Seated Throws

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The competition area for seated throws is a busy and dynamic environment.

 

With officials, athletes, volunteers, and athlete assistants all operating in the same space, it's essential that officials understand event staging and sequencing and know who is involved at each step.

 

This ensures consistency, safety, and fairness for every seated thrower.

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Throwing Circle  

WPA Rule 34.8: All Seated Throwing Events should be conducted from a circle with diameter of 2.135m or 2.50m, using a 34.92 degree sector. 

WPA Rule 34.7(d): A portable platform meeting these specifications may be used; the platform does not have to be a full circle.

 

Prior to the competition, the technical manager ensures that the circle or platform is appropriately set up. This means the platform is adequately secured to the ground to avoid movement during throws, rails are securely positioned, and tie-down straps or chains are available to secure the throwing frames during competition. 

Image: Portable platform from Indoor Nationals with chair tied down. 

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Receipt and Securing the Throwing Frame

There is no time limit for this step. When the athlete is called up, the officials or trained volunteers will bring the throwing frame to the circle/platform and secure it following this process. 

 

• Orient the frame with the guidance of the athlete or their assistant.

• Position the frame so that all parts, including the foot plates and vertical bar, are inside the vertical plane of the inner rim of the circle (WPA Rule 35.4). Officials must check this.

• Anyone may sit on the frame to facilitate the securing process.

• Secure the frame to the platform or directly to the ground with non-elastic straps or chains.

• Check that the athlete is happy with the frame’s positioning and stability.

Image: Volunteers in training on tie-down procedures.

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Athlete Transfer and Securing to the Throwing Frame

Once the frame is secured and the athlete is happy, the official will hand it over. Timing starts now.

 

WPA Rule 35.5: The maximum time allowed for athletes to transfer, attain a seated position, secure themselves to the chair and have as many warm up throws as time permits.

 

• Four (4) minutes for F32-34 and F54-57

• Five (5) minutes for F31 and F51-53

 

• Assistants for classes F31-33 & F51-54 (WPA Rule 7.14) are allowed to aid in the transfer and securing of athletes.

• Officials and volunteers are not permitted to assist, but may retrieve an inaccessible strap, regardless of class. 

 

During the Competition

• Athletes, volunteers and assistants are positioned separately within the competition area.

• The officials conduct the event in accordance with the rules. 

• Between the 3rd and 4th trials, the athlete is given a one-minute break. 

• The assistant may approach the athlete and offer refreshments, provide a towel or adjust the straps, but is not allowed to coach.

• Officials and volunteers are also allowed to offer refreshments, regardless of class. 

Note: Images from Athletics Canada Para Throws Coaching Manual