Class A (classification) explained

Class A is a Paralympic wheelchair fencing classification.

Sport

This is a Paralympic wheelchair fencing classification.^[1] In 2000, BBC Sport defined this classification as "class A incorporates those athletes with good balance and recovery and full trunk movement"^[2] In 2008, BBC Sport defined this classification was "A: Athletes with good balance and recovery, and full trunk movement."^[1]

Becoming classified

Classification is handled by International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation.^[3]

At the Paralympic Games

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: A-Z of Paralympic classification . BBC Sport. 9 April 2012. 28 August 2008.
2. Web site: Making sense of the categories. 9 April 2012. BBC Sport. United Kingdom. 6 October 2000.
3. Web site: Guide to the Paralympic Games – Appendix 1. 2011. 9 April 2012. 41. London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 26 April 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120426013020/http://www.london2012.com/documents/locog-publications/london-2012-guide-to-the-paralympic-games.pdf. dead.
4. Web site: Rio 2016 Classification Guide . March 2016 . International Paralympic Committee . July 22, 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160816144150/https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/160404093217097_Classification%2BGuide%2B-%2Bupdated%2Bversion_0.pdf . August 16, 2016 .