Classification is a way of grouping athletes with disability to create meaningful competition. At Little Athletics, this grouping is called Multi-Class. The Multi-Class competition sees athletes with a range of disabilities compete against each other and rankings are determined by calculating the percentage they scored against the baseline for their classification.
Check out our webinar learn more about the Multi-Class competition.
Multi-Class is the terminology used in Little Athletics, here are some other terms you may hear:
Most Little Athletics States offer Multi-Class competitions at Carnivals, Regional Championships, Summer/Winter Championships and State Championships.
Classified athletes may be eligible to compete in both Multi-Class and non Multi-Class events. They may compete in a combination of both, but not the same event in both classes.
For more information on events offered at Regional and State level, please contact your State Office.
Baselines are used to calculate the placing of each athlete in an event.
Baseline uses a base time/distance/height in each class for each event and measures this as a percentage against the individual athlete's performance to generate a percentage score.
The placings are awarded from highest percentage score to the lowest.
Baseline replaced the MDS for scoring in 2020 and base performances are determined and reviewed by Athletics Australia.
Baselines can be found here
To calculate Track events
Percentage = Baseline time divided by the athlete's time x 100
| Athlete | 100m result | Classification | Classification Baseline | % Against baseline performance | Placings based on baseline % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamora | 15.62 | T20 | 11.91 | 11.91 / 15.62 x 100 = 76.25% | 1st |
| Yelena | 16.89 | T01 | 11.71 | 11.71 / 16.89 x 100 = 69.33% | 2nd |
| Okoye | 22.14 | T37 | 13.10 | 13.10 / 22.14 x 100 = 59.17% | 4th |
| Sersi | 23.55 | T42 | 14.72 | 14.72 / 23.55 x 100 = 62.51% | 3rd |
To calculate Field and Jumping events
Percentage = Athlete's distance or height divided by Baseline x 100
| Athlete | Shot Put result | Classification | Classification baseline | % Against baseline performance | Placings based on baseline % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natasha | 5.83 | T20 | 14.10 | 5.83 / 14.10 x 100 = 41.35% | 2nd |
| Shuri | 4.80 | T01 | 15.33 | 4.80 / 15.33 x 100 = 31.31% | 4th |
| Pepper | 4.79 | T37 | 15.28 | 4.79 / 15.28 x 100 = 31.35% | 3rd |
| Ayo | 4.21 | T42 | 9.45 | 4.21 / 9.45 x 100 = 44.55% | 1st |
Classification is only required by athletes wanting to compete at a higher level where the Multi-Class competition is available. It is not needed to participate at Centre level.
Athletes need to meet the minimum disability criteria in one or more of the following impairment groups.
Classification for a Physical Impairment is organised through Athletics Australia.
https://www.athletics.com.au/multi-class-athletics/physical-impairment/
Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment have a restriction in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour which affects conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This Impairment must present before the age of 18.
Classification is organised through Sport Inclusion Australia.
https://www.athletics.com.au/multi-class-athletics/intellectual-impairment/Eligibility - Sport Inclusion Australia
Athletes with Vision Impairment have reduced, or no vision.
Classification is organised through the Australian Olympic Committee.
https://www.athletics.com.au/multi-class-athletics/visual-impairment/
Athletes who are Deaf or Hard of hearing.
Classification for a Hearing Impairment is organised through Deaf Sports Australia.
https://www.athletics.com.au/multi-class-athletics/hearing-impairment/
Athletes after kidney, heart, heart and lung, liver, or bone marrow transplant.
Classification is organised through Transplant Australia.
https://transplant.org.au/multi-class-sports/
It varies depending on the athlete’s impairment (see above) and what type of classification they are applying for.
Provisional Classification – is for those athletes who wish to compete at Centre, Regional and State level. This type of classification does not require a face-to-face assessment, however does require certain medical documents and assessments to be provided.
National Level Classification – is for those athletes that wish to compete at a National level. This requires a face-to-face assessment for Physical Impairments which is no cost to the athlete. There are limited opportunities to attend, and bookings are essential.
International Classification – is for athletes wishing to represent Australia overseas or at any international event. This requires a face-to-face assessment for Physical Impairments.
There is a Masterlist available which lists all classified athlete’s names, classification, the type of classification (provisional, national etc) and when the next review is required. This list is updated throughout the year. An athlete may be required to show evidence of their classification if they have not yet been added to the Masterlist.
The Masterlist can be found here
In athletics the class consists of a prefix “T” or “F” and a number.
T = Track and jumping events
F = Field
Number = the level of impairment. The lower the number within each impairment type, the more severe the impairment.
Hearing Impairment |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 01 | A hearing loss of at least 55db in the better ear assessed by an Audiologist. |
Athletes with a Vision Impairment – standing classes |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 11 | These athletes have a very low visual acuity and/or no light perception. |
| T/F 12 | Athletes with a higher visual acuity than athletes competing in the T11/F11 sport class and/or a visual field of less than 10 degrees diameter. |
| T/F 13 | Athletes with the least severe vision impairment eligible. They have the highest visual acuity and/or a visual field of less than 40 degrees diameter. |
Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 20 | Athletes in this class have an intellectual impairment that impacts on the activities of running, jumping and throwing events. They must have IQ of 75 or lower on standard tests, prior to 18 years old. Will need to show evidence of significant limitations in adaptive behaviour as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. |
Athletes with Down Syndrome |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 21 | Athletes must have a formal diagnosis of Trisomy 21 or Translocation Down Syndrome. |
Athletes with Hypertonia, Ataxia or Athetosis who compete sitting |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| F 31 | Athletes have severe hypertonia or athetosis, with very poor functional range, and/or control of movement affecting all four limbs and the trunk. Hand function is very poor with a limited static grip, severely reduced throwing motion and poor follow through and release. |
| T/F 32 | Seated throws: Athletes have moderate to severe hypertonia, ataxia and/or athetosis affecting all four limbs and trunk, usually with slightly more function on one side of the body or in the legs. A cylindrical and/or spherical grasp is possible but grasp and release in combination with throwing are poorly co-ordinated. Dynamic trunk control is poor. Wheelchair track: Athletes have moderate to severe co-ordination impairment affecting all four limbs and trunk, but usually with slightly more function on one side of the body or in the legs. Function is affected so that wheelchair propulsion is difficult. Trunk control is poor. |
| T/F 33 | Seated throws: Athletes have moderate to severe hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis affecting three to four limbs and typically have almost full functional control in the least impaired arm. Athletes can throw an implement forcefully, albeit with limited follow-through. While athletes can grasp the implement, release of the implement is affected by poor finger dexterity. Trunk movements are limited by extensor tone, so that throwing motions are mainly from the arm. Wheelchair track: Athletes have moderate to severe co-ordination impairment of three to four limbs, but typically have almost full functional control in the least impaired arm. Forward propulsion of the wheelchair is impacted by significant asymmetry in arm action and/or very poor grasp and release in one hand and limited trunk movement. |
| T/F 34 | Seated throws: Athletes generally have moderate to severe hypertonia in both legs with significant difficulty in standing balance and walking. The arms and trunk demonstrate fair to good functional strength and near to full grasp, release and follow through for throws. Poor fine co-ordination in the hands is common. Hypertonia in the trunk and in the legs may result in mild limitations in throws. Wheelchair track: Athletes are generally affected in all four limbs but more in the lower limbs than the upper limbs. The arms and trunk demonstrate fair to good functional strength and near to able-bodied grasp, release and relatively symmetrical wheelchair propulsion. |
Athletes with Hypertonia, Ataxia or Athetosis who compete standing |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 35 | Standing throws: Athletes are typically more affected in the legs than the arms but may also have significant co-ordination impairment of the non-throwing arm. Moderate hypertonia in the legs significantly limits the ability to walk and run. The athlete has fair to good functional strength and near to able-bodied grasp, release and follow through in the throwing arm. Running track and jumps: Athletes are typically affected in all four limbs but more so in the legs than the arms. Running gait is moderately to severely impacted, with stride length typically shortened. |
| T/F 36 | Athletes demonstrate moderate athetosis, ataxia and sometimes hypertonia or a mixture of these, which affects all four limbs. The arms are usually similarly or more affected than the legs. Involuntary movements are clearly evident throughout the trunk and/or in the limbs in sport activities, either when the athlete is attempting to stand still (athetosis) or when attempting a specific movement (tremor). |
| T/F 37 | Standing throws: Athletes have moderate hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis in one half of the body. The other side of the body may be minimally affected and demonstrates good functional ability in throws. Transfer of weight onto the affected leg is poor. The affected arm may demonstrate no to some functional ability. Some trunk asymmetry is usually evident. Running track and jumps: Athletes have moderate hypertonia, ataxia or athetosis in one half of the body. The other side of the body may be minimally affected but always demonstrates good functional ability in running. Arm action is asymmetrical. Some trunk asymmetry is usually evident. |
| T/F 38 | Standing throws: Athletes have clear evidence of hypertonia, ataxia and/or athetosis on physical assessment that meets the MDC. Impairment is mild to moderate and can be in one to four limbs. Co-ordination and balance in throws may be mildly affected, but overall, these athletes are able to run and throw freely using able-bodied techniques. Running track and jumps: Athletes have clear evidence of hypertonia, ataxia and/or athetosis on physical assessment that will affect running. Co-ordination impairment is mild to moderate and can be in one to four limbs. Co-ordination and balance are typically mildly affected, and overall, these athletes are able to run and jump freely. |
Athletes With Short Stature |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 40 – T/F 41 | There are two classes for short stature depending on the body height of the athlete and the proportionality of the upper limbs. Athletes in the class T 40 / F40 have a shorter stature than T41 / F41. |
Athletes With Limb Deficiency, Muscle Weakness Or Joint Restrictions who Compete Standing |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 42 | Athletes have one or more impairment types affecting hip and/or knee function in one or both limbs and with activity limitations in throws, jumps and running competing without prosthesis/prostheses comparable to that of an athlete with at least a single through or above knee amputation. Athletes with impairment(s) roughly comparable to bilateral above knee amputations are also placed in this class. |
| T/F 43 | Athletes have bilateral lower limb impairments competing without prostheses where both limbs meet the minimum impairment criteria, and where functional loss is in the feet, ankles and/or lower legs. The activity limitation in Para Athletics is roughly comparable to that found in an athlete with bilateral below-knee amputations. |
| T/F 44 | This class is for any athlete competing without a prothesis with a unilateral or a combination of lower limb impairment/s where the impairment in only one limb meets the minimum impairment criteria. Functional loss is seen in one foot, ankle and/or lower leg. The activity limitation in Para Athletics is roughly comparable to that found in an athlete with one through ankle / below knee amputation. |
| T/F 45 | Standing throws: Athletes have impairments of both arms which must meet the MDC for limb deficiency, impaired passive range of movement or impaired muscle power to the extent that both arms demonstrate significant activity limitation for gripping and/ or throwing the field implements. Running track and jumps: Athletes have impairments of both arms affecting the shoulder and/or elbow joints which are comparable to the activity limitations in running and jumping as experienced by an athlete with bilateral above elbow amputations. |
| T/F 46 | Standing throws: Athletes with a unilateral upper limb impairment roughly comparable to the activity limitations experienced by an athlete with a unilateral amputation of one arm through or above the wrist and one intact arm. Athletes with bilateral upper limb impairments where one arm meets the unilateral criteria, and the other affected arm does not meet the bilateral criteria above, also compete in this class. Running track and jumps: Athletes have a unilateral upper limb impairment that affects the shoulder and/or elbow joint of one arm and which is comparable to the activity limitations in running and jumps roughly comparable to that found in an athlete with a unilateral above elbow amputation. Athletes who have impairments of both arms, affecting elbow and wrist and roughly comparable to the activity limitations experienced by an athlete with bilateral through wrist / below elbow amputations of both arms, or an athlete with one above elbow amputation and one below elbow amputation, will also be placed in this class. |
| T 47 | Athletes with a unilateral upper limb impairment resulting in some loss of function at the shoulder, elbow and wrist and which impacts sprints primarily. The impact of the impairment is comparable to the activity limitations experienced by an athlete with a unilateral through wrist/ below elbow amputation. |
Athletes With Limb Deficiency, Muscle Weakness Or Joint Restrictions Who Compete Seated |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 51 | Seated throws: Athletes use the slightly decreased to full muscle power at the shoulders, elbow flexors, and wrist extensors for throwing an implement. The triceps muscles are non-functional and may be absent. Muscle power in the trunk is absent. Grip of the implements is difficult due to non-functional finger flexors. The non-throwing hand usually requires strapping to the support bar. Wheelchair track: Athletes usually have decreased shoulder muscle power and difficulty straightening the elbows for a pushing action required for wheelchair racing propulsion. There is no muscle power in the trunk. Wheelchair propulsion is achieved with a pulling action using the elbow flexor and wrist extensor muscles. |
| T/F 52 | Seated throws: Athletes usually have good shoulder muscles and mildly weak to full elbow and wrist muscles which are required for throwing an implement. Finger flexor and extensor muscles are non-functional making grip of the implement difficult. The non-throwing hand usually requires strapping to the throwing frame. Wheelchair track: Athletes use their shoulder, elbow and wrist muscles for wheelchair propulsion. There is poor to full muscle power in the fingers with wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hands. Muscle power in the trunk is typically absent. |
| T/F 53 | Seated throws: Athletes have full muscle power at their shoulder, elbow and wrist in the throwing arm. Muscle power in the finger flexor and extensor muscles is functional, but there is always some weakness and resulting wasting of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. The grip on the implement is close to able-bodied and force can be imparted to the implement when throwing. The non-throwing hand grips the pole on the throwing frame. An athlete with partial to full trunk control but with a throwing arm that fits the F52 profile is appropriately placed in this class. Wheelchair track: Athletes typically have full function of the arms but no abdominal or lower spinal muscle activity (grade 0). |
| T/F 54 | Seated throws: Athletes have full power and movements in their arms, but no power in their abdominal muscles and typically no sitting balance. An athlete with partial to full trunk control but with upper limbs that fit the F53 profile is appropriately placed in this class. Wheelchair track: Athletes have full upper muscle power in the arms and some to full muscle power in the trunk. Athletes may have some function in the legs. |
| F 55 | Athletes have full function of the arms and partial to full trunk muscle power. There is no movement in the lower limbs. Athletes with bilateral hip disarticulations are appropriately placed in this class. |
| F 56 | Athletes have full arm and trunk muscle power. Pelvic stability is provided by some to full ability to press the knees together. Hip abductor and hip extensor muscles are typically absent. Equivalent activity limitations are seen in athletes with bilateral high above knee amputations. Athletes with some but non-functional muscle power in the lower limbs will also fit in this class. |
| F57 | Athletes who meet one or more of the MDC for impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, impaired passive range of movement and leg length difference, who do not fit any of the previously described profiles, fall into this class. |
Transplant Recipients |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 60 | Kidney, heart, heart and lung, liver, or bone marrow transplant. |
Athletes with Limb Deficiency or Leg Length Difference who compete with a Prosthesis/Prostheses |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| T/F 61 | Athletes with bilateral through knee or above knee limb deficiency competing with prostheses where minimum impairment criteria for lower limb deficiency are met. |
| T/F 62 | Athletes with bilateral below knee limb deficiency competing with prostheses where minimum impairment criteria for lower limb deficiency are met. |
| T/F 63 | Athletes with single through knee or above knee limb deficiency competing with a prosthesis where minimum impairment criteria for lower limb deficiency are met. |
| T/F 64 | Athletes with unilateral below knee limb deficiency competing with a prosthesis where the minimum impairment criteria for lower limb deficiency and leg length discrepancy are met. |
Race Running – Athletes With Co-Ordination Impairments |
|
|---|---|
| Class | Description (Guide Only) |
| RR 1 - 3 | RR1 is for athletes with the most significant co-ordination impairments and RR 2 and 3 have lesser impairments. |
Coles Little Athletics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we work, run, jump and throw throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging.
We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honor their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognize the role and value of culture.
