A functional classification system was put in place to minimise the impact of the impairment on the sport performance, providing structure for a fair and equitable competition.  

Its aims are to determine who is eligible to compete in Para Table Tennis, and to divide the eligible players into different categories called classes according to the level of activity limitation. Therefore, a sport class does not necessarily only comprise one impairment type but can include athletes with different impairments. 

There are two impairment groups considered eligible for Para Table Tennis, physical and intellectual. 

Classes are divided as follows: 

Athletes with a physical impairment: Classes 1-5 (wheelchair players),                                                                   

Classes 6-10 (ambulant players) 

Athletes with an intellectual impairment: Class 11 

Physical Impairment 

The following are the physical impairments considered eligible for Para Table Tennis 

Impairment Type Description Eg of health conditions that may lead to the impairment  
Impaired muscle power Reduced force generated by the contraction of a muscle or muscle groups  Cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis   
Impaired passive range of movement  Restriction or a lack of passive movement in one or more joints  Arthrogryposis, contracture from chronic joint immobilisation  
Limb deficiency  Total or partial absence of bones or joints as a consequence of trauma, illness or congenital  Traumatic amputation, amputation due to bone cancer, dysmelia 
Hypertonia  Increase in muscle tension and a reduced ability of a muscle to stretch caused by damage to central nervous system  Cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis   
Athetosis Continual slow involuntary movements  
Ataxia  Uncoordinated movements caused by damage to the central nervous system 
Leg length difference Difference in the length of the legs as a result of a disturbance of limb growth, or as a result of trauma As a result of dysgenesis or trauma   
Short stature Reduced length in the bones of the upper limbs, lower limbs and/or trunk  Achondroplasia, growth hormone dysfunction  

Intellectual Impairment 

Players with an intellectual impairment have a restriction in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that affects conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills required for everyday life. This impairment must be present before the age of 18 

How to apply for classification  

Not everyone needs classification. Not everyone needs classification. To find out if you are in the right stage of your sport career to be nationally classified, and to how to apply for it, please click here.