Classification in the Paralympics

    While inclusivity and competition is the main idea, and beliefs behind the Paralympics, it is important to have classification systems to make sure the competition is fair. Every sport has different physical demands that some athletes might have difficulty with. If athletes have a much easier time competing in a sport compared to another athlete, it might create an unfair event, and could cause other less athletes to not be as involved in the competition. An athlete could feel left out, and discouraged, when in an environment where they are not actively involved in the competition. The Paralympics should be inclusive to everyone, that has become a main belief, and value of the Paralympics, and Special Olympics (Barr, 2025). The four core values of the Paralympics are determination, equality, inspiration and courage. Not being inclusive to all would not be in accordance with their core values. It’s important with this inclusivity to have a strong classification system to ensure each competition is fair. A strong reliable classification system is the best way to make sure the playing field is fair. Judging skill, and development of the athletes will also help make sure the competition remains fair. A classification system should look at the type of disability, the skills of the athlete, the development of the athlete, and difficulties the athlete might face. The classification should also not be the same for every sport. Different sports have different needs, and the classification system should be based off of the skills needed for each certain sport. It wouldn’t make sense for an athlete competing in swimming to go through classification that focuses on skills needed for basketball. Classification through this should allow athletes to be put into competitive skill based matches, that will only make everything more fair, and overall better. 

I have personal experience with trying to make an even playing field with athletes with varying disabilities, and skill sets. For Unified Sports at Stockton in the spring semester, we play basketball. On our busiest week we have close to 20 athletes all with various disabilities, and skill sets. It can be difficult to create a fair, and fun environment while keeping everyone engaged. Some athletes are taller than me, and in all honesty much better at basketball than me, while other athletes are much shorter, and have difficulty with some of the skills needed in basketball, such as dribbling, and shooting. Some athletes may get bored with drills that other athletes need to boost their skills. To combat this we have to find ways to make simple drills challenging, and engaging for all skill levels. We also have to create balanced teams for when we do intrasquad scrimmages. To do this we split the court in half, on one side we have athletes that are more advanced in skills, and on the other side are those with less skills. Teams on each side are determined by height and size of athletes, as well as overall skill, and other factors, for example there are two brothers that always ask to be on the same team. With all of this in mind we create teams that are fair, and competitive. Unified partners are also placed on each team to make sure everyone is engaged in the game, and make sure the competition is fair. This is an example of making sure a playing field is fair when the team is composed of athletes with varying disabilities. 


Work Cited

Barr, R. (2025, March 18). What are the four Paralympic values? - paralympics NZ. Paralympics New Zealand. https://paralympics.org.nz/news/blog-what-are-the-four-paralympic-values/#:~:text=At%20the%20heart%20of%20the,%2C%20equality%2C%20inspiration%20and%20courage.

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