BC2 (classification)

BC2 is a Paralympic boccia classification.^[1]

Definition

In 2000, BBC Sport defined this classification as "in class 2 those with poor functional strength in all extremities and trunk but able to propel a wheelchair. "^[2] In 2008, BBC Sport defined this classification was "BC2: Athletes have poor functional strength in their extremities, but can propel a wheelchair and are not eligible for assistance"^[1] In 2008, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation defined this classification was "BC2: This category is for throwing players only. No assistance can be given to players in this section of the competition." ^[3] In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association defined this classification as: "BC 2 – These athlete have greater sitting balance than a BC1 athlete and is usually able to pick th ball up from the floor. The athlete can often throw overhand and underhand."^[4] In 2012, the Great Britain Boccia Federation defined this classification as: "Players with Cerebral Palsy who are able to use their hands to consistently propel a ball into play and have greater functional ability than a BC1 athlete"^[5]

The classification is CP2, a classification used for other sports classified using the CP-ISRA Classification system.^[6]

Events

Events this classification competes in are mixed gendered competitions for either single players or a pair of players.^[5][7] At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, this classification will compete in a six end individual event, and a team event featuring BC1 and BC2 competing against each other, with three players per team, one of whom must be BC1. The match will be six ends long, with each player having three balls per end.^[5] In team play, a team is allowed to have one substitute per classification.^[6] Players in this classification have five minutes to play an end.^[6]

Performance

At the 2012 Australian national championships held at the Sydney Sport & Recreation from 30 April to 3 May, the BC2 individual event was won by Scott Elsworth of New South Wales, second by Fiona Lyons of Queensland and third by Lachlan Kavanagh of Queensland.^[8]

Competitors

Competitors in this classification include Nigel Murray of Great Britain who won the country's first Paralympic gold medal in the sport in 2000.^[7] Other competitors in this classification include Joshua Rowe who has represented both Scotland and Great Britain.^[9]

Becoming classified

Classification is handled by Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association.^[10] The classification officer for the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association is Joan Steele-Mills.^[11]

To be eligible for classification, a boccia competitor "must have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury or other nonprogressive brain damage with locomotor dysfunction, either congenital or acquired (exception: Boccia “BC 4” players)."^[12] Classification for international events requires the presence of an international Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association classifier, which classification opportunities offered a few days before a major international competition. When seeking international classification, boccia competitors are expected to be wearing appropiate clothing, fitting for the sport and not to loose fitting. The competitor seeking classification needs to bring identification and all equipment necessary to participate in boccia. During classification, several things will be assessed, including "An assesment of abilities, Athletic function, Sports specific testing, Observation during competition, and Taking the athletes picture for their ID card."^[12]

Protesting classification

Competitors are allowed to protest their classification if they disagree with it. There is a formal process in place to allow this. On the international level, there are two types of protests: "new" protests for competitors who have not been previously classified and "review" protests for competitors who seek review before a major international competition. The protest on the international level must be made by the competitor's representative national Paralympic Committee or by the competitor's representative national sport federation. When a boccia competitor has been classified in the lead up to a major international championship, the relevant sporting bodies have 60 minutes from the end of the classification to protest it. Otherwise, if a competitor is classified outside of an event period, the relevant sporting organisations have thirty days after the last competition in which to file a protest. The relevant sporting body may also file a protest in a period of more than sixty days before the competitor is supposed to participate in an international event.^[13]

See also

• Boccia classification

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boccia.

v t e Boccia at the Summer Paralympics 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 BC1 BC2 BC3 BC4