Golf for Athletes with a Disability Classification

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of Classification is to enable athletes with Eligible Impairments to participate in competitive Para sport with a pathway to sporting excellence, the pinnacle of which is the Paralympic Games.

Classification establishes a unique framework that promotes fair and meaningful competition by minimising the impact of athletes’ impairments on the outcome of competition so that the outcome is determined by factors other than impairment. Classification is therefore essential to the Paralympic Movement as Para sport cannot exist without Classification.

To achieve its purpose, Classifciation performs two critical functions:

1. To determine eligibility – ensuring that only players with a recognised impairment can compete in Golf for Athletes with a disability IGF covered competitions.
2. To group athletes equitably – assigning Sport Classes based on the extent to which the impairment affects golf-specific performance.

This process promotes fairness and preserves the integrity of competition.

Classification is not designed to group players into classes based on their sport performance. Rather, the unit of Classification is a player’s impairment, and impairments are classified based on the extent to which they impact the player’s ability to perform the fundamental activities in Golf for Athletes with a Disability. A player who improves their sport performance will become more competitive within their allocated Sport Class, but improved performance does not of itself provide a basis for changing a player’s Sport Class.

Scope and Application

The IGF Classification Rules apply to:

• IGF Counting
• The Paralympic Games (if Golf for Athletes with a Disability is included)
• Other sanctioned competitions where classification or observations may occur.

At any level, many national federations utilise the EDGA Pass System to record classification outcomes but will need to align their procedures with the IGF Rules for future Paralympic Pathways.

Competitive Player Pathway for all through the EDGA Pass System

While the IGF Classification governs International Passes, IGF Covered Competitions and Paralympic pathway competitions, the EDGA Player Pass continues to serve as a means to encourage more people with impairments to participate in golf and remains:

• Athlete-led: players initiate and maintain their pass documentation;
• EDGA approved events: open to all players from all disability categories who meet the eligibility criteria for an EDGA Player Pass.