What is Standing Amputee Ice Hockey?
When people with leg or arm amputations or with similar disabilities play Standing Amputee Ice Hockey, they skate in a regular upright position and use standard prostheses and the standard ice hockey equipment. The term "standing" serves to mark a distinction from Sledge Ice Hockey, where players use both hands for propulsion, maneuvering and shooting, while skating in sitting position on specially designed sleds. A sport specific classification system has been developed to equalize teams and capabilities, and to assure safe and fair play.
Classification System
Any athlete wishing to participate in an ISIHF event must first meet the minimum handicap criteria for the amputee category: an amputation through or above the ankle or wrist joint. Prior to competing in an ISIHF sanctioned competition, all players must have their amputations categorized by a certified classifier belonging to their respective National Paralympic Committee. Depending on the degree of amputation, the player will then be placed in a category and assigned a point value.
Below
elbow/through or above wrist amputation, above/through elbow amputation
A
3
When registering for the ISIHF event, the player must provide corresponding documentation signed by the classifier, to the Championship Organizing Committee. Each player must wear a sticker corresponding to his or her point assignment number attached to each side of his or her helmet. Teams are then limited to the total number of points they may have on the ice at any one time.
mark a distinction from Sledge Ice Hockey, where players use both hands for propulsion, maneuvering and shooting, while skating in sitting position on specially designed sleds. A sport specific classification system has been developed to equalize teams and capabilities, and to assure safe and fair play.
