Instant answers from the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations (February 2026). Para Swimming is governed by World Para Swimming (WPS) under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) — separate from World Aquatics.
Para Swimming is governed by World Para Swimming (WPS) under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) — separate from World Aquatics. All citations on this page reference the World Para Swimming Rules & Regulations (February 2026).
Two free questions, no signup required. Each answer cites the specific World Para Swimming article it draws from.
WPS / IPC NOTICE — Para Swimming is governed by World Para Swimming (WPS) under the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), separate from World Aquatics. Answers cite the World Para Swimming Rules & Regulations (February 2026).
Every call below is grounded in a specific World Para Swimming article. Tap any card to ask the AI for the full ruling.
Para Swimming uses the one-start rule. Any athlete initiating a start before the signal may be disqualified. If the start signal sounds before the disqualification is declared, the race shall continue and the athlete is disqualified upon completion. If declared before the start signal, the signal is not given and remaining athletes are called back.
WPS 11.1.5Athletes who can't hold both starting grips may hold with one hand (Code 1). Those who can't hold either grip may hold the end of the pool. Athletes unable to do either may be assisted by Support Staff or an approved starting device — but giving momentum to the athlete at the start is not permitted, and some part of the body must remain in contact with the wall until the start signal.
WPS 11.3.1.1, 11.3.1.2, 11.3.1.3 · App 1 Code YSupport Staff may hold an athlete's foot/feet or the end of their lower limb to the wall in a water start, or aid balance on the platform — but the athlete cannot be held beyond the 90° vertical position on the platform, and giving momentum at the start is not permitted.
WPS 11.1.2.2, 11.1.2.7For athletes in Sport Classes S11, SB11, and SM11, tapper(s) and tapping are mandatory at every turn and every finish. If tapping is required at both ends of the pool, two separate tappers shall be used — one at each end. Tapping devices must be prior approved by World Para Swimming. For other Sport Classes, tappers and tapping are optional.
WPS 10.8.3, 10.8.3.1, 10.8.3.2, 10.8.3.3 · App 1 Code TAthletes in Sport Classes S11, SB11, and SM11 shall be required to wear opaque (blackened-in) goggles for competition, except those with prosthetics in both eyes. Where facial structure does not support goggles, an opaque covering shall be required. Goggles are checked at the finish. If goggles accidentally fall off during the dive or break during the race, the athlete shall NOT be disqualified.
WPS 11.8.8, 11.8.8.1 · App 1 Code BNo athlete shall be permitted to use a prosthesis (except ocular) or orthoses during the race. The wearing of cochlear implants and insulin pumps is permitted.
WPS 11.8.9, 11.8.10Standard rule: at each turn and at the finish the touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously. Codes of Exception modify this — athletes with one functional arm (Code 2) touch with that arm; with different arm lengths (Code 3) only the longer arm must touch but both must stretch forward simultaneously. Athletes in SB11–12 shall not be disqualified if lane-rope contact prevents simultaneous touch, provided no advantage was gained.
WPS 11.4.6, 11.4.6.1, 11.4.6.3, 11.4.6.5 · App 1Standard rule: feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. An athlete who is unable to use one or both legs/feet to gain propulsion (Codes 8 & 9) shall not be required to turn the affected foot outward. Athletes with a lower-limb impairment must show simultaneous intent to kick or trail/drag the leg(s) throughout the race (Code 12).
WPS 11.4.4.1, 11.4.5, 11.4.5.1 · App 1Where an athlete can only use one arm for the arm stroke, that arm must be brought forward over the water; the non-functioning arm shall be dragged or stretched forward throughout the race. The body must remain in line with the water surface. At each turn and at the finish, the athlete must touch with the one hand/arm used for the stroke.
WPS 11.5.2.4, 11.5.4.3 · App 1Athlete with a tapper who surfaces in an empty lane: no DQ. Surfaces in a lane in use, finishes there without fouling: no DQ — though it is preferable to return to the correct lane (the tapper may give verbal instructions, but only after clearly identifying the athlete by name). Athlete WITHOUT a tapper who surfaces in another lane: DQ.
WPS 11.8.3, 11.8.3.1, 11.8.3.2Each answer is grounded in a specific World Para Swimming article. Tap any to expand.
Three plans, every one of them grounded in the same regulations the officials use on deck.
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