SNZ Events
Epic Swim
High Performance
SNZ Events
Epic Swim
High Performance
Classifications
Classification provides a structure for competition. Athletes competing in Paralympic sports have an impairment that leads to a competitive disadvantage in sport.
Consequently, a system has to be put in place to minimize the impact of impairments on sport performance and to ensure the success of an athlete is determined by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus. This system is called classification.
There are three types of classification: physical (S1-S10), visual (S11-S13) and intellectual (S14)
Ten Eligible Impairments
There are eight different types of physical impairments:
In addition to athletes with physical impairment, athletes with visual or intellectual impairment are also included in the classification system.
Visual impairment occurs when there is a damage to one or more of the components of the vision system, which can include:
Athletes with an intellectual impairment / learning disability are limited in regards to IQ and adaptive behaviour, which is diagnosed before the age of 18 years.
Once classified, swimmers are allocated a classification status.
Where a swimmer is allocated a classification (S1-S14) they will also be allocated relevant exception codes.
There are a number of conditions that do not meet the eligibility criteria as follows:
| ADHD | Ehlers’ Danlos Syndrome |
| Arthritis | Epilepsy |
| Aspergers | Haemophilia |
| Asthma | Hydrocephalus |
| Autistic spectrum | Obesity |
| Cystic Fibrosis | Learning Difficulties |
| Diabetes | Scoliosis |
| Dyspraxia | Transplants |
| RSD (Reflex Symphatetic Dystrophy including CRPS - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) |
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, however provides a guide.
It must be noted that even swimmers who have a diagnosis that meets the eligibility criteria for classification may still not be sufficently impaired to gain a classification.
