Classification is an essential part of creating fair competition in para-rowing. Rowing has three classifications PR1, PR2 and PR3. These classifications ensure fair competition by grouping athletes based on their functional abilities related to rowing rather than their specific impairments.

PR1 (formerly AS – Arms and Shoulders)

PR1 rowers have minimal or no trunk function. They primarily use their arms, shoulders and back to propel the boat. Athletes in this category have impairments that significantly limit their sit balance, trunk and leg movements. Examples include, but are not limited to, complete T12 spinal cord lesions or bilateral above-knee amputations. At national and international level PR1 events include men's and women's single sculls.

PR2 (formerly TA – Trunk and Arms)

PR2 rowers have functional use of their trunk and arms with limited leg function that doesn’t allow them to use a sliding seat. Examples include, but are not limited to, bilateral lower limb amputations or significant knee and hip impairments. At national and international level PR2 athletes compete in mixed double sculls, men's single sculls, and women's single sculls.

PR3- Physical Impairment and Visual Impairment (formerly LTA – Legs, Trunk, and Arms)

PR3 rowers can use their legs, trunk, and arms to propel the boat. This category is for athletes with impaired leg/arm function, or a visual impairment. Examples include, but are not limited to, those with conditions such as below-knee amputations, impairments affecting ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist movement, or visual impairments (B1, B2, B3). At international and national level PR3 events include mixed coxed four, mixed double sculls, men's pair, and women's pair. At National level Rowing Australia has events for men’s single scull and women’s single scull

PR3- Intellectual Impairment

Rowing Australia include intellectual impairments within the National competition structure. Athletes with a PR3-II classification are also eligible to compete for Australia at the Virtus Global Games Classifications for intellectual impairments are run through Sport Inclusion Australia.

Classification for Physical Impairment:

• Medical Form – To be completed by a Doctor
• Goniometric ROM Form – To be completed by a Physiotherapist
• Strength testing Form – To be completed by a Physiotherapist

Classification for Visual Impairment

• Classification for rowers with a visual impairment is run through Paralympics Australia. Please visit https://www.paralympic.org.au/vi-request-for-classification/ to request a VI classification. Once complete send your classification documents to Rowing Australia para@rowingaustralia.com.au

Classification for Intellectual Impairment

• Classification for rowers with an intellectual impairment is run through Sport Inclusion Australia. Please visit https://sportinclusionaustralia.org.au/eligibility-overview/ to request a classification.
• Athletes are provided with a card to certify their classification and this can be sent to Rowing Australia para@rowingaustralia.com.au

Additional Classification Documents

• Classification Policy
• Classification Master List
• Classification Protest form