How does classification work in para athletics?

Classification groups eligible athletes with similar impairments so that individuals of equivalent impairment types can compete together on an even playing field. It decides whether an athlete can compete and which sport class they compete in, based on the type of impairment, how much it affects athletic performance, and sport-specific activity limitations.

For a physical impairment there are three levels:

• Provisional: compete up to and including state level. Forms are completed by a physiotherapist or doctor and submitted online.
• National: compete up to and including national level. In-person classification is offered in each state and at the Australian National and All Schools Championships.
• International: required to represent Australia at international level, including the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships.

Vision, hearing, intellectual and transplant classification are run by other national bodies (see the question on who classifies each type).