Background

Prior to the start of the 21st century, there were no agreed unifying principles to guide the establishment and development of Para sport classification systems. Classification policies and procedures were not standardised, but rather developed organically and in isolation. As a consequence, the rate at which classification systems developed, and the quality of those classification systems, varied greatly across sports.

The IPC Governing Board recognised that, to secure the future of the Paralympic Movement, a more harmonised approach to classification was required. In 2003, the IPC Governing Board approved the classification strategy, which ultimately led to the adoption of the first edition of the Classification Code in 2007. The second edition of the Classification Code was subsequently adopted in 2015. The overarching aim of both the 2007 and 2015 editions of the Classification Code was to ensure that classification was delivered to the highest possible standard across all Para sports to ensure that Paralympic stakeholders – including athletes, coaches, administrators, the public, and the media – could have confidence in the classification process and its outcomes.

IPC Classification Code

The Code is the fundamental document upon which Classification in the Paralympic Movement is based and it is designed to support the Paralympic Movement in developing effective Classification systems. It is intended to be specific enough to achieve harmonisation in areas where standardisation is required, and general enough in other areas to permit flexibility regarding the implementation of its principles.

Scope of the Code

Article 3.1 of the Code stipulates that all IPC Members and Recognised International Federations (RIFs) are bound by and must comply with the Code and International Standards. The IPC Members are:

• International Federations (IFs)
• National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
• International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs)
• Regional Organisations (ROs)

Additionally, Recognised International Federations (RIFs) are also bound by the Code. RIFs are not IPC Members, nor are they not part of the Paralympic Games Sport Programme, and so are not eligible to become an IPC Member as an International Federation, but still contribute to the development of the Paralympic Movement.

Furthemore, the Code details specific provisions regarding IFs and RIFs. As stated in Article 3.1.1, International Federations are only required to comply with the Classification Code and the International Standards in relation to disciplines that are on the Paralympic Games Sport Programme. Whereas RIFs, as stated in Article 3.1.2, must undertake to be bound by and to comply with the Classification Code and the International Standards in relation to at least one discipline that it administers.

IFs and RIFs are bound to the Code and International Standards for Covered Competitions. As illustrated in Article 3.2, Code Covered Competitions include:

• 3.2.1. the Paralympic Games;
• 3.2.2. World Championships;
• 3.2.3. any Competition that is part of the direct qualification pathway to participate in the Paralympic Games, as determined by the relevant International Federation;
• 3.2.4. any Competition where Observation Assessment may take place as part of a Classification process; and
• 3.2.5. any other event or Competition specified by the International Federation in its Classification rules.

Compliance mission

To ensure Code-Compliant Classification systems and accompanying processes are being implemented and enforced consistently and effectively across the Movement by all IPC Members.

Compliance vision

To achieve a positive Code Compliance culture underpinned by a shared commitment to the principles of Classification. Doing so will support the IPC’s commitment to advance Classification across the Movement, thereby promoting greater understanding of Classification as well as giving Athletes and the wider public confidence in the integrity of Para sport.

A well-functioning Classification System and processes are paramount for upholding and strengthening the integrity of Para sport. Classification is unique to Para sport and it is an ever-evolving area, therefore maintaining Code Compliance and following best practice models is the optimum way for Para sports to instil confidence that their Classification system and processes are fit and proper. Moreover, maintaining Code Compliance enables fair and competitive sport decided by sporting excellence.

2025 IPC Classification Code

As stipulated in Article 67.1 of the Code, the Code becomes effective on 1 January 2025 with the exception that, for winter sports on the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games Sport Programme, it will come into force on 1 July 2026. Each IF and RIF will be expected to work towards the implementation of the Code from 1 January 2025 forwards. The 2025 Classification Code seeks to keep pace with the rapid development of the Paralympic Movement, and so builds on the first two editions of the Classification Code. It is the result of an extensive three-year review of the 2015 Classification Code, based around open consultation with the IPC Membership and feedback received from other stakeholders including the IPC Classification Committee, IPC Athletes’ Council, IPC Board of Appeal of Classification, classifiers, human rights experts, and other relevant experts.

The 2025 Code can be downloaded from the IPC Handbook page.

International Standards

The 2025 Classification Code is supplemented by three International Standards that set out additional requirements and guidance on the implementation and practical application of the Code:

• International Standard for Classification Personnel and Training: Defines what an Eligible Impairment is in Para sport, thereby ensuring that Para sports are reserved for those that have an Eligible Impairment.
• International Standard for Intentional Misrepresentation: The purpose of this International Standard is to provide detailed rules and procedures for International Federations to identify, investigate, and prosecute alleged Intentional Misrepresentation by Participants under their jurisdiction.
• International Standard for Classification Data Protection: The purpose of this International Standard is to support Classification Organisations to use Classification Data consistently in accordance with the Classification Code and their legal obligations under Data Protection Laws.

The International Standards can also be downloaded from the IPC Handbook page.