Swim Ontario Competition Procedure and Rules

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.

We understand that some observers might have questions from time to time 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.

Every competition in Ontario is approved by Swim Ontario in a detailed process 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.

• All athletes are registered correctly and eligible to participate accordingly (Swimming Canada National Registration Procedures and Rules Manual 4.16).
• Each swim meet is conducted according to the competition information package, or “meet package”.

Swim Ontario has no jurisdiction 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.