The classification was created in Soviet Union but even now it is popular in the former Soviet Union republics: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
- Elite: Elite Sportsman.
- MSIC: Master of Sport, International Class, equates to international champion.
- MS: Master of Sport, equates to national champion.
- CMS: Candidate for Master of Sport, equates to nationally ranked player.
- I: First-Class Sportsman, equates to regional champion.
- II: Second-Class Sportsman, equates to state champion.
- III: Third-Class Sportsman, equates to city champion.
- I(j): First-Class Junior Sportsman.
- II(j): Second-Class Junior Sportsman.
- III(j): Third-Class Junior Sportsman.
Junior is a person who is not 18 years old.