THE PROCESS OF PARA TAEKWONDO CLASSIFICATION
The updated process of WT Classification was approved recently in compliance with the 2024 IPC Athlete Classification Code, and consists of the following sequential stages:
STAGE 1 : Verification of Underlying Health Condition (UHC)
Based only on the diagnostic information provided by the MNA and uploaded online onto the WTCS.
Reviewed by the Underlying Health Condition assessor.
STAGE 2 : Eligible Impairment (EI) assessment
In person assessment by the International Classifiers.
During the evaluation session.
STAGE 3 : Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) assessment
In person assessment by the International Classifiers.
During the evaluation session.
STAGE 4 : Sport Class & Sport Class Status allocation
In person allocation by the International Classifiers.
During the evaluation session.
In a non-competitive environment apart from the Observation Assessment (if needed).
These stages reflect a considerable refinement in the WT Classification framework compared to the previous editions (2023), aiming to improve athlete eligibility determination and overall transparency of the Classification System (see Classification flow chart for full sequence of Classification).
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CLASSIFICATION DAY
It is important to educate athletes and coaches about "What to Expect on Classification Day Guide", for many reasons:
1. Reduces Anxiety and Build Confidence
Classification can be intimidating to athletes who may not know the process and how their impairment will be assessed.
A clear, step-by-step document helps them mentally prepare, reducing stress and ensuring they arrive calm and focused.
Knowing what’s expected allows athletes to perform at their best during medical or technical assessments.
2. Ensures Transparency and Trust
The classification process directly affects an athlete’s competition eligibility and sport class. By providing a clear and consistent explanation, this reduces misunderstandings and ensure athletes feel the process is fair and impartial.
Transparency also strengthens the credibility of the classification panel and the sport’s governance.
3. Improves Compliance and Efficiency
Athletes who know what documents, equipment, or medical evidence to bring are less likely to face delays or designation Not Eligible "NE".
It saves time for classifiers and competition organisers, as athletes arrive prepared and informed.
4. Protects Athlete Rights
A pre-prepared document ensures athletes are aware of:
Their right to request an interpreter.
The Protest and Appeal procedures.
How classification outcomes will be communicated.
This empowers athletes to speak up if they believe something is unclear or incorrect.
5. Promotes Consistency Across Events
Without a standardised guide, athletes might receive different explanations depending on the event or location.
A uniform document ensures all athletes, regardless of region, language, or experience, receive the same baseline information.
6. Supports Athlete Wellbeing & Safeguarding
Explaining procedures such as privacy during physical assessments, the role of chaperones, and the use of medical data helps protect athlete dignity.
It reassures them that the process is professional, respectful, and confidential.