What is a green card in para shooting?
A · Advanced · Shooting · 2 of 3Some violations follow a ladder: yellow card first, green card with a two-point penalty second, red card and disqualification third. It covers loading early in finals, missing the 5-second loading time (10 for SH2 and VI), and standing faults such as an SH2 shooter not de-shouldering by at least 3 cm between shots. Loaders stand 1 m back between shots.
How it works
- Yellow: first violation.
- Green: second, minus two points.
- Red: third, disqualification.
- Finals loading: not before LOAD.
- Loading time: 5 seconds; 10 for SH2 and VI.
- De-shouldering: a 3 cm gap for SH2 standing.
- Loaders: 1 m behind between shots.
- Unfair kit: the jury decides.
The glossary has the yellow, green and red cards (para shooting), the de-shouldering, the loading in finals, the loader, the Competition Jury and the standing position (para shooting).
Tricky cases
An SH2 shooter keeps the butt on the shoulder. First penalty?
A yellow card.
A loader touches the rifle with a pellet before LOAD. Result?
A card for the athlete.
Is a green card a deduction?
Yes, two points.
Does the ladder reset each match?
It counts within a competition.
Why the rule exists
A ladder warns before it punishes. De-shouldering stops SH2 shooters using the shoulder to keep aim between shots.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Finals, SH1 | 5 seconds to load | 4.1.9 |
| Finals, SH2 and VI | 10 seconds | 4.1.9 |
| SH2 standing | De-shoulder 3 cm | 4.2.3.5 |
From the rule book
World Shooting Para Sport, Technical Rules and Regulations, version 1 (1 January 2026), articles 4.1.9, 4.2.3 and 5.1.8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WSPS Technical Rules and Regulations 2026.