Classification

The National Classification Masterlist is the official record of all Australian classified swimmers and is managed by Swimming Australia in agreement with classification system partners. Swimming Australia makes public certain classification information to assist athletes, coaches and meet organisers (e.g. swimmer name, gender, state, class and status).

Classification Masterlist 18 November 2025

Multiple Classifications

If a swimmer has multiple classifications, they must choose which impairment category to compete under;

• Physical (Classes 1-10)
• Visual (Classes 11-13)
• Intellectual (Classes 14, 18 & 19)
• Hearing (Class 15)
• Transplant (Class 16)

A swimmer is not able to combine different impairment categories to make up a classification.

 

World Para Swimming Classification is required to take part in WPS approved and sanctioned competition.

All swimmers with an international Paralympic classification can be viewed in the World Para Swimming Classification Master List.

People with disabilities can race in both able-bodied and open water events provided they meet the competition entry requirements (e.g. QT’s if applicable), but there is also a format of competition designed for people with disabilities.  This format is called Multiple Classification competition or Multi-Class for short.

Multi-Class events are normal swimming events with some modifications to the rules and regulations.

All swimmers need to prove they have an eligible classification prior to entering all multi-class events. Swimmers must complete the relevant classification process before they are eligible to compete as a multi-class swimmer.

The Multi-Class Point Score (MCPS) has been developed to provide a simplified way for swimmers and coaches to measure and compare performances.

The MCPS is based on the World Record (WR) times for each classification. The MCPS is used for determining results in Multi-Class competition, and may be used to assist to create the JX program standards, team and squad selection and qualifying standards.

2025 Long Course Multi-Class Point Score Calculator [Excel]

2025 Short Course Multi-Class Point Score Calculator [Excel]

Some swimmers are entitled to receive exceptions to the swimming rules and other considerations based on their classification.

The exceptions prevent classified swimmers from being disqualified during Multi Class (MC) competition. These exceptions are determined during the classification process and are identified by a system of codes known as the Swimming Codes of Exceptions.

Note: exceptions that contain a * signify that the member contains an exception that is applied from the IPC code of exceptions.

IPC Code Exceptions can be found here: IPC-Para-Swimming-Exception-Codes.

WPS Code Exceptions can be found here: WPS_NSW_2020_Codes of Exceptions.

There are many options to participate and compete in multi-class competition, both for enjoyment and for chasing High Performance aspirations.

Paralympic Competition Pathway

Non Paralympic Competition Pathway

Eligible Impairments

World Para Swimming Classification is required to take part in WPS approved and sanctioned competition and is therefore a requirement for selection to the Australian Dolphins Swim Team.

International Classification Explanatory Guide 2025

Swimming Australia is responsible for identifying and facilitating this process for all Australian swimmers. Generally, swimmers who are likely to achieve selection to the Australian Dolphins Swim Team are invited to undergo the international classification process.