Used to evaluate their level of disability and functional ability, the goal of the classification process is to place every athlete on an equal plane in their chosen sport. Before the classification system was introduced, athletes with less severe disabilities were favoured. The use of a classification system achieves a fair and equitable competition. These systems are not unlike those used in able-bodied boxing and weight lifting where body weight is utilised to equalise competitive performance. Biathlon Toyosato in Nozawa Onsen Village Biathlon combines cross country skiing and shooting.
Athletes compete in a sitting position while seated on a chair equipped with two skis.
The sit skiers poles are shortened relative to their seated position. Twice during the 7.5 km course the competitor must stop and fire 5 shots at a designated target. Blind and partially sighted competitors shoot with the help of an electrical acoustic device. Every missed shot results in a time penalty. An athlete's equipment will depend on their disability.