Classifications
Eligibility requirements for the adaptive divisions
To be class as an Adaptive athlete, The athlete must meet the three requirements listed below
- Prove a diagnosed and documented permanent impairment from the list of 8 impairments.
- Have significant limitation(s) that prevent them from competing against abled bodied athletes.
- Meet the qualifications for one of the Adaptive divisions.
Athletes are not required to submit documentation during the registration process. Strongest adaptive on Earth may request documentation of an impairment to validate eligibility for the Adaptive division.
1. Age requirement
Any athlete younger than 18 years of age will be required to provide additional parental consent during the online registration and the day of competition.
*There are no age categories, Strongest Adaptive on Earth.
2. Athlete Categories
Athletes will compete in the category of their assigned birth.
3. Adaptive divisions
There are 8 adaptive divisions for competition in both men and women classes.
Standing class
- Vision Impaired
- One Arm
- BTK (Below the knee)
- ATK ( Above the knee)
- Neurological
Seated class
- Hip function (Seated 1)
- Neurological (Seated 2 Neuro)
- Without hip function and or multiple-limb impairment (Seated 3)
Note as our federation grows, we will be adding new classifications and regulations as needed.
4. Classification for adaptive athletes
Appropriately classifying athletes ensuring fairness and equality is integral to the credibility of Strongest Adaptive on Earth and its host promoters.
Our committee of adaptive athletes are committed to advise on this important matter for the future and growth of the sport
4.1. Athlete classification responsibilities
Athletes shall
- Be informed of and comply with all rules, guidelines, policies, and processes established by Strongest Adaptive on Earth handbook;
- Participate in athlete evaluations;
- Provide adequate information or documents of impairment or diagnosis; and
- Cooperate with any investigation concerning violations.
- Provide wherever asked for a video of a specific event or function.
4.2. Strongest adaptive on Earth classification responsibilities
Strongest Adaptive on Earth Shall;
- Research and develop competition rules and guidelines. Ensuring that all adaptive athletes have opportunity to participate in strongman events in a manner that is fair to all competitors; and
- Provide risk assessments and mitigation policies to promote safe competition;
- Provide clear information for classification; And
- Communicate clearly with the adaptive community and promoters about the development of regulations guidelines and policies.
4.3. Classification process
The season begins with a regional, State or Provincial qualifier. Athletes will determine their eligibility and select an Adaptive competition division during registration, a further review procedure will be held for non-registered athletes for proper classification. Once registered and classified you may enter online qualifiers, regional, provincial/state, national and or World championships.
Strongest Adaptive on Earth and or its committee may perform in-person evaluation and observation or video reviews as necessary. In some cases, strongest adaptive on Earth may also require additional documentation and or a reassessment.
Any athlete with questions or concerns regarding classification process is welcome to contact strongestadaptiveonearth@outlook.com
4.4. Adaptive aids during classification
When completing the classification process, athletes shall utilize all adaptive aids they intend to use in competition (e.g., prosthesis, slings). Evaluation with assistive aids provides and represents the most accurate ability during competition. If an athlete completes the classification process without using all available aids but then demonstrates greater functionality their adaptive division or qualification status may be reviewed by the advisory committee and adjusted by Strongest adaptive on Earth.
4.5. Athletes qualification for competition divisions
Athletes may qualify for more than one division under the current classification descriptions. Athletes must choose the Adaptive division that best represents their ability and places them among peers of similar abilities to maintain fair competition.
Athletes cannot compete in multiple divisions during a competition season. Athletes must choose one division for the competition season from registration and classification through National and or World championships. Athletes with multiple impairments should classify themselves under a classification with the impairment which inhibits their ability the most.
5. Permitted Impairments
Permitted impairments for competition in the adaptive division.
Include the following;
- Athetosis
- Hypertonia
- Impaired muscle power
- Impaired passive range of movement
- Limb length difference
- Limb deficiency
- Vision impairment.
- Ataxia
*Note future Impairments may consist of short stature and developmental disabilities.
Each adaptive division allows for specific impairments to qualify. Some divisions have multiple permitted impairments, and some only have one.
6. Non-Permitted Impairments
- Non- permitted Impairments include, but are not limited to:
- Pain (acute or chronic)
- Hearing impairment
- Vision impairment of one eye
- Low muscle tone
- Hypermobility of joints
- Joint instability
- Impaired muscle endurance
- Impaired motor reflex functions
- Impaired cardiovascular functions
- Impaired respiratory functions
- Impaired metabolic functions
- Ticks and mannerism.
*Note a permanent impairment is a prerequisite to participate in Strongest adaptive on Earth federation.
6.1. Impairment confirmation
Athlete’s impairment maybe confirmed by a documented diagnosis from a medical professional with accompanying evidence in the form of testing.
In some cases, a self-evaluation or an evaluation from Strongest adaptive on Earth advisory committee.
It is essential to understand that the confirmation of an impairment does not qualify an athlete for competition in an Adaptive division, but satisfies one of the requirements. An athlete must also meet the minimum requirement of impairment listed in one of the Adaptive divisions.
7. Equity amongst adaptive athletes and divisions
To be qualified for competition in the adaptive divisions, athletes must satisfy the second general requirement.
Have significant limitations that prevent them from competing against athlete in the non-adaptive division.
The assessment for this is observation and analysis of the athletes, functional ability and the degree of limitations from specific movements or range of motion in respect to other athletes in the Adaptive and non-adaptive division.
8. Minimum Impairment qualification
Each division has specific minimum qualifications detailed in the sections below.
9. Appeal By An Athlete
- Athletes shall have 10 business days after receiving the decision rejecting their qualification to submit their written petition of appeal explaining why the decision should be overturned. Appeals should be sent to strongestadaptiveonearth@outlook.com
- Following a committee review of the athlete’s petition of appeal, strongest adaptive on Earth will, in a timely manner, provide its decision, including supporting reasons, either denying or granting the appeal.
- All appeals will be reviewed, discussed and voted on by the committee.
9.1. Athlete challenges the qualification of an athlete
Any athlete registered for a competition or Strongest Adaptive on Earth may send a petition challenging an athlete’s qualification or assigned division by a confidential written request strongestadaptiveonearth@outlook.com. Strongest Adaptive on Earth and its committee will in a timely manner review that request . In the interest of confidentiality, Strongest Adaptive on Earth. Will send notification of the received challenge but will provide no additional information. Strongest adaptive on Earth. May also review and evaluate an athlete’s qualifications on its own initiative.
Standing Classes
10. vision impairment
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualifications of a visual acuity less than log MAR 1.0, or a field of vision constricted to a diameter of fewer than 40°.
- Athletes must have a significant permanent impairment and limitations of vision caused by dysfunctions of the eye structure. Optical nerves, optical pathways or visual cortex of the brain
- At the time of evaluation all available corrective lenses Shall be worn and the vision of both eyes should be considered when evaluating qualification.
- Athletes with vision in one eye that does not meet the qualification criteria will not be permitted to compete in the vision impairment class.
- Athletes in this class must compete in a standing position for most events.
- Only athletes in the vision impaired class will be allowed a handler as an aid on the competition floor to help navigate the event and or course.
11. One Arm
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualification of impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, amputation and or limb length difference.
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment, primarily to the upper extremity such as arm and or including the shoulder joint. Amputation or limb deficiency from the four metacarpal and above.
- Athletes will only use their primary hand during competition at no time shall the limb of deficiency be utilized during competition.
12. BTK Below the knee
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualification of impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power, limb deficiency and or limb length difference.
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment primarily to the lower extremity such as leg and or foot.
- Below the knee limb deficiency or amputation of at least half of the foot
- Significant leg difference 3” minimum.
13. ATK Above the knee
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualification of impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power, limb deficiency and or limb length difference
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment primarily to the lower extremity such as hip knee, leg.
- Limb deficiency consist of amputation through or above the knee.
Standing Neurological
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualification of Impaired passive range of motion or movement. Impaired muscle power, Athetosis, Hypertonia, Ataxia.
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment that meet the minimum qualification of impaired passive range of motion or movement. Impaired muscle power astatosis hypertonia ataxia functional limitation and coordination, impaired muscle power and neurological signaling.
- Athletes must be affected by and demonstrate neuromuscular conditions causing motor function limitations such as coordination, static balance, impaired range of power or movement, dynamic balance.
- Athletes in this class must compete in a standing position. Athletes not able to stand to perform movements should not compete in this class and may qualify in the seated neurological division.
Seated Classes
Seated 1
- Athletes must meet minimum qualifications of impairments such as ataxia, impaired muscle power, athetosis, limb length difference, hypertonia, and or limb deficiency.
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment that causes limitation from the hips and below.
- Seated one athletes have hip motor power and will be able to move or reposition their legs without manual assistance.
- Athletes with Ataxia Athetosis or Hypertonia May exhibit upper extremity muscle power, athletes may have some functional hip muscle activity and knee muscle activity. Athletes may have similar activity limitations to an athlete with a complete spinal cord injury or an incomplete spinal cord injury in most muscle groups in the lower limbs.
- Athletes may have a below the knee limb impairment or amputation of at least half of the foot or more, which requires the athlete to perform daily living activities from a wheelchair.
Seated 2 Neuro
- Athletes must meet the minimum qualification of Impaired passive range of motion or movement? Impaired muscle power, Athetosis, Hypertonia, Ataxia.
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment that causes functional limitation and coordination, impaired muscle power and neurological signaling. (I,g, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Spina bifida, Charcot-Marie-tooth disease ect…).
- Athletes must be affected by and demonstrate neuromuscular conditions causing motor function limitations such as coordination, static balance, impaired range of power or movement and dynamic balance, which requires the athlete to perform daily living tasks from a wheelchair or a seated position for safety.
Seated 3
- Athletes must meet minimum qualification of impairments such as Ataxia, impaired muscle power, Impaired range of motion, Athetosis, limb length difference, hypertonia and or multiple limb deficiencies
- Athletes must have a documented permanent impairment that causes functional limitation and coordination, impaired muscle power and neurological signaling. (I,g, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Spina bifida, Charcot-Marie-tooth disease ect…).
- Athletes must have a documented and permanent impairment equivalent to athlete with a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury. Athletes may have Non-functional movement of the hip flexors, bilateral or unilateral hip disarticulation, and or Multi limb deficiency or amputation.
Assessment
In most cases, athletes will perform a self-assessment for classifications. Athletes themselves best understand their impairments and limitations (Be honest).
Only when challenged by a promotor, committee member or Strongest Adaptive on Earth, shall there be a secondary classification review requiring documentation and testing for approval by trained classifiers and or the committee.
Any supporting documentation required can be emailed direct to strongestadaptiveonearth@outlook.com