T31 (classification)

T31 and CP2 (lower) are disability sport classification for disability athletics.

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee and has roots in a 2003 attempt to address "the overall objective to support and co-ordinate the ongoing development of accurate, reliable, consistent and credible sport focused classification systems and their implementation."

Sport

This classification is for disability athletics. Jane Buckley, writing for the Sporting Wheelies, describes the athletes in this classification as: "CP2 (Lower), see CP-ISRA classes (appendix) Wheelchair – non paralympic event" The classification in the appendix by Buckley goes on to say "Athletes are able to propel a wheelchair but have very poor useful strength in their arms, legs and trunk." The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification as being for "Severe quadriplegia "

Becoming classified

Athletes with cerebral palsy or similar impairments who wish to compete in para-athletics competition must first undergo a classification assessment. During this, they both undergo a bench test of muscle coordination and demonstrate their skills in athletics, such as pushing a racing wheelchair and throwing. A determination is then made as to what an classification an athlete should compete in. Classifications may be Confirmed or Review status. For athletes who do not have access to a full classification panel, Provisional classification is available; this is a temporary Review classification, considered an indication of class only, and generally used only in lower levels of competition.

Competition

This classification does not compete in the Paralympics.

Competitors

There are only two Australian athletics competitors in this class : Erika Waschull and Daniel Clarke.

See also

• Para-athletics classification
• Athletics at the Summer Paralympics