How does international classification work?

International classification is required to represent Australia at international level, including the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships. World Para Athletics runs it, and Australian Athletics facilitates it when it is held in Australia, working with Paralympics Australia.

• Timing: it is usually run between January and April. Physical impairment classification is typically offered every year; vision and intellectual impairment classification every other year.
• Access is by nomination, using the International Classification Nomination Form on the Athletics Australia site. Each National Paralympic Committee gets limited classification slots, so priority goes to athletes closest to Benchmark Events, athletes whose classification status is limiting their national competition, and NASS or Paralympic Pathway athletes.
• Requirements: you need an IPC licence, and you attend with an Athlete Representative, ideally your personal coach. Each impairment type has its own preparation guide and medical form.
• Overseas events are at the athlete's own expense and must be applied for through Australian Athletics.

Australian Athletics is looking to host a classification event on Australia's East Coast in the first quarter of 2027, with no details confirmed yet.

For a Benchmark Event team (the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships), an athlete must meet the selection policy, hold an international classification with a review date after the event, and achieve at least two "AA B" standards within the qualifying window.