The Classification Process

Golf for Athletes with a Disability

Golf for Athletes with a Disability Classification

Classification is fundamental to the Paralympic Movement, ensuring fair competition by grouping athletes based on how their impairments affect performance. In Para Golf, where precision and consistency are key, classification provides a level playing field.

The 2025 Code provides a universal framework for classification, balancing harmonisation across sports with the flexibility for golf-specific needs, while requiring all International Federations, including the IGF, to comply with its standards.

Who can be Classified

Athletes must have a medically diagnosed Underlying Health Condition (UHC) that leads to one or more of the eligible impairment types:

  • Physical (e.g. impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia)
  • Vision (meeting visual acuity/field thresholds)
  • Intellectual (verified via Virtus assessments)

Sport Classes & Descriptions

Domain
Sport Class
Description
Seated Physical
Si1 / Si2
 Severe to moderate impairment requiring seated or wheelchair play
Standing Physical
St1 / St2 / St3
 From substantial functional limitation to minimal impairment meeting MIC
Vision
Vi1 / Vi2
 Ranging from total blindness to partial sight
Intellectual
In1
 Meets Virtus standards for intellectual impairment

The classification process follows four stages:

Underlying Health Condition (UHC) Assessment
  • Verification that the athlete has at least one medically or clinically diagnosed Underlying Health Condition that could result in an eligible impairment.
  • Conducted by an IGF-approved UHC Assessor, based on diagnostic documentation.
Eligible Impairment Assessment
  • Confirms that the impairment aligns with one or more of the IGF’s Eligible Impairments.
  • The Assessment must be performed in person by a qualified Classification Panel
Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) Assessment
  • Determines whether the impairments meet the minimum severity threshold for IGF covered competitions
  • Players not meeting the MIC are designated “Not Eligible – Minimum Impairment Criteria”
Sport Class & Sport Class Status Allocation

The final stage assigns:

  • A Sport Class (e.g. Si1, St2, Vi1) reflecting functional impact; and
  • A Sports Class Status (Confirmed, Reviewed, or Expired) indicating review requirements.