CLASSIFICATION OF PARALYMPIC SPORTS: SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

This article provides a scientific and methodological analysis of the classification system used in Paralympic sport. The study examines the historical transition from diagnosis-based medical classification to sport-specific functional classification, the key principles of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) system, eligible impairment categories, and practical procedures used in athlete evaluation. The analysis is based on regulatory documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the IPC Athlete Classification Code, and relevant scientific literature. The findings show that contemporary classification seeks to minimize the impact of impairment on competition outcomes by grouping athletes according to the extent to which an eligible impairment affects sport-specific activities. The article systematizes the main stages of classification—medical documentation review, physical and functional assessment, technical observation, and assignment of sport class and status—and discusses current challenges, including evaluator subjectivity, intentional misrepresentation, and insufficient empirical evidence in some sports. The need to strengthen classifier training, objective measurement, digital technologies, and sport-specific research in Uzbekistan is emphasized.

Keywords

Paralympic sport, athlete classification, International Paralympic Committee, eligible impairment, functional assessment, sport class, fair competition, classifiers.