How do para archery team events work?
I · Intermediate · Competition · 3 of 4Doubles teams are two athletes of the same gender; mixed teams one man and one woman. Each member shoots two arrows an end in any order and may stay on the line. The team is the nation's two highest qualifiers; a substitute must have shot qualification and be named in writing 15 minutes before the first match's practice.
How it works
- Doubles: two athletes, same gender.
- Mixed: one man and one woman.
- Arrows: two each per end, any order.
- Ends: four in a match.
- Team: the two highest qualifiers.
- Substitute: must have shot qualification.
- Notice: in writing, 15 minutes before practice.
- Timing: 20 seconds an arrow.
The glossary has the doubles and mixed team (para archery), the team substitution (para archery), the team round yellow card, the shooting time (para archery), the set system (para archery) and the elimination and final rounds (para archery).
Tricky cases
Must teammates alternate arrows?
No. They choose their own order.
A team member starts before the partner's signal. Penalty?
A yellow card, and the process restarts.
Who gets medals?
Only athletes who shot in the matches.
Can a non-qualifier substitute?
No.
Why the rule exists
Pairs make team events possible in small para divisions. Naming substitutes early stops last-minute changes for advantage.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Doubles | Same gender | 29.2 |
| Mixed team | One man, one woman | 29.2 |
| Substitutes | Written notice | 37.4.4 |
From the rule book
World Archery, Rulebook, Book 5 Para Archery (13 March 2026), articles 29.2, 37.4.4 and 39.6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook Book 5, Para Archery.