Paracanoe classification

Last updated

Paracanoe classification is the classification system for paracanoe. It consists of three categories KL1, KL2 and KL3. Paracanoe will be included for the first time at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. [1] The sport is governed by the International Canoe Federation.

Contents

History

The paracanoe classification system was created by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). In 2003, the IPC Athletics Classification Project developed an evidence-based classification system to assist with eligibility and sports class allocation. [2] In April 2015, the International Canoe Federation released a new classification system ahead of the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Changes were made to rename different classes of para-canoeing. [3] Current categories are included below. Para-canoeing will be included for the first time at the Summer Paralympics in Rio 2016 as voted in by the IPC in 2010. [4] [5]

Formerly Known AsCurrently Known As
A (Arms) KL1
TA (Trunk and Arms) KL2
LTA (Legs, Trunk and Arms) KL3

ICF classification

The ICF classifies paddlers into three classes according to their impairments. [6]

KL1

KL1-class competitors have limited or no trunk function and no leg balance. They apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders. [6]

Eligible paddlers meet one of the following:

KL2

KL2-class competitors have partial leg and trunk function alongside good arm strength. They may require a backrest and footboard to propel the canoe depending on their leg function. [6]

Eligible paddlers meet one of the following:

KL3

KL3-class competitors have trunk function and partial leg function. They sit in a forward flexed position and use a footboard or the seat to help propel the boat. [6]

Eligible paddlers meet one of the following:

Non-Paralympic Paracanoe events

Paracanoe athletes have an opportunity to compete at an international level. The classification system is the same but uses different names for categories: VL1, VL2 an VL3. [6]

At the Paralympic Games

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. [7] In case there was a need for classification or reclassification at the Games despite best efforts otherwise, paracanoe classification was scheduled for September 10 and September 11 at Lagoa Stadium. For sportspeople with physical or intellectual disabilities going through classification or reclassification in Rio, their in competition observation event is their first appearance in competition at the Games. [33]

Related Research Articles

Para-athletics classification is a system to determine which athletes with disabilities may compete against each other in para-athletics events. Classification is intended to group together athletes with similar levels of physical ability to allow fair competition. Classification was created and is managed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which is regularly published via its IPC Athletics Classification Handbook. People with physical, vision and intellectual disabilities are eligible to compete in this sport at the Summer Paralympics. The classification for this sport was created during the 1940s and for much of its early history was a medical condition based classification system. The classification system has subsequently become a functional mobility based one, and is moving towards an evidence-based classification system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Para-snowboarding classification</span> Classification system for para-snowboarding

Para-snowboarding classification is the classification system for para-snowboarding. The sport originally called Adaptive Snowboard is now practiced by hundreds of athletes around the world. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) defines three classes: SB-LL for athletes with a physical impairment affecting one or both legs, and SB-UL for athletes with a physical impairment affecting one or both arms who compete standing. The sport made its official Winter Paralympic debut in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.

Paralympic Shooting classification is the shooting classification in place for the Paralympic Games to help establish fair competition. Classification is governed by the International Paralympic Committee's IPC Shooting. While there are currently three classifications, there were originally five in international competitions. People with physical disabilities as defined by the International Paralympic Committee are eligible to compete.

Para-equestrian classification is a system for para-equestrian sport. It is a graded system based on the degree of physical or visual disability and handled at the international level by the FEI. The sport has eligible classifications for people with physical and vision disabilities. Groups of eligible riders include The sport is open to competitors with impaired muscle power, athetosis, impaired passive range of movement, hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia, leg length difference, short stature, and vision impairment. They are grouped into five different classes to allow fair competition. These classes are Grade I, Grade II, Grade III, Grade IV, and Grade V(Grade Names Changed as of Jan 2017). The para-equestrian classification does not consider the gender of the rider, as equestrines compete in mixed gender competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paracanoeing at the Summer Paralympics</span>

Paracanoe debuted at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. A meeting of the International Paralympic Committee in Guangzhou, China in 2010 decided to add paracanoe to the roster of the Summer Paralympic Games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis McGrath</span> Australian paracanoeist

Curtis Wain McGrath, is an Australian paracanoeist and former soldier. He took up canoeing competitively after both of his legs were amputated as a result of a mine blast while serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan. McGrath won consecutive gold medals in the Men's KL2 at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and has won ten gold medals and a silver at ICF Paracanoe World Championships between 2014 and 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paracanoe</span> Canoeing for athletes with physical disabilities

Paracanoe is canoeing for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. The Paralympic version of the sport is governed by the International Canoe Federation (ICF), and a va'a-specific variant is governed by the International Va'a Federation (IVF).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">France at the 2016 Summer Paralympics</span> Sporting event delegation

France competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7 September to 18 September 2016. The first places the team qualified were for four athletes in sailing events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Italy at the 2016 Summer Paralympics</span> Sporting event delegation

Italy competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7 September to 18 September 2016. The first places the team qualified were for three athletes in sailing events. Martina Caironi has been chosen to carry the nation's flag at the opening ceremony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine at the 2016 Summer Paralympics</span> Sporting event delegation

Ukraine competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7 September to 18 September 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hungary at the 2016 Summer Paralympics</span> Sporting event delegation

Hungary competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7 to 18 September 2016.

The KL3 class is for paracanoe paddlers with trunk function and partial leg function. A KL3 class paddler should be able to sit within a forward flexed position. Paddlers use a foot board or the seat to propel the boat. Eligible paddlers typically meet one of the following:

The KL 2 class is for paracanoe paddlers with partial leg and trunk function alongside good arm strength. A KL2 class paddler should be able to sit upright within the kayak but may require a backrest. These athletes may be able to use a footboard to propel the canoe depending on leg function. Eligible paddlers typically meet one of the following:

The KL1 Class is for paracanoe paddlers who have very limited or no trunk function and no leg function. A KL1 class paddler is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders. These athletes will likely also have poor sitting balance and typically need a seat with a high backrest. Eligible paddlers typically meet one of the following:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Littlehales</span> Australian paracanoeist

Dylan Littlehales is an Australian paracanoeist. He competed for Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

The 2017 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, the 43rd edition of the World Championships, were held in Račice, Czech Republic, from 23 to 27 August 2017.

Anne Dickins, is a British paracanoeist who competes in the KL3 classification. She won gold in this event at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, and has also won two World Championship and three European Championship golds.

The 2016 ICF Paracanoe World Championships was held in Duisburg, Germany, from 17 to 19 May 2016. This event, which is usually part of the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, was held separately as the latter is not held in Olympic years. It shared the venue with, and was held concurrently with the 2016 European Canoe Sprint Olympic Qualifier tournament.

The 2019 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships, the 45th edition of the World Championships, were held in Szeged, Hungary from 21 to 25 August 2019.

The 2019 Paracanoe European Championships was held in Poznań, Poland, from 21 to 22 May 2019. This event, which is usually part of the Canoe Sprint European Championships, was held separately as the ECA chose not to organise said event because of the European Games.

References

  1. ↑ "BBC Sport - Disability Sports - Canoeing and triathlon added to 2016 Paralympic Games". BBC News. 2010-12-11. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
  2. ↑ "IPC Athletics Classification Project for Physical Impairments: Final Report - Stage 1" (PDF). Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Paracanoeing". World Paddle Awards. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "BBC Sport - Disability Sports - Canoeing and triathlon added to 2016 Paralympic Games". bbc.co.uk. 11 December 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Para-Canoeing added to roster for 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio". paddlinglife.net. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Paracanoe". International Canoe Federation. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  7. ↑ "Rio 2016 Classification Guide" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee. March 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.