Classifiers
Classifiers are the Officials responsible for the classification of disabled sailors in the sport of sailing. Individuals with both medical and sailing knowledge such as Physicians, Physical Therapists and Occupational Thereapists trained in the Functional Classification System (FCS) for sailing are eligible to become classifiers.
The purpose of classifying athletes is to "level the playing field" and rank persons with disabilites on thier function and performance of sailing tasks. This ranking of sailors is like the ranking of athletes in other sports such as weight classes in wrestling.
Eligibility for participating in disabled sailing events is determined by the Classification process.Classification is required for all US SAILING Team Alpha Graphics (USSTAG) qualifiers and the US Disabled National Champioinship. Classificaion is strongly suggested for all other US Disabled sailors.