Classification of Athletes
with Amputations, Dwarfism,
and Les Autres Conditions

Athletes with amputations, dwarfism, and les autres conditions are grouped together for this discussion of classification because they all are governed by the same international disability sports organization, namely the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD).

Athletes with Amputations

There are two major ways in which athletes with amputations are classified for sport.  The first method considers the site of amputation.

The second method involves a precise measurement of the stump length and gives consideration to the use of the affected limb or limbs in the particular sport. Classifiers refer to charts of body segment parameters to determine the predicted length of the complete limb (as if an amputation did not occur). For example, according to these charts, the leg length of a typical male is 0.489 x standing height. The classifier could use these data to determine whether the person's leg is ¼, ½, or ¾ of normal length.  Points are awarded based upon stump length. 

Athletes with Dwarfism

In Paralympic athletics and swimming competition, dwarf athletes are classified according to height measurements. For example, a male dwarf swimmer is eligible to compete in Class S6 if he is 137 cm or less in height, and a female dwarf swimmer is eligible for Class S6 if she is is 130 cm or less in height.

Athletes with Les Autres Conditions

The "les autres" classification accommodates athletes with physical disabilities not covered by other sports organizations and classification systems. Athletes with amputations, spinal injuries, and cerebral palsy are not eligible for les autres competition. There are two major ways in which athletes with les autres conditions are classified for sport.  The first method considers the number of affected limbs and the severity of the condition.