KL1 (classification)

The KL1 Class is for paracanoe paddlers who have very limited or no trunk function and no leg function.[1] A KL1 class paddler is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders. These athletes will likely also have poor sitting balance and typically need a seat with a high backrest. Eligible paddlers typically meet one of the following:[2]

  • Impaired range of motion
  • Loss of muscle strength equivalent to spinal cord injury complete at T12 level.

Definition

This classification is for disability athletes. This classification is one of several classification for athletes with lower limb deficiencies, impaired muscle power and/or impaired passive range of motion.[3] The Australian Paralympic Committee defines this classification for “limited or no trunk function and no leg function."[2] In July 2016, the International Paralympic Committee defined this class as, "Athletes in this sports class have no or very limited trunk and no leg function."[4]

Performance and technique

While paddling, KL 3 classified sportspeople predominately use arms and shoulders to apply force.

History

The classification was created by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). In 2003, the IPC Athletics Classification Project developed an evidence-based classification system to assist with eligibility and sports class allocation.[5] In April 2015, the International Canoe Federation released a new classification system ahead of the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Changes were made to rename different classes of para-canoeing.[6] Para-canoeing will be included for the first time at the Summer Paralympics in Rio 2016 as voted in by the IPC in 2010.[7][8]

Formerly Known AsCurrently Known As
A (Arms)KL1
TA (Trunk and Arms)KL2
LTA (Legs, Trunk and Arms)KL3

For the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, the International Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case by case basis.[9]

Becoming classified

Becoming classified as a paddler involves the examination of the impairment, pre-competition assessment of sport specific skills and in competition review.[10] Assessment of sport specific skills includes strength and functional movement training, ergometer testing and on-water testing.[10] Paddlers are classified based on loss of muscle strength equivalent to a spinal cord injury complete at T12 level and impaired range of motion.[2] Each paddler receives a status for classification and further allocated a review time.

Competitors

Medallists in the KL1 class at the 2015 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships included Luis Cardoso da Silva (Brazil), Jakub Tokarz (Poland), Fernando Fernandes de Padua (Brazil), Jeanette Chippington (Great Britain), Edina Müller (Germany) and Evitlana Kupriinova (Ukraine).

See also

References
  1. "Paracanoe". ICF - Planet Canoe. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  2. "Para Canoe Classification". Australian Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  3. "Explanatory guide to Paralympic classification" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  4. "Para canoe Classification & Categories". www.paralympic.org. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  5. "IPC Athletics Classification Project for Physical Impairments: Final Report - Stage 1" (PDF). Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  6. "Paracanoeing". World Paddle Awards. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  7. "BBC Sport - Disability Sports - Canoeing and triathlon added to 2016 Paralympic Games". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  8. "Para-Canoeing added to roster for 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio". paddlinglife.net. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  9. "Rio 2016 Classification Guide" (PDF). International Paralympic Committee. International Paralympic Committee. March 2016. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
  10. "Preparing for National Classification Information for Paracanoe Athletes" (PDF). Australian Canoeing. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
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