IPC Exploring Classifications, Changes Unlikely Until After Tokyo

(ATR) Research grants are being offered by the International Paralympic Committee in an effort to research Paralympic classification systems.

International Federations and International Organizations of Sports for the Disabled will be eligible to receive grants and must submit proposals by July 15, according to the IPC. The purpose of the grants is to "to develop sport-specific, evidence-based classification systems" for Paralympic athletes, the IPC said in a statement.

An IPC spokesperson told Around the Rings it would be "unlikely" that any changes to the classification scheme would come into effect for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The scope of the grants covers two years of research, meaning findings would be presented during Paralympic qualification. It would be impossible to change classification once qualification was underway.

Two scientific experts will review the completed research proposals before handing findings over to a selection committee. The committee will then rule on the proposals.

Ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics the IPC saw pushback from British athletes about the fairness of the classification system. The IPC dismissed the claims of unfairness ahead of the Games, but athletes mentioned constant reviews were needed.

"Classification is the backbone of Paralympic sport and we hope this initiative will help members to conduct multi-disciplinary scientific research to improve or revise their own sport specific classification systems as expected under the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code," Dr. Peter Van de Vliet, IPC Medical and Scientific Director, said in a statement.

"Such research must be evidence-based and focus on the relationship between impairment and key sport determinants. Athlete input must be solicited to assist in research and improvement in classification systems. We hope such involvement will strengthen the classification systems and lead to a higher degree of confidence in classification by Para athletes."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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