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.
IGF Classification Process - Video
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 & Description
National Federations Role
Athletes, through their National Federations, are to submit all required forms and medical evidence in advance.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the IGF Head of Classifications – Sam Taylor at: classification@igfmail.org
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