Multi-class

Multi‑Class at SLAC

Sale Little Athletics Centre welcomes children of all abilities. Multi‑Class classification is the national system used across Little Athletics Australia to ensure fair and meaningful competition for athletes with disabilities. It allows athletes with different impairments to compete together using a scoring system that recognises performance relative to ability- not just raw times or distances.

What Multi‑Class Classification Means

Multi‑Class classification groups athletes based on functional ability. Each athlete receives a classification that reflects their impairment type and level. Their performance is then compared to a national baseline for their class, producing a percentage score. Placings are awarded from highest percentage to lowest, ensuring fair and meaningful competition for all. Multi-class classifications can be found here. 

Who Can Be Classified?

Little Athletics recognises a wide range of eligible impairment groups, including:

• Physical impairment

• Intellectual impairment

• Vision impairment

• Hearing impairment

• Cerebral palsy

• Transplant recipients

• Athletes with Disability (AWD)

Athletes may compete as ambulant (standing) or seated competitors.

Participation at SLAC

Centre Level (Weekly Competition)

No classification is required to participate at SLAC. All children are welcome, and we can make modifications to support individual needs. Many athletes with disabilities are fully integrated into our standard weekly program.

Carnivals, Region & State Championships

A provisional or higher classification is required for Multi‑Class events at these levels. Athletes must appear on the Athletics Australia Master List. Classified athletes may compete in Multi‑Class events, standard events, or a combination of both (but not the same event in both categories).

National Level

Athletes with physical impairments who wish to compete nationally require a National Classification. National classification opportunities are scheduled each season by Athletics Australia.

How Multi‑Class Scoring Works

Multi‑Class events use a baseline scoring system. Each classification has a baseline time, distance, or height for each event. An athlete’s performance is compared to this baseline to produce a percentage score. Placings are awarded from highest percentage to lowest.

Do Athletes Need to Be Classified?

Classification is not required for weekly participation at SLAC.
It is required for athletes wishing to compete in Multi‑Class events at Carnivals, Region, State, or National level.

How Classification Works

Types of Classification

• Provisional Classification - Suitable for Centre, Region, and State competition. Requires medical documentation but no face‑to‑face assessment.

• National Classification - Required for national competition. Physical impairments require a free face‑to‑face assessment.

• International Classification - Required for athletes representing Australia internationally.
  
  

Classification Validity

• Provisional classifications usually have no expiry.

• National classifications are reviewed every 1- 4 years depending on impairment.

• International classifications are typically reviewed annually.

Finding an Athlete’s Classification

Athletics Australia maintains a national Master List of classified athletes. It includes the athlete’s name, classification, classification type, and review date. Athletes not yet listed may need to show evidence of their classification.

Understanding Athletics Classes

Athletics classes use a letter and number:

• T = Track and jumping events

• F = Field events

• Number = Level of impairment (lower number = more severe within that impairment type)

Common Terms

• AWD - Athlete with Disability

• CWD - Children with Disability

• Para‑ambulant - Athlete competing standing

• Para‑athlete - Athlete with disability

• Seated athlete - Athlete competing seated or in a wheelchair

Need Support?

If you’d like to discuss your child’s participation, modifications, or the classification process, please contact our Centre.