Athletes with a disability may experience a competitive disadvantage during sports practice. That is why a system has been put in place to minimise the impact of impairments on sport performance and to ensure the success of an athlete is determined by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus. This system is called classification.

To some extent this is comparable to the usual classifications in weight category, gender or age. Classification provides the essential structure for competitive sports; it ensures fair competition for people with disabilities.