Badminton Australia and Paralympics Australia hosted a Badminton World Federation (BWF) National Level 1 Classifier Training course from 27–29 May, welcoming nine attendees from Australia, Fiji, Korea and Malaysia.

Building classification capability in Australia

Classification is essential to the integrity and fairness of Para sport competition. It determines whether an athlete is eligible to compete and places them into a sport class with athletes whose impairments affect them in similar ways in their sport.

For Australia, this training marks a significant step forward because we have had a limited number of active Para badminton classifiers available to support the classification pathway growth. With six Australians now undertaking Level 1 training, spread across a wide range of locations, we’re strengthening the national classifier network and reducing reliance on a small pool of personnel.

What this means for Para Badminton

Expanding our classifier base helps unlock practical, athlete-focused improvements:

• More opportunities for classification nationwide: With more trained people across more locations, we can better support classification beyond major events.
• Improved access and reduced barriers: Increased state capability can reduce travel and waiting times for athletes who need classification to enter or progress through competition.
• Stronger event readiness: A larger classifier workforce supports smoother delivery of competitions and pathway events as participation grows.

Supporting growth at a state level

This work is part of a broader focus on growing Para badminton participation across Australia. We are currently working with state organisations to help support the growth and participation of Para badminton at a state level.

Increasing out-of-competition opportunities

In addition to competition-based classification, we will be working closely with the State Para Units to support out-of-competition classification opportunities – helping athletes access the classification process in a way that supports both development and entry into the sport

Badminton Australia and Paralympics Australia thank the BWF and all attendees for contributing to this important step in strengthening the future of Para badminton classification in Australia.

If you are interested in undergoing classification, please express your interest to Para.classification@badminton.org.au.