Athletes competing in Paralympic sports have an impairment that leads to a competitive disadvantage in sport. Consequently, a system has to be put in place to minimize the impact of impairments on sport performance and to ensure the success of an athlete is determined by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus. This system is called classification.
Paracanoe is the paddling discipline for athletes with an impairment and are contested in two boat types, kayak (K) and va'a (V). There are three physical impairment classifications in each of the boat classes KL1, KL2 and KL3 for kayak and VL1, VL2 and VL3 for va'a. Once classified with an Athlete Sport Class, paddlers are allocated an Athlete Classification Status.
You can download more information about impairments and classification statuses in the documents below.
- Eligible Paracanoe Physical Impairments56.61 KBOctober 1, 2019This document contains Eligible Impairment Types and examples of medical conditions that are accepted.
- Paracanoe Classification Status416.81 KBOctober 1, 2019This document outlines the Paracanoe Classification Status and explains the Confirmed (C), New (N), and Review (R) statuses.
Physical Impairment
To be classified with a physical impairment, a paddler's functional mobility is assessed by ICF trained classifiers.
The process involves a physical test, technical test and if necessary, observation in competition, during which time a paddlers classification will be determined.
A minimum of two classifiers form a classification panel consisting of a medical classifier (a doctor or physiotherapist), who will have undertaken the ICF Paracanoe classifier training, and a technical classifier (a coach).
- Want to beceome a Classifier? Get in contact using the Contact button details on this page. Go to the form and choose Paracanoe Classification from the list of subjects.
In the first instance, paddlers will need to obtain a British Canoeing classification and then as they progress along the elite pathway may be put forward for an international classification. Below are the documents to enable you to do that.
- Paracanoe Classification Application Form27.77 KBOctober 1, 2019This is the document you need to apply for Paracanoe Classification.
- Paracanoe Classification Process Flowchart604.56 KBOctober 1, 2019This document contains a flowchart outlining the Paracanoe Classification process.
- Paracanoe Medical Diagnoses Form22.57 KBOctober 1, 2019This is the medical diagnosis form required for applying for Paracanoe Classification.
- Declaration of Medical Complications and Emergency Measures22.65 KBOctober 1, 2019This document is the declaration of any medical complications and emergency measures you may require. This document is needed when applying for Paracanoe Classification.
National Classification Rules and Regulations
The British Canoeing National Classification Rules and Regulations is the comprehensive set of rules that sets out the process for athletes who wish to compete in Paracanoe races domestically to be classified. You can download this document below.
- National Rules and Regulations for Paracanoe Classification595.70 KBOctober 1, 2019The comprehensive set of rules setting out the process for athletes who wish to compete in Paracanoe races domestically to be classified.
Paracanoe National Master List
The National Classification Masterlist details the status of all athletes who have undergone national classification but have not undergone ICF international classification. You can download it below. The ICF international classification masterlist is available on the ICF website linked here.
- National Classification Masterlist61.52 KBApril 23, 2024This document details the status of all athletes who have undergone national classification but have not undergone ICF international classification.
Classification Medical Review
A Medical Review Request (MRR) is possible for paddlers with a National Confirmed (NC) status or National Review (NR) status – with fixed date review. It needs to be considered that there is a change in the paddler’s medical condition, either by medical intervention, or other, or where the impairment is progressive and so would affect the classes allocated.
Request for reviews must be submitted to British Canoeing together with recent (within 12 months) supporting medical documentation and a minimum of 3 months prior to a competition where classification is available. You can make a request for a classification review using the document below.
- Request for Classification Review Form206.67 KBOctober 1, 2019This is the document required for Paracanoe athletes seeking to request a review of their Classification status.
Further details regarding eligibility can be found on the International Canoe Federation website linked here and their classification page linked here.