The classification of athletes with disabilities in sport is an attempt to ensure fair competition. The classification system enables athletes to compete at the highest level, regardless of individual differences in physical function. In order to achieve this, many years of hard work has gone into developing classification systems that level the playing field for athletes with disabilities in all Paralympic sports.

An efficient classification system must; Enable fair and equitable competition. Give each athlete with a disability an equal opportunity to compete at international level Only measure functional limitations caused by the physical disability Be as simple as possible so that it can be used in a consistent way in every participating country. Be sport specific.
The following should NOT under any circumstances affect an athlete's class in any sport; Sporting skills or natural talent. Genetic superiority or inferiority. Body size or type, i.e. height, strength, length of arms etc. Gender. Training affect. The use of strapping that provides stability and allows enhanced techniques
Classification Documents (in pdf format): Overview of Classification Athlete Classification Pathway Athlete Classification Handbook Classification Protest Form Application for a Classification ID Card Application to become a PNZ Classifier PNZ Classification Handbook & Policies Manual	Provisional Classification - PHYSICAL disability Provisional Classification - INTELLECTUAL disability Provisional Classification - VISUAL impairment
Provisional Classification: If you would like to compete as an athlete with a disability you must first receive a provisional classification. This can be allocated to you by simply completing one of the following forms as relevant to your primary disability. For example some people may have a physical disability and also an intellectual disability - they must complete the form according to the disability that affects their ability to participate in sport the most i.e. physical disability is major, intellectual disability is relatively minor. Please download the appropriate form from the 'Classification Documents' and complete thoroughly before returning to Paralympics NZ. Please ensure these forms are completed IN FULL with a much detailed information as possible, particularly in relation to how your disability affects your ability to participate in sport. Any incomplete forms will be returned to you as an accurate classification will not able to be done.
Classifiers Classifiers are the trained individuals who enable classification to take place. Classifiers are trained in the specific sports system on how to classify athletes into their correct class according to their physical function i.e. wheelchair rugby, boccia, swimming etc. Most sports allow individuals who are interested and have been involved in that sport to become a classifier of that sport provided they are given the right training and of course meet a minimum standard. However there are exceptions to this, in that Wheelchair Rugby and Snowsports only allow medical professionals to become classifiers i.e doctors and physiotherapists. Generally each classification panel (a panel is 3 classifiers) is made up of 1 medical classifier (i.e. doctor or physio), 1 sports technician (i.e. coach etc who knows the exact sports movements required of that sport) and the third person can be either a medical or technical classifier. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a classifier please contact Paralympics New Zealand on phone 09-526-076 or email info@paralympics.org.nz or complete this Application to become a PNZ Classifier and send it back to Paralympics New Zealand (by sending this form in it does not bind you to anything, it simply registers interest)
Paralymmpics New Zealand is always interested in educating people about the importance of classification for fairness in disabled sport - for more information please contact Paralympics New Zealand  Phone 09-526-0760 Fax 09-526-0762  Email info@paralympics.org.nz