Para Classification Day - Friday 6th September 2024
Bowls Scotland are looking forward to hosting a classification day for existing and new para bowlers at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr on Friday 6th September from 9am – 5pm.
This is a process whereby athletes, who are permanently physically disabled, are assessed to find out what category of para bowls they can compete in. The method of assessment is internationally recognised and means that players can, if selected, be considered for selection for British Isles and World Bowls events.
The assessment process involves a series of tests that will be carried out by the assessors and confirmation from that person’s GP as to their medical assessment.
The type of medical conditions that allow a person to be classified are as follows (please note, this is not an exhaustive list):
- The physical disability must be permanent
- Spinal cord injuries
- Polio
- Amputations
- Cerebral palsy
- Head injuries, stroke
- Progressive disorders e.g. multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s, muscular dystrophies
- Les autres i.e. achondroplasia, arthrogryposis
- Any locomotor disabilities not included in the physical disability system
We have a lot of queries from bowlers with orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis and joint replacements, unfortunately they are not eligible. Back pain is not eligible, however, if someone has a spinal deformity and surgery to input metal rods to fuse most of the spine, they may be eligible.
To arrange an appointment for the day, please contact Bowls Scotland’s Para Pathway Lead, Derek Lang, via parapathway@bowlsscotland.com.