Disability swimming classification

Classification is the grouping of athletes in a sport to ensure that there is a fair playing field, and there are two main forms of classification: the functional classification system and the disability specific classification system.

Functional Classification system

Co-ordinated by British Swimming, this system is for swimmers with a physical impairment and entails the assessment of a swimmer's functional mobility by IPC Swimming trained classifiers. The process involves a bench test, water test and observation in competition. This type of classification also enables the identification of stroke exceptions applicable to an individual swimmer.

A minimum of two classifiers form a classification team consisting of a medical classifier, such as a doctor or physiotherapist, and a technical classifier, such as a swimming coach.

In the first instance swimmers will need to obtain a British Swimming classification and then as they progress along the elite pathway will be put forward for an international classification.

The Functional Classification process is co-ordinated by British Swimming, and is the assessment of a swimmer’s functional ability and graded on a scale from S1-S15. For full details and eligibility guidelines for disability swimming please click on the link below.

For further information on any of these processes or systems please contact the Disability Swimming Administrator on 01625 440434 or click here to send an email.

Disability Specific Classification system

This system is co-ordinated by the relevant Disability Sports Organisations and allows swimmers of a similar and specific disability to compete against one another. There are individual classification systems for visually impaired, hearing impaired and learning impaired swimmers. For further information on any of these please follow the links below

Classifiers

There are two types of classifier needed. These are a medical and a technical classifier, which make up a working pair. A medical classifier will either be a doctor or physiotherapist, and a technical classifier will be an ASA club coach.

Becoming a classifier

Are you a doctor or physiotherapist with an interest in swimming, or know of anyone who fits this description? Alternatively are you an ASA qualified Club Coach with sound up to date technical knowledge, and with an interest in or experience of working with disabled swimmers? If so please contact your ASA Regional Director for further information on how to become a classifier, or email the disability swimming team by clicking here.