How are wheelchairs fixed in wheelchair fencing?
Officials' detail · Classes and equipment · 1 of 2The frame holds every wheel still, with the chair at 110 degrees to the front stops. The chair has a rigid back, a seat no higher than 53 cm, a footrest and a clear side guard on the unarmed side. A centre line on the back must align with the jacket, and approved spoke protectors are required.
How it works
- Frame: holds all wheels, approved by WPF.
- Angle: 110 degrees, give or take 5.
- Back: rigid, 90 degrees, 15 cm high at least.
- Seat: 53 cm at most; cushion 10 cm.
- Side guard: clear, on the unarmed side.
- Grab handle: optional, for the unarmed hand.
- Centre line: on the chair back.
- Spoke protectors: WPF design.
The glossary has the fencing frame, the fencing wheelchair, the centre line, the side guard and grab handle, the spoke protectors and the wheelchair repair break.
Tricky cases
A fencer arrives without approved spoke protectors at a World Championship. Result?
Eliminated from the event.
The centre line moves 2 cm during a bout. Offence?
Yes. Over 1.25 cm is anti-sporting.
The chair breaks. How long to fix?
At most 10 minutes.
Is there a side guard on the weapon side?
No.
Why the rule exists
A fixed frame makes the distance exact. Equal chair limits stop height or angle advantages.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 110 degrees | t.18 |
| Seat | 53 cm | m.25.9 |
| Top events | Spoke protectors or out | t.74 |
From the rule book
World Para Fencing, Book 1 Technical Rules (January 2026), articles t.18, t.22, t.35 and t.74, with Book 3, articles m.25.9 and m.61. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Para Fencing rulebooks 0 to 4.