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Classification Eligibility Guidelines for
Disability Swimming (S1 - S15)
Classification groups S1-S15 are for those swimmers with a functional, visual, intellectual or hearing impairment. Para-swimming events are prefixed with S, SB or SM and a number. The prefixes stand for the event and the number indicates the sport class the athlete competes in the respective event.
The prefixes stand for:
- S: Freestyle, Butterfly and Backstroke events
- SB: Breaststroke
- SM: Individual Medley
The following disabilities meet the eligibility requirements of the functional classification system*:
- Classification Groups S1 - S10 - Swimmers with a functional (physical) disability
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) |
Multiple Sclerosis |
Amputees (including dysmelia) |
Muscular Dystrophy |
Arthrogryposis |
Polio |
Brittle Bones |
Spina Bifida |
Cerebral Palsy |
Spinal Cord Injury |
Legge-Perthes |
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* Please note that this list is not exhaustive, however provides a guide to functional classification eligibility
- Classification Groups S11 - S13 - Swimmers with a visual impairment
The range here is from blind to visually impaired (best eye with best correction)
- Classification Group S14 - Swimmers with an intellectual disability
Swimmers must have an IQ of 75 or less to meet the criteria
- Classification Group S15 - Swimmers with a hearing impairment
Any swimmer who wears a hearing aid will be considered
There are a number of conditions that do not meet the eligibility criteria as follows*:
ADHD |
Epilepsy |
Aspergers |
Haemophilia |
Asthma |
Hydrocephalus |
Autistic Spectrum |
Obesity |
Cystic Fibrosis |
Learning Difficulties |
Diabetes |
Scoliosis |
Dyspraxia |
Transplants |
* Please note that this list is not exhaustive, however provides a guide
It must be noted that even those swimmers that have a condition eligible to be classified may still not be sufficiently impaired to gain a classification
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