Athlete Classification Procedure

There are two levels of classification for athletes in the UK:
(1) UK (for competitions in the UK only)
(2) International (for INAS events and some other international events, including the Paralympic Games and IPC sanctioned events)

You are strongly advised to speak to your Home Country Association or UKSA before you conduct any assessments or begin to complete any classification application form in order to ensure you get the best advice on which level of classification is most appropriate for you.

UK Classification

This is mainly for athletes who are starting out in their sport, or have been competing for a while but not yet reached GB or international standards.

It is valid for athletes from the UK who are competing in UK competitions only. Not all UK competitions require classification so if you are unsure you should check the entry form or ask the event organiser.

All applications should reach the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability at least 4 weeks prior to any closing date of competitions at which the athlete is seeking entry. Application is no guarantee that a classification will be granted.

Only athletes who have been classified on the UK system since January 1st 2009 will hold a valid UK classification.

UK Application Deadlines

Only athletes who have been classified on the UK system since January 1st 2009 will hold a valid UK classification.

Cricket and UK Classification

In 2011, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) began its review of how cricket will manage classification for players with learning disability. To support this process ECB have appointed Classification Officers as first point of contact for any coach or cricketer considering the classification process.

Further details on how this process will be managed will be provided by ECB shortly. In the meantime queries should be addressed to Ian Martin - ian.martin@ecb.co.uk

UK Application Form for all Sports

To apply for classification please download the UK Classification Form and follow the guidance notes. All applications must be accompanied by the documentary evidence and appropriate fee.

From 1st September 2011, the fee for all applications will change to £35. This will apply to all applications received at the UKSA office from 1st September 2011 onwards.

Download the UK Classification Form and Guidance Notes here

Further Guidance on UK Classification

Read the UKSA Guide for Psychologists; it's available here.

International Classification

This is for athletes who have reached national standards and are about to reach international standards in their sport or who are demonstrating particular talent and progression along the performance pathway.

International classification is currently also required to compete in long course swimming competitions at Disability Sport Events (DSE).

International Application Deadlines

All applications should reach UKSA at least 5 months prior to the closing date of any competition at which the athlete is seeking entry. Application is no guarantee of being granted a classification.

International Application Forms

In November 2011, INAS published a new international classification form for the primary eligibility check (Stage 1 application). There are now 4 documents required to complete the international application which are detailed below.

Document 1 - INAS Classification “Primary Eligibility” Application Form (Nov 2011)

Document 2 - INAS Classification Confidentiality & Data Protection for UK applicants

Each application should be accompanied by the Training History & Sport Activity Limitations Inventory (TSAL). The TSAL replaces the previous SIC-Q. The TSAL is now part of the sports specific classification process and must be completed for each application. This must be done on line by the athlete’s main coach. Paper copies are no longer acceptable.

All athletes should complete the TSAL online. Swimmers (S14) should complete the IPC Swimming TSAL only. This can be found on the IPC website or follow the link below. The IPC Swimming TSAL should be submitted in accordance with the IPC Classification rules.

Document 3 - Complete the TSAL online here

Document 3a - TSAL for S14 Swimmers only (IPC Classification version)

The Classification Officer agreed with UKSA from each Home Country or National Governing Body is responsible for completing the endorsement and checklist. Please ensure this is attached to the front of every application sent to UKSA.

Document 4 – Home Country/NGB Endorsement & Checklist

All applications, endorsed by either an athletes Home Country Association or NGB should be sent via recorded post to the UK Sports Association office. Please ensure you keep a photocopy of all that is sent. Do not send applications via email.

Athletes seeking classification should first seek advice and guidance from the appointed Classification Officer in their National Governing Body or UKSA Home Country Association before completing an application or conducting assessments. If in doubt who to contact, please speak with UKSA directly and we will be happy to advise you.

Further Guidance on international classification

Read the INAS International Classification Guidance Notes (v Nov 2011)

The guidance notes include a template for Psychologists reports. Please ensure any Psychologist embarking on assessments has access to the guidance notes and the UKSA Guide for Psychologists.

To download and read the UKSA Guide for Psychologists, visit the Information and Guidance sheets page in the Resources section of this site.

Read the INAS Eligibility and Classification Policy.

What happens if an athlete is seeking classification in more than one sport?

UK classification is valid across the sports at present.

To compete in more than one sport at international level, an athlete will need to apply for an "additional sport" classification in each sport. This does not mean that a full application is required. Athletes should complete the additional sport application form and the UKSA pro-forma and submit in the normal way. Both documents are required to complete this "additional sport" application process.

Document 1 - INAS-FID Additional Sport Application Form

Document 2 - UKSA Pro-forma for Additional Sport Application

Valid or Not?

The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA) holds the central database for any athlete from Great Britain who has been classified at UK or international level.

If you are in any doubt about whether a card or classification number is valid or you need further guidance or would like to chat through the classification procedures then contact the UK Sports Association on 020 7490 3057.

You can view the INAS Master List by visiting the INAS website. Please remember that this list is updated on broadly speaking a monthly basis. If a GB athletes names does not appear on the master list you are advised to check their status with UKSA as it may be that the INAS list has not yet been updated, but the athlete is in fact classified.

The only valid and existing UK classification system is that managed by UKSA. Other organisations in each of the Home Countries implement that system in their respective Home Country. To check the UK classification status of an athlete, please contact UKSA who hold the only UK wide master list.

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