Who is eligible for para table tennis?
A · Advanced · Classes · 1 of 3Players need one of eight permanent physical impairments, meeting criteria set separately for the playing arm, the other arm, the legs and the trunk, such as a leg length difference over 7 cm. Class 11 players must have an intellectual impairment from before 18, be on the INAS master list and pass computer and table tennis tests, then be observed in play.
How it works
- Physical: eight impairment types.
- Criteria: by body part.
- Leg length: more than 7 cm.
- Short stature: 140 cm men, 137 cm women.
- Class 11: impairment before age 18.
- INAS: on the master list.
- Tests: reasoning, reaction, visual-spatial, memory.
- Appeals: ITTF panel and the IPC board, not CAS.
The glossary has the class 11, the eligible impairments (para table tennis), the minimum impairment criteria (para table tennis), the short stature allocation, the classification appeals (para table tennis) and the sport classes 1 to 11.
Tricky cases
Is a 5 cm leg length difference enough?
No. It must be more than 7 cm.
Can a class decision go to CAS?
No.
Is the class 11 test only on a computer?
No. It adds table tennis tests and match observation.
Are these classification rules current?
They date from 2018; a 2025 procedure exists.
Why the rule exists
Criteria by body part fit a sport that uses one arm far more than the other. The class 11 tests show how the impairment affects play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Eight types | CR A1 1 |
| Intellectual | Class 11 tests | CR A2 |
| Appeals | IPC board, not CAS | 1.89.3 |
From the rule book
ITTF, Classification Rules for Para Table Tennis (January 2018), Appendix One sections 1 and 2 and Appendix Two, with ITTF, Statutes 2026, articles 1.88 and 1.89. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: ITTF Statutes 2026 and Para Table Tennis Classification Rules.