Video: School Sport - Representative sport pathway (duration 3:06)
Representative sport pathway transcript (DOCX 21KB)
Video: Classification overview (duration 2:53)
Classification overview transcript (DOCX 24KB)
Further information
Below is information outlining classification, the different categories and respective application processes.
Classification is an assessment process, which groups athletes into a variety of categories based upon their impairment in a particular sport.
The classification system exists to provide a fair and equitable competition for students and athletes with disability.
The sporting classification system is managed by the International Paralympic Committee who delegates this responsibility to national sporting associations.
| Impairment category | Governing body |
|---|---|
| Autism | Sport Inclusion Australia |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Deaf Sports Australia |
| Intellectual | Sport Inclusion Australia |
| Physical | Australian Athletics / Swimming Australia |
| Transplant | Transplant Australia |
| Vision | Paralympics Australia |
| Disability | Athletics / Cross Country | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| Autism | ii-3 | S19 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | T/F01 | S15 |
| Intellectual | T/F20, T/F21 | S14, S18 |
| Physical | T/F32 - T/F64, T71, T72 | S1 - 10 |
| Transplant | T/F60 | S16 |
| Vision | T/F11, T/F12, T/F13 | S11, S12, S13 |
Note: Not all disabilities fall within the sporting classification system.
The rules of each sport determine when and why classification is required for athletes to compete. For example, in the representative school sport pathway there are multi-class competitions in athletics, cross country and swimming. The School Sport Unit also requires classification for students to compete in the representative Boccia and Tenpin Bowling Tournaments. Some NSW CHS championships such as triathlon also have events for athletes with a sporting classification.
In sports where there is a multi-class competition, athletes must be classified for every level: school, zone / district, association, state and national championships.
Note: classifications can also be used outside of the school system in other sporting activities, eg Deaf Games.
The different levels of classification include:
Provisional - allowing entry in multi-class events, up to and including School Sport Australia level.
National - allowing entry in multi-class events, up to and including a national level.
International - allowing entry in multi-class events at an international level.
Review - allowing entry in multi-class events up to and including School Sport Australia level with reassessment of classification required during the year stated.
The application process involves:
- Completing a classification eligibility application form
- Supplying requested medical documentation
- Visiting a specialist / medical practitioner (if required)
- Submission of application form and documentation to relevant sporting body.
Each classification category has different requirements.
To access specific information and eligibility application forms, select the relevant category from the headings below.
Classification flyer
Click on the picture below to download a flyer about classifcation and the Representative School Sport Pathway.
Sporting classifications
To access specific, detailed information and/or eligibility application forms, click on the relevant classification class below.
Eligibility for the Autism classification is overseen by Sport Inclusion Australia.
Please note: this classification is recognised in swimming, cross country and athletics.
In swimming the class is S19 and in athletics and cross country it is ii-3.
If already classified for swimming, the ii-3 autism classification covers all sports that include autism in their competition format. A student does not need to apply again for athletics or cross country.
Autism classification eligibility form (PDF 460 KB)
Autism classification guidance notes (PDF 258 KB)
More information on Sport Inclusion Australia.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing classification eligibility is overseen by Deaf Sports Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must have a hearing loss of 55dB 3FAHL or greater in the better ear.
Deaf Sport Australia's classification page contains an online form as well as a downloadable version.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing classification eligibility form (downloadable).
Deaf and Hard of Hearing classification eligibility form (online).
More information on Deaf Sports Australia.
Eligibility for the Intellectual Impairment classifications is overseen by Sport Inclusion Australia.
To be eligible for an Intellectual Impairment classification, a student must have an IQ of 75 or below.
Intellectual Impairment eligibility form (PDF 659 KB)
Intellectual Impairment guidance notes (PDF 528 KB)
School counselling service eligibility report (DOCX 162KB)
Students with an Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment, including Down Syndrome, may be eligible for a specific classification.
Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment eligibility form (PDF 501 KB)
Intellectual Disability with Significant Additional Impairment guidance notes (PDF 258 KB)
More information on Sport Inclusion Australia.
Separate applications need to submitted for Physical Impairment classifications for athletics / cross country and swimming.
Physical impairment classification eligibility is overseen by:
- Australian Athletics - for Athletics and Cross Country
- Swimming NSW - for Swimming
Athletics and Cross Country
Australian Athletics Physical Impairment classification form
Medical professional information sheet
Parents and teachers information sheet
More information on Australian Athletics.
Swimming
To apply for swimming physical impairment classification, visit Swimming Australia's Multi-class swimming engagement portal
More information on Swimming Australia.
Transplant Recipient classification eligibility is overseen by Transplant Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must be a solid organ or bone marrow recipient.
Transplant Recipient classification application form
Transplant recipient application guide
More information on Transplant Australia.
Visual Impairment classification eligibility is overseen by Paralympics Australia.
To be eligible for classification, a student must have a diagnosis of at least one of the following:
- Impairment of the eye structure;
- Impairment of the optic nerve or pathways;
- Impairment of the visual cortex of the brain.
If you would like to start the process of getting a Vision Impairment classification please complete the request for classification form.
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