Athletes With A Disability (School Sport - Athletics)
2009
Many opportunities exist within and external to the school sport structure where teachers / schools can
support students with disabilities in becoming involved in sport as well as other forms of physical activity.
(Refer to http://www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au/disability/index.htm)
At school carnivals students with disabilities may and probably do compete and participate with all other students.
There are opportunities for the students with disabilities to proceed further and to compete against other students
with disabilities. Generally they proceed straight to Regional level, but some zones are now offering events to
athletes with a disability.
Disabilities fall into classes and levels. These disabilities include: Hearing Impairment (T/F01) [T/F is Track/Field],
Visual Impairment (T/F11-13), Intellectual Impairment (T/F20), Cerebral Palsy (T/F32-38), Amputee and Les Autres
(T/F40-46)[ Les Autres is French for ‘the others’ & is used to describe athletes with a range of locomotor
disorders that are not detailed in the other disability groups. This includes athletes with short stature],
WheelchairT/F51-T54-F56, Transplant (T/F60). For further clarification see an explanation of the various
classes in the file: Athletics Classification 1
At school zone, regional, state and national level athletes with a disability compete against each other so
there is a need to compare their results against each other to get a result. In order to do this an athlete
must be classified properly - see classification dates on SSU website.
Information about classification and fact sheets: See APC website:
http://www.paralympic.org.au/classification
Some children will already be classified. An APC Masterlist can be downloaded from their website:
http://www.paralympic.org.au/sports/athletics
An Ausrapid(Intellectual disability) Masterlist can be found on their website;
http://www.ausrapid.org.au/ContentPages/eligibility.htm
Classifications of AWD
Class
01
11-13
20
32 – 34
35 – 38
40 – 46
51 – 58
51 - 54
60
Group
Deaf (Australia only)
Vision Impaired
Intellectual Disability
Cerebral Palsy - Wheelchair
Cerebral Palsy – Ambulant
Amputee and Les Autres
Wheelchair – Field
Wheelchair – Track
Transplantee (Australia only)
Multi Disability
 Because in any one country there are often insufficient athletes of the same classification to
conduct a competition, the concept of Multi-Disability Events has been introduced.
 The concept means that athletes of different classifications can compete in the same race or field
event.
For example:
 A race may have athletes from classes T11 (visual impairment), T20(intellectual impairment),
T37(Cerebral Palsy class)
 It is not usual for ambulant athletes to compete with wheelchair athletes.
 For each class and age there are set throwing implement weights. These weights are in accordance
with the athlete’s disability and age. For example, cerebral palsy athletes are unable to throw the
same shot weight as non-disability athletes.
 Results can be calculated using of the percentage of the Australian underage Multi-disability
standards, the World Record set for the athlete’s class or the IPC Scoring Tables – (that would not
include T01, T60). Standards and World Records are continually being updated.
 An example of how results can be calculated is:
MDS for Underage State/National Championships
( NB. Updated each year & downloadable from the Athletics Australia website)
http://www.athletics.com.au/home/high_performance/awd/athlete_information
An example of one of the tables(in the above download) is below. You would type in the athlete’s time in
the Performance column in line with their disability class, press return and a percentage appears in the
result column. In comparing the various athletes, the one with the highest percentage wins.
TRACK – MEN
as at 1/06/2009
M100m
MDS
T01
T11
T12
T13
T20
T33
T34
T35
T36
T37
T38
T40
T42
T43-44
T45-46
T51-32
T52
T53
T54
T60
11.60
13.80
12.00
11.80
11.25
20.20
19.30
15.50
13.65
12.55
11.80
19.15
16.10
13.15
11.40
27.00
19.80
15.50
14.40
11.95
PERF. RESULT
#DIV/0!
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#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
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 The MDSs come as an Excel file. The formula has
already been set in place.
 There are different tables for all track and field
events.
 The formula for working out a percentage is the
same for World records and MDS.
 Places are given for highest percentage on
down.
If you set up your own table:
 Track formula: MDS for that class divided by the
athlete’s performance as a percentage.
(MDS/perf%)
 Field formula: athlete’s performance divided by
the MDS foe that class as a percentage.
(perf/MDS%)
The athlete’s percentage should be recorded next to their time/throw/jump result.
Implement Weights for Throws
For each class and age there are set throwing implement weights. These weights are in accordance with
the athlete’s disability and age. For example, cerebral palsy athletes are unable to throw the same shot
weight as non-disability athletes.
The table of implement weights is downloadable from the Athletics Australia website.
http://www.athletics.com.au/home/high_performance/awd/athlete_information
Events for AWD at School competition
Primary: 100m, 200m, 800m, long jump, discus, shot
High School: 100m, 200m, 800m, long jump, shot, discus, javelin
An example of a field event sheet is a s follows:
Event 137 Boys 8-10 Discus Amb AWD
Thursday 29/10/2009 - 2:00 PM
Impl
School/Reg Age Weight
1 Smith TF 44, Bob
NthC
10 500g
2 Black TF 46, Ted
SydE
10 500g
3 White TF 20, Phil
NthC
9
500g
4 Martin TF 11, Ian
Sth C
8
500g
Formula = Throw/MDS as a %
Event Finish Time_______________
Best
MDS
1
2
3
Throw
%
Place
41.90
x
14.92
x
14.92 35.60859
2
40.75
12.35 30.30675
1
40.15
x
9.66 10.04 10.04 25.00623
3
34.25 5.10
x
8.09 8.09
23.62044
4
5 Nguyen TF 43, Al
41.90
Hunter
10
500g
7.21
5.00
x
7.21
17.20764
5
Rules
Generally AWD competition is run under IAAF (International Athletics Federation) rules but there are also exceptions
and additions in the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) Rules. The IPC Rules can be accessed on the IPC
website. The IAAF and IPC rules are updated every 2 years.
IPC ATHLETICS RULES & REGULATIONS 2010-2011
A full download of IPC rules can be found on the IPC Athletics website:
http://ipc-athletics.paralympic.org/
IPC Athletics Rules Chapter 5
This Chapter prescribes the exceptions to Chapter 5 - Technical Rules
contained in the 2010-11 IAAF Competition Rules. These exceptions replace,
amend or add additional requirements to the corresponding Rule, or segment
of the Rule, in the 2010-11 IAAF Competition Rules. Consequently it is
essential that this Chapter is read in conjunction with the 2010-11 IAAF
Competition Rules.
 IPC rules (exceptions to IAAF) need to be published in the program / notified / announced.
Rules & Equipment:
Equipment




Wheelchairs, prostheses are allowed but walking frames aren’t.
T11 need to wear opaque glasses
Hearing impaired athletes do not compete with hearing aids on (not an IPC rule)
Helmets for wheelchair athletes is compulsory for track races of 800m or longer.
Many athletics events require specific sports equipment for example, the discus, shot or javelin. In
addition athletes may use certain assistive devices as specified in the IPC Athletics rules (Chapter 5). This
technology continues to advance at a rapid rate.
Wheelchairs are considered to be sports equipment in track and field events. Athletics wheelchairs tend to
be very lightweight. The dimensions and features of wheelchairs are clearly specified in the IPC Athletics
rules (Chapter 5).
Prosthetic devices may be used by amputees. These have been specifically developed to withstand the
demands of sports competition. IPC rules require the use of leg prostheses in track events; however, the
use of prostheses in field events is optional.
Seated Throw chairs are considered to be sports equipment in throws events for wheelchair athletes. The
dimensions, specifications and features are clearly specified in the IPC Athletics rules (Chapter 5).
Wheelchair related rules: (track)
 Starter can recall race if there is a collision in first 50m ( 800m & over)
 The wearing of helmets is compulsory in all individual and team track races of 800m or longer. (For
primary wheelchair athletes it is recommended that helmets are worn for all track events as these
children are just beginning to learn to use racing chairs that can easily tip backwards).
 Start: ‘On Your marks’ command, an athlete shall approach the start line, assume a position entirely
within his allocated lane and behind the start line. ‘Set’ command, an athlete should immediately
take up his final starting position retaining the contact of the front wheel with the ground behind
the line.
 Finish: Measured by the front axle reaching leading edge of finish line.
Wheelchair related rules: (seated throws)
 Seated throws – clothing needs to be fitted so as not to obscure vision of official.
 All throws should take place in the circle or from a movable plate.
 The wheelchair or throwing frame must be fixed (tied down).
 Athletes have their 3 or 6 throws in succession.
 Athletes in Classes F51-56 must use their throwing frame as a seat. They must throw from a “true
seated” position and cannot use their leg or legs to propel the implement. Characteristics of the
“true seated” position are as follows:
a) Both buttocks remain in contact with the seat throughout the “throwing action” until the throw has
been marked (i.e. over balancing and lifting either buttock from the seat is a foul).
b) Footrest height should be set so that the hips, knees and ankles of the athlete are at approximately
90degree flexion.
 Athletes in Classes F32-34 & F57-58 can use their leg or legs to propel the implement and have the
option of finishing the throw or put in an upright position providing they:
(a) Maintain a sitting position on their throwing frame until the first forward movement that results in the
release of the implement (i.e. not preliminary swings or rocking movements).
(b) Maintain foot contact with the ground inside the circle until after the implement has been released.
(c) The contact foot may be secured to the ground by strapping or a foot plate.
Classes T/F11, 12,13 – Vision impaired athletes
 Athletes in Class T/F11 must wear approved opaque glasses or an appropriate substitute in all track
and/or field events.
 In all track events, athletes in Class 11 must use a guide (T12 may choose to use a guide). The
athlete may choose to use an elbow lead, a tether or to run free. In addition, the athlete may
receive verbal instruction from the Guide-runner. The guide runner is not allowed to pull or propel
the athlete. The athlete must finish ahead of the guide runner over the finish line.
 The guide must wear a distinctly coloured vest.
 The guide must stay within 50cm of the athlete, except in the last 10m.
 For class 11 or 12, in the 100m, 200m, 400m events each athlete and Guide runner shall be
allocated two lanes. The start lines in a staggered start will be lanes 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. This rule also
applies to 800m events started in lanes.
 T11, T12 and T12 athletes use starting blocks for crouch start events.
Classes T/F11, 12,13 – Vision impaired athletes (Field events)
 The guide may bring athlete into throwing circle or runway. Orientation /positioning is permitted.
The guide must leave circle or runway before the attempt is made. Acoustic orientation is
permitted before, during and after the attempt.
 For T12, visual modification of the existing facility is permitted during Field Events (i.e. Paint, chalk,
powder, cones, flags, etc)
 Vertical jumps - For athletes in Sport Classes F11 and F12 athletes the takeoff area shall consist of a
rectangle 1.00m x 1.22m as depicted in the diagram below that must be prepared in such a way (by
use of chalk, talcum powder, light sand, etc) that the athlete leaves an impression on the area with
his/her take-off foot.
Acknowledgements and references:
 IPC Rules 2010 -2011
 Anna Muldoon (NSW Development Coordinator) & Genevieve Duff (APC Classification Manager) Australian Paralympic Committee
 ‘Athletes With A Disability” Athletics Australia Officials Commission 03
 ‘Classification Information Sheet – Athletics’ - Australian Paralympic Committee
 ‘Classification Information Sheet Athletics Classification for School Sport’ - Australian Paralympic
Committee
 Sue Stephens – NSW PSSA Athletics Convener
Links and Contacts:
 Athletics Australia - www.athletics.com.au
 IPC Athletics - www.ipc-athletics.org
 Australian Paralympic Committee - www.paralympic.org.au
 International Paralympic Committee - www.paralympic.org
 AusRapid (Intellectual Disability) – http://www.ausrapid.org.au
 Transplant Australia - http://www.transplant.org.au/
 Deaf Sports Australia - http://www.deafsports.org.au/
 Vision Australia Enfield Office. Phone 1300 847 466 and arrange an appointment with Cem Oztan
or Tim Nolan