In sport, classification exists so that athletes compete in fair and equal competition. Most sports have simple classification systems that group athletes according to age, gender or weight. In Paralympic Sport, the wide range of sports and disabilities create unique classification systems. Paralympic classification groups athletes according to how their disability impacts on their sport. Athletes compete against others with similar disabilities, so that the athletes who succeed do so on the basis of athletic performance. In Australia, classification is a free service that is available to any athlete that wishes to compete against others with a similar disability.

Classification is not a requirement for general participation in athletics and all athletes are also encouraged to participate and compete in mainstream opportunities where appropriate. For full details regarding the classification system in Australia please refer to the Athletics Australia Classification Policy and Procedures.

There are a range of disability groups eligible to compete within the Australian athletics system as an athlete with a disability. These disability groups are separated into varying classifications to ensure fair competition. The classification groups are as follows:

T/F 01 - Hearing impairment (Deaf Sport classes)

T/F 11-13 - Visual impairment (Paralympic Classes)

T/F 20 - Intellectual impairment (Paralympic Classes)

T/F 31-38 - Cerebral Palsy & Acquired Brain Injury (Paralympic Classes)

T/F 40-46 - Amputees & Short Stature (Paralympic Classes)

T 51-54 - Wheelchair (Track Events) (Paralympic Classes)

F 51-58 - Wheelchair (Field Events) (Paralympic Classes)

T/F 60 - Transplant Recipients (Transplant Sport classes)

Each disability group has a set of minimal disability criteria that an athlete must meet in order to be eligible to compete as an athlete with a disability. Athletes must undergo specific Athlete Evaluation or Eligibility processes to obtain a classification. Evaluation and Eligibility processes are outlined in the Athletics Australia Classification Policy and Procedures. 

Eligible Athletes are able to receive a Classification for both track and field. A prefix indicates which discipline the classification applies to. The prefix ‘T’ indicates the classification for Track events. The prefix ‘F’ indicates the classification for Field events.

To register for your interest in being classified for the Paralympic classes contact the Australian Paralympic Committee. To register your interest in being classified for Deaf Sport classes contact Deaf Sports Australia. To register your interest in being classified for Transplant sport classes contact Transplant Australia.

IPC Athletics Competition Rules and Regulation 2016-2017

Many Schools, Clubs and Associations conduct events for athletes with a disability, but do not have sufficient numbers in each classification to hold competition events just for athletes in that l classification. As a result, athletes with a disability are often combined into one event which caters for athletes across a wide variety of disabilities and classifications. In this situation all athletes are generally grouped together in one of four separate categories;

• Ambulant Track; athletes who can compete on the track standing
• Wheelchair Track; athletes who use a wheelchair to compete on the track
• Ambulant Field; athletes who can compete in a field event standing
• Wheelchair Field; athletes who use a wheelchair to compete in a field event

In order to compete in Multi Class competition athletes must have an eligible classification. Event results are determined using the Multi Disability Scoring Tables (MDS). The MDS tables have been developed by Athletics Australia for use at underage competitions within Australia at all levels from school age to National Championships. For open competition World Records for each individual Classification are used to determine results for multiclass events.

There are many competition opportunities for athletes with a disability.

1. Club nights - contact the specific club in your area to find out more.

2. Territory Track Time - Any AWD can participate in these events. Contact the Club Coordinator (club@ntathletics.org.au) for more details on how to become involved.

3. NT Champs - Held in September each year, AWD's are encouraged to participate at this, one of the biggest competitions out of the Territory Track and Field season

4. Out of Stadium - If you fancy yourself as a bit of a fun runner, you can participate in our Darwin or Alice Springs based runners and walkers clubs. Visit the clubs tab for more information and clubs contacts. 

For all other enquiries, please contact the Club Coordinator - club@ntathletics.org.au