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Information, Equipment and Funding:

Seated Throws

Seated ThrowsSeated, or secured, throwing takes place in a throws circle. The events cover shot, javelin,discus and club and are available to those athletes that are unable to stand and/or havebalance and stability problems that make throwing from an ambulant position difficult.Athletes in the seated throwing events throw from either their day chairs, or from custommade throwing frames, which are secured to the ground by straps.

Classification & EligibilityThe impairments and classifications associated with seated throwing events are:

u Athletes with cerebral palsy (or similar) - F31, F32, F33, F34

u Athletes with spinal injury - F51, F52, F53, F54, F55, F56

u Athletes with lower limb loss (or similar) - F57

Classification is coordinated nationally by British Athletics. A classification is required to enterall Parallel Success competitions and for results to be recognised on the UK Rankings(www.thepowerof10.info).

u For ‘An Introduction to Classification’ video and downloadable factsheet visit:http://ucoach.com/video/an-introduction-to-classification-in-athletics

u For more information and changes to eligibility rules see IPC Athletics:www.paralympic.org/Athletics/RulesandRegulations/Classification

Throwing FramesThrowing frames are individually designedassistive devices which are scaffold-like chairsmade of metal bars and plates weldedtogether. The main purpose of the throwingframe is to assist in weight bearing.Consequently, it contributes to theperformance of an athlete by enabling theoptimum throwing action (range ofmovement, velocity of body segments, finalbody position at release etc).* A variety ofdifferent classes are eligible to compete inseated throws, consequently, there is a rangeof frames within and between the differentclasses of athletes.

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Seat (with strap)

Back/side rests

Anchor straps

Pole/holding bar

Hooks for straps

Footplate

or Foothook

*Frossard L, O’Riordan A, Goodman S. ‘Throwing frame and performance of elite male seated shot-putters’. Sports Technology. 2010. 3 (2), p88-101. DOI: 10.1080/19346182.2010.542005.

Seat

u The maximum seat height is 75cm fromthe ground (including seat padding)

u The seating area must be Square orrectangle in shape

u Each side to be at least 30cm in length

u The seat surface of the frame must be levelor with the front higher than the back (i.e.inclined backwards).

Back and side rests

u The seat may incorporate back and siderests for the purposes of safety andstability. They can either be made of non-elastic fabric (e.g. non-elastic canvas) or bea rigid construction that does not move(e.g. rigid steel or aluminium).

u The backrest may incorporate cushioningthat must not exceed 5 cm in thickness.

u The back rest should not incorporatesprings or movable joints or any otherfeature that could assist with propulsion ofthe throwing implement.

u Backrests are used mostly by those athleteswith no to minimal abdominal and backmuscle control (F51-55, F31-32).

u The height of the backrest is usually at aheight to suit the individual and usuallyreplicates the height of the backrest onthe athlete’s day chair.

Pole/Holding Bar

u The throwing frame may have a rigidvertical holding bar.

u The holding bar must be a single, straightpiece of material without curves or bends,and with a cross-sectional profile that iscircular or square, not oval or rectangular.It must not incorporate springs or movablejoints or any other feature that could assistwith propulsion of the throwingimplement.

u They are used mainly for support andstability and mostly used by low classspinal injury athletes and athletes withcerebral palsy (F51-55, F31-34).

Footplates

u Footplates, if used, are for support andstability only.

u Footplates must stay behind the front ofthe throwing circle

u Athletes with good leg and foot functionare likely to just place their feet on afootplate e.g. F57

u Less functional athletes with no, or poor tofair leg and foot function in one or bothlegs may want to secure/hook their feet inplace to limit extra movement e.g. F31- 34,F51-56.

u Additional strapping can be used aroundlegs and/or knees for stability and support.

u A daily wheelchair that satisfies thesecriteria is acceptable (including therequirement that it must not move duringthe throwing action).

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IPC frame specifications Please visit IPC Athletics for up to date rules on throwing frame specifications and also rules forseated throws - www.paralympic.org/Athletics/Rulesandregulations/Rules

Accessing ThrowingFramesA fully adjustable throwing frame, the‘Protean STF’ is now available for purchasethrough England Athletics, full informationat www.englandathletics.org/protean. Itenables athletics clubs to provide trainingopportunities for new and beginner athleteswho want to try seated throwing.

The throwing frame meets the IPC Athleticsrule specifications and has anchor points forsecuring it to the ground when throwing. Itis easily adjustable so multiple athletes areable to use it, and will also assist the coachwith developing the functional template forthose athletes that commit to the sport andmay need a more bespoke throwing frame.

Bespoke frames are designed andengineered around an individual athlete thathas committed to training and competing.Currently, the construction of each individualthrowing frame is mainly driven by anempirical approach, relying on the feedbackfrom coaches and athletes as well asapparent functionality and sensations ofcomfort.*

The fully adjustable throwing framedescribed above now makes this processsimpler, by assisting with the development ofan individual athlete’s functional template.This functional template can then be takento local welders/fabricators for design andmanufacture.

Further information and contact details canbe accessed by visitingwww.englandathletics.org/protean

JGB Engineering also manufacture theThrowster throwing frame. Moreinformation can be found by visitingwww.throwster.weebly.com

The following national organisations are alsoable to design, develop and manufacturebespoke items of equipment for disabledpeople.

Remap: www.remap.org.uk

Demand: www.demand.org.uk

* Frossard L, O’Riordan A, Goodman S. ‘Applied biomechanics forevidence-based training of Australian elite seated throwers’, inSport for persons with a disability, ICSSPE, Editor. 2006,International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education“Perspectives” series. 175-198. 2

Securing ThrowingFrames & Wheelchairs

Throwing frames andwheelchairs need to befirmly secured to theground duringthrowing. Ratchetstraps are commonlyused to tie down athrowing frame orwheelchair, these are secured to the groundwith ground anchors or a tie down bar whichare concreted in place around the throwingcircle. Stakes may also be used instead tosecure a frame or wheelchair into grasssurfaces. Athletes need to have their ownratchet straps but it is useful for clubs tohave some too for beginner athletes. Goodsources for straps include local DIY stores aswell as athletics equipment suppliers. Stakescan be purchased cheaply from a localwelder and some athletics suppliers (seepage 6).

Fixing Point Installation for Seated(secured) ThrowsThe UKA SAPCA Code of Practice for theConstruction of Athletics Track and FieldFacilities gives details of the technicaldesigns and drawings for installation ofseated throws fixings. Registration on the

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following website is free, and will allow anychanges or revisions to the Code of Practiceto be emailed directly.

www.sapca.org.uk/quick-links/athletics-tracks

For all new build/refurbishment projectsprovision should be made to accommodateathletes using throwing frames orwheelchairs by installing throws circle fixingpoints.

Fixings for Performance Facilitiesand Higher Level Domestic andInternational CompetitionThe pictures below show the fixings layoutthat was used for the London 2012Paralympic Games. This is the UKArecommended layout for higher level

competition and training and all new buildthrowing circles.

A set comprises of nine sockets (with nyloncaps for when not in use), one centralstraight angle iron, two x front and rearshaped angle irons and three struts to rearangle iron to prevent any movement offittings. These fittings give maximum choiceof adjustment with a hole for fitting theratchet straps to every 50mm. The finishshould be galvanised to provide a longlasting finish.

Fixings for club facilities (training and competition)Another layout option for general clubusage and low level competition for club

facilities is shown above. A set comprises of 5sockets (with nylon cap for when not in use)and 2 galvanised angle irons. The holes forattaching straps are every 100mm. Thenumber of fixing points back and front canvary, however a greater number will addflexibility as athlete throwing frames do notcome in standard shapes and sizes.

Ground Anchors

For existing facilities and low levelrefurbishments ground anchors can also beused.

Ground anchors for throws circles consist ofthree parts:

i. The ringbolt – made of steel

ii. The buried sleeve – made of steel, intowhich the ring bolt screws

The ring bolt and sleeve should be made ofstainless steel to prevent rusting.

iii. The concrete foundation – the mostimportant of the three

UK Athletics can provide advice andguidance on the installation of throwsfixings. Please Visitwww.britishathletics.org.uk/governance/facilitiesfor contact details.

The Sport and Play Construction Association(SAPCA) maintain an updated list ofrecommended contractors for theinstallation of throws fixings:www.sapca.org.uk

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Throwing Platforms or StakesWhen throwing circles with fixings are notavailable it is also possible for athletes tothrow from throwing platforms or forthrowing frames and wheelchairs to besecured using stakes in the ground. Thesefixing methods are best done only in trainingsituations and full throwing circles should beused wherever possible for competition.

Particular attention should be paid to thesafety and distance of other athletes and anyother persons when throwing without acage, especially during club or javelintraining or competition. It is advisable NOTto participate in discus without a cage underany circumstance.

Throwing ImplementsDisabled athletes throw different weightimplements and details of the recommendedweights and age groups are available fromthe IPC (International Paralympic Committee)Rules: www.paralympic.org/Athletics/Rulesandregulations/Rules

In general, standard size implements can beused by disabled athletes with a couple ofexceptions:u Club – A throwing club has 2 main head

types, round or square, and a competitionclub weighs 397g.

u Shot – Smaller sized, same weight shotsare available for dwarf /short statureathletes who have smaller hands andtherefore more difficulty holding thelarger implements.

Suppliers This is not an exhaustive list but throwingimplements can be purchased from:

Evequewww.eveque.co.uk

Neuffwww.neuff.co.uk

Stadia Sportswww.stadia.sports.co.uk

Track and Field Sportswww.trackandfieldsports.co.uk

Safari Sportswww.safarisports.com

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Funding AdviceBelow are some tips for applying for fundingfrom local charities and privateorganisations:u Read the criteria carefully before

applying. u Charities have limited funding themselves

and are often run by volunteers, sodecisions may not be immediate.

u Local support is often faster, throughsmaller contributions, fundraising andpersonal savings:u Fundraising: ebay, car boot sales,

sponsored events, partiesu Local businessesu Local groups: Lions Club, Rotary

International, Round Table etc.u School PTA etc.u Local Councils, Districts etc. often have

details of trusts, charities and grants

In all cases providing your own contributionwill help an application, and remember thesport will cost money through training,travel, race entries, and accommodation.Showing that you are already committed,using borrowed or second-hand equipment,being a member of a club and have UKAclassification will also boost an application.

There are details of funding opportunitieslisted below, this is some general advice andnot an exhaustive list. As fundingopportunities change regularly werecommend doing your own research too.Your local County Sports Partnership willhave details of any local fundingopportunities.

Funding Opportunities

Funding Central For funding advice and to search for fundingopportunities visit Funding Central:www.fundingcentral.org.uk

Adam Millichip Foundation Individuals looking to improve their qualityof life by taking up a new venture. Athletesnew to the sport, not for competitionpurposes.www.adammillichipfoundation.org

AspireSupporting people with a spinal injury. Part-funding for new equipment only.www.aspire.org.uk/1aspire-grants.aspx

Barchester Charitable FoundationAdults with a physical disability. £1,500 to £5,000.www.bhcfoundation.org.uk

Boparan Charitable Trust(Children under 18 years)www.theboparancharitabletrust.com

Cash4KidsRegional www.cashforkids.uk.com

Caudwell ChildrenChildren under 18 years. Means-tested.www.caudwellchildren.com

CerebraChildren up to 16 years with neurologicaldisability (i.e. CP, Brain Damage). Up to 80%.www.cerebra.org.uk/English/gethelp/grants/Pages/default.aspx

Challenged Athlete FoundationIPC eligible - i.e. must have a UKAclassification, max $2,500.www.challengedathletes.org

Children’s Hope Foundation Individuals and clubs, look under thedownloads section for an application form.www.childrenshopefoundation.org.uk

Children TodayUp to 25 years.www.childrentoday.org.uk

Dickie Bird FoundationChildren under 18 years.www.thedickiebirdfoundation.co.uk

Dream It Believe It Achieve Itwww.dreamitbelieveitachieveit.com

Elifar FoundationChildren and Adultswww.elifarfoundation.org.uk

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Family FundChildren under 18 years. Means-tested.www.familyfund.org.uk

Get Kids GoingChildren up to 26 years.www.getkidsgoing.com

Richard Overall TrustYoung people and studentswww.richardoveralltrust.co.uk

Roald Dahl CharityUp to 25 years with specific conditions ofblood or brain, up to £500.www.roalddahl.com/charity

SF CharityDisabled people - all ages. Up to £1,000suggested limit, Midlands only.www.sfcharity.co.uk/

Sport England Small Grants Clubs onlywww.sportengland.org/funding/small_grants.aspx

VarietyChildren up to 18 years, individuals and clubs.www.variety.org.uk/

WheelPower Wheel Appeal Individuals and clubs)www.wheelpower.org.uk/WPower/index.cfm/what-we-do/wheel-appeal/

WhizzKidzChildren under 18 years.www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/equipment

Women’s Sport TrustIndividuals and clubs, grants of £500-£5,000,females only.www.womenssporttrust.com

Other sourcesAlso try local Lions Clubs, RotaryInternational, Round Table etc.

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AcknowledgementsEngland Athletics would like to thank WheelPower, British Wheelchair Athletics Association, CPSport and Alison O’Riordan Sports Consultancy for their input on this resource.