PCI Para Sports Classification Fundamentals Course
Master the Foundations of Para Sports Classification
Understanding Para sports classification is essential for coaches, physiotherapists, sports scientists, educators, and professionals shaping the future of inclusive sports. The PCI Para Sports Classification Fundamentals Courseprovides a comprehensive introduction to classification systems, athlete evaluation, impairment categories, and best practices aligned with international standards.
This course is designed to empower India’s growing Para sports ecosystem with accurate knowledge, skill-building, and confidence in supporting athletes at all levels.
INR ? (Plus GST)
EMI options available through the payment Gateway.
? weeks (self-paced with live sessions)
A Course Designed by Experts in Para Sports
Why Learn With Charkos Academy
- Industry-leading expert instructor with international credentials
- Professionally structured learning aligned with PCI development goals
- Real-world examples & case-based learning
- Designed for both beginners and professionals
- Flexible online access
- Certificates provided upon completion
This course strengthens India’s Para sports workforce by building informed, ethically grounded, globally aware professionals.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and importance of Para sports classification
- Identify different impairment categories and eligibility criteria
- Understand classification procedures at national and international levels
- Apply foundational principles when supporting or training Para athletes
- Recognise ethical and practical considerations in classification
- Contribute to inclusive and fair Para sport development
Who is this course for?
Physiotherapists & rehabilitation specialists
Sports scientists & strength-conditioning coaches
Coaches across all Para and able-bodied sports
Physical education teachers & educators
Students of sports science, physiotherapy, and allied health
Sports administrators, NGOs, and grassroots program leaders
Why This Course Matters
Para sports are rapidly evolving, and the demand for skilled classifiers, support staff, and informed professionals has never been higher. Misunderstood classification can impact athlete experience, eligibility, and competitive fairness. This course ensures you gain the correct, ethical, and up-to-date understanding of classification principles across multiple Para sports.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional seeking structured knowledge, this course will help you:
- Build clarity on the purpose, philosophy, and principles of Para sports classification
- Understand impairment types and sport-specific criteria
- Learn classification pathways used globally
- Support athletes with informed, evidence-based guidance
- Contribute to India’s long-term Para sports development vision
Curriculum – PCI Para Sports Classification Fundamentals Course
Module 1: Introduction to Para Sports & the Paralympic Movement
- History and evolution of the Paralympic Movement
- Overview of Para sports growth in India and globally
- Purpose and philosophy of Para sports classification
- Importance of fair competition and athlete welfare
- Key stakeholders: IPC, World Para Sports, PCI, National Federations
- Assessment
Module 2: Understanding Impairment Types
- Overview of the 10 eligible impairment types recognised by the IPC
- Physical, visual, and intellectual impairments
- Common myths and misconceptions
- Difference between medical impairment vs. sport-eligible impairment
- Real-world examples from national and international events
- Assessment
Module 3: Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC)
- Purpose of MIC in classification
- Overview of sport-specific MIC for major Para sports
- Case examples demonstrating MIC application
- Grey areas and common challenges
- Documentation and evidence required from athletes
- Assessment
Module 4: Classification Systems & Athlete Evaluation
- General classification procedures
- Panel composition: medical classifier, technical classifier, and panel roles
- Athlete assessment process (bench test, technical assessment, observation)
- Sport Classes: What they are and how they are assigned
- Review status vs. confirmed status
- Key documentation and classification cards
- Assessment
Module 5: Classification Across Major Para Sports
(Divided into multiple sub-sections)
Athletics
- Impairment classes (T/F categories)
- Functional profiles and assessment
- Common challenges for new classifiers
Swimming
- Physical impairment categories
- Stroke-specific considerations
- Practical case demonstrations
Badminton, Table Tennis & Powerlifting
- Overview of classification frameworks
- Core differences in requirements
- Practical examples from international events
Team Sports (Wheelchair Basketball, Football 7-a-side)
- Point-based systems
- Role of movement patterns in classification
- Team composition and fairness
- Assessment
Module 6: Ethics in Para Sports Classification
- Principles of fairness, transparency, and neutrality
- Ethical dilemmas in classification
- Handling suspected intentional misrepresentation (IM)
- Classifiers’ responsibilities & code of conduct
- Ensuring athlete dignity and safety
- Assessment
Module 7: National vs. International Classification Pathways
- PCI classification pathway
- National Classification Panels & their roles
- Navigation of documentation (MDF, eligibility forms, medical evidence)
- International classification events and scheduling
- Coordination with IPC/World Para Sports bodies
- Preparing athletes for international classification
- Assessment
Module 8: Classifier Skills, Behaviour, and Best Practices
- Communication skills with athletes & coaches
- Using evidence-based decision-making
- Documenting assessments accurately
- Avoiding biases and common mistakes
- Working with multidisciplinary teams (coaches, physiotherapists, doctors)
- Assessment
Module 9: Case Studies from Global Competitions
- Lessons from Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024)
- National case examples from India
- Functional vs. technical performance discrepancies
- Decision-making simulations
- Common classification disputes & resolutions
- Assessment
Module 10: Practical Introduction to Classifier Education
- Pathway to becoming a classifier
- Training requirements for medical & technical classifiers
- Overview of IPC/WPS/WPA education frameworks
- Continual development for classifier excellence
- Opportunities in national & international Para sport development
- Assessment
Module 11: Evaluation & Assessment
- Scenario-based quizzes
- Case analysis assignments
- Practical judgement exercises (videos/functional tests)
- Final assessment: multiple-choice + case interpretation
- Certification requirements
- Assessment
Module 12: Capstone – Building India’s Para Sports Future
- Understanding India’s Paralympic Pathway Development Project
- Grassroots workforce development
- Creating awareness at schools, colleges & state associations
- Role of trained classifiers in strengthening India’s Para sport ecosystem
- How students can contribute to local, state, and national initiatives
- Assessment
Final Assessment
Gain Advantage From experts
Dr. Manish Rana (Physio) is a leading expert in Para sports classification and athlete development in India. He currently serves as the Director of Sports Development & Performance and Head of Classification at the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), where he oversees national classification programs, capacity-building initiatives, and education for classifiers across the country.
He is trained as a World Para Swimming International Classifier (Medical – Trainee) and a Level 2 World Para Athletics Classifier, with international experience working at the International Paralympic Committee in Bonn, Germany. His global exposure includes managing athlete data systems, supporting NPCs worldwide, and contributing to classification research and education.
Dr. Rana has played key roles at major competitions including the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Asian Para Games, World Para Athletics Championships, and numerous national championships. His leadership at the Performance & Recovery Centre in Paris supported India’s best-ever Paralympic performance.
Academically, he holds an MSc in Musculoskeletal Sports Science & Health from Loughborough University (UK)and advanced physiotherapy qualifications from India. His clinical background includes serving as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at HCA Healthcare UK, treating elite athletes and high-performance professionals.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Rana is recognised for his blend of clinical expertise, international classification knowledge, and commitment to strengthening India’s Para sports ecosystem. He is widely regarded as one of the country’s most impactful emerging leaders in Para sport development.
How The Course Benifits You
🕒
Flexibility & convenience of time and space and Receive a recognised certificate that adds value to your academic and professional profile.
🧠
Gain a solid foundation in Para sports classification, enabling you to understand athlete eligibility, impairment groups, and sport classes with confidence
📋
Increase your opportunities within federations, sports organisations, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and high-performance systems.
🏅
Gain insights into real-world cases from national and international events, helping you apply concepts practically.
🏥
Strengthen your career pathway toward becoming a classifier, technical official, or Para sports specialist.
✅
Understand classification processes across major Para sports, making you more versatile as a coach, therapist, or sports professional.
Get Certified By Charkos Academy and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
Yes! You will get a course completion certificate by Charkos Academy and PCI once you complete the course and the assignment!
FAQ
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for physiotherapists, sports scientists, coaches, PE teachers, students, rehabilitation professionals, and anyone interested in understanding Para sports and classification processes.
How will this course help my career?
You will gain knowledge that is highly valued in sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, and Para sports administration. It opens doors to roles such as classifier support, technical official, Para coach, and athlete development professional.
Is this course online or in-person?
The course is delivered online, allowing you to learn at your own pace from anywhere.
Is the course recognised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)?
Yes. The course content is aligned with PCI’s goals for developing a skilled Para sports workforce, and the trainer is the Head of Classification at PCI.
Do I need any prior knowledge of Para sports to join?
No. The course is beginner-friendly and starts with the fundamentals. Anyone with an interest in inclusive sport can join.
Will I become a certified classifier after completing this course?
This course provides the foundational knowledge required to begin your classifier journey. It does not certify you as a classifier, but it prepares you for further national or international classifier training.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Charkos Academy, which can be added to your CV, LinkedIn, or professional portfolio.
Will I become a certified classifier after completing this course?
This course provides the foundational knowledge required to begin your classifier journey. It does not certify you as a classifier, but it prepares you for further national or international classifier training.
