Classifications
Classification is a way of grouping people together based on levels of functional ability in order to ensure that players compete on an even level. For competition purposes, every athlete needs to be classified into one of the following grades. The aim of classification is to achieve fair competition by minimising the impact that the impairment has on the outcome of competition so that sporting ability, skill level and training alone are the determinants of success and the result. The following is a rough guide to the different classification grades.
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BC1- Usually unable to propel a manual wheelchair.
- Often has difficulty adjusting from the sitting position. - Relies on trunk muscles for head and arm movements. - Has difficulty in performing grasping and releasing movements. - No functional use of the lower limbs. - Can be assisted by an on-court sports assistant. |
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BC2- Able to propel a manual wheelchair.
- Has trunk control, but this requires use of limb movements. - Can slowly spread fingers and thumb with sufficient dexterity to perform grasping and releasing movements. - Able to throw overhead and underarm. - Possibly able to stand and walk, but is very unstable. |
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BC3- Unable to grasp and release a boccia ball with consistent force and direction.
- Requires the support of an on-court sports assistant to move the ramp and other equipment. |
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BC4- Poor trunk control, range of movement, strength, timing and coordination.
- Sufficient dexterity to manipulate and propel a boccia ball but has poor grasping and releasing movements. - Uses arms or a head thrust to re-establish balance. - Able to propel a manual wheelchair. - Rapid movements are not possible. |
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Kiwi- Significant locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs.
- Usually unable to walk, but may be possible with assistance over short distances. - Generally able to manually propel a wheelchair. - Good trunk and upper limb muscles and function. - Poor strength and standing balance. |
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Full classifications available from BISFed.
