Paralympics Ireland will host an important information and training session for our Para Swimmers at the National Sports Campus this weekend. Important information around the new classification protocols will be on the agenda along with an exciting research project from renowned biomechanist Carl Payton that could be a help improve the performances of our athletes.
World Para Swimming have introduced a number of changes to the Classification Rules and Regulations (https://www.paralympic.org/swimming/rules-and-regulations/classification/npc-info) in compliance with the IPC Athlete Code.
As result, all athletes with physical impairments (except athletes with short stature and amputation) will be required to undertake international re-classification this year. Paralympics Ireland are at the forefront of the implementation of the classification changes and will, this weekend, host a re-certification training for our national swimming classifiers that will be led by a World Para Swimming tutor this Saturday and Sunday.
The course will include a theory session covering the changes in the rules, new testing protocol followed by a practical session with the swimmers aiming to review and prepare athletes and staff for the international re-assessments.
Aiming to improve the current classification system, WPS embraced a worldwide research project which includes drag and power test, 3D analysis and land tests. Ireland is one of the nations who is collaborating with the research, welcoming the biomechanist Carl Payton and the IPC research team this weekend. The outcome of the tests will be sent to the athletes and can help the national coaches to improve swimmers technique and efficiency in the water.
