Paralympic shooting
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Shooting started in the Toronto Paralympic Games in 1976, and is practiced in at least 51 countries. Shooting is a test of accuracy and control, in which competitors use pistols or rifles to fire a series of shots at a stationary target. Competitions at the Paralympic Games are open to all athletes with a physical disability. Athletes use .22 caliber rifles and air guns (pneumatic, CO2 gas or spring).
Athletes compete in Rifle and Pistol events from distances of 10, 25 and 50m, in men's, women's and mixed competitions. Shooting utilizes a functional classification system, which enables athletes from different disability classes to compete together either individually or in teams, with both wheelchair users competing on equal level with standing shooters.
Shooting is governed by the IPC and co-ordinated by the IPC Shooting Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). These rules consider the differences that exist between Shooting for the able-bodied and Shooting for persons with a disability.
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[edit] Functional Classification System
- SH1 - Shooters able to support a gun without a stand
- SH2 - Shooters requiring a gun support in order to shoot.
- SH3 - Blind Shooters (sights seek sound-emitting targets).
Sub-classifications A, B and C define wheelchair backrest height depending on back and pelvic strength per athlete.
[edit] Equipment adaptations for disabled shooters
Disabled shooters use exactly the same guns and clothing as able-bodied shooters. There are adaptations like the use of a shooting chair for competitors unable to stand, also a shooting table for events like kneeling or prone. A shortened shooting jacket is used for seated competitors, depending on chair height. Rules are covered by ISCD cross-referenced with ISSF rules.
The only additional event is the 10m Air Rifle Prone which is shot with both male and female shooters mixed together. Both sexes shooting 60 shots within 1 hour 30 minutes. Finals are also conducted. For the 10m Air Rifle Prone Mixed event, slings are optional for SH1 shooters. SH2 shooters are not allowed to use a sling in this event.
[edit] Rifle Events
Air Rifle, 10m Range
• Standing (Standing or seated, no elbow support)
• Kneeling (Seated, with single elbow support)
• Prone (Seated, with both elbows supported by a shooting table)
.22 Rifle, 50m Range
English Match (.22 prone on ground or seated with both elbows supported by a shooting table)
- Mixed Men and Women, 60 shots.
3x20 .22 Rifle (women's event)
• Standing (Standing or seated, no elbow support)
• Kneeling (Seated, with single elbow support)
• Prone (Seated, with both elbows supported by a shooting table)
3x40 .22 Rifle (men's event)
• Standing
• Kneeling
• Prone
[edit] Pistol Events
Air Pistol
- Men's, Women's events .22 Pistol
- Men's, Women's events
[edit] Qualifying for the Paralympics
Disabled shooters must qualify within the 4 years of the Olympic cycle, to achieve the MQS prescribed by the ISCD. There are yearly events for Paralympic qualification, mostl are held in Europe. The FESPIC Games, now renamed the ASIAN Games for the Disabled and the Jikji Cup Asian Open Championships in Korea are the biggest MQS events in Asia. A major MQS event has more bearing than joining 2 smaller MQS events.
