How does classification work?

Classification puts swimmers into sport classes according to the impact their impairment has on swimming, under the World Para Swimming Classification Rules and Regulations.

• For physical impairments, classifiers assess all functional body structures using a point system and ask the swimmer to complete a water assessment. The total points decide the swimmer's S and SB classes.
• During the technical assessment, the classification panel also allocates any codes of exception (for example a one-hand start or a tapper).
• International classification is offered at competitions World Para Swimming selects, before the competition starts. A swimmer who hasn't been assessed by a World Para Swimming classification panel isn't eligible for the Paralympic Games, World Para Swimming Championships or World Para Swimming Sanctioned Competitions, unless the event's qualification criteria say otherwise.
• Protests and appeals about classification follow the World Para Swimming Classification Rules, not the general protest rules.