What is Classification?
Classification is a process where athletes with disabilities are classified into various classes or groups in accordance with their physical and functional ability. This may be based purely on an evaluation of their disability or an evaluation of the impact of their functional abilities on their participation in a particular sport.
Classification is a formal process: there are specific processes and regulations which vary between sports. Classifiers must be accredited for state, national and international classification by the relevant International Sports Federation.
The Volleyball classification is based on the " Amputee and Les Autres" system used by ISOD (International Sports Organisation for the Disabled). In general classification is conducted utilising one or more of the following measures:
Level of amputation; Muscle strength; Joint range of motion; Difference in limb length
The Classes - A, B, and C
In Volleyball (Standing), players are assigned a classification of either A (most physically able), B or C (least physically able).
Basic Examples:
- "C" Class: Above elbow or above knee amputees, neurological damage resulting in severe muscle weakness (point system applies).
- "B" Class: Below elbow or below knee amputees, moderate level of neurological damage resulting in moderate level of muscle weakness (point system applies).
- "A" class: through hand or though foot amputees, neurological or other physical injury resulting in a minor level of muscle weakness, or restricted range of motion. Strict minimal disability criteria apply.
For International competitions, a team:
- MUST have at least 1 "C" player on court at all times
- MAY have up to 1 "A" player on court at any time (and maximum of 2 "A" class players on the team)
- MAY have a mix of any number of B or C players aside from the above
Most teams will usually aim to have the following mix of players on court at any one time:
- "A" 1
- "B" 4
- "C" 1
A team may choose to have all "C" players, or a mix of "C" and "B", with no A on court. The coach would usually balance the classifications (i.e. the amount of locomotor disability), the type of disability (eg. arm vs. leg amputees), and the specialist skills of the players, to provide the maximum functional ability on court.
For more information on Classification for Standing Disabled Volleyball, please refer to:
