Can para archers shoot from a wheelchair?
Officials' detail · Classes and equipment · 1 of 1Adaptive equipment is allowed only if classifiers permit it and it is on the classification card. A wheelchair may have up to four wheels on the ground, no part supporting the bow arm and its back at least 11 cm below the armpit. Stools have no backrest. Straps are 5 cm wide at most; P.I.2 athletes may use one round the torso.
How it works
- Permission: classifiers allow it; the card records it.
- Wheelchair: up to four wheels; no bow-arm support.
- Chair back: at least 11 cm below the armpit.
- Length: chair, athlete and kit at most 1.25 m long.
- Stool: no backrest.
- Straps: 5 cm wide at most; P.I.2 one torso strap.
- Release: harness systems or a mouth tab.
- Bow aids: bandages and arm aids, never rigid or electronic.
The glossary has the adaptive equipment (para archery), the wheelchair (para archery), the stool, the strapping, the adaptive release and the bow bandage and bow arm aid.
Tricky cases
Can a P.I.1 archer use several straps?
Yes, for stability, if none supports the bow arm.
Is anything not listed allowed?
No. Only what the rules expressly permit.
Can a bow arm aid be electronic?
No.
Can a judge refuse equipment on the card?
Yes, if it gives an unfair advantage.
Why the rule exists
Adaptive equipment replaces what an impairment takes away, not more. Limits on supports stop chairs or straps steadying the bow.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| P.I.1 | Any amount of strapping | A2 2 |
| P.I.2 | One torso strap | A2 2 |
| Stools | On the card, no backrest | A2 3 |
From the rule book
World Archery, Rulebook, Book 5 Para Archery (13 March 2026), article 34.8 and Appendix 2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook Book 5, Para Archery.