Disabilities
Archery is one of the most accessible and inclusive sports and anyone with a disability can enter all UK based tournaments run under the authority of Archery GB.
The best places to get started are at a 'have a go' session or beginner' course.
You might decide to join our club and take part more regularly, compete in local competitions, or progress to a national or even international level through Archery GB’s talent pathway structure.
Classification for disabled archers
Para archery was one of the original Paralympic sports. It is very similar to the version you see at the Olympic Games and para archers can compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games as long as they meet the qualification criteria.
Para archers may use their assistive devices to level the playing field against non-disabled competitors. This includes using adaptive aids to shoot at everything from your local club competition, the Archery GB Disability Championships through to county championships and national tour. Classification is only needed if you want to claim UK or world records, or if you hope to get onto the para team.
Classification not only determines eligibility but also helps define whether an archer can use assistive devices, creating an equitable playing field for all competitors.
Para-archery features three main classification categories: Recurve Open, Compound Open, and W1.
Athletes in the Recurve Open and Compound Open categories often have impairments affecting either the top or bottom half, or one side, of their bodies.
The W1 category includes athletes with more complex impairments involving the top and bottom halves of their bodies, the torso, and at least three limbs.
Each category ensures athletes compete under conditions tailored to their functional abilities, enabling them to focus on skill and strategy within a fair and inclusive framework.
For more details about classification, eligibility, and the opportunities available in para-archery, visit Archery GB Paralympic Archery. This webpage provides comprehensive information to help athletes, coaches, and clubs understand the classification process and how to get involved.
Assistive devices for para archers
Disabled archers may use assistive devices in their archery, including draw or release aids, mouth tabs and wheelchairs, to level the playing field. Classified athletes may also compete with non-disabled athletes in target archery events using their assistive devices.
Visually impaired archers are split into two categories depending on the level of their impairment. Archers in the VI1 category, and some less impaired athletes, wear blindfolds during competitions. Visually impaired athletes shoot over a distance of 30 metres using tactile sights to aim and can have an assistant to help with loading arrows and scoring.