Update on 2025 IPC Classification Code

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Director of Classification Tea Cisic provided an in-depth overview of the newly implemented2025 IPC Classification Code.

Classification is a fundamental pillar of the Paralympic Movement, ensuring that athletes compete fairly by grouping them based on how their impairment impacts their ability to perform in sport. The 2025 IPC Classification Code builds upon the previous editions (2007, 2015) and reflects extensive consultation with stakeholders over a three-year review period.

The 2025 IPC Classification Code is designed to keep pace with the rapid development of Para sport and enhance consistency across all disciplines. It serves as the foundation upon which all Classification systems must be based, setting minimum requirements and providing recommendations across various areas.

The revised Code seeks to balance harmonisation and flexibility, ensuring standardisation where necessary while allowing sports to adapt Classification rules to their specific needs. Additionally, it strengthens compliance measures, requiring all International Federations (IFs) and recognised bodies to align with the Code’s policies and procedures.

The classification process consists of four key stages:

1. Underlying Health Condition Assessment.
2. Eligible Impairment Assessment.
3. Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) Assessment; and
4. Sport Class Allocation.

At each stage, athletes are assessed to determine their eligibility and the extent to which their impairment affects their sporting performance.

Among the key changes in the 2025 Code are the following:

• clarifications on classification stages.
• enhanced guidelines for International Federations including updates on protests and appeals, with greater clarification on the difference between a protest (a challenge to an athlete’s assigned sport class) and an appeal (a challenge to the classification process itself). IFs are required to assess the impact of any classification system changes on athletes, ensuring proper communication and transitional measures.

Additionally, the session highlighted the IPC International Standards on:

1. Classification personnel;
2. Intentional misrepresentation; and
3. Data protection.

The updated standards go into much greater detail on the three above topics, guiding IFs in their management of each area.

The importance of classification research was also underlined, with a focus moving from evidence-based towards best-practice, sport-specific classification systems. Research plays a critical role in ensuring that classification remains scientifically robust, credible, and fair.

The IPC encourages IFs to adopt best practices in classification and continuously improve their methods based on evolving research.

IMPACT ON THE FEI AND PARA EQUESTRIAN DISCIPLINES

FEI Head Classifier Sharyn Gregory then spoke about the impact of the 2025 IPC Classification Code on the FEI and Para Equestrian disciplines. She reminded participants that the current classification system remains in place with no immediate changes.

The FEI will soon conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine which areas of its classification framework need to be updated to align with the 2025 IPC Classification Code. This process will ensure compliance with the evolving standards while maintaining fairness and transparency for athletes.

As a result, changes to the FEI Classification Rules will occur progressively, and all relevant stakeholders will be informed throughout the transition. The FEI is committed to implementing these updates methodically to provide clarity and consistency within Para Equestrian sport.

One of the key updates is the implementation of a clear four-step classification process, which the FEI will integrate into its system:

1. Underlying Health Condition (UHC) Assessment – Verification that the athlete has an eligible health condition.
2. Assessment of Impairment – Ensuring that the impairment is consistent and accurately verified.
3. Evaluation against the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) – Determining if the athlete meets the eligibility threshold for Para Equestrian classification.
4. Sport Class Allocation – Assigning the athlete to a Grade (sport class) and sport class status based on the impact of their impairment on equestrian performance.

Additionally, the language used on the FEI Classification Master List will be updated, aligning with the new terminology and framework outlined in the 2025 IPC Classification Code. The approach to Adaptive Equipment will also be reviewed, ensuring that classification decisions remain athlete-centred while adhering to evolving standards.

The focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition, upholding the principles of fair competition, and keeping the Para Equestrian community informed and engaged as these changes take effect.

2025 CLASSIFICATION CODE IMPLEMENTATION, COMPLIANCE AND EDUCATION

Tea Cisic then provided an overview of the key aspects of the 2025 Classification Code, focusing on compliance requirements, implementation strategies, and education initiatives. The updated Code aims to standardise and strengthen classification processes across Para sport, ensuring transparency, fairness, and consistency.

2025 Classification Code Compliance

The 2025 IPC Classification Code sets out the rules, policies, and processes that all IPC Members must follow. Compliance is not just about incorporating provisions into regulations; it also requires effective implementation and enforcement. While all IPC Members are bound by the Code, their compliance responsibilities vary depending on their role. The compliance strategy for 2025 will ensure flexibility in implementation, allowing time for necessary adaptations while maintaining the integrity and objectives of classification.

The mission of the compliance framework is to ensure that all Code Signatories apply classification rules consistently and effectively. The vision is to promote a positive compliance culture through a shared commitment to classification principles, reinforcing trust in the integrity of Para sport. The key principles guiding compliance efforts include collaboration, transparency, proactivity, open dialogue, and a strong focus on education and fair processes.

To monitor compliance, the IPC will implement self-assessment surveys, compliance calls and visits, action plans, audits, and ongoing monitoring reports.

Education and Implementation Initiatives

To support the implementation of the 2025 Code, the IPC has developed several educational programmes and resources. The Classification Fundamentals Course, launched in October 2023, provides an introductory overview of classification through structured lessons, interactive content, and quizzes. This course is freely available online and is currently being updated to reflect the provisions of the 2025 Code.

A new “IPC Learn” platform is being developed to serve as a centralised learning hub, offering a personalised dashboard, a knowledge base of classification resources, and a community space for discussion. Additionally, the IPC will continue to offer in-person workshops, targeted engagement activities, and research-driven projects aimed at improving classification systems.

Impact on Para Equestrian Sport

The 2025 Classification Code represents a significant step forward in ensuring that classification across Para sport is transparent, consistent, and athlete-centred. The FEI and other stakeholders will continue to work closely with the IPC to implement these changes effectively while keeping the Para Equestrian community informed and engaged.

Presenters
♦ Sharyn Gregory, FEI Head of Classification
♦ Tea Cisic, IPC Director of Classification
♦ Adam Thew, IPC Senior Legal Counsel
♦ Sean Tweedy, Classification Research Lead, University of Queensland