International Classifier

The role of an International Classifier is to classify sailors according to the current Para-Classification Rules for World Sailing.

This includes medical, anatomical, and physiological analysis of the sailor’s capabilities, performance assessment through standardised tests and observation on the water during competition; advises on, inspects and approves assistive devices used by sailors during competition.

Become an International Classifier

World Sailing International Classifier Administration is governed by Section 3 of the World Sailing Regulations.

A candidate for first appointment and re-appointment as an International Classifier (Level 1 – Junior) shall have complied in the 4 years prior to 14 October in the year of application with the following requirements:

  • is a qualified medical practitioner, or physiotherapist or appropriate allied health professional who is currently licensed to practice or retired from practice;
  • has attended an approved WS International Classification Seminar;
  • has passed the WS examination for the discipline in accordance with WS regulation 31.11;
  • has signed accepting the Code of Conduct;
  • has classified in the capacity of Trainee Classifier at two WS Level 1 or 2 events; and
  • has experience in classification for each boat class used for Para WS championships

A candidate for first appointment as an International Classifier (Level 2 – Senior) shall have complied in the 4 years prior to 14 October in the year of application with the following requirements:

  • served as a Level 1 IC with at least one classification for each boat class used for Para WS championships; and
  • had his work approved by the Head of Classification and confirmed by the Para WS Committee;
  • been a member of a Classification Protest Committee (desirable criteria only).

Specific technical competences are require to become an International Classifier – candidates must demonstrate knowledge and application of:

  • the current Para-Classification Rules for World Sailing;
  • the IPC Classification Code and its associated International Standards including the Code of Conduct;
  • the current World Anti-Doping Code and the current Prohibited List;
  • be familiar with the different boats used for Para WS championships; and
  • demonstrates appropriate communication skills when evaluating para sailors.

 

 

Applying to be an International Classifier

All candidates must ensure they have read the relevant sections within the Race Officials Roles, Qualifications and Competences document and World Sailing Regulations in full in order to understand the complete qualifcations required to become an International Classifier.

The World Sailing International Race Officials Application Portal opens on 1 March each year, for applicants to begin preparing a first time or renewal application to submit by 1 September.

To begin an application all officials must have a valid World Sailing ID.

World Sailing Education for International Classifiers

World Sailing International Seminars are organised periodically in conjunction with major international para-sailing events in order to enable potential classifiers to acquire appropriate theoretical and practical training.

Participation at a minimum of three days of training is necessary, and will be validated if the candidate demonstrates sufficient theoretical and practical competencies. Candidates to become International Classifiers are expected to meet the published standards.

Race Official Event Appointments

The appointment and/or approval of World Sailing Race Officials to international events is defined in World Sailing Regulation 25. World Sailing has the right to appoint race officials for events in order to ensure that they are fully trained and qualified.

A candidate for re-appointment as an International Classifier (Level 2 – Senior) shall, in addition to the criteria for first appointment, have complied in the 4 years prior to 14 October in the year of application with the following requirements:

  • served at a minimum of three WS Level 1 or 2 events;
  • obtained experience in each boat class used for Para WS championships;
  • instructed at one WS International Classification Seminar; and
  • been the Chief Classifier at one event;
  • chaired a Classification Protest Committee (desirable criteria only).

New Appointments & Renewals

Following the World Sailing Annual Conference in November each year, World Sailing publishes details of the candidates who successfully completed the application procedure to become a World Sailing Race Official for the first time and those who have had their status renewed.

The appointment and/or approval of World Sailing Race Officials to international events is defined in World Sailing Regulation 25. World Sailing has the right to appoint race officials for events in order to ensure that they are fully trained and qualified.

The document 2023 World Sailing Race Official Appointments details the names, nationalities and the term of appointment.