Pan-Disability Classification in Sport Penny Broomhead Penny Broomhead Manchester Metropolitan University
May 24, 2015
Pan-Disability Classification
in Sport
Penny Broomhead Penny Broomhead
Manchester Metropolitan University
March 3rd 2011
Objectives
To understand
• the need for classification in sport
• the difficulties surrounding classification in disability sport
• the classification process
Classification in Sport
Ensures fair and
equitable competition
Classification in Disability Sport
• Sporting ability is judged by the results of the competition
• The winner is the most skilled or highly trained not the least ‘disabled’
Classification issues
• Pan disability
• Sports specificity
• Access to classification
Attributes of a good classification system
• Simple & Flexible
• Consistent & Objective
• Use recognised (validated) tests
Assessment
The critical factor in establishing a protocol for recording results is that each assessor uses the same system and that all team members interpret the results in the same manner
O’Sullivan et al (1981)
Attributes of a good classification system
• Acceptable to competitor
• Sensitive
• Accessible
• Based on impairment
Impairment
Impairments are problems in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss.
WHO 2000
Impairment
• Locomotor
• Sensory
• Cerebral
• Other
Impairment (deviation or loss)
Loss of function, limits activity
Restriction in participation, limits role
WHO 2007
Why measure impairment?
Why measure impairment?
Unclassifiable?
To say someone is ‘not eligible or not classifiable’ is not to say they are not disabled. The severity of the disability is not in doubt, but some disabilities do not fit into a classification system.
IPC Classification Committee 2000
The Profile System
• Developed in 1980’s for DSE by Dr Chris Meaden
• Fulfils criteria for a good classification system
• Pan disability & sport specific
Classification process
• Bench test
• Observation in competition
• Protests
• Appeals
Bench Test
• Consent
• Eligibility
• Medical evidence
• Code of conduct
• Sport specific testing
Classification status
• process not complete until observed in competition
• Status Confirmed
Review
Classification process
• Protests
• Appeals
Interested?
Attend a classification course
• to be able to assess athletes for eligibility & training
• to be able to accompany an athlete through the process
Objectives
To understand
• the need for classification in sport
• the difficulties surrounding classification in disability sport
• the classification process
Thank You for your attention Any
Questions?
With thanks to the following for the photos;
• Graham Bool, Photographer
• Danny Crates, Paralympian
• Joyce Martin, Photographer
• Karl Sachs, Beyond boundaries