Classification establishes a unique framework that promotes fair and meaningful competition by minimising the impact of athletes’ impairments on the outcome of competition so that the outcome is determined by factors other than impairment. Classification is therefore essential to the Paralympic Movement as Para sport cannot exist without Classification.

Other sports also use classification systems to structure competition. For example, in judo, athletes are put into weight classes. In football, men and women compete separately. And in marathons, there are age categories. By grouping athletes by size, gender, and age, each sport minimises the impact of these factors on the outcome of competition.