Classification Manual Revision Published — Webinar on 17 September
We are pleased to announce that the latest revised version of the Classification Manual is now available on our website.
This revision follows the implementation of the new Classification Manual during the 2026 World Championships and takes into account the feedback collected through its practical application, as well as the implementation of the new International Standards and the IPC International Classification Code 2025.
As part of the first steps of our compliance process, the Compliance Survey and Compliance Plan were submitted to IPC through World Ability Sport.
The experience gained during the implementation of the new system highlighted the need to further clarify some aspects of the Classification Manual, particularly the wording of certain classification steps, the application of specific tests, and the way scores are determined.
A REVISION FOCUSED ON CLARITY
The revised Manual does not change the principles underpinning the classification system.
Instead, a number of sections and sentences have been rewritten to make the manual clearer, easier to interpret, and more consistent in its practical application.
The revision provides additional clarity on:
- how specific tests should be applied;
- how scores should be determined;
- how certain assessment steps should be interpreted; and
- how the classification principles should be applied consistently.
This is therefore a partial revision focused on clarification. The fundamental assessment principles, as well as the principles established by the International Standards and the Classification Manual, remain unchanged.
We strongly encourage all classifiers and organizations involved in classification to read the updated Manual carefully.
17 SEPTEMBER — CLASSIFICATION WEBINAR
On 17 September at 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time), we will hold a webinar dedicated to the latest Classification updates.
During the webinar, we will present:
- the revised Classification Manual;
- the main changes and clarifications introduced;
- aspects that were already partially anticipated before the World Championships and during the DMSC;
- the next steps in our compliance process;
- two new research projects; and
- how National Organizations can contribute to the research and data-collection activities.
The webinar is primarily aimed at International Classifiers, National Classifiers and Classification Coordinators within National Organizations, as well as other people directly involved in or interested in classification.
One of the key objectives of this meeting is to take another step towards compliance and harmonization, supporting a more consistent application of classification principles not only internationally, but also within national systems.
TWO NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS
Another important topic that will be introduced during the 17 September webinar is two new research projects.
We very much hope that National Organisations, International Classifiers and National Classifiers will support these projects.
The involvement of National Organisations will be particularly important for collecting data and conducting specific tests within national leagues and competitions.
During the webinar, we will explain:
- the rationale behind the two projects;
- which tests we intend to implement;
- what data will need to be collected;
- how National Organizations can participate; and
- the proposed process and timelines.
Following the webinar, there will be a period during which organizations can express their interest in participating.
Specific training sessions will then be organized for the designated national representatives responsible for data collection, particularly where those representatives are not already International Classifiers.
We will also establish and communicate the data-collection window and deadline for submission.
The support of National Organizations will be essential to ensure that we can collect a sufficiently broad and representative dataset and continue developing the classification system on the basis of robust evidence.
HAVE YOU NOT RECEIVED THE WEBINAR LINK?
If you are an International Classifier, National Classifier, Classification Coordinator, or another person directly involved in or interested in classification, and you have not received the information to join the 17 September webinar, please contact us at:
certification@powerchairhockey.org
We will provide you with the webinar link.
AND WHAT ABOUT ATHLETES?
The compliance process is not only about classifiers and organizations.
The Classification Committee, together with the Athletes and Coaches Committee, will also be looking at the possibility of organising a dedicated webinar for athletes in the near future.
Education and information for athletes are an important part of the wider compliance process.
We are therefore considering the most effective ways to support information dissemination, awareness raising and sensitisation among athletes, with the aim of making the classification system increasingly understandable, transparent and accessible to everyone directly involved in it.