Age Disparity in Recent Swim Meet

In partnership with Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario has a robust system of policies, procedures and rules that support our member clubs in providing a competitive experience that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all participants.

As such we investigated a concern related to an adult competing against swimmers aged 12-14 during a recent competition hosted by the Richmond Hill Aquatic Club (RHAC).

We understand that some observers have questions about swim meets in which competitors of different ages and/or genders are seeded in heats together. There are, however, a variety of situations where this can occur in open meets seeded by entry times.

RHAC acted appropriately in hosting the competition according to Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario policies and procedures, including the Swimming Canada National Registration Procedures and Rules Manual and The Swimming Rules of Swimming Canada. Specifically:

• All athletes were registered correctly and eligible to participate accordingly (Swimming Canada National Registration Procedures and Rules Manual 4.16).
• The competition was approved and sanctioned by Swim Ontario as an “open competition” with athletes seeded by entry time, regardless of age.
• There were other instances of adults swimming in the same heat as minor swimmers, again within the swimming rules permitted in this competition.

Regarding the question of change room access, this is determined by facility/municipality policies in accordance with applicable law. Swim Ontario must comply with both provincial law and municipal policy aligning with the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s policies on preventing discrimination. Swim meets are normally conducted in facilities open to the public, and minors routinely share change room space with adults.

Swim Ontario with the assistance of Swimming Canada, will continue to support, educate, and provide resources to our member clubs in many areas, including Safe Sport best practices and Appropriate Athlete Development as part of our strategic plan.

Swimming Canada and Swim Ontario believe swimming is for everyone. People of all shapes, sizes, genders, beliefs and backgrounds should have the opportunity to swim to the best of their ability. We will continue to offer programming opportunities with the expectation that our registrants treat each other with respect and dignity, and keep our sport environment free from harassment and abuse.

This would include not targeting members of our community based on assumptions about their identity.