How do seated throws work in para athletics?
I · Intermediate · Field events and discipline · 3 of 4Seated throwers (F31 to F34 and F51 to F57) throw from a frame fixed in the circle. Both legs must touch the seat from the back of the knee to the buttock until the implement lands; losing contact is a failure. The seat may be no higher than 75 cm, and nothing on the frame may move or help propel the throw.
How it works
- Classes: F31 to F34 and F51 to F57.
- Seat: square or rectangular, no higher than 75 cm.
- Vertical bar: one straight bar may be held; no springs or joints.
- Position: both legs on the seat until the implement lands.
- Start: from a still, seated position.
- Setup time: 4 or 5 minutes to strap in and warm up.
- Strapping: non-elastic only.
- Club throw: a seated event with a wooden club held in one hand.
The glossary has the seated throws classes, the throwing frame, the seated position, the club throw, the tie-down failure and the athlete's assistant.
Tricky cases
A strap breaks mid-throw. What happens?
A valid throw may be kept or retaken; a failed one is retaken.
One knee slides off the seat. Failure?
Yes, if the back of the knee loses contact.
Can an athlete throw from their own wheelchair?
From 1 January 2027 only F31 and F51 athletes, and it must not move.
Can an assistant help in the circle?
They may transfer and strap the athlete in, then must leave before the throw.
Why the rule exists
The seated position limits the legs' contribution, so the throw tests the upper body. Rules on the frame stop it acting as a catapult.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| F32 to F34 and F54 to F57 | 4 minutes to set up | R 35.5 |
| F31 and F51 to F53 | 5 minutes to set up | R 35.5 |
| From 2027 | Day chair only for F31 and F51 | R 35.1(h) |
From the rule book
World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 7.14, 35, 36 and 37. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.