Swimmers are allocated exception codes, which prevents them from being disqualified for rule infringement due to the nature of their impairment.
(For codes of exceptions relating to classification after January 2018 see here)
The Codes for Exceptions for athletes classified prior to January 2018 as follows:
Starts
- A – assistance required
- B – blackened goggles
- E – unable to grip for backstroke start
- H – hearing impaired light or signal required
- T – tappers
- Y – starting device
During the swim
- 0 – nil
- 1 – one hand start
- 2 – right hand touch
- 3 – left hand touch
- 4 – right hand touch with simultaneous intent to touch with other
- 5 – left hand touch with simultaneous intent to touch with other
- 6 – simultaneous intent to touch
- 7 – part of upper body must touch
- 8 – right foot must turn out
- 9 – left foor must turn out
- 12 – leg drag or show intent to kick
- + – butterfly kick is able to be performed (illegal breaststroke)
Strokes
Freestyle - no exception (nil)
Backstroke - only exception 1 may apply
Butterfly - exceptions 2-7 may apply
Breaststroke - exceptions 2-12 may apply