Para Archery and Classification Committees discuss classification and VI archery

After meeting in Lausanne in February 2015, World Archery’s Para Archery and Classification Committees discussed challenges to the classification procedures and the new IPC Code

Subjects of discussion included the creation of an improved definition of a wheelchair, an update on the project to find a consistent method of measuring how well or not a person can balance and if additional support may be necessary for impaired athletes.

Being able to identify the way in which an individual’s balance is affected by the act of shooting a bow and arrow would also be of use to coaches of able-bodied athletes.

Other topics included analysis of the second draft version of the IPC Classification Code and its accompanying documents, the changes to the way International Federations relate with IPC in the future and reports from liaison persons of the continental federations, along with progress reports on the World Archery Para Championships 2015 and the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The World Archery rules regarding classification for people with visual impairment (VI archery) are based on the IBSA classification of visual acuity (clearness of vision).

- Those entering the World Archery VI 1 division wear a blind fold for the entire shooting period.

- Those entering the World Archery VI 2/VI 3 division, and shoot without a blindfold, must bring with them their IBSA B2 or B3 classification card.

There will be no classification for VI athletes at World Archery tournaments until further notice.

Without an IBSA classification of B2 or B3, it will not be possible to compete in the VI 2/VI 3 division.

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