Classification Information Sheet – Para-Alpine Skiing
This information is intended to be a generic guide to classification for Para Athletics. The classification of athletes in this sport is performed by authorised classifiers according to the World Para Alpine Skiing classification rules.
What is the classification process?
Trained classifiers assess an athlete using the World Para Alpine Skiing classification rules to determine the following: 1. Does the athlete have an eligible impairment type? An athlete must have a permanent eligible impairment type and provide medical documentation detailing their diagnosis and health condition. 2. Does the athlete meet the minimal impairment criteria for the sport? Specific criteria applied to each sport to determine if a person’s impairment results in sufficient limitation in their sport. This is called the minimal impairment criteria. 3. What is the appropriate class to allocate the athlete for competition? Classes are detailed in the classification rules for the sport and a classifier determines the class an athlete will compete in.
Which Paralympic impairment groups compete in Para Alpine Skiing?
Athletes are required to have a permanent, eligible impairment and will be required to provide medical diagnostic information about their diagnosis and impairment.
Eligible Impairment Type Examples of health conditions
Vision Reduced or no vision in both eyes caused by damage to the eye structure, optical Impairment nerves/optic pathways, or visual cortex of the brain. Includes Albinism, Retinitis Pigmentosa, macular or rod cone dystrophy.
Limb deficiency Amputation from trauma, illness or cancer Limb deficiency from birth
Impaired Muscle Spinal cord injury, Spina Bifida, Transverse Myelitis, Sacral Power Agenesis, Spinal Tumours, Erbs Palsy, Muscular dystrophy
Hypertonia Cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, stroke, brain tumor, Physical Multiple sclerosis, cerebellar ataxia, Hereditary Spastic Ataxia Impairment Paraparesis or other conditions where hypertonia (spasticity, Athetosis rigidity or dystonia), ataxia or athetosis are present.
Impaired passive Arthrogryposis, Talipes Equinovarus, joint fusions or contractures range of movement from chronic immobilisation or trauma.
Leg length Significant difference in leg length difference
What is the Minimal Impairment Criteria?
Specific criteria applied to each sport to determine if a person’s impairment results in sufficient limitation in their sport. This is called the minimal impairment criteria.
Impairment Minimal Impairment Criteria (Guide Only)
Vision − Visual acuity in both eyes with best corrected vision of less than or equal Impairment to 6/60 (log MAR 1.0); and/or − Visual field restriction of less than 40 degrees diameter − Classification assessed in best eye with best corrected vision
Physical Limb Leg: At least through ankle amputation. Impairment deficiency Arm: Residual limbs unable to hold and use a ski pole.
Impaired Loss of muscle power in at least one elbow, shoulder, hip, knee
Muscle or ankle. Power
Hypertonia Hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis in at least one leg.
Ataxia
Athetosis
Impaired Movement restriction in at least one elbow, shoulder joint, hip, passive knee or ankle. range of
movement
Leg length Leg length difference of at least 7cm. difference
Minimal impairment criteria is further detailed in the World Para Alpine Skiing Classification rules.
Last Updated: 21 November 2019 © Paralympics Australia
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What are the Paralympic classes for this sport? The list below is intended as a guide only. Only authorised classifiers are able to provide a formal classification in a particular sport.
Class Examples (Guide Only)
Athletes with Vision Impairment - Standing Classes (all athletes use guide skier)
− From no light perception in either eye to light perception, but inability to B1 recognise the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction. − Visual acuity is poorer than LogMAR 2.60 with best corrected vision.
− Ability to recognise objects up to a distance of 2 metres − Visual acuity ranges from LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive) with best B2 corrected vision; and/or − Visual field of less than 10 degrees diameter
− Can recognise contours between 2 and 6 metres away − Visual acuity ranges from LogMAR 1.40 – 1.0 (inclusive) with best corrected B3 vision; and/or − Visual field of more than 10 degrees and less than 40 degrees diameter
Athletes with a Physical Impairment – Standing classes
− Bilateral lower limb impairment such as double above knee amputation, one above knee and one below knee, significant muscle weakness or similar LW1 impairment where both legs level − Skiers used two skis, 2 poles/outriggers
− Significant impairment in one leg, such as single above knee amputee. LW2 − Skiers use one ski, 2 poles/outriggers
− Moderate impairment in both legs, for example double below-knee LW3 amputees, or muscle weakness or coordination that affects both of their legs. − Skiers use 2 skis, 2 poles/outriggers − Skiers with below knee or through ankle amputations using prosthesis LW4 − Skiers use 2 skis, 2 poles − Skiers with an impairment impacting both arms, such as double arm limb deficiency, muscle weakness or an equivalent impairment meaning they are LW5/7 unable to use ski poles (LW5/7-1, LW5/7-2, LW 5/7-3) − Skiers use 2 skis, no poles − Skiers with an impairment in one arm, for example limb deficiency affecting one arm or a similar impairment meaning they use one pole (LW6/8 -1, LW6/8 LW6/8 -2) − Skiers use 2 skis, 1 pole − Skiers with an Impairment affecting arms and legs, such as coordination impairment (LW9/1, LW9/2) or limb deficiency impacting and upper and LW9 lower limb − Skiers use 1 or 2 skis, 1 or 2 poles/outriggers
Last Updated: 21 November 2019 © Paralympics Australia
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Athletes with a Physical Impairment – Sitting classes
− Skiers with no or minimal trunk stability, for example from a high level of LW10 spinal cord injury (LW10/1, LW10/2) − Skiers use sit ski and 2 outriggers
− Skiers with good upper trunk but less control in lower trunk and hips, for LW11 example from a lower spinal cord injury − Skiers use sit ski and 2 outriggers
− Skiers with normal or slightly decreased trunk function, for example spinal LW12 cord injury, spina bifida, or lower limb deficiency (LW12/1, LW 12/2) − Skiers use sit ski and 2 outriggers
How do I get classified?
Athletes with a Vision Impairment seek classification through Paralympics Australia
Athletes with a Physical Impairment seek classification through Snow Australia
Where do I find out further Information?
Snow Australia E: [email protected] P: +61 3 9696 2344 National
Paralympics Australia E: [email protected] P: +61 2 9704 0500
International World Para Alpine Skiing
Last Updated: 21 November 2019 © Paralympics Australia
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