There are many updates to the competition season for the adaptive divisions. The following is what you need to know as an athlete, trainer, or affiliate owner in order to be ready to crush the Open!
Competition Season Updates
The CrossFit competition season starts with the worldwide Open, and new in 2022 for the adaptive competition is the addition of a second stage across all divisions. This means 320 adaptive athletes will be competing in advanced stages compared to 30 in 2021 — that’s 290 more athletes competing for Fittest on Earth spots than last year!
What You Need To Know for the Open
Below is a review of what you need to know to compete as an adaptive athlete or run a smooth competition for adaptive athletes:
- The Adaptive Athlete Policy (AAP) outlines eligibility requirements for the adaptive divisions. and provides details about classification for the different divisions. If you or your athlete want to compete in the adaptive divisions, your first step is to read the AAP.
Athletes will conduct a self-evaluation to determine eligibility and do not need to submit any documentation when registering for the Open. Eligibility is based on the minimum impairment criteria detailed in each division (for example, impaired range of motion for the ankle joint). Verification of eligibility will be conducted for the top 20 athletes prior to the start of the Semifinal or virtual Final events.
- Open score submission options are the same for the adaptive divisions as for every other division. Scores may be validated by an affiliate owner, a certified judge, or by submitting a video link. Read more in the 2022 Rulebook.
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Don’t assume all workouts are the same across divisions. Each adaptive division has been specifically programmed for the athletes in that division, so don’t assume the movement standards, workout layout, or even rep schemes are the same. Read the workout description provided for your division, and don’t make any cross-division assumptions (for example, use of grip aids, assistance with moving equipment, etc.).
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If you need to modify, be sure to submit a modification request. CrossFit understands some athletes may not be able to meet the movement standards outlined in the workout descriptions (for example, squat depth or arm extension). If you cannot meet the movement standards, you must submit a modification request in accordance with section 19.0 of the Adaptive Athlete Policy, and you must do so by 12 p.m. Pacific Time on the Friday following Thursday’s Open announcement.
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Adaptive athlete Open workout programming offers one track for all: With advanced stages of competition for all adaptive divisions in 2022, the Open programming has been written specifically to provide a challenge for the majority of the athletes in each division. This means most athletes will be capable of completing the workouts. Athletes who are newer to the Open should find the workouts challenging but not impossible, and the programming will still perform the task of qualifying the fittest athletes to the next stage of competition.
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Help is standing by! For any general competition questions, you can write to the helpdesk at support@crossfitgames.com. If you need help with something specific to the adaptive divisions, you can reach the Accessibility Specialist at adaptive@CrossFitGames.com.