Vision Impairment (VI) Classification – New Chapter

After less than a year since the transfer of governance of the Para Snow Sports from the IPC to FIS, a further step has been taken towards improving the Para Snow Sports in all aspects, underlining the importance of Classification.

Classification plays the biggest part in establishing who is eligible to compete in Para sport, and how athletes are grouped together for competition. Only eligible athletes are able to compete in an international competition.

After several years of research carried out by the University of Waterloo Canada, delivering several consultations with the membership, and receiving positive feedback from the International Paralympic Committee, FIS is ready to make the next step in the process of implementing a sport specific, evidence based VI classification system in the coming seasons.

The final proposal was discussed at the Para Snow Sports technical meetings in Dubrovnik, CRO this week, and will be put forward to the FIS Council for approval.

Last week, the Para Snow Sports team delivered the final membership consultation with 70 participants from 30 countries The recorded session can be followed using the following link: Final Membership Consultation

We would like to thank Dr. Kristine Dalton and her team for their determination and continued support in delivering this important project. At the same time, we would like to thank all the athletes and teams taking part in the research, as without them, this research would have never been delivered.