PARATRIATHLETE CLASSIFICATIONS
Paratriathlete categories are based on physical disabilities. Medical evidence shall be required as to disability and classification. Life Time Tri abides by the ITU Paratriathlon program, implementing an evidence-based classification system to group impairments into sport classes according to the extent of activity limitation they cause the athlete when performing in the sport of Paratriathlon.
The recognized types of impairments are:
- Impaired muscle power: Spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, brachial plexus injury, Erbs Palsy, polio, spina bifida, Guillian- Bare Syndrome
- Impaired passive range of movement: Ankylosis, arthrogryposis, post burns joint contractures. Does not include hypermobility of joints.
- Limb Deficiency: Amputation resulting from trauma or congenital limb deficiency (dysmelia)
- Hypertonia: Cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis
- Ataxia: Cerebral palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Friedrichs ataxia, spincerebellar ataxia
- Athetosis: Cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury
- Vision Impairment: Myopia, tunnel vision, scotoma, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, macular degeneration, congenital cataract
More information on classifications.
If not already classified, athletes will be required to submit a form signed by a doctor to verify their disability.
Athletes with miscellaneous conditions such as intolerance to temperature extremes, impacted cognitive ability, organ transplant and joint replacement (endoprosthetics) patients and/or migraine sufferers, etc., are not eligible as defined by these proposed standards. If you are unsure of your qualification, ask the USAT PC Commission for guidance before registering for events to avoid wasted time and expense.
Persons with disabilities propelled by able-bodied athletes through the use of floatation devices, tandem or “sidecar” bicycles and/or being pushed in wheelchairs, are not considered “Athletes With Disabilities,” and are not eligible for competitive awards. They may however (at the discretion of the race director) participate as a non-competitive, recreational or demonstration entry.
In most cases, a simple doctor’s note will no longer be sufficient to compete in the above categories. Even after initial testing has been completed by the individual athlete, all athletes will be re-evaluated by trained IPC classifiers at ITU International events and will be prohibited from competition if they do not meet the minimum standards. This means that even if you passed through for a specific race, you may be denied participation in another. Be aware of this possibility.