para swimming history Para swimming grew out of several different movements in the 1940’s and 1950’s. During this time, four international sports bodies, divided by means of medical impairment eventually combined to form the modern-day Paralympic movement. Swimming Canada became the first integrated National Sports Organization in 1993. Today, a “sport-first” approach is being taken and international groups have moved towards representing specific sports, with consideration of a person’s impairment as a secondary factor. The world sport governing body for persons with an impairment, including swimming, is World Para Swimming, under International Paralympic Committee and it operates with sport specific committees that oversee the development of sport for the para groups. Competition Pathway for Para Swimmers step 1 Attend club meets. Swimmers should start by attending regional competitions and complete their Level 1 Classification. step 2 Once an athlete has completed their Level 2 Classification, they can qualify for the Swim Alberta Provincial Championships by achieving a provincial para time standard. step 3 Swimmers with experience at the provincial level should plan to attend the Ken Demchuk Invitational, a para specific competition where para swimmers can race others in their sport class. step 4 Swimmers with their Level 3 classification can qualify for National events by achieving one of the national qualifying time standards. step 5 Swimmers who participate at the national level can pursue the international classification required to attend international events. CLASSIFICATION Classification identifies the swimmers abilities. Swimmers must have an eligible impairment in order to be classified, not all impairments are eligible for para swimming. There are four classification levels; Level 1 (introductory); Level 2 (provincial), Level 3 (national) and International. The steps to classification are different based on the swimmers impairment (physical, visual or intellectual). Once a swimmer is classified their information will be available on Swimming Canada’s Para Swimming Roster so that meet managers and officials can confirm any rule exceptions for the swimmer. Request Classification Why is Classification important? Classification is a method to determine a swimmer’s abilities so they have an equitable and enjoyable competitive swimming experience. There are two benefits to classification. To ensure the swimmers has the appropriate rule exceptions to participate within the rules. (e.g. a swimmer with one hand is not physically able to touch the wall with two hands, so would be provided a rule exception) Ensure the swimmer is in the appropriate category with other para swimmers providing them an opportunity to race with others in the same group Classification Levels Level 1 Classification Level 1 Classification is the first level of classification, it provides the swimmer with an impairment category. The impairment category provides the swimmer with rule exceptions. Any swimmer with an impairment can receive a level 1 classification, there is no minimum age or experience swimming required.The sport tags begin with PS and are specific to the impairment category: PSPI – Para Swimmer Physically Impaired PSVI – Para Swimmer Visually Impaired PSII – Para Swimmer Intellectually Impaired Swimmers with a visual or intellectual impairment can request classification based on a submission of paperwork. The first step for all swimmers with a physical impairment is to complete a level one classification which identifies swimmers as a para swimmer and provides the swimmer rule exceptions when appropriate. Request Classification Level 2 Classification For swimmers aged 12 and older with a physical impairment to be classified at Level 2 (provincial) they will need to attend an in-person classification. These swimmers should be swimming competitively, meaning attending sanctioned swim meets. Swimmers with a physical impairment should be able to swim a 200m IM in competition. During classification, swimmers are expected to swim at least 150m of each stroke at race pace broken into skills of kick, pull and swim. Level 2 Classifications must be requested by the swimmer’s coach. Level 2 Classification Request Once a swimmer is classified at Level 2, they will be identified by a series of numbers and letters that relate to their abilities for each stroke. (e.g. S10, SB9, SM10) ClassificationsPhysical Classifications = 1-10Visual Classifications = 11-13Cognitive Classification = 14StrokesS = Freestyle, Backstroke, ButterflySB = BreaststrokeSM = Individual Medley Level 3 Classification Athletes seeking a Level 3 Classification Evaluation must work with their coach and Swim Alberta to apply for the next appropriate opportunity. International Classification Swimming Canada works with World Para Swimming to coordinate international classification opportunities. Provincial Para Records RECORDS Para Resources Para Swimming Time Standards VISIT SWIMMING CANADA Para Points Calculator VISIT SWIMMING CANADA National Para Records VISIT SWIMMING CANADA Para-Swimming Coaching e-module VISIT SWIMMING CANADA EDUCATION NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability module VISIT Coaching Association of Canada Para Swimming Dryland Training VISIT Swimming Canada World Para Swimming Rules & Regulations DOWNLOAD PARALYPIC RULES & REGULATIONS