Parafencing Classification

Athlete Eligibility

Athletes are eligible to compete in parafencing if they have a permanent disability that falls within one of the eligible impairment categories: impaired muscle power, athetosis, impaired passive range of movement, hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia or leg length difference. Participation in USA Fencing and World Abilitysport tournaments are open to any fencer who is eligible to be classified by the respective organization and is at least 13 years old on Jan. 1 in the year of the competition. There is no maximum age limit.

Classification

There are three classification categories in which athletes are placed in indicating the degree of disability from least “A” to most severe “C”. Official classifiers determine the classification category for each parafencer. 

USA Fencing will implement a new national classification system for the 2025-26 season in order to adhere to the U.S. Paralympic National Classification Policies and Procedures. A copy of that policy can be found at www.usopc.org/national-classification-resources. International WAS classifications will trickle down to the national level. 

Athletes competing at USA Fencing Regional or National Events will be required to have a minimum National Provisional (NP) Classification. The athlete has received a PROVISIONAL sport class(es) by alternative evaluation methods including video analysis, remote evaluation, and/or medical diagnostics information. The athlete must go through athlete evaluation at the national level at the earliest opportunity in order to receive recognized national sport class(es) and sport class status. Athletes who receive NP status will be listed in the national classification database for the respective sport. 

Once an athlete has undergone international classification evaluation they may NOT undergo national classification evaluation for their respective sport. 

 In order to compete internationally, all athletes must be evaluated and classified by World Abilitysport. An official WAS appointed classifier panel will determine the specific category for each parafencer who attempts to compete internationally. 

National Classification Documents

USA Fencing National Medical Diagnostic Form (MDF)

USA Fencing National Medical Diagnostics Form (MDF) and Supporting Documentation Guide for Parafencing Athletes

Documentation needs to be uploaded through the athlete's USA Fencing membership profile no later than four weeks prior to a USA Fencing regional or national event the athlete plans to compete in. Submission after that time cannot guarantee a classification will be awarded prior to the competition.

International Classification Documents

World Abilitysport Medical Diagnostic Form

World Abilitysport Athlete Consent Form

Athletes will also need to send a copy of a valid passport and a headshot photo to be submitted with the above forms and supporting medical documentation. All international classification paperwork needs to be submitted to the Parafencing Manager by eight weeks prior to competition start date.