Shooting Australia Classification FAQ
Classification Policy and Procedures
The purpose of the Classification Policy and Procedures is to clearly define the systems of classification adopted by Shooting Australia and recognise the role of system partners. It will ensure the ongoing provision of a consistent and sustainable classification system nationally. For more information on SA classification policy and procedures please carefully read through the below document.
SA Classification Policy and Procedures
WSPS Classification Rules and Regulations
For more information please contact Shooting Australia – [email protected]
Competition Information
At some local events para eligible athletes compete alongside able bod athletes on the firing line. Depending on the numbers and size of the competition para athletes will compete in the same competition and be counted towards the overall winner, as well as being recognised as competing in their eligible classification class. In other competitions para athletes will only compete in their classification class competition.
It’s always best to get in touch with the organisers of the competition ahead of time to see what arrangements will be in place for the competition.
Classification FAQS
Please see the link below for the most up to date information with regards classification for Shooting.
Para-shooting Classification Information October 2019
What happens during a classification?
During the athlete classification process, a certified classifier assesses an athlete on how their impairment influences their sporting ability to determine their classification. Classification is sport specific, and therefore each sport has its own classifiers. The evaluation process for a classification typically includes:
- Medical testing
- Demonstration of sport skills
- Observation during competition
At the completion of the classification process a classifier will allocate the athlete with a class and a class status..
Can I still get a classification if I am not able to attend a National Classification opportunity?
In Australia, Shooting Australia provide the opportunity for athletes to seek a classification through a provisional classification process. This is an entry level classification assessment that provides athletes and competition organisers with information on eligibility, sport class and status. The provisional process is a paperwork process that generally requires:
- Athletes to agree to the process and provide background details of themselves and their impairment
- A medical professional/specialist to complete a specific section of the form
- Athletes to provide medical documentation from their specialist
- It may also require a video submission of the athlete doing physical skills related to their sport
- Athletes with a provisional classification are not able to gain selection to Australian teams, or achieve National records.
The completed forms are reviewed by a certified classifier. At the completion of this process, an athlete will be allocated a class, and a class status. Generally provisional classification is valid until you attend a face to face classification opportunity.
What is the minimum age for classification?
In Australia, there are varying age requirements in each state’s legislation in relation to use of firearms, Shooting Australia recognises these laws, therefore, an athlete can be classified from the required age in their state.
Do I need to be classified more than once?
This will depend on your impairment and level of classification. The majority of athletes will be classified more than once during their shooting career. Classifiers will decide whether an athlete needs to be reviewed during the classification process. Common reasons for attending classification more than once include:
- You may be allocated a review date and will need to be reviewed in a certain year or event.
- Your age and physical maturity.
- You may be requested to attend classification at a major championship (such as an international event).
- You have a fluctuating condition or your impairment has changed.
- The classification rules for the sport change and you need to be reviewed.
I have changed since I was last classified – what do I do?
If your medical condition has changed or you have had medical intervention that may impact upon your classification, you are required to advise Shooting Australia of these changes. This may result in a review of your classification. Any requests need to be accompanied by medical documentation. Contact Shooting Australia for more information.
I have a classification in one sport and want to compete in another, do I need to get classified again?
Each sport has a different classification process so you will need to be classified by recognised classifiers for the sport and according to the classification rules for the sport. It is possible that an athlete may meet the criteria in one sport, but may not meet the criteria in another sport.
There seems to be a broad range of disabilities in my class. Is this fair?
Athletes are matched as fairly as possible into a class with others who have a similar level of impairment. As no two athletes are the same, within each class there may be differences between athletes.
Do I need a copy of my classification?
Athletes should receive a copy of their classification outcome page which shows their class and class status. Athletes should keep a copy of this paperwork for future reference. Athletes can also refer to the Shooting Classification Masterlist on the Shooting Australia website to verify their classification.
Do I need to prove that I have been classified when I enter into a competition?
All athletes who have been through a classification process will have their records kept on file, and their classification details will be entered into the Shooting Classification Masterlist which can be found on the Shooting Australia website. Competition organisers can confirm your classification by referring to this Masterlist as well.
How long is my classification valid for?
Every time an athlete is classified they are provided with a class status. The following outcomes may occur:
- An athlete is allocated a National Review (R) status, with no date for review, which means they will be required to attend classification again at the next competition where classification is held, and it is an entry requirement to hold a valid classification.
- An athlete is allocated a fixed review year e.g. NR 2015, which means they will not be able to attend classification until the year that is allocated. Once the review year arrives, the classification will revert to R status and the above R status conditions apply.
- An athlete is allocated a National Confirmed (C) status, which means the athlete will not be classified again for any National competitions.
Regardless of what status is allocated an athlete may be classified again if:
- The classification rules for the sport change.
- An athlete’s condition has changed since their last classification to the extent that they most likely do not fit his/her current class due to medical interventions, change in condition (progressive/fluctuating) or skeletal maturity (growth) changes. Refer to the FAQ “I have changed since I was last classified – What do I do?”.
- As an outcome of protest or appeal.
I’ve been to a classification assessment and have been told I’m not eligible for the sport – what does this mean?
There are rules surrounding ineligibility for each competition. If you have been told you are Not Eligible, this means that that you do not meet the minimum impairment criteria for shooting as per the WSPS classification rules. You will not be able to compete in competitions as a para-athlete. Where an opportunity exists you may be able to attend a second evaluation with alternative certified classifiers at an equal or higher level. As classification rules are specific to each sport, an athlete who is eligible for one sport; is not necessarily eligible for another, as the minimum impairment criteria for each sport are different.
I do not agree with the class I’ve been allocated – what can I do?
Athletes have a right to lodge a disagreement, or protest their classification. You should contact Shooting Australia if you wish to do so.
I do not agree with the way my classification was conducted – what can I do?
Athletes have a right to lodge a disagreement, or appeal their classification. You should contact Shooting Australia if you wish to do so.
If I have a provisional classification, will I ever need to renew my provisional classification?
No. You can continue to compete as a provisional athlete indefinitely. You will only need to upgrade to a National classification if you attend a national level competition such as the SA Open or the Member Bodies National Championships.
If I have a national classification that requires a review and that time passes will I revert back to a provisional classification? .
No. Once you have a national classification you never go back to a provisional classification. .
How long can I keep competing on my classification after the review date has passed?
You can compete until the next opportunity to be seen by a classification panel. As an example if Shooting Australia only puts on one national classification per year and it is always at the SA Open, but you never go to the SA Open again (e.g. you went once and live in Perth but the SA Open is always in Sydney) then you can keep competing in local and state competitions indefinitely as it is not your fault that Shooting Australia has not provided an opportunity in your home state or local area to be classified.