What chair can a para shooter use?
Officials' detail · Classes and equipment · 1 of 1Any wheelchair, chair or stool is a shooting chair. The seat tilts at most 5 degrees, the barrel is at most 150 cm high and wheels sit no higher than the hip. The backrest leaves part of the back visible, set by trunk score. Straps are at most 5 cm wide and the athlete may not hold them for stability.
How it works
- Seat angle: within 5 degrees of level.
- Barrel: at most 150 cm above the floor.
- Cushion: at most 50 cm by 50 cm.
- Visible free height: set by trunk score.
- Score B: 60% of back above the backrest.
- Backrest slack: 8 cm flexible, 3 cm hard.
- High stool: feet on the ground, as if standing.
- Straps: 5 cm wide, one below the knee to the chair.
The glossary has the shooting chair, the high stool, the visible free height, the backrest slack, the strapping (para shooting) and the trunk function score.
Tricky cases
Can a wheelchair user need help leaving the line?
They must be able to leave without artificial help; brakes are fine.
Can the legs be strapped together?
Yes, once above the knees, but not to the chair.
Can a score A athlete lean on a backrest?
They may have one only if they do not rest on it.
How is the backrest height shown?
Taped on the jacket and on the bib.
Why the rule exists
A higher backrest steadies the body, so its height follows trunk function. Strap limits stop athletes clamping themselves rigid.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Score A | No backrest support | 3.7.13 |
| Score B | 60% visible | 3.7.13 |
| Score C | Measured minimum | 3.7.13 |
From the rule book
World Shooting Para Sport, Technical Rules and Regulations, version 1 (1 January 2026), articles 3.5 and 3.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WSPS Technical Rules and Regulations 2026.