How do blind archers aim?
I · Intermediate · Classes and equipment · 1 of 4VI archers shoot at 30 m with a tactile sight that touches the back of the hand, the only sight allowed. V.I.1 athletes wear a blindfold all the time on the field; V.I.2 athletes do not. A spotter sits 1 m behind the line, tells the archer where arrows land, adjusts the sight between ends and scores.
How it works
- Distance: 30 m on an 80 cm face.
- Tactile sight: no bigger than 2 cm; touches the back of the hand.
- Foot locators: part of the sight's stand, at most 80 cm wide.
- V.I.1: blindfold at all times on the field.
- V.I.2: no blindfold.
- Spotter: 1 m behind the line; same uniform.
- Spotter's job: call arrows, adjust between ends, score.
- Combined event: too few entries; all wear blindfolds.
The glossary has the tactile sight, the blindfold, the spotter, the combined VI event, the V.I.1 and V.I.2 and the qualification round (para archery).
Tricky cases
Can the spotter adjust the sight mid-end?
No. Only between ends.
V.I.1 and V.I.2 are combined. Does V.I.2 wear a blindfold?
Yes. Everyone does.
Can a V.I.1 archer remove the blindfold in practice?
No.
Who signs the score sheet?
The athlete.
Why the rule exists
Touch replaces sight in aiming, so the tactile sight is the archer's only aid. The blindfold makes V.I.1 archers equal whatever light they see.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| V.I.1 | Blindfold | 34.4.3 |
| V.I.2 | No blindfold | 34.4.3 |
| Combined event | All blindfolded | 35.1 |
From the rule book
World Archery, Rulebook, Book 5 Para Archery (13 March 2026), articles 29.1, 34.4 and 35. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook Book 5, Para Archery.