What do T and F numbers mean in para athletics?
B · Beginner · Classes and entry · 2 of 4Each athlete gets a sport class. T is for track and jumps and F for throws; the number shows the impairment: 11 to 13 for vision, 20 for intellectual, 31 to 38 for coordination, 40 and 41 for short stature, 42 to 47 for limb impairments, 51 to 57 for wheelchair and seated events, 61 to 64 for prostheses.
How it works
- T11 to T13: vision impairment; T11 the most severe.
- T20: intellectual impairment.
- T35 to T38: coordination impairments, standing.
- T40 and T41: short stature.
- T42 to T47: limb impairments, standing.
- T32 to T34 and T51 to T54: wheelchair racing.
- F31 to F34 and F51 to F57: seated throws.
- T61 to T64: lower limb prostheses; T71 and T72 frame running.
The glossary has the T11 to T13 and F11 to F13, the T20 and F20, the T35 to T38 and F35 to F38, the T42 to T47 and F42 to F46, the T61 to T64 and F61 to F64 and the wheelchair racing classes.
Tricky cases
Does a lower number mean more impairment?
Within a group, generally yes; T11 is the most severe vision class.
Must T61 and T62 athletes race with prostheses?
Yes, and their height on the prostheses may not exceed a set maximum.
Is the T44 class for prosthesis users?
No. Since 2018 athletes using prostheses race in T61 to T64.
Can an athlete's class change mid-event?
Yes, after observation or a protest, which can affect results at that meeting.
Why the rule exists
Classes group athletes whose impairment affects performance in a similar way. The code lets anyone read a result and know which athletes raced each other.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| T61 and T62 | Height on prostheses capped | R 6.12.2 |
| T45 to T47 | Arm prosthesis optional | R 6.12.3 |
| Class not completed | Shown as disqualified | R 5.3 |
From the rule book
the World Para Athletics Classification page, with World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 5.3, 6.12 and 6.13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.