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