Unique to the Paralympics is a classification system that enables athletes to compete on an equal level, with a pre-determined degree of disability.
Competitors are divided into three main categories: sit-ski, standing and visually impaired.
Classification is based on the functional abilities of competitors according to the degree and type of disabilities.
Athletes with similar disabilities compete against one another in the same class in a given event.
Winter sports are largely divided into three categories: LW classes, for competitors with locomotive disabilities; sitting LW classes; and B classes, for competitors with visual impairment.
Classification is conducted and determined by those authorized by the International Paralympic Committee.
Classes will be combined when there are too few competitors per class. For a class to be eligible for competition there must be a minimum of four racers from four countries.
STANDING: Most competitors have a limb disability, such as an amputation below or above the knee, or below or above the elbow. This category features six individual classes: LW2, LW3, LW4, LW5/7, LW6/8 and LW9.
SIT-SKI: Competitors sit using a sled, a specially designed chair that is attached to a pair of skis. Competitors propel themselves forward with two poles. Athletes in this category have lower-extremity disabilities. Competitors are divided into three individual different classes: LW10, LW11 and LW12.
VISUALLY IMPAIRED: Athletes compete in all nordic skiing events, accompanied by a guide. The guide skis immediately ahead and directs the competitor, vocally or by radio, of all course alterations, including corners, inclines and declines. This category features three individual classes: B1, B2, and B3. In the biathlon events, an acoustic system aids visually impaired athletes toward the target. In all events, the guide is also awarded a medal.
For the alpine events, the classes will be combined within the categories standing (LW1-9) class, sitting (LW10-12) classes and B classes. When classes are combined, a factor system will be used to calculate results, taking the actual time and multiplying it by a factor based on the competitors' class. Combined classes will be determined at the team captains meetings held prior to the competition.
Biathlon and long-nordic distance events are conducted with the three-category system. Short- and middle-distance events are conducted with the individual class system.
CLASSES
B1: No light perception in either eye up to light perception, but inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction.
B2: From ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 2/60 and/or visual field of less than 5 degrees.
B3: From visual acuity above 2/60 up to visual acuity of 6/60 and/or visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees.
LW1: Athletes with severe disabilities in both lower limbs.
LW2: Athletes with severe disabilities in one lower limb.
LW3: Athletes with disabilities in both lower limbs skiing with two normal skis and two poles or two stabilizers.
LW3/1: Athletes with double below the knee amputation, and those with disabilities in both lower limbs with maximum of 60 muscle points.
LW3/2: Athletes with cerebral palsy who have moderate to slight diplegic involvement, or moderate athetoid or atactic impairment.
LW4: Athletes with disabilities in one lower limb, skiing with two skis and two poles.
LW5/7: Athletes with disabilities in both upper limbs, skiing with two normal skis and without poles.
LW6/8: Athletes with disabilities in one upper limb, skiing with two normal skis and one pole. The disability must be such that the functional use of more than one pole is not possible.
LW9: Athletes with disabilities in one upper limb and one lower limb skiing with equipment of their choice.
LW9/1: Athletes with disabilities in one upper limb and one lower limb above knee amputation or comparable disability; or CP7 athletes with severe hemiplegia.
LW9/2: Athletes with disabilities in one upper limb and one lower limb below knee amputation or comparable disability; or CP7 athletes with minimal or moderate to slight hemiplegia.
LW10: Athletes with disabilities in lower limbs, no functional sitting balance. Athletes with cerebral palsy with disabilities in all four limbs.
LW11: Athletes with disabilities in lower limbs and a fair sitting balance. Athletes with cerebral palsy with disabilities in lower extremities.
LW12: Athletes with disabilities in lower limbs and good sitting balance.
LW12/1: Athletes with spinal cord lesion or other disabilities.
LW12/2: Athletes with amputations in the lower limbs.
SOURCE: 2002paralympics.com