page_title: LW12
section_title: Definition
hierarchical_section_title: LW12 / Definition
caption_attribution_description: English: Australian Paralympian David Munk at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer
context_page_description: LW12 is a para-Alpine and para-Nordic sit skiing sport class defined by the International Paralympic Committee. An LW12 skier needs to meet a minimum of one of several conditions including a single below knee but above ankle amputation, monoplegia that exhibits similar to below knee amputation, legs of different length where there is at least a 7 centimetres difference, combined muscle strength in the lower extremities less than 71. For international competitions, classification is done through IPC Alpine Skiing or IPC Nordic Skiing. For sub-international competitions, classification is done by a national federation such as Alpine Canada. For para-Alpine, this class is subdivided into two subclasses.: LW12.1 and LW12.2. A new sit-skier competitor with only national classification will compete as LW12.2 in international competitions until they have been internationally classified.
  In para-Alpine skiing, the skier uses a mono-ski, while para-Nordic skiers use a two ski sit-ski. Skiers in this class use outriggers, and are required to wear special helmets for some para-Alpine disciplines.
context_section_description: This is a para-Alpine and para-Nordic sit-skiing classification, where LW stands for Locomotor Winter. To generally be eligible for a sit-skiing classification, a skier needs to meet a minimum of one of several conditions including a single below knee but above ankle amputation, monoplegia that exhibits similar to below knee amputation, legs of different length where there is at least a 7 centimetres (2.8 in) difference, combined muscle strength in the lower extremities less than 71. Skiers in this class "may have Grade 3-5 hip flexion and extension (unilateral or bilateral)". This classification is comparable to para classes 5 and 6. When not skiing, the competitor may be able to walk with or without the use of assisitive devices. This class is the equivalent of LW4, but skiers must choose to compete in LW4 or LW12: they cannot compete in both classifications during the same skiing season.
  For para-Alpine skiing, the Australian Paralympic Committee defined this classification as a sit skiing classification for "athletes with spinal injury or some other disability affecting the function in their lower limbs but they have good sitting balance." This classification is often subdivided into two separate categories for para-Alpine skiing. In July 1997, at the World Cup Technical Meeting for para-Alpine skiing, this classes was subdivided into two classes in order to improve factoring for the range of disabilities found within the class at the time.
  The IPC defines this class for para-Nordic skiing as for "those with impairments in the lower limb(s) with normal trunk function." For the 1998 Winter Paralympics, the classification was defined for para-Nordic skiing as "Disability of the lower limbs and good sitting balance-Paraplegia and Standing classes with LW 1, 2, 3 and 4." Cross Country Canada defined this para-Nordic classification as "Impairments in the lower limb(s) with normal trunk function."
  For international para-Alpine skiing competitions, classification is done through International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing. A national federation such as Alpine Canada handles classification for domestic competitions. For para-Nordic skiing events, classification is handled by IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee on the international level and by the national sports federation such as Cross-Country Canada on a country by country level.
  When being assessed into this classification, a number of things are considered including reviewing the skiers medical history and medical information on the skier's disability, having a physical and an in person assessment of the skier training or competing. During the assessment process, a testing board is used for this classification with six different tests being conducted that look for balance on different planes and to test for upper body strength and levels of mobility. The guideline scores for people to be assessed in this classification are 16 - 18.
caption: LW12 classified Australian skier David Munk at the 1994 Winter Paralympics
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