A wide range of different people take part in Paraclimbing, including visually impaired climbers, climbers with limb differences[14] and those with brain injuries or mobility impairments.[15][16] Higher numbers equate to higher functionality (less impairment), lower numbers equate to lower functionality (more impairment).[17]
Paraclimbing categories according to the 2024 IFSC regulations[18]
LogMAR of 1.50 − 2.60 and/orvisual field of less than 10°
B3
LogMAR of 1 − 1.40 (20/200 − 20/500 on the Snellen chart) and/or visual field of less than 40°
Upper limb(s)
AU2
One upper limb has reduced function below the athletes elbow and does not have a functional wrist joint
AU3
One hand or multiple digits across both hands are absent or have reduced function
Lower limb(s)
AL1
Significantly reduced functional use for climbing or absence of bilateral lower limbs
AL2
Impairment in a single lower limb or leg length difference
Range and power
RP1
Impairment across all eligible impairment types with severe impairment to function affecting at least 2 limbs or a single upper limb is absent or has severely limited functional use
RP2
Impairment across all eligible impairment types with moderate impairment to function affecting the trunk and/or limbs
RP3
Impairment across all eligible impairment types with mild impairment to function affecting the trunk and/or limbs
In the 2022-2023 season AU1 was permanently combined with RP1, and a new category of upper arm limb difference was added. AU3 is the designated sport class for athletes with limb differences between the wrist and tips of the fingers. With a minimum impairment of a loss of 6 finger joints across both hands. Prior to the creation of this sport class many AU3 athletes classified in RP3.
If there is an insufficient number of competitors in a given category, this category can be merged into another, 'harder' category. In world championships at least six athletes from four countries must compete in each category. Merges may be performed sequentially until the required number of competitors is met.[18]
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
