The Classification Process
Classification is fundamental to the Paralympic Movement, ensuring fair competition by grouping athletes based on how their impairments affect performance. In Golf for Athletes with a Disability, 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)
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.
Sport Classes & Descriptions
| Domain | Sport Class | Description |
| Seated | Si1 & Si2 | The two sitting Sports Classes are reserved for Players whose Eligible Impairments render them unable to play in a Standing Posture without the use of Adaptive Equipment, and who elect not to use such Adaptive Equipment, such that they must play in a Seated Posture. |
| Standing | St1 / St2 / St3 | The three standing Sports Classes are reserved for Players who are able to play in a Standing Posture (including, where relevant, through the use of Adaptive Equipment). |
| Vision | V1 / V2 | The two Visual Sport Classes are reserved for players whose vision ranges from partial sight to total blindness. |
| Intellectual | Ii1 | The Ii1 is reserved for players with at least a mild adverse effect on their sport-relevant cognition. |
National Federation Role
Athletes, through their National Federations, are to submit all required forms and medical evidence in advance.
Classification Documents Download
- IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment and Eligibility Consent Form
- IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment Diagnostic Information for athletes with Vision Impairment
- IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment Medical Diagnostic Information Form
- IGF Athlete Classification Evaluation Consent Form
- IGF Medical Request Review Form
- IGF Classification Protest Form
Documents under review and to be released in 2026
IGF Classification Rules