Para Judo Classification Information

Classification provides a structure for Paralympic competition. The International Paralympic Committee has adopted a universal classification code in order to facilitate the implementation of accurate, reliable, and credible sport-specific classification systems. The classification process determines who is eligible to compete in a Paralympic sport and it groups the eligible athletes in sport classes according to their activity limitation in a certain sport. For more information about Paralympic classification and the IPC Athlete Classification Code, please visit the IPC Classification Webpage.

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) is the international federation for judo.  IBSA is responsible for creating and implementing the rules and regulations that govern the Paralympic judo classification system.  For more information about judo’s classification system, rules, and regulations please visit the IBSA Judo Classification Webpage (Classification - IBSA Judo).

All national classifications conducted in the United States fall under the governance of U.S. Paralympics as the National Paralympic Committee for the United States and the respective sport National Governing Body (NGB). For more information about the national classification policies and procedures, please visit the U.S. Paralympics Classification Policies and Procedures Webpage. 

The USA Para Judo National Database includes all athletes whose classification information is on file with IBSA and/or USA Judo.  Athletes who have been nationally or internationally classified as per the Code and/or the U.S. Paralympics Classification Policies and Procedures are included. Only athletes who have a current IBSA Sport Administration System (ISAS) License appear on the International Master list.

• National Classification List
• International Classification Master List

All athletes who wish to compete in the Para-Judo divisions at USA Judo events must undergo a national classification evaluation to determine their sport class. The steps to obtaining a national classification are outlined below.

Blind and Visually Impaired

1. Athletes with visual impairments may obtain a national classification at any time during the year, and do not need to attend an event as part of the classification process. To obtain a National VI Classification, athletes must have the visual impairment medical diagnosis form completed by their ophthalmologist and return to USA Judo along with supporting documentation related to the diagnosed eye condition as outlined on the medical diagnosis form at least fourteen (14) days prior to a competition they intend to compete at.

• National VI Classification Form - Submit this form to USA Judo for review at ParaJudo@usajudo.us. Classification forms must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event in which the athlete would like to participate.

2. Once the forms are received by the USA Judo Para Classification Manager, they will be reviewed, and a national classification of J1 or J2 will be assigned to the athlete.  Please note, official IBSA Classification supersedes National Classification in all situations.  Please visit the IBSA Classification Site for official IBSA Classifications.

Athletes must hold a current ISAS License and have submitted the appropriate medical documentation to request international classification evaluation. The appropriate Visual Impairment MDF form must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the date of the International Classification evaluation opportunity - failure to follow this procedure could result in cancellation of the classification appointment. Each form outlines the specific tests, x-rays, MRIs, etc. required for the various impairment types that should be provided as supporting documentation. The Medical Diagnostics Form and the supplemental documents must be completed by the athlete’s physician or ophthalmologist.

• Visual Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form

For a full list of international classification opportunities, please visit the IBSA Judo Master Calendar (Upcoming - IBSA Judo).