What is para archery?
B · Beginner · Classes and equipment · 1 of 4Para archery is target archery for athletes with a physical or vision impairment, run under Book 5 of the World Archery rules. Athletes shoot in four divisions: Para Recurve, Para Compound, W1 and VI. Matches are individual, doubles or mixed team, and athletes may stay on the shooting line throughout, seated or standing.
How it works
- Rule book: World Archery Book 5.
- Divisions: Para Recurve, Para Compound, W1 and VI.
- Classes: P.I.1 and P.I.2 for physical, V.I.1 and V.I.2 for vision.
- Events: individual, doubles and mixed team.
- One class: at major events an athlete shoots in one class only.
- Card: a valid classification card is needed.
- Line: athletes may stay on the shooting line.
- Help: an assistant or spotter may help.
The glossary has the para archery, the Book 5, the divisions and classes (para archery), the para competitions, the classification card (para archery) and the assistant.
Tricky cases
Can a para archer compete in able-bodied events?
Book 5 covers para events; able-bodied rules are in other books.
Can an athlete enter two classes at the Paralympics?
No. One class only.
Can an athlete shoot without a classification card?
Not in a para sport class.
Is there a junior class?
Yes, an under-21 class up to the year of the 20th birthday.
Why the rule exists
Divisions group athletes by how their impairment affects shooting. Adapted rules let archers shoot with chairs, straps or help without changing the target test.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Para Recurve and Compound | P.I.2 only | 28 |
| W1 | P.I.1 only | 28 |
| VI | Men and women together | 28 |
From the rule book
World Archery, Rulebook, Book 5 Para Archery (13 March 2026), Introduction and articles 28, 30.1 and 45. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook Book 5, Para Archery.