What is Classification?

In order to safeguard the integrity of fair competition, all Para sports have a system in place which aims to ensure that winning is determined by sporting factors such as skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus, the same factors that account for success in sport for able bodied athletes. This system is called Classification.

Through Classification, it is determined which athletes are eligible to compete in a sport and how those athletes are then grouped together for competition, in order to minimise the impact of those athletes’ impairments on sport performance.

Classification is sport-specific because an impairment affects the ability to perform in different sports to a different extent. As a consequence, an athlete may meet the criteria to compete in one sport, but may not meet the criteria in another sport. Having an impairment is thus not sufficient for an athlete to compete in Para sport.

The groupings of athletes by the degree of activity limitation resulting from their impairments are called ‘Sport Classes’. This, to a certain extent, is similar to grouping athletes by age, gender or weight.

Classification across the Paralympic Movement is governed by the IPC Athlete Classification Code and International Standards. More information about IPC Athlete Classification Code can be found here.

Are you interested in finding out more about how Classification works? The IPC have created a free, interactive online course for anyone interested to learn more about the most important features of Paralympic Classification, available here: IPC Classification Fundamentals.

Classification in Para Snowboard

Classification is carried out through a process called Athlete Evaluation. Athlete Evaluation involves the assessment of an Athletes Impairment(s) by a panel of Classifiers. To be eligible to compete in Para Snowboard, Athletes must have an Underlying Health Condition leading to one of the following Eligible Impairment Types:
   • Impaired Muscle Power
   • Limb Deficiency
   • Leg Length Difference
   • Hypertonia
   • Ataxia
   • Athetosis
   • Impaired Passive Range of Movement

If the Athlete has an Eligible Impairment, they must also meet the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC), as set out in the Para Snowboard Classification rules and regulations, to ensure that the Athlete's Impairment causes activity limitation. The MIC will be assessed during the Athlete Evaluation. After an Athlete has been designated as Eligible, the Classification Panel will assess which Sport Class the athlete will compete in.

Sport Classes in Para Snowboard

SPORT CLASSES
SB-LL1: Athletes have an impairment in one or both legs.
SB-LL2: Athletes have an impairment in one or both legs.
SB-UL: Athletes have an impairment in one or both arms.

What is a Classifier?
A Classifier is a person authorised as an official and certified by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to evaluate Athletes as a member of a Classification Panel. Para Snowboard Classifiers are medical professionals, all of whom have the competencies and qualifications relevant to conduct all, or specific parts, of Athlete Evaluation in accordance with the FIS Para Snowboard Classification Rules and Regulations.

Are you interested in becoming a Classifier? The FIS Para Snowboard Classifier Pathway is available here: Classifier Training and Certification Pathway.

Discliamer: This is a brief overview of classification in the sport and is in no way legally binding. In case of any discrepancies, the Para Snowboard Classification Rules and Regulations will take precedence. For further questions please contact: parasnowboard@fis-ski.com.

History of Para Snowboard

Para Snowboard is practised worldwide and features five events: snowboard-cross, snowboard cross team event, banked slalom, dual banked slalom and giant slalom.

The competition includes male and female athletes with a physical impairment such as spinal injury, cerebral palsy and amputation.

Para Snowboard was initially governed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF), but after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2010, it was taken under World Para Snowboard with a view to continue working with the WSF to develop the sport. At that time, World Para Snowboard also had a co-operation agreement with FIS collaborating on the development and technical aspects.

Since July 2022, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) acts as the International Federation for the sport following the transfer of governance of Para Snow Sports from the International Paralympic Committee.

The sport owes its success to the determination of a group of pioneering riders who in 2005 began their quest to have the sport included at the Paralympic Winter Games. After many years of campaigning, in 2012 it was announced that Para Snowboard would make its debut at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games as part of the Para alpine skiing programme, with two medal events in lower-limb impairment classifications for men and women in snowboard-cross time trial. A hugely successful debut which attracted worldwide media interest saw Netherlands’ Bibian Mentel-Spee secure the women’s gold whilst US rider Evan Strong took the men’s

This thrust snowboard onto the global stage and in 2015, the first World Championships were held in La Molina, Spain. Here, banked slalom and snowboard-cross head-to-head were contested for the first time, whilst the lower-limb impaired classifications were split and upper-limb impaired riders also competed for coveted world titles.

The 2015 World Championships saw the culmination of ongoing improvements to the classification system, including the separation of lower-limb impaired riders to SB-LL1 and SB-LL2 which was introduced during the 2014-15 season.

Athletes now compete in three categories based on the degree of activity limitation resulting from the impairment – SB-LL1 and SB-LL2 for lower-limb impaired riders and SB-UL for upper-limb impaired athletes. Snowboarders use equipment that is adapted to their needs including snowboard and orthopaedic aids.