gewichtsklasse

Gewichtsklasse is a term used in sport to describe a category in which competitors are grouped according to their body mass. The purpose of these classes is to create fair competition by limiting advantages that come from differences in size, strength, or reach. The exact limits and the naming of weight classes vary from sport to sport and are defined by the respective national or international federations.

How weight classes are implemented can differ, but a common element is a weigh-in before or on the day of competition. Athletes must fall within the limits of the class for that event. If a participant does not meet the requirements, they may be disqualified or reassigned to another class. In some sports, competitors may attempt to cut weight to qualify for a lower class, a practice that raises health and safety considerations and is regulated by governing bodies.

Sports that use weight classes include combat sports such as boxing, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, and weightlifting, among others. Boxing, for example, features multiple divisions that are traditionally named (such as lightweight or heavyweight) and sometimes listed by upper and lower weight limits. In judo and wrestling, there are a series of categories from lighter to heavier weights, for both men and women. Weightlifting operates with precise weight categories defined by the international federation.

Overall, weight classes serve to balance competition by ensuring athletes compete against others of similar body mass, though they do not account for all variables of performance.