Classification

Classification is simply a structure for competition. Swimmers with impairment are grouped in classes defined by the degree of their ability.

Complete Classification Information

FOR ALL IMPAIRMENT GROUPS:

International classification status may be granted if the following criteria are fulfilled:

• The competition is approved/sanctioned by IPC/IPC Swimming
• The competition has open entry or has established qualification crieteria approved by IPC Swimming (i.e. Paralympic Games, World Championships, Regional Championships)
• All classifiers conducting classification(s) are appointed by IPC Swimming. 

Only athletes registered and licensed can be classified. Athletes attending classification have to be entered in minimum one S event (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly) and SB event (breaststroke).

• NPCs requesting international classification for their Physical Impairment swimmers with classification status 'N' have to send the Medical Data Submission Form (below) with the relevant medical documentation in English a minimum 4 weeks before the start of competition to IPC Swimming.

• NPCs requesting international classification for their Visual Impairment swimmers have to send the Medical Diagnostics Form (below) a minimum of 4 weeks before the start of competition to IPC Swimming.

• NPCs requesting international classification for their Intellectual Impairment swimmers have to submit the TSAL-Q questionnaire (below) in accordance with the S14 classification rules and regulations, to IPC Swimming.

NPCs have to notify IPC Swimming a minimum of 4 weeks before the competition if they are sending their athletes with 'R' classification status to a competition where international classification is offered.

NPCs requesting classification review for their athletes with classification status 'C' have to complete the Review Request form (below) and send it at least 3 months in advance to IPC Swimming together with supportive medical documents. Requests without supportive documents can not be taken into consideration.

Opportunities for classification and the classification schedules can be found under Int. Classification and Classification Practical Courses.

Athletes that are found NE during classification can not compete in IPC Swimming recognized competitions at all.

Forms for NPCs:

• Medical Data Submission Form - for new athletes requesting classification (classification status 'N')
• Request for Review - for athletes with 'C' and 'R' status (in case the request is denied, the NPC will be invoiced with 100 EUR)

• IPC Swimming Classification Rules and Regulations May 2011
• TSAL-Q questionnaire for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment
• Medical Diagnostics Form for Athletes with a Visual Impairment

• Manual to Organize Classification and Classification Courses

 The fully completed forms and all classification queries can be forwarded to IPC Swimming at meredith.evans@paralympic.org.

If you wish to have a copy of the Classification Evaluation Sheet of your Swimmer please contact your SDMS co-ordinator who will be able to download it from the SDMS (only for licensed athletes).

Forms for IPC Swimming Classifiers ONLY:

• Classification Form for Athletes with a Physical Impairment
• Consent Form for Athletes with a Physical Impairment
• Classification and Consent Form for Athletes with a Visual Impairment 
• Classification and Consent Form for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment

Following the new IPC Swimming Rules and Regulations published in February 2010, the changes related to classification can be found here.