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.
To start, the player must complete consent forms and provide their National Federation with the necessary diagnostic information, which the Federation submits to the IGF, ensuring it is complete and accurate.
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 Golf for Athletes with a Disability eligibility, not the presence of a disability.
Find out more
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.
Video - Underlying Health Condition Assessment
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.
Video – Role of the Underlying Health Condition Assessor
For more information, please contact the IGF Head of Golf for Athletes with a Disability, Christian Hamilton, at christianhamilton@igfmail.org