What are minimum impairment criteria?
I · Intermediate · Eligibility · 1 of 3Minimum impairment criteria are the least impairment an athlete must have to compete in a sport; each federation sets its own. Athletes who meet them get a sport class grouping them with others similarly affected. Adaptive equipment is allowed by each sport, but glasses are not adaptive equipment. Classes may be combined in an event if the rules allow.
How it works
- Minimum criteria: set per sport.
- Stage: 3.
- Not met: not eligible.
- Sport class: by effect on the sport.
- Individual sports: race own class.
- Combined events: if rules allow.
- Competing up: against less impaired athletes.
- Adaptive equipment: per sport; not glasses.
The glossary has the minimum impairment criteria, the sport class, the combined class event, the adaptive equipment, the underlying health condition and the classification master list.
Tricky cases
An athlete is eligible in one sport. Are they eligible in all?
No. Criteria differ by sport.
Why combine classes?
Too few athletes in one class.
Are contact lenses adaptive equipment?
No.
Where are athletes' classes published?
On the federation's master list.
Why the rule exists
Criteria set the line for each sport because the same impairment affects swimming and shooting differently.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Per sport | K 5.3 |
| Combined | Rules must say | K 38.1 |
| Master list | Published | K 36.1 |
From the rule book
IPC, Classification Code and International Standards (1 January 2025), Articles 5, 36 and 38 and Appendix 1. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: IPC Classification Code 2025.