Classification Overview
Classification provides a structure for Paralympic competition. The International Paralympic Committee has adopted a universal classification code in order to facilitate the implementation of accurate, reliable, and credible sport-specific classification systems. The classification process determines who is eligible to compete in a Paralympic sport and it groups the eligible athletes in sport classes according to their activity limitation in a certain sport. For more information about Paralympic classification and the IPC Athlete Classification Code, please visit the IPC Classification Webpage.
World Triathlon is the international federation for Paratriathlon. World Triathlon is responsible for creating and implementing the rules and regulations that govern the Paratriathlon classification system. For more information about Paratriathlon classification system, rules and regulations, please visit the World Triathlon Paratriathlon webpage.
There are currently nine sport classes in para triathlon which can be found here on the World Triathlon Sport Classes webpage.
For more in-depth descriptions about classification please visit the International Paralympic Committee classification page on paralympic.org.
USA Triathlon follows the national classification policies and procedures of U.S. Paralympics, in that all Paratriathlon national classifications conducted in the United States fall under the governance of U.S. Paralympics as the National Paralympic Committee for the United States. For more information about the national classification policies and procedures, please visit the U.S. Paralympics Classification Policies and Procedures Webpage.
All athletes who are interested in racing in paratriathlon at the national level, need to attend an event where classification is being offered. The USA national classification sport classes and evaluation processes are the same as those used by World Triathlon. The idea behind the USA having a national level classification system is so that athletes can first be seen by a USA classification panel and can be placed into the correct sport class (PTWC, PTS2-5, or PTVI). This will help alleviate any stress or uncertainty when the athlete goes to compete in World Triathlon level races and will be seen by an international classification panel.
How it works for physical impairments:
- Register for an event where classification is being offered
- USA Triathlon will assign you a specific classification appointment time in advance of this event
- See your MD and have him/her fill out the Physical Impairment Medical Diagnostic Form
- Bring these documents and all of your racing equipment to your appointment where you will undergo tests based on WT evaluative criteria
- Classifiers will assign you a sport class to race in the event
- Classifiers will then observe you in competition during the race
- After observation the classification panel will finalize your national sport class and sport class status
How it works for visual impairments:
- For National Classification for visual impairment there are no in-person classification opportunities
- See your Ophthalmologist and have him/her fill out the Visual Impairment Medical Diagnostic Form
- Submit this form to paratriathlon@usatriathlon.org for processing
- USA Triathlon will report back your national sport class and sport class status
The USA Paratriathlon National Database includes all athletes whose classification information is on file with USA Triathlon. Athletes who have been internationally classified will be included on the World Triathlon Paratriathlon International Classification Master list.
- USA Paratriathlon - National Classification Master list (updated 12/19/22)
- World Triathlon - International Classification Master list
Required Classification Forms: