T31 (classification)

T31 and CP2 (lower) are disability sport classification for disability athletics.

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation."[1]

Sport

This classification is for disability athletics.[2] Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "CP2 (Lower), see CP-ISRA classes (appendix) Wheelchair – non paralympic event"[2] The classification in the appendix by Buckley goes on to say "Athletes are able to propel a wheelchair but have very poor useful strength in their arms, legs and trunk."[2] The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification as being for "Severe quadriplegia " [3]

Becoming classified

Athletes with cerebral palsy or similar impairments who wish to compete in para-athletics competition must first undergo a classification assessment. During this, they both undergo a bench test of muscle coordination and demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as pushing a racing wheelchair and throwing. A determination is then made as to what an classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition.[4]

Competition

This classification does not compete in the Paralympics.[2]

Competitors

There are only two Australian athletics competitors in this class : Erika Waschull and Daniel Clarke.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Paralympic Classification Today". International Paralympic Committee. 22 April 2010. p. 3.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Buckley, Jane (2011). "Understanding Classification: A Guide to the Classification Systems used in Paralympic Sports". Retrieved 12 November 2011.
  3. ↑ "Classification Information Sheet". Sydney, Australia. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  4. ↑ "CLASSIFICATION Information for Athletes". Sydney Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  5. ↑ "Australian Athletics Classification Masterlist". Sydney, Australia: Australian Paralympic Committee. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2011.