This new approach aims to optimise classification within Paralympic sport. The initiative follows a period of discussion and detailed planning with its member organisations, with the aim of improving the classification processes for athletes with visual impairment across different sports disciplines.

By centralising VI classification services, the IPC intends to manage all stages of this process with an athlete-centred approach. This new system is expected to standardise assessments and provide a clear framework of roles and responsibilities, thereby improving cooperation between International Federations and the IPC.

One of the key objectives of this approach is for the IPC to pool resources to strengthen the integrity of the VI classification systems. This includes the prevention, identification and management of cases of intentional misrepresentation, a crucial aspect of maintaining fairness in Paralympic competition.

The plan also includes more consistent support for classifiers through more regular dialogue, enhanced training and more rigorous recertification processes.

The new system also aims to maximise available resources by developing multi-sport and out-of-competition classification options, which would increase access to these services for more athletes.

As well as improving efficiency, the approach also aims to promote the transfer of knowledge and understanding of VI classification to facilitate evidence-based improvements.

Currently, 11 sports on the Paralympic and Paralympic Winter Games programmes offer competitions for athletes with visual impairment.

However, the IPC, together with the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) and International Federations, believes that efforts can be improved to achieve greater clarity of roles and responsibilities and to avoid duplication of effort.

A step towards standardisation and efficiency is being promoted and Tea Cisic, IPC Head of Classification, highlighted this: "After several years of discussions with International Federations, the IPC will offer a centralised visual impairment classification service from 2025, which will benefit International Federations, classifiers and, most importantly, athletes."

Cisic emphasised that unlike classification for physical and intellectual impairments, which is sport-specific, classification for athletes with visual impairments is unique in that the assessment methods and classifier workforce will be harmonised across all Paralympic sports. This, she noted, creates efficiencies and opportunities to optimise the process.

With the introduction of a new Classification Code in 2025, the IPC sees this as the ideal time to centralise classification services, led by an organisation with the necessary capacity, knowledge and expertise.

The new approach will allow for greater investment in the development and integrity of visual impairment classification systems, resulting in more standardised assessments and a more athlete-centred approach.

In addition, the Committee will regularly review the success of this centralised approach through feedback from all stakeholders to ensure that the objectives set are met and that classification services continue to be optimised for the global Paralympic community.