How are heats seeded in para swimming?
A · Advanced · Classes and events · 2 of 4Swimmers are seeded in heats by entry time, the fastest in lane 4 of an eight-lane pool. At major meets one heat of eight or fewer is a direct final. Swimmers must reach the first call room 15 minutes before the start or are withdrawn and fined. With three or fewer swimmers, one medal fewer is given.
How it works
- Seeding: by submitted best times.
- Lane 4: fastest in an eight- or ten-lane pool.
- Direct final: one heat of eight or fewer at major meets.
- Call room: 15 minutes before the start.
- Late: withdrawn and fined at major meets.
- Minus one rule: three swimmers, two medals; two, one; one, none.
- Ties: a swim-off if it decides a final place.
- Reserves: swim if finalists withdraw.
The glossary has the seeding and direct final, the lane seeding, the call room, the minus one rule, the automatic officiating equipment and the relay medals.
Tricky cases
Only two swimmers enter. How many medals?
One.
Two swimmers tie for eighth. What happens?
A swim-off, if their teams report within 15 minutes.
Do touchpads decide places?
Yes. Automatic equipment takes precedence over judges.
Is a lone swimmer's time valid?
Yes, if they cover the full distance.
Why the rule exists
Seeding by time keeps swimmers of similar speed together. The minus one rule stops a medal going to someone who only had to finish.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Major meets | Call room 15 minutes before | 10.9.1 |
| Smaller meets | Set by organisers | 10.9.1.1 |
| Three or fewer swimmers | Minus one rule | 10.15.2 |
From the rule book
World Para Swimming, Rules and Regulations, February 2026, sections 10.9, 10.10, 10.11 and 10.15. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations, February 2026.