Athletes with a Physical Impairment
Are you wanting to get active, meet new people and participate at your local athletics club?
Athletics can help you connect to a range of opportunities where you can be involved in athletics activities and programs at your local club as well as participate in mainstream and state competitions.
We also have an elite pathway program that offers you the opportunity to represent Australia at the Paralympics.
Classification
Physical Impairment (Sport Classes T/31-38, T40-47, T51-54, T61-64, T71-72, F31-38, F40-46, F51-57, F61-64,)
Physical Impairment classifications are conducted by Athletics Australia and its member associations, a person wishing to obtain a physical impairment classification must complete the stages listed below. There are 2 Stages in the Australian National Physical Impairment Classification System.
NEW ATHLETES & ATHLETES COMPETING AT A CLUB AND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL
New Athletes (8 years or older) or athletes only competing in club and state championships events are only required to hold a provisional classification. Once an athlete completes the provisional classification form alongside a Medical Professional, it is returned to classification@athletics.org.au along with a completed medical diagnostics form for processing. Athletics Australia will then issue a provisional classification to the athlete. Athletes only require a National level classification if the athlete plans to compete at a national championship event.
Please ensure that if you are unable to see a doctor, the diagnosis section of your form must be supported by a doctor's diagnosis letter, as physiotherapists (whilst likely familiar with your condition) cannot diagnose.
Classification Form
Fact Sheet to assist Doctors & Physiotherapists
Help Sheet for Parents & Teachers
Classification note: Processing times for provisional classification applications can vary, and during peak times throughout the Athletics Australia season, may take up to 3 weeks to receive an outcome. If you have an event in the near future, please note that in your application.
ATHLETES WHO WISH TO COMPETE AT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS OR CLASSIFIED ATHLETES WITH A "NATIONAL REVIEW" STATUS
Athletes who wish to compete at a National Championships or currently hold a national classification with a "Review" status must attend a National Classification opportunity in order to compete at an Australian Championships.
Athletes can attend a national classification opportunity hosted by their state athletics association or an opportunity that is conducted in conjunction with a National Championships by registering for an upcoming classification via the link below.
National Classification Opportunities
ATHLETES WHO WISH TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA AT AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT
Athletes who wish to represent Australia at an international competition please contact Steve Caddy, Paralympic Pathways Lead at steve.caddy@athletics.org.au or 03 8646 4560.
Do you need support with accessing equipment to assist you with competing in Athletics?
If you have access to the NDIS you can try this NDIS Guide that gives you some important notes to access equipment through this funding.
Another option is to apply for the The Para Sport Equipment Fund. The Para-sport Equipment fund is a joint initiative of Paralympics Australia and Sport Australia, supported by Paralympics Australia’s sponsors and donors.
It is designed to provide opportunities for Australians with disabilities to participate and compete in Para-sport by addressing some of the most significant challenges faced by Para-athletes and programs; the costs associated with obtaining Para-sport equipment, which in many cases must be customised for the participant. Delivered in collaboration with Paralympics Australia’s key stakeholders, the fund aims to offer a range of equipment access solutions for Para-athletes and participation programs to enable more people with a disability to participate in Para-sport.
To learn more - https://www.paralympic.org.au/programs/equipment-fund/