What is CLASSIFICATION
In para-sports classifications are systems that aim to limit the impact of the differences in disabilities on performances. Each sport has a specific classification approach. In many disciplines, athletes are separated according to their disabilities in group called classes. Therefore, they compete only against adversaries with similar disability. However, the main downfall of this system is that it limits the number of participant in each class. In sport where very few athlete compete, it creates situations where some competitors, and especially those with more severe impairments, are often alone in their class.
Para skiing has found a slightly different approach. If skiers are separated in classes, athletes with the same skiing style (standing with guide, standing or sitting) all compete together. The difference between the classes is levelled by a factor changing how fast the time is ticking for the athlete. So for example, a visually impaired skier who is fully blind will compete against skier with some remaining vision. However, their time will tick much slower, giving their more time to race the course.
After years of indecision, WCMX has decided to follow a similar model, but pushing it event further. Riders all compete against each other and is no strict division into classes. However, riders classifications are compensated directly by judged during the scoring process.
Functional Scores
Riders classification are expressed by 4 numbers called the Functional Scores. The Functional scores represent a rider’s disability, without revealing any medical information. A high score (max 10) means that the rider has little to no disability in this area, while a low score (min 0) show a important disability. WCMX considers 4 areas:
- UE-FS: Upper Extremities – How strong the rider’s shoulders and arms are.
- T-FS: Trunk – How strong the rider’s trunk is.
- H-FS: Hips – How strong the rider’s hips are.
- C-FS: How coordinated the rider is.
Judges are then trained on how each Functional Score impact judging criteria and they modulate the scores. The Guide for judges explains how this is done.
The coordination and upper-extremities scores also have an impact on the rider access to the help of pushers. Depending on their results, the riders are attributed different Pusher Classes (NP, P-1, P-2 or P-3), which decide on which uphill slopes they can be helped (rulebook section 5.4).
