Evaluation prior to the start of Competition detailing the Sport Class and Sport Class Status allocated toeach Athlete after the conclusion of the initial components of Athlete Evaluation: assessment of an
Eligible Impairment; assessment of Minimum Impairment Criteria; and the assessment of the Athlete’s
ability to perform the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the Athlete’s sport in a non-competitiveenvironment.
In the context of a Competition, a Chief Classifier must advise any International Sport Federation
technical delegate and/or any event organising committee representative as to the Sport Classes andSport Class Status allocated to each Athlete. If Observation in Competition Assessment has been required
this notification should take place immediately after the event in which First Appearance took place.]

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13.3

Following a Competition, a Chief Classifier must liaise with the International Sport
Federation Head of Classification, so that Classification ‘Master Lists’ can be updated.

14 Athlete Evaluation Location
14.1

International Sport Federations must have within their Classification Rules provisions
for the components of Athlete Evaluation that this International Standard requires to beundertaken by a Classification Panel at a Competition.

14.2

International Sport Federations may have within their Classification Rules provisions forthe components of Athlete Evaluation that this International Standard requires to beundertaken by a Classification Panel at a place and time other than at a Competition.
This is referred to as a ‘Non-Competition Venue’ in this International Standard.

[Comment to Article 14.1 and Article 14.2: Athlete Evaluation comprises two distinct elements: theestablishment of Eligible Impairment by the relevant International Sport Federation, and the remaining
matters which are required to be completed by a Classification Panel. This International Standard permits
International Sport Federations to authorise Classification Panels to conduct Athlete Evaluation either ator away from a Competition.]

Athlete Evaluation at a Non-Competition Venue
14.3

Athlete Evaluation may take place at a location, referred to as a Non-Competition
Venue, and/or time other than at a Competition in order to provide Athletes with thegreatest possible opportunity to undergo Athlete Evaluation by a Classification Paneland be allocated a Sport Class.

[Comment to Article 14.3: an International Sport Federation may decide to have all or parts of Athlete
Evaluation done at a Competition venue for another sport or at any other location properly fitted to
conduct all necessary parts of the process (such as a sports science institute or a low vision expertisecentre) without compromising the standard of Athlete Evaluation. The International Sport Federationmust specify the certification procedure for such ‘other location’.]14.4

If an International Sport Federation wishes to make Athlete Evaluation available at a
Non-Competition Venue it must (on reasonable notice) advise the National Bodies the
National Paralympic Committees:

14.4.1as to the location of the Non-Competition Venue and the date upon which Athlete
Evaluation is to be made available;

14.4.2the sports in respect of which Athlete Evaluation is to be made available.

International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 2016

18

14.5

Athlete Evaluation at a Non-Competition Venue must be undertaken in a manner thatcomplies with this International Standard and the Code.

14.6

An International Sport Federation must ensure that there is an opportunity to make a
Protest in respect of a Sport Class allocated by a Classification Panel at a NonCompetition Venue. A Protest Panel at the Non-Competition Venue must handle thisProtest, failing this the relevant Athlete must be allocated a Sport Class and designatedwith Sport Class Status Review (R) and the Protest resolved at the earliest available
opportunity (which may be at another Non-Competition Venue).

14.7

If an International Sport Federation provides that the allocation of a Sport Class inrespect of a certain sport is potentially subject to Observation in Competition
Assessment this does not preclude the International Sport Federation from making
Athlete Evaluation in respect of that sport available at a Non-Competition Venue,
provided:

14.7.1it advises National Bodies or National Paralympic Committees prior to any Athlete
Evaluation taking place at a Non-Competition Venue that a Classification Panel
undertaking Athlete Evaluation at a Non-Competition Venue may conclude that it
is unable to complete Athlete Evaluation without undergoing Observation in
Competition Assessment; and14.7.2it specifies the consequences if a Classification Panel undertakes Athlete
Evaluation at a Non-Competition Venue and concludes that it is unable tocomplete Athlete Evaluation without undergoing Observation in Competition
Assessment.

[Comment to Article 14.7.2: an International Sport Federation must make clear what happens in thesecircumstances. For example, it may specify that in such instances the Evaluation Session will be void andhave no effect. Any Sport Class held by the Athlete prior to the Evaluation Session would then be retained
and the Athlete will undergo Athlete Evaluation at the first available opportunity at a Competition.]International Standard for Athlete Evaluation – September 201619