What are categories A, B and C in wheelchair fencing?
I · Intermediate · Classes and equipment · 1 of 2Fencers have one of five classes. 1A and 1B have no sitting balance and an affected fencing arm, the weapon bandaged on. Class 2 has fair balance, classes 3 and 4 good balance. At competitions they form categories: A (3 and 4), B (2) and C (1A and 1B). Fencers may move up a category, never down.
How it works
- 1A: no balance, no elbow extension, weapon bound.
- 1B: no balance, elbow works, weapon bound.
- Class 2: fair sitting balance.
- Class 3: good balance, no leg support.
- Class 4: good balance with leg support.
- Category A: classes 3 and 4.
- Category B: class 2.
- Category C: classes 1A and 1B.
The glossary has the sport classes (wheelchair fencing), the category A, B and C, the sport class status (wheelchair fencing), the strapping and binding, the fencing measure and the Paralympic programme (wheelchair fencing).
Tricky cases
Can a Category B fencer enter Category A?
Yes, in individual events.
Can a Category A fencer drop to B?
No.
Which measure does a C fencer use in an A event?
The C or the A/B distance, by choice.
Is a new fencer allowed to compete abroad unclassified?
No. Evaluation comes first.
Why the rule exists
Sitting balance decides how far a fencer can lean to attack or evade, so categories group fencers by it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Classes 3, 4 | Cls Categories |
| Category B | Class 2 | Cls Categories |
| Category C | Classes 1A, 1B | Cls Categories |
From the rule book
World Para Fencing, Book 4 Classification Rules (January 2025), articles 4, 8, 10 and 15 and Categories, with Book 2, article o.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Para Fencing rulebooks 0 to 4.