ATHLETICS AUSTRALIA

Athletics Australia (AA) is the governing body for Athletics in this country. It is a National Sporting Organisation whose major partner is the Australian Sports Commission. AA is responsible for all athletics activity, including high performance, participation, coaching, officiating, juniors, para-athletics, domestic and international competition. Athletics Australia has a critical role in leading, fostering and encouraging participation in athletics in Australia and promoting excellence in performance.

CLASSIFICATION

Para-sport exists so that athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to compete and be successful in sport. Classification groups athletes who have similar impairments together into classes for competition in their particular sport. Classification involves an assessment to determine how the athlete’s impairment influences the activities required in their sport, regardless of their level of training or development. Classification involves athletes undergoing testing including demonstrating sport skills and being observed during competition. Each Para-sport has a different classification system. Classification allows athletes to determine whether they are eligible to compete in Para-sport and who they compete against.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND COMMITMENT

• Classifiers are officials who provide sport specific assessments, to determine in which class an athlete with a disability will compete.
• Classifiers will work closely with Athletics Australia (AA), Paralympics Australia (PA) and other Australian classifiers in delivering classification services for the sport of Athletics.
• Assist AA Para-Classification Coordinator in building and developing Athletics Australia’s physical impairment classification system.
• Support the Athletics Australia network to improve the pathways for para-athletes to access the sport of athletics in Australia.
• Attend a minimum of 2 in-person classification days which take place during the Australian Summer Athletics season, typically between September and April.
• Weekend availability for classification days run between the hours of 8:00am- 6:00pm and travel considerations should be made, particularly for some interstate events.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Medical or Technical Classifier:
   • Medical Classifiers: Relevant Tertiary qualification in physiotherapy, medicine or similar. Currently registered medical professional (e.g. physiotherapist or medical doctor). - minimum 5 years post-graduation.
   • Technical Classifiers: Relevant qualification in sport science, kinesiology, human movement, science or equivalent sport specific qualification including coaching. -minimum 5 years of experience.
2. Working with Children Check.
3. Current national police clearance
4. Professional indemnity insurances (medical classifiers only)
5. An understanding of the operations of a National Sporting Organisation and its Member Association network is desirable.
6. An understanding of Paralympic sport and more specifically Para-athletics is desirable.
7. Knowledge of the paralympic classification process and para-athletics system is highly desirable.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
9. Willingness to travel as and when required, often working outside normal business hours with classification opportunities typically taking place on weekends.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Successful applicants will be invited to complete National Physical Impairment Classification training, with all costs (travel, accommodation, meals and course costs) covered in full. Training will include the following;

1. Online Education and face to face workshop
   This program is run by approved AA Classification Educators. Upon successful completion of the program individuals shall be awarded National Trainee Classifier status in Para-athletics. The face-to-face workshop will be held in May 2025 (date TBC).
2. Practical or Competition based classification training
   Trainee National Classifiers undertake classification as part of a panel whilst being mentored and observed to a set of criteria by approved National Classification Educators.
3. Certification as National classifier
   Subject to meeting all competency criteria above, individuals will be certified by Athletics Australia as Australian National Classifiers.
4. Upskilling and further development opportunities
   AA will offer opportunities for refresher courses and upskilling opportunities regularly including as updates to classification rules and policies are provided.

While classifiers work in a voluntary capacity at a state and national level, all costs associated with travel are covered and a per diem is provided.