Who can play para ice hockey?
A · Advanced · Penalties and eligibility · 2 of 3Para ice hockey has one sport class, for players with a lower-limb impairment that meets the minimum criteria, such as an amputation through the ankle or a set loss of leg muscle power. Players need a WPIH licence, must be nationals of their team's country and must be 16 by 1 January of the competition year. Men and women can play.
How it works
- Sport class: one only.
- Impairment: lower limbs.
- Types: seven, such as limb deficiency.
- Minimum criteria: for example, ankle amputation.
- Muscle tests: lose 10 of 80 points.
- Not eligible: status NE, no international play.
- Age: 16 by 1 January.
- Licence and nationality: required.
The glossary has the sport class, the eligible impairment, the minimum impairment criteria, the sport class status, the Sport Class Not Eligible and the player eligibility.
Tricky cases
Is there a points system for players, as in wheelchair basketball?
No. One class.
Does the sledge count in assessing impairment?
No.
An athlete has an arm impairment only. Eligible?
No. Only lower-limb impairments count.
Can a CNC athlete play?
No.
Why the rule exists
One class keeps the game simple, with minimum criteria setting who it is for.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Class | One | C 2.1 |
| Muscle power | 10 of 80 | C App 1 |
| Age | 16 | G 2.2 |
From the rule book
World Para Ice Hockey, Classification Rules and Regulations (July 2017), articles 2, 7 to 16 and Appendix One, with the WPIH Regulations 2020/2021, section 2. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPIH Rules, Regulations and Classification Rules.