Modern approaches to the classification of athletes with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

The analysis of program-normative documents of International Federation for sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment (Virtus) in 2021 allowed to determine the specific features of the classification of athletes with intellectual disabilities. The article describes the specifics of the route of selection of athletes with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autistic disorders to the three classification groups Virtus II1, II2, III3. Classification group II1 is the primary group for the selection of athletes with intellectual disabilities, which is included in three sports in the Paralympic Games, where athletes compete in swimming, athletics, and table tennis. The peculiarities of classification requirements for athletes with Down syndrome, which can be classified in classification group II2 by assessment using a new screening tool – Functional assessment screening tool (FAST) and confirmation of significant additional functional disorders by relevant medical evidence were defined. As a result of the classification assessment of athletes with intellectual disabilities II1 there are three levels of eligibility: national (preliminary), international (primary), sports (special). The classification requirements for athletes with autism without intellectual disabilities, which are included in trial group II3, have been determined.
 Classification is crucial for determining the right of athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports. Classification performs two main functions: determining the suitability of athletes to participate in competitions and their grouping into classification groups II1, II2, II3. Updating the Virtus classification requirements for athletes with intellectual disabilities, the inclusion of an additional FAST screening assessment tool for II2 contributes to the development of a more accurate, reliable, focused on the principles of equality and fairness of the classification system. The new rules for the classification of athletes with intellectual disabilities provide unbiased conditions for fair competition environment through a transparent and fair classification process.