IPC Licensing

2024 WPS licenses are available as of November 2023. For a current list of World Para Swimming (WPS) licensed athletes, please check the WPS Classification Master List.

World Para Swimming (WPS) has launched an online database application that was developed in partnership with Atos Origin. The application is called the IPC Sport Data Management System (SDMS). The general functionality of the online application includes the following:

• Captures athlete biographies, eligibility data (nationality, classification, etc.), results, potential records;
• Provides U.S. Paralympics with online reports and data for its respective athletes; Calculates world and regional rankings, records and other reports (e.g. classification master lists)

Note: Athletes must have a current WPS License in order to:

• be included on the WPS world and regional ranking lists. (athlete must also have confirmed or review international classification status)
• have a result count for a world and regional record application.
• achieve a result to be considered for National Team status.
• achieve a result to be considered for Games/World Championships team selection.
• be eligible for WPS International Classification.

The WPS license is valid from the time of application through the end of that calendar year. The license will expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed to carry over from one year to the next.

• U.S. Paralympics Swimming Standards
• National Classification Database

Athletes should submit the WPS License information if they:

• are over the age of 12
• have a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate (driver’s licenses are not accepted)
• planning to or are currently competing at the elite/international level
• have achieved a current standard
• have completed the national classification process.
• have submitted the Medical Diagnostics forms/documents and plan to participate in a competition that offers international classification within this calendar year.

1.  Submit License fee of $25 USD. Pay for your IPC License online by VISA card only or contact USOPC Classification Manager at NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org for additional payment options.
2.  Athletes who have an international classification status of "Review" or "Review 2024" must submit medical documentation and supporting documents before you can be licensed.  If your international classification status is confirmed you likely do not need to submit the medical form.

• Physical Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form
• Visual Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form
• Intellectual Impairment TSAL Questionnaire

Athletes who have not been licensed must complete the following steps: 

1.  Submit License fee of $25 USD. Pay for your IPC License online by VISA card only or contact USOPC Classification Manager at NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org for additional payment options. 

2.  Submit a completed Medical Diagnosis Form to NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org. The form must be completed by a doctor and should include supporting documentation.

• Physical Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form
• Visual Impairment Medical Diagnostics Form
• Intellectual Impairment TSAL Questionnaire

• Athletes with an intellectual impairment must have a Virtus International number on file with Virtus International or Athletes Without Limits. For more information on this, please visit Athletes Without Limits Eligibility webpage.

3. Email a copy of your passport. WPS requires a passport or passport card as proof of citizenship. Scan the informational page of your passport (the one with your photo), save it as a PDF and email it to NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org. Please do not fax as it will not come through clearly.  If you do not have a passport or your passport is being processed, you may submit a copy of your birth certificate and submit the passport at a later date.

4. Email a recent headshot photo (photos must have a white background, not include headgear, dark glasses and hair bands on the athlete and have the head of the athlete looking face-on). Using a camera, have someone take a picture of you against a white wall and email the photo to NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org. Please do not fax as it will not come through clearly.

5. You will receive an email from NoReply@paralympic.org within 5 days of your successful submission of all licensing materials to the email you used on the payment page. You will need to go to the WPS Master List to find your SDMS number by pulling the master list for American athletes for the previous year (or the last year you had a license). If you have not received an email from NoReply@paralympic.org, you can visit this page after 5 days. If you are having issues with the Athlete Portal, please email NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org. 

The SDMS will issue a unique athlete identification number, which will remain with the athlete through his/her sport career. The IPC Athlete License will be valid for one calendar year (January - December). Please allow 5 - 7 business days (after successful submission of all licensing documentation) for the license to be active on the WPS Master List. New athletes will have an International Classification status listed as "N" (New) until they have undergone an international classification evaluation

If you have any questions, please email the USOPC Classification Manager at NPCUSAclassification@usopc.org.