Exploring athletes’ and classifiers’ experiences with and understanding of classification in Para sport

ABSTRACT

Classification is a defining feature of Para sport; however, little empirical evidence describes the experience of classification and how it can be improved. To date, the primary focus of research related to classification has been on the development of evidence-based classification procedures. Meanwhile, the limited literature which has focused on experiential aspects of classification has shown classification to be a potentially negative experience for athletes. As well, classifiers have been identified as important social actors within the Para sport context, yet no research has examined both athletes’ and classifiers’ experiences with classification. The experiences of athletes and classifiers have yet to be considered alongside one another. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate athletes’ and classifiers’ experiences with classification in Para sport. Semi-structured interviews exploring the experience of classification were conducted with 18 internationally classified Canadian athletes and an international sample of eight classifiers. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis was used to conceptualise athletes’ and classifiers’ classification experience. Results demonstrate athletes and classifiers learn about classification by observing others and reflecting on their own understanding of their body or skillset in relation to classification. Additionally, we show how interactions between athletes and classifiers influence each parties’ experience quality and highlight discrepancies between each groups’ understandings of classification. Next, we provide recommendations for future research to address the identified gaps in athletes’ and classifiers’ understanding of classification. Lastly, through the provision of practical recommendations, this work may support Para sport practitioners in improving athletes’ and classifiers’ experiences with classification.

Keywords:

• parasport
• disability
• phenomenology
• quality participation
• paralympic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Eligible impairments include: ataxia, athetosis, hypertonia, intellectual impairment, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, impaired vision, leg length difference, limb deficiency, and short stature.

2. Athletes with sensory (intellectual or visual) impairments follow a substantially different classification pathway and thus were ineligible for participation in this study (IPC 2015).

3. Two participants are Paralympic Games qualifiers; however, with the postponement of the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, they have yet to compete at the Games.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [895-2013-1021]

Notes on contributors

Janet A. Lawson

Ms. Lawson is a doctoral candidate in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. Her research interest is in promoting quality participation in Para sport and, specifically, the role classification plays in enabling participation of athletes with a diverse range of abilities.

Toni Williams

Dr. Williams is an associate professor in the department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University. Her research focuses on physical activity and disability. As well, she is interested in exploring the use and development of qualitative research methods and methodologies to conceptually advance sport and exercise psychology research.

Amy E. Latimer-Cheung

Dr. Latimer-Cheung is a professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. Her research aims to increase physical activity participation among adults with mobility impairments, minimize disability, and maximize quality of life.