PARA-SWIMMING

Starting with the 2007 season, ASSA introduced Para-Swimming (formerly SWAD) events to its standard events list. This created an opportunity for swimmers with a disability to compete in ASSA competitions and advance to the Regional and Provincial levels in specific events.

Under these new regulations if a swimmer wishes to be recognized as a Para-Swimmer (swimmer with a disability) they need to be classified under the regulations of the World Para Swimming (WPS) Swimming classification system and be in compliance with all ASSA Para-Swimming Rules - see ASSA Rules and Regulations for further details

WPS Para-Swimming Classification

To compete as a Para-Swimmer within ASSA, swimmer's must meet all the eligibility requirements set out in section 2.2 of the  ASSA Rules and Regulations

Swimmer's with a disability seeking WPS classification should begin the process by completing the Request for Sport Class Evaluation (online form) available on Swimming Canada's Para Swimming Classification Page.

All new para swimmers begin as a Level 1 Classification and require the submission of paperword by a medical professional.  Once the classification form is submitted, Swimming Canada will provide the required instructions via email.  

Additional information regarding para swimming can be found on Swimming Canada.

You can check to see if a swimmer has been classified by navigating to the Swimming Canada's Para-Swimming Classification Database.

Additionally, you can check to see if a swimmer has been registered with ASSA as a Para-Swimmer on this page.

Para-Swimming Events

ASSA currently offers the following PARA-Swimming Events:

• 50 Freestyle
• 100 Freestyle
• 100 Backstroke
• 100 Breaststroke

For further information about Para-Swimming events please see Section 2.2.3 of the ASSA Rules and Regulations

Para-Swimming Results

Para-Swimming events are contested and scored using a standardized scoring system, in this way participants in different classification categories can compete against each other on a level playing field. ASSA supports this format of competition at the Regional and Provincial meet level.

ASSA Para-swimming results are included in the ASSA Swimming Results, however, at this point in time the results are displayed with times only (ie. no points).

Questions about Para-Swimming?

Please forward all questions to:

Swim Alberta
Attention: Kevin Dennis
11759 Groat Road, Edmonton AB, T5M 3K6
Phone: (780) 415-1780
Email: kevin@swimalberta.ca