Classification Classification is the grouping of athletes in a sport to ensure that there is a fair playing field. There are two main forms of classification: Functional Classification system, co-ordinated by British Swimming, 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 1 medical classifier (a doctor or physiotherapist) and 1 technical classifier (a swimming coach) In the first instance a swimmer 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. DOWNLOAD a functional classification application form For further information please contact the Disability Swimming Administrator on: 01625 440434 email: disability@swimming.org Disability Specific Classification system, co-ordinated by the relevant Disability Sports Organisations, 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 please follow the links below: Visually Impaired British Blind Sports  www.britishblindsport.org.uk Hearing Impaired British Deaf Swimming  www.deafsports.org.uk Intellectual Disability UKSAPLD   www.ncvo-vol.org.uk The Functional Classification process, co-ordinated by British Swimming, is the assessment of a swimmer’s functional ability. Classification Eligibility Guidelines for Disability Swimming (S1-S15) DOWNLOAD Classification Eligibility Guidelines for Disability Swimming (S1-S15)  Classifiers There are two types of classifier that are needed, a medical and a technical, 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.  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.

Swimmer Classification Status

DOWNLOAD Athlete Classification Status Functional Ability Card The ASA have introduced the Functional Ability Card to assist competitive swimmers with a disability to access British Swimming/ASA/WASA/SASA and Licensed Competitions. The card ensures that swimmers will not be disqualified if their classification exempts them from performing a stroke to FINA rules. To obtain a FAC you need to be a registered ASA / SASA / WASA member, over the age of nine and have an IPC or British Swimming functional classification, a visual classification or an International intellectual disability classification. DOWNLOAD FAC Information Sheet DOWNLOAD FAC Application Form DOWNLOAD FAC Renewal Form DOWNLOAD What is a Functional Ability Card?