Shooting
Introduction
Para-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 impairment. There are two classes of competition, wheelchair and standing. Athletes compete in rifle and pistol events from distances of 10m, 25m and 50m in men’s, women’s and mixed competitions.
Para-Trap shooting is open to athletes who have a physical impairment, the discipline of Para Trap shooting is based on the Olympic Trap discipline.
Athletes use a shotgun to hit 'clays' which are propelled into the air from machines on the ground. Athletes strive to make as many 'hits' (when a clay is broken) as possible. Through the competition, athletes shoot from across 5 central positions on the range. Athletes shoot at 125 clays in the qualification round.
How to Shoot
The shooter fires a series of shots at a target from a distance defined by the event. The target consists of 10 concentric scoring rings, with the central ring worth 10 points and the outside ring worth one. The winner is the shooter who accrues the most points by consistently firing shots in the central rings. Targets vary in size depending on the event.
The following events are currently contested at the Paralympic Games:
Rifle
10m Air Rifle Standing
10m Air Rifle Prone
Free Rifle
Sport Rifle
Pistol
10m Air Pistol
25m Sport Pistol
50m Free Pistol
In Rifle there are events in both standing and prone positions. In prone events the athlete can rest their elbows on a table to give added stability, whilst in standing they must shoot in an unsupported position.
Who can Shoot
Impairment Type
To be eligible for Para-shooting, athletes must have a physical disability that impairs upper and / or lower body function or be visually impaired.
Classification
In Para-shooting the sport classes for athletes with a physical impairment & visually impaired are:
SH1: Pistol and Rifle athletes who can support their firearms without a stand
SH2: Rifle athletes who are unable to support the weight of their firearm due to the upper body limitations and there require a shooting stand.
SG-S: Para-Trap athletes
SH-VI: Visually Impaired athletes for competition in Rifle events
Click here for the Classification Information Sheet for Para-Shooting
How Do I Get Classified?
Athletes with a physical impairment seek classification through Shooting Australia. Refer to Shooting Australia website - https://shootingaustralia.org/classification-page/
Athletes with a vision impairment seek classification through Paralympics Australia. Refer to Paralympics Australia website - https://www.paralympic.org.au/classification/vision-classification/
Where can you participate?
AUSTRALIA (InCluding State / Territory contacts)
Shooting Australia
Phone: +61 429 594 642
Website: https://shootingaustralia.org/para-shooting/
Resources
Videos
Intro to Para-Shooting from International Paralympic Committee
Classification from International Paralympic Committee
Para-Shooting at the Beijing Paralympics from International Paralympic Committee
Documents
International Rules from World Shooting Para Sport
Classification Information Sheet - Para-Shooting from Paralympics Australia