INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON UNION
To National Federations
International Triathlon Union (ITU) is actively developing Paratriathlon since the sprint
distance event was accepted into the IPC Paralympic Programme in December 2010 for
inclusion in the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Prior to competition, Paratriathletes need to be classified by an ITU certified classifier.
ITU is inviting National Federations to nominate an individual to train as a Paratriathlon
National Classifier in one of the 2011 ITU National Classifier Courses outlined below.
The purpose of classification is to minimise the impact that eligible impairment types have
on the outcome of competition and to ensure that competition is fair and equitable.
The classification process involves assessment of the athlete’s impairment level and will
determine eligibility to compete and group Paratriathletes into a class for competition.
Procedures and Criteria for Trainee National Classifiers
To be considered to attend an ITU National Paratriathlon classifiers’ course:
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Applicants must be nominated by their National Federation and have full financial support
(e.g. travel, accommodation and per diem)
Applicants must have a medical and/or health professional background e.g. physiotherapist
or medical doctor with sufficient experience in physical assessment, having been qualified
for at least 3 years.
Sports specific and/or technical expert e.g. sports scientist, physical educator, former
athlete will be considered for the 2011 courses but, depending on the number of
expressions of interest received, and whether there is a medical classifier from the national
federation, on the same course, preference will be given to those with a medical/health
professional background.
Applicants must have good spoken & written English.
Knowledge of Triathlon and/or disability sport is an advantage.
Applicants must nominate which accredited classification course they wish to attend and
submit a summary of their medical or technical expertise and any other relevant
information.
Each course will consist of both theoretical and practical elements, & participants will need
to complete and pass the examinations and practical assessments.
Applicants must commit to completing five (5) classifications at a national level within 1
year with mentoring by a level 2 international classifier and to attend a training course
every 4 yrs to update and maintain their classification skills.
On successful completion of the classification course participants will be awarded National
Classifier status. Further development & training will lead to accreditation as an
International ITU classifier.
2011 Training Courses
European Championships, Pontevedra, Spain
World Championship Series Triathlon, London, UK
World Championships, Beijing, China
June 21st-22nd
August 3rd -4th
September 6th-7th
ITU Technical Education  Applicant Information  2011/04/01 – version I
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Penny Broomhead, Level 2 International ITU Paratriathlon Classifier, will be facilitating all
three ITU National Paratriathlon Classifier Courses in 2011.
Expressions of interest, and a detailed summary of medical or technical expertise, to be
sent to thanos.nikopoulos@triathlon.org no later than 6 weeks before the nominated
course. Detailed summary (to fit on one page using no less than size 11 font) to include:
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Clinical or technical interest and expertise.
Name and date of qualifications.
Involvement with triathlon and disability sport.
Reasons for wanting to become a Paratriathlon Classifier.
For further course information contact; Thanos Nikopoulos, Senior Manager, ITU Technical
Operations thanos.nikopoulos@triathlon.org
Please note that there may be some changes to the content of this course in the future in
order to meet changes in requirements set by International Paralympic Committee.
Forms emailed to: Thanos Nikopoulos - thanos.nikopoulos@triathlon.org
Closing date for applications: 15. MAY 2011
ITU Technical Education  Applicant Information  2011/04/01 – version I
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