Les Autres sport classification

rdf:langString Les Autres sport classification

rdf:langString Les Autres sport classification is system used in disability sport for people with locomotor disabilities not included in other classification systems for people with physical disabilities. The purpose of this system is to facilitate fair competition between people with different types of disabilities, and to give credibility to disability sports. It was designed and managed by International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD) until the 2005 merger with IWAS, when management switched to that organization. Classification is handled on the national level by relevant sport organizations. Designed as a catchall classification system for people with locomotor disabilities, people with a variety of different disabilities are included in the classification system. These include different limb length, polio sequela, Gullian's Syndrome, some types of cerebral palsy, some spinal conditions related to polio, osteogenesis imperfecta and junior rheumatoid arthritis. It does not include people with intellectual disabilities or people who are deaf. LAF1, LAF2 and LAF3 are wheelchair classes, while LAF4, LAF5 and LAF6 are ambulant classes. SS1 and SS2 are classes for people with short stature who otherwise do not fit into traditional Les Autres classes. The classification system was created by ISOD in the 1970s, with Les Autres sportspeople first participating at the 1976 Summer Paralympics. Subsequently, the classification system was expanded to include six classes. Changes have been made to these classes since then while retaining the original six classes. A variety of sports are open to Les Autres sportspeople including archery, boccia, cycling, equestrian, paracanoe, paratriathlon, powerlifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, track and field, wheelchair American football, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair softball and wheelchair tennis. The classification system has been criticized when used to facilitate competition against people with other disability types for not factoring in things like the impact of exertion on performance.