Swimming Classification System for Students With a Disability                                          

Classification

Definition

S1

SB1

SM1

Swimmers with very severe coordination problems in four limbs or have no use of their legs, trunk, hands and minimal use of their shoulders only.  These swimmers usually only swim on their back.

Swimmers in this class would usually be wheelchair bound and may be dependent on others for their every day needs.

S2

SB1

SM2

An example is a swimmer able to use their arms with no use of their hands, legs or trunk OR have severe coordination problems in four limbs.

Similar disabilities to Class 1 but these athletes would have more propulsion by use of their arms or legs.

S3

SB2

SM3

Swimmers with reasonable arm strokes but no use of their legs or trunk; Swimmers with severe coordination problems in all limbs and Swimmers with severe limb loss in four limbs.

Swimmers in this class again have increased ability when compared to those in Class S2.

S4

SB3

SM4

Swimmers who use their arms and have minimal weakness in their hands but have no use of their trunk or legs; Swimmers with coordination problems affecting all limbs but predominantly in the legs; Swimmers with limb loss to 3 limbs.

Increasing ability compared to Class S3.

S5

SB4

SM5

Swimmers with full use of their arms and hands but no trunk or leg muscles; Swimmers with coordination problems.

S6

SB5

SM6

Swimmers with full use of their arms and hands, some trunk control but no useful leg muscles; Swimmers with coordination problems (usually these athletes walk); Swimmers with major limb loss of 2 limbs; Little People/Dwarfs (<130cm females & <137cm males).

S7

SB6

SM7

Swimmers with full use of their arms and trunk with some leg function; Coordination or weakness problems on the same side of the body; Limb loss of 2 limbs

S8

SB7

SM8

Swimmers with full use of their arms and trunk with some leg function; Swimmers with coordination problems mainly in the lower limbs; Both legs amputated just above or just below the knee; Single above elbow amputation.

S9

SB8

SM9

Swimmers with severe weakness in only leg only; Swimmers with very slight coordination problems; Swimmers with one limb loss.  Unless there is an underlying medical condition usually all of these athletes will start out of the water.

S10

SB9

SM10

Swimmers with very minimal weakness affecting the legs; Swimmers with restriction of hip joint movement; Swimmers with both feet deformed; Swimmers with one leg amputated below the knee; Swimmers missing one hand.  This is the class with the most physical ability.

S11

SB11

SM11

These swimmers are unable to see at all and are considered totally blind.  (See IBSA B1 – appendix) Swimmers must wear blackened goggles if they swim in this class. They will also require someone to tap them when they are approaching a wall.

S12

SB12

SM12

These swimmers can recognise the shape of a hand and have some ability to see.  There is a large range of vision ability within this class.  (See IBSA B2 – appendix).

S13

SB13

SM13

Swimmers who are the most sighted but are legally considered to be blind.  (See IBSA B3 – appendix).

S14

SB14

SM14

Intellectually disabled.  There are many different descriptions and conditions of intellectual disability.  Intellectually disabled athletes must have substantial limitation in present functioning characterised by intellectual functioning.  (The athlete’s intellectual functioning is approximately 70 – 75 or below).  Limitations in two or more of the following adaptive skill areas; communication, self-care; home living, social skills, community use, self direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work.  They must have acquired their condition before age 18.

S15

SB15

SM15

S16

SB16

SM16