Classification System

Commencing at the IPSTA 1000 event in Surbiton (13-16th June 2026), all athletes will be required to have been classified through this system and have received a Sport Class and the Sport Class Status of New, in order to compete in IPSTA World Ranking competitions. This includes players who have been previously classified at IPSTA events.

1. Submission Requirements

All players entering IPSTA tournaments are required to provide the following documentation, in English (please use translation software if required):

• Medical Registration Form: Please download and fully complete the form below. It must then be signed and sent as a .pdf to classification@parastandingtennis.com. 

Download: Medical registration form

• Supporting Evidence: In the same email, you must attach clearly labelled supporting evidence (set out in the form above), that evidences the Underlying Health Condition and Eligible Impairment that the player presents with. If players have previously been classified for Para-Standing Tennis, they may wish to include any documentation shared through this process.

This email application must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the intended competition. 

If you are new to PST and have not been previously classified in a Paralympic sport, we strongly recommend you do not book travel until you have received a classification from IPSTA.

2. The Review & Allocation Process

Upon submission, player files will be reviewed in accordance with the below: 

• Classifier Panel: Two independent classifiers will review the evidence. Where possible, classifier panels will be made of classifiers of different nationalities, to reduce any conflicts of interest.

• Outcome: If the players application contains sufficient information, players will be allocated a Sport Class and a Sport Class Status of "New”. If the classifiers feel further information is needed to make an accurate assessment, then players will be asked to submit this.

• Dispute Resolution: If the initial two classifiers cannot reach a consensus, a third classifier will be appointed to make the final determination.

• Timeline: IPSTA will aim to review all cases within two weeks of receipt. The earlier you apply, the earlier you will have your classification confirmed.

3. Notification & Tournament Entry

• Confirmation: Players will receive their allocated Class and Status via official email.

• Verification: It is the player’s responsibility to share this official notification with Tournament Organizers upon entry and to ensure they are playing in the proper class.

4. Protests

IPSTA provides a transparent process for players who wish to contest the outcome of their classification. Players may protest their own class and status. The process for this is outlined below.

• Protests must be submitted within two weeks of receiving the initial decision notification.

• The case will be re-evaluated by two classifiers who were not involved in the original decision.

• The decision reached during the protest review is final and binding.

Players may not directly protest the Class of another athlete. However, players may report their concerns to IPSTA via the classification@parastandingtennis.com email. IPSTA will review all legitimate concerns raised in this way.

We look forward to seeing you at an IPSTA event soon!

Classification 101

With thanks to Adam Hills and the LTA, please watch this short video for a quick explainer on our classification system.

All athletes must have an IPC-eligible disability (link) to qualify for Para-Standing Tennis.

Classifications in Para-Standing Tennis are based on the existing system used in Para-Standing Badminton.

All categories play on a full-size tennis court. Rules are identical to mainstream tennis, but PST1&2 play with one bounce, while PST3&4 play with two bounces.

Formal classification guidelines can be found in this table (link). Please contact us for more detail on eligibility and any questions regarding classification.