Classification
Classification is the grouping of swimmers with like ability to ensure that there is fair playing field.
Classification is vital for those swimmers wishing to pursue a pathway in competitive swimming.
Each impairment group has a different range of numbers that is summarised in the table below,
each number is given a prefix.
S denotes the class for Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly events.
SB denotes the class for breaststroke events and SM denotes individual medley.
Outline of Swimming Classifications
| S1/SB1/SM1 | Physical Disability | Most severe Physical Impairment |
| S2/SB2/SM2 | |
| S3/SB3/SM3 |
| S4/SB4/SM4 |
| S5/SB5/SM5 |
| S6/SB6/SM6 |
| S7/SB7/SM7 |
| S8/SB8/SM8 |
| S9/SB9/SM9 |
| S10/SB10/SM10 | Least severe Physical Impairment |
| S11/SB11/SM11 | Visual Impairment | Little or no vision |
| S12/SB12/SM12 | Visual acuity of up to 2/60 and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees |
| S13/SB13/SM13 | Visual acuity above 2/60 up to 6/60 and/or a visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees |
| S14/SB14/SM14 | Intellectual Disability | IQ of 75 or lower |
| S15/SB15/SM15 | Hearing Impairment | Hearing loss of 55dB or greater in the better ear over an average of 500/1000/2000 hertz |
There are different process for classification for different disability groups.
For swimmers with a function/physical impairment, swimmers need to complete a FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION APPLICATION FORM,
and return it to: ASA National Disability Swimming Office, Macclesfield Leisure Centre, Priory Lane, Macclesfield, SK19 4AF.
Functional classification sessions are held at regional championships, and order to be considered for classification swimmers
must enter the regional championships. For more information about functional classification contact
Disability Swimming.
Swimmers who are blind or visually impaired, are classified through British Blind Sport.
Swimmers who are deaf or have a hearing impairment need to contact UK Deaf Sport
.
Swimmers with an intellectual disability, must have an IQ of under 75 to be eligible for classification.
Classification is then conducted through The UK Sports Association for People with a Learning Disability