Challenges and opportunities in wheelchair basketball classification- A Delphi study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Disability Sport Classification
• Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball

Background:

• International Paralympic Committee (IPC) mandates evidence-based classification for fair sport.
• Wheelchair basketball classification relies on observational assessment by classifiers.
• Lack of defined eligible impairments and assessment guidelines hinders evidence-based practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Achieve expert consensus on issues specific to wheelchair basketball classification.
• Provide recommendations for refining the classification manual and IPC code adherence.
• Identify areas requiring further research and discussion in wheelchair basketball classification.

Main Methods:

• A three-round Delphi study involving 29 wheelchair basketball experts.
• Focus on expert agreement regarding classification aims, eligible impairments, and procedures.
• Analysis of potential disagreements in classifying athletes with specific impairments.

Main Results:

• Experts agreed on a new definition for wheelchair basketball classification, aligning with the IPC code.
• Highest risk for classifier disagreement identified in cases of upper limb deficiency or impaired coordination.
• The panel did not reach consensus on modifying classification procedures or defining the eligible impairment list.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights specific challenges in wheelchair basketball classification.
• Recommendations are proposed for improving classification manual adherence.
• Further research and expert dialogue are crucial for resolving classification ambiguities.