Track and Field Equipment
The throwing chair is tied down to the ground to provide stability for the thrower. Without tie-downs, the chair can move out from under the thrower as they apply a large amount of force on the chair. Tie-downs are ratchet straps and metal stakes should be used at a minimum of all four corners. Concrete stakes put into the ground at an angle work well, if the ratchet strap has a circle just ahead of the hook. It is not advisable to use aluminum stakes as a very sharp edge will form on the top. Use a sledge hammer to hammer stakes into the ground at a 60 degree angle and angled away from the athlete. The ground should be level. An alternative is a portable ring made of angle irons with holes that the ratchet strap hooks will fit into to secure the chair.
Track Chair Specifications
Track Chair
- The track chair shall have two rear wheels and one front wheel
- The track chair frame shall not extend in front of the center of the front wheel hub
- The steering must be hand operated, no electronic steering is allowed
- No part of the track chair or frame may protrude past the furthest point of the rear wheel
- Athlete’s lower limbs must be secured to the track chair. Any touching of the ground by the lower limbs results in disqualification from the event
- Competitors are responsible for the proper functioning of the track chair. No event shall be delayed for equipment failure prior to an event
Wheels
- The maximum diameter of the rear wheel and inflated tire is 70cm
- The maximum diameter of the front wheel and inflated tire is 50cm
- Each rear wheel may have one hand rim
- Athletes may only propel the chair forward by pushing on the wheels or hand rims
Helmet and Gloves
- All competitors must wear gloves and a bicycle helmet that meets ANSI standards
Throwing Chair Specifications
Throwing Frame
- The maximum height of the seat surface, including any cushioning, shall not exceed 75 cm
- Each throwing frame must have a seat which is square or rectangular in shape and each side at least 30cm in length
- The seat surface must be level or with the front higher than the back, the front of the seat cannot be lower than the back
- The seat may incorporate side and back rests for the purposes of safety and stability made out of non-elastic fabric or be a rigid construction that does not move
- The backrest may incorporate cushioning that must not exceed 5cm in thickness
- The back rest should not incorporate springs or movable joints or any other feature that could assist with propulsion of the throwing implement
- The throwing frame may have a rigid holding bar, it must be: a single straight piece of material without curves or bends and with a cross-sectional profile that is circular or square and cannot assist with the propulsion of the throwing implement
- No part of the throwing frame, including any holding bar, shall move during the throwing action
- Footplates, if used, are for support and stability only
- A daily wheelchair that satisfies these criteria is acceptable
Guideline Table of Contents
Overview
Rules
State Models
Groupings
Safety
Resources