Paralympics Ireland

PARALYMPICS IRELAND

NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION

POLICY & STANDARDS

VERSION: 3
NOVEMBER 2016

Table of Contents

SECTION. 2 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS..............................................................................15

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National Classification Policy & Standards – Version 3, November 2016

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SECTION. 1 CLASSIFICATION POLICY 1. INTRODUCTION

Classification is a defining feature of Paralympic Sport. It provides a structure for competition, ensuring fair and equitable field of play at all levels of sport. Paralympic athletes have an impairment in body structures and functions that leads to a competitive disadvantage in sport. Consequently, criteria are put in place to ensure that winning is determined by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus, minimising the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition. The purpose of Classification is to define who is eligible to compete in Para-sport and to group eligible athletes into sport specific classes.

In 2003 the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), global governing body of the Paralympic Movement, approved the Classification Strategy, leading to the publication of the first edition of the Classification Code & International Standards (“the Code”) in 2007, which is a universal code for classification that implements policies and procedures across all sports within the Paralympic Movement. The intent of the Code is to bring consistency to certain aspects of the classification process. In November 2015, the IPC General Assembly passed the second edition of the IPC Classification Code & International Standards, which takes effect on January 1^st2017 onwards, providing a clear statement of the purpose of Paralympic classification. This new edition, which is consistent with the first, is supplemented by five International Standards which provide specific, operational guidance in the following areas of classification:

Eligible Impairments Athlete Evaluation Protests and Appels Classifier Personnel and Training Classification Data Protection

(IPC Classification Code Article 1.4)

2. PURPOSE

2.1. The purpose of this policy is to outline the position, roles and responsibilities of Paralympics Ireland and its Member Organisations with regards to national classification, in accordance with the Code and its Standards.

2.2. To establish a framework for the management of classification activities in Ireland.

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3. ARTICLES
3.1. Declaration

3.1.1. All Irish athletes with physical, visual or intellectual impairments should have access to classification opportunities relevant to their level of competition.

3.1.2. Paralympics Ireland recognise the primacy of the Code and each International Federation’s
Classification Rules and International Athlete Classifications over National Classification activities. In the event that this Policy and its associated National Standards fail to provide for a matter in respect of which there is provision in the Code, the provisions appearing in the Code shall apply.

3.1.3. Paralympics Ireland will only recognise National Classification activities that are conducted within the scope of this Policy and its associated National Standards. Any classification conducted outside this scope will neither be recognised nor upheld in any official proceedings.

3.2. Provision

Paralympics Ireland will appoint a person who will be responsible for monitoring progress in implementing this policy and for providing advice to the Performance Director, CEO, Paralympics Ireland Board and their member organisations on its implementation.

4. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. Paralympics Ireland

As an IPC member, Paralympics Ireland accepts the following roles and responsibilities under the Code:

4.1.1. Ensuring that its Classification Rules conform with the Code. 4.1.2. Ensuring the development and implementation of a National Classification Strategy and
National Classification Standards, for its members that provide guidelines for requirements of classification in Ireland relating to:

• Eligible Impairments; • Athlete Evaluation; • Protests and Appeals; • Classification Data Protection; and • Classifier Training and Certification.

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4.2.3.

Ensuring the development of procedures to address non-compliance with the Code Ensuring the development of classification resources and education with reference by its Member Organisations.

4.2.4.

to:
• The Code and its Standards; • IF Classification Rules; and

• Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities.

4.2. National Classification Committee

The NCC shall provide advice to the Paralympics Ireland Board on all policy matters in the specific areas of classification and compliance with the Code. The NCC shall in particular have the following roles:

4.2.1. Guide the implementation and review of the National Classification Strategy, including the ongoing development of the National Classification Policy and Standards;

4.2.2. Monitor compliance with the Code and the Sport Specific Classification requirements of the
International Sport Federations in Ireland;

4.2.3. Develop a National Classification Infrastructure and Network that meets the demands for classification needs in Ireland;

4.2.4. Coordinate classification activities for Ireland with support of Paralympics Ireland Member
Organisations;

4.2.5. Create strategic recommendations related to the on-going evaluation and further development of classification activities in Ireland;

4.2.6. Facilitate communication and education about Classification for Paralympic Sport; 4.2.7. Facilitate the identification, training and development of Classifiers in Ireland.

4.3. Member Organisations

Paralympics Ireland Member Organisations shall accept the following roles and responsibilities:
4.3.1. Compliance with the Code, and relevant International Federation Classification Rules; 4.3.2. Acceptance of the National Classification Policy and Standards;

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4.3.3. Implementation of the National Classification Policy and Standards at all events in which classification is being conducted;

4.3.4. Collaboration with Paralympics Ireland in the continuous improvement of National Classification activities in their sport;

4.3.5. Circulation of classification information and education for their sport to their members; 4.3.6. Collaboration with Paralympics Ireland in identification of Classifiers in Ireland.

4.4. Athletes & their Representative’s

Athletes and their associated representatives, including parent, guardian and coach, must:
4.4.1. Conduct themselves in accordance with the National Classification Policy and Standards, relevant
International Sport Federation Classification Rules, and the Code, when involved in any classification activities under the jurisdiction of Paralympics Ireland;

4.4.2. Provide adequate information related to the eligible impairment and diagnostic evidence; 4.4.3. Attend classification evaluation as scheduled at a specific time and place with the appropriate equipment/clothing;

4.4.4. Cooperate during all stages of the classification process; 4.4.5. Represent function and/or sport skills to the best of their abilities; 4.4.6. Actively participate in classification research and classification education and awareness having provided the necessary consent.

4.5. Paralympics Ireland National Classifiers

4.5.1. Paralympics Ireland National Classifiers must adhere to the conditions laid out in the Paralympics
Ireland Classifier Agreement and Code of Conduct, the National Classification Policy and Standards, relevant International Sport Federation Classification Rules and the Code, when involved in activities under the jurisdiction of Paralympics Ireland;

4.5.2. To work as a member of a national classification panel to allocate athlete’s sport class and sport

class status according to IF Classification Rules, the Code and the National Standard - Athlete Evaluation;

4.5.3. To work as a member of a national review and/or protest panel as requested in accordance with

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6the standards outlined in the National Standard - Protests and Appeals;
4.5.4. To attend classification meetings at competitions or as requested by Paralympics Ireland; 4.5.5. To assist in national classifier training and mentoring; 4.5.6. To maintain confidentiality in regard to all classification information and proceedings.

5. REQUIREMENTS TO NATIONAL BODIES AND LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO REQUEST
CLASSIFICATION DAY

5.1. In order to request a classification day with Paralympics Ireland, the below procedures shall be followed:

5.1.1. Classification day must be requested a minimum of ninety (90) days in advance. 5.1.2. LOCs should provide information about the venue to be used for classification such as name and location.

5.1.3. LOCs are responsible for arranging appropriate classification facilities. 5.1.4. Information should be disclosed to members and athletes that classification will be provided and
New Athletes must submit Classification Request Form and Medical Supporting Documents not later than 15 days in advance of the scheduled classification day.

5.1.5. A final competition entry list must be provided to Paralympics Ireland Classification Coordinator
15 days in advance in order to identify Athletes that will require a classification evaluation (New athletes and Athletes with Sport Class Status Review), organise schedule and forward medical documentation to the head of classification of each sport.

5.1.6. LOCs should clearly advertise the classification date(s) and times within the competition information.

5.2. Athletes who fail in providing Classification Request Form and Medical Supporting Documents within deadline will not be classified, therefore will not be allocated a Sport Class to compete.

5.3. The NGB shall be expected to cover all travel (flight/ground transportation/millage) and accommodation (lodging/meals) costs for classifier(s).

5.4. If NGB or LOC fails in comply with any of the procedures above, classification services will not be provided.

5.5. According to the article 6.2 of the National Classification Policy, Paralympics Ireland may suspend

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7services, funding or other supports to Member Organisations for failure to comply with the Code or the National Classification Policy and Standards.

5.6. Paralympics Ireland will make an effort to assign classifiers wherever possible, contingent upon classifier availability.

6. NATIONAL STANDARDS

6.1. Impairments that are considered eligible to participate in a sport within Paralympics Ireland and its minimum impairment criteria shall be in line with the Code and International Standard, and follow the Paralympics Ireland Classification Standard – Eligible Impairment.

6.2. National Athlete Evaluation is the process by which an athlete is assessed by Paralympics Ireland classifiers in line with the Code and International Standard, and follow the Paralympics Ireland Classification Standard - Athlete Evaluation.

6.3. Classification Protests and Appeals, which are directed to Paralympics Ireland, shall be in line with the Code and International Standard, and follow the Paralympics Ireland Classification Standard - Protest and Appeals.

6.4. Paralympics Ireland Classifier Training and Certification shall be in line with the Code and
International Standard, and follow the Paralympics Ireland Classification Standard - Classifier Training and Certification.

6.5. Paralympics Ireland Classification Data Protection shall be in line with the Code and International
Standard, and follow the Paralympics Ireland Classification Standard - Data Protection.

7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7.1. Paralympics Ireland Member Organisations and National Classifiers, have a responsibility to ensure they are aware of, and abide by, relevant National Classification Policy and Standards as apply to their sport.

7.2. Paralympics Ireland may suspend services, funding or other supports to Member Organisations,
National Classifiers, Athletes, Athlete Representatives or Support Staff for failure to comply with the Code or the National Classification Policy and Standards.

7.2.1. Disciplinary action may be taken against Paralympics Ireland Member Organisations,
Paralympics Ireland National Classifiers, Athletes, Athlete Representatives or Support Staff who breach this policy when involved in Paralympics Ireland activities in line with the Paralympics

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Ireland Disciplinary Procedures.
7.3. All classification protests and appeals directed to Paralympics Ireland are confidential. Parties to protests and appeals shall not disclose information relating to the protest or appeal or the proceedings to any person or entity outside those directly required to assist in the resolution, which may include, but are not limited to:

•••••

Athletes and their appointed representative(s); Paralympics Ireland National Classifiers; Paralympics Ireland Staff; Sport, Medical or Scientific Consultants engaged for the purposes of the protest or appeal; Any legal counsel involved in the process.

8. APPLICATION

This policy applies to:

8.1. Paralympics Ireland.

8.2. Paralympics Ireland Member Organisations. 8.3. All Irish Athletes eligible for Paralympic Competition. 8.4. All Paralympics Ireland National Classifiers in any Paralympic Sport that is recognised by the IPC.

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APPENDIX. A TERMINOLOGY

Appeal

Refers to a formal objection to the manner or process in which classification procedures have been conducted.

Athlete Evaluation

The process by which an athlete is assessed in accordance with the classification rules of an international federation in order to be allocated a sport class and sport class status.

Classification

The process by which athletes are grouped into sport classes by reference to the impact of impairment on their ability to compete in a specific sport.

Classification Master List

A list made available by Paralympics Ireland that identifies athletes who have been allocated a sport class at national and international level

Classification Panel

A group of classifiers, appointed by Paralympics Ireland, to determine Sport Class and Sport Class Status in accordance with the National Standards

Eligible Impairment

An impairment designated as being a prerequisite for competing in Para-sport

International Federation (IF)

The international sporting organisation recognised by the IPC as responsible for that sport worldwide. This Federation has authority for classification of its sport internationally.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. Its purpose is to organize the summer and winter Paralympic Games and act as the International Federation for nine sports, supervising and coordinating World Championships and other competitions.

IPC Classification Code and Standards (“the Code”)

Is a document that details the policies and procedures that should be common to all sports and sets principles to be applied by all sports within the Paralympic Movement. The term “Code” refers to the 2015 version effective on 1^stJanuary 2017 and to be implemented by January 2018.

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