For Para-Swimming the search for new classifiers began in October 2016 and has now culminated with five volunteers from either a coaching or medical background passing the national course.
The British Para-Swimming Classification Group shortlisted six applicants to take through the two-part course. The course is led by three internationally certified classifiers.
Classification is the backbone to para-swimming and is the way in which the sport groups athletes into similar ability levels in order to compete. Classifiers work in a team of two experts to define the category an athlete competes in.
“It is really encouraging seeing so many people wanting to be involved within Para-Swimming,” Nicholson said. “We now have a strong list of people that can continue to help the sport develop.
“The classifiers are an integral part of our sport and I was impressed with the passion and dedication showed by the applicants of the course.
“They will have number of opportunities to utilise their skills at national and regional events and I am sure they will do an excellent job.”
National classifiers gaining practical experience #paraswimming #development #volunteers pic.twitter.com/9qgx0mKNRW
— Craig Nicholson (@CraigNich) February 11, 2017
The first part of the course was in January where they were taken through the theory of classification and there are now 17 fully qualified classifiers.
Then in February they put their knowledge into practice in the second part of their course and British Para-Swimming signed off the two technical and three medical classifiers.
One further trainee classifier who was unable to attend will go through their practical in the summer.
Lauren Jocelyn is one of the classifier that passed the course and is looking forward to putting her knowledge into practice.
“When I spotted the job advert for the classifier course it grabbed my attention straight away,” Jocelyn said. “I’ve only been involved with Para-Swimming for just over two years and I love it. It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the sport and develop my knowledge.
“I really enjoyed the course, it was very well organised and covered all aspects in lots of detail. To be honest, before I started the course I didn’t know what I was getting myself in for. However, I managed to keep up and it was very interesting to see how much time and detail goes into classifying.
“The course was a good challenge though. I really enjoyed the whole process and met a great team of people who all shared the same passion for swimming. I’m really looking forward to future opportunities to put the great skills I have learnt to use.”