Wheelchair fencing classification

Wheelchair fencing classification is the classification system for wheelchair fencing which is governed by the IWAS. People with physical disabilities are eligible to compete. Classification for national competitions is done through the local national Paralympic committee.

Governance

In 2009, the classification was handled by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS). In 1983, the rules for this sport and approval for classification was done by the Federation Internationale Escrime.

Eligibility

Lower leg amputation competitors are allowed to participate in wheelchair sport following classification rules for them based on functional mobility. As of 2012, people with physical disability are eligible to compete in this sport.

Process

In most countries, classification for national competitions is done through the local national Paralympic committee.

At the Paralympic Games

Only wheelchair classified athletes were eligible to compete at the 1960 Summer Paralympics in Rome in this sport. This continued at the 1964 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo and 1968 Summer Paralympics in Tel Aviv. At the 1992 Summer Paralympics, wheelchair users were eligible to participate, with classification being run through ISMWSF, with classification being done based on functional spinal disability type. Wheelchair fencing at the 1996 Summer Paralympics saw the introduction of A and B classes, much like the ones used today. At the 2000 Summer Paralympics, 6 assessments were conducted at the Games. This resulted in 0 class changes. 1 classification was PPS protested by a national Paralympic committee and was denied.

Future

Going forward, disability sport's major classification body, the International Paralympic Committee, is working on improving classification to be more of an evidence-based system as opposed to a performance-based system so as not to punish elite athletes whose performance makes them appear in a higher class alongside competitors who train less.