Disability judo classification

Disability judo classification is the medical classification system for disability judo. Judokas with a disability are classified into different categories based on their disability type. The classification is handled by the Blind Sports Association.

The blind classifications are based on medical classification, no functional classification.

Visualisation of functional vision for a B1 competitor

Visualisation of functional vision for a B2 competitor

Visualisation of functional vision for a B3 competitor

Beyond the level of vision impairment, research done at the Central Institute on Employment Abilities of the Handicapped in Moscow has found differences in functional capabilities based on differences in visual acuity. This does not play a significant role in judo.

The sport's classification system is governed by the International Blind Sports Association.

As of 2012^[update], people with visual disabilities are eligible to compete in this sport. The sport is also open to blind people with hearing loss.

In 1992, the International Paralympic Committee formally took control of governance for disability sport.

Classes for the sport are based on weight, not based on functional disability.B1, B2 and B3 athletes compete with each other in their own weight divisions. Men have seven weight divisions and women have six.

B1 competitors, those with the most severe vision problems, have a red 7" diameter circle attached on both sleeves. This identifier makes it easier for referees to spot B1 competitors and give them certain allowances (for example, B1 athletes cannot be expected to see the competition area boundaries). Competitors who are deaf have a small blue circle on their judogi's bib on the back in the right hand corner.

For Australian competitors in this sport, the sport is not supported by the Australian Paralympic Committee. There are three types of classification available for Australian competitors: Provisional, national and international. The first is for club level competitions, the second for state and national competitions, and the third for international competitions. At the 1996 Summer Paralympics, on the spot classification required that classifiers have access to medical equipment like Snellen charts, reflex hammers, and goniometers to properly classify competitors.

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