F9 (classification)
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F9 is a wheelchair sport classification. It is largely used as a national classification in the United States for athletics only, and replaced the standing F8 class. It is the only one of the nine wheelchair sport classes that is for standing competitors. The class has been governed by Disabled Sports USA, Wheelchair Sports, USA and USA Track and Field. Sports open to this class include athletics, wheelchair softball and cycling.
F9 is a standing wheelchair sport class used in the United States.[1][2][3] It is sometimes referred to as Standing F8.[1][3] This is a standing class for people with neurological disorders, the only one of the nine wheelchair sport classes for standing competitors.[1][2] The level of spinal cord injury for this class is largely confined to the sacral region, or involves people who have incomplete lesions at a slightly higher level. This means they can sometimes bear weight on their legs.[4] In 2003, Disabled Sports USA defined this class as, "Is a standing class but not more than 70 points in the lower limbs. Able to maintain Balance when in a challenged standing position. Internationally this class would compete in the 42,43,44 class with other ambulatory classes. Justification: Internationally there is no longer a wheelchair standing class."[1] In some competitions, F8 and F9 classes have been merged as F9, or they compete as F42, F43, or F44.[1][3]
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