Underlying Health Condition Assessment

Understanding the UHC Assessment

The Underlying Health Condition (UHC) Assessment is the first step in the IGF Classification process, designed to verify if a player has a diagnosed Underlying Health Condition that may lead to an eligible impairment.

To start, the player must complete the IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment and Eligibility Consent Form, provide their National Federation with the IGF UHC Assessment Medical Diagnostic Information Form for physical impairmentor the UHC Diagnostic Information for Athletes with Vision Impairments, submit all necessary diagnostic information for their impairment, and, if they use Adaptive Equipment, complete the Adaptive Equipment Assessment Request Form, which the Federation submits to the IGF via the IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment Uploadsite, ensuring it is complete and accurate.

IGF Underlying Health Condition Assessment Upload

A qualified UHC Assessor conducts the assessment based on the submitted information, and additional documentation may be requested. Verified conditions allow the player to proceed to an Evaluation Session to determine Eligible Impairment, Minimum Impairment Criteria, and Sport Class.

A positive UHC Assessment does not confirm final eligibility or Sport Class. If no condition is established, the National Federation will receive an explanation, and a second assessment will be conducted. A finding of “Not Eligible – Underlying Health Condition” pertains only to IGF Level Classification, not the presence of a disability.

Watch the UHC Assessment video below for further insight into the UHC Assessment, including the information required, how the assessment is conducted, and what happens after a decision is made.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the IGF Head of Golf for Athletes with a Disability, Christian Hamilton, at christianhamilton@igfmail.org or the IGF Head of Classification, Sam Taylor, at classification@igfmail.org

National Federations Role

The National Federation ensures that the Athlete information is correctly submitted through the IGF submission platform at least 2 months before the Classification opportunity, that the Athlete attends the evaluation session with the right person, documents, and equipment, and that the Athlete responds quickly to any IGF or Classification Panel request.

Guide for National Federation Members

The Role of the UHC Assessor

The UHC Assessor reviews a player's diagnostic information to verify if they have a medically or clinically diagnosed Underlying Health Condition. This assessment relies solely on the information submitted by the player’s National Federation, and the UHC Assessor does not diagnose or assign a Sport Class.

Assessments can be conducted by a committee that includes the IGF Head of Classification and at least two experts, qualified Classifiers, or Virtus for cases related to Intellectual Impairment. UHC Assessors must have the necessary skills, experience, and sign a confidentiality agreement. They may consult medical, clinical, or scientific experts if needed.

When multiple assessors are involved, they first review the information independently, aiming for a unanimous decision; if not possible, a majority rules. The outcome is documented and reported to the IGF. If the condition is verified, the player advances to an Evaluation Session; if not, a written explanation is provided, and a second UHC Assessor reviews the case without involvement from the first assessment team.

This process ensures that UHC decisions are evidence-based, consistent, and confidential.