Virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a classification. Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognised business or professional service that the Rotarian renders to society. The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring that each Rotary Club represents a cross section of the business and professional service of the community.
In 1995 the Council on Legislation permitted the admission of retired people who had never been in Rotary but would have been qualified. These individuals can be admitted as past service members and are the only Rotarians without a current or former classification.