Athletics Australia endorses an all-inclusive competition calendar.

All events run by Athletics Australia and its Member Associations cater for para-athletics athletes.  Athletics Australia has a fully inclusive competition pathway for Para-athletes, including the Australian All Schools (secondary schools nationals) Australian Junior Championships and Australian Open Championships. School Sport Australia and Little Athletics Australia also offer athletics opportunities for Para-athletes.

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Athletics has the largest range of cerebral palsy classifications, from mild hemiplegia athletes to wheelchair and seated athletes. 

Classifications include T for Track events and F for Field events as follows;

 

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Wheelchair classes are T32-34

T32 class is for athletes with impairment affecting all four limbs but usually with more function in one side of the body or legs. These athletes have moderate to severe co-ordination impairment and trunk control is limited.

T33 are athletes with impairment affecting three limbs affecting propulsion of the wheelchair due to only one arm being affected.

T34 are athletes generally affected in all four limbs however arms are strong with good grasping ability and power.

 

Ambulant track classes are T35-38

 T35 athletes are often affected in all four limbs with legs more affected than arms.

T36 athletes have moderate athetosis, ataxia and sometimes hypertonia or a mixture of these which affects all four limbs.

T37 athletes have moderate hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis in one half of the body.

T38 athletes have mild impairment in one to four limbs.

 

F31-34 are seated throwing classes

These classes are similarly assessed and classified into the same class numbers as track events – although some athletes may receive a different throwing classification specific to mobility and coordination abilities while throwing.

 

F35-38 are ambulant throwing classes

It is more common for ambulant athletes to have the same class for both Track and Field events than seated and wheelchair athletes due to various mobility testing. 

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There are 3 Levels of Classification

Provisional

The Provisional level classification will allow an athlete
to compete at club and regional level competitions

National

The National level classification is required for any para-athlete
wishing to compete at a state or national level event in Australia.

International

Athletes who are wishing to represent Australia overseas or at any international event will require an international level classification.

 

State Level Classification Application form can be found here.

National/International Level Classification – can be done at certain competitions throughout the year. A calendar for upcoming competitions and classification opportunities can be found on the Athletics Australia website.

To find out more about classification or to get classified in Athletics,
contact Steve Caddy from Athletics Australia, he is very happy to help!

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Contact Regarding Classification

Contact: Steve Caddy

P: 03 8646 4560.

E: steve.caddy@athletics.org.au