OCPSA GUIDE TO TIE DOWN THROWS Tie down throwing events are a common staple in Para-Athletics competitions. Throwing events offer a great alternative to those athletes who choose not to compete in the wheelchair races. Combining brute strength and technical finesse, tie-down throwers are capable of great sport performances and provide an exciting spectacle of human ability. A tie-down throwing competition is not a complicated process. Given the proper tools and equipment, any facility that can hold an able bodied throwing event is ultimately capable of holding a tie-down throwing competition. This document will garner a greater understanding of the subtleties of hosting a tie-down throws event. 1
Frequently Asked Questions: How are the chairs stabilized? Rails bolted to the cement pad or held down by large stakes hammered into the ground. The rails are used to strap the chairs to. The straps are tightened and the chair is stabilized. This document will explain facility modifications and tie-down throw set-up. Can only one chair be used for all competitors? Simple answer, no. Depending on the age of the competitors, chairs may be shared by some younger athletes. This depends on the resources of their club to purchase the equipment. As athletes progress, they will choose to devise a throwing chair designed with their body in mind and abilities in mind. Throwing chairs can vary in design as much as athletes vary in their ability to throw. What other differences exist between a tie-down throws competition and an able bodied event? Tie-down throwers may throw all six of their throws in a row, each throw can be measured immediately (this allows for the athlete to rest between throws), or in sequence with throws marked by a stick in the ground or metal flag. In lower organized events, only the farthest throw may be measured for the sake of time. Budget between 10-15 minutes per athlete in a tie-down throws competition. Athletes in the F32-34, F54-58 Classes are usually allowed two minutes to set up their chair, and three minutes is allowed for Classes F51-53. Once the chair is set up, athletes get two practice throws. If all six throws are thrown in sequence, the athletes are allowed a two to three minute break between the first and last three throws. Athletes can take this time to hydrate and refocus. Athletes in the F32, F51 classes will throw a club as opposed to the discus or javelin. The club is grasped at its narrow end and flung into the sector, this can be done from a position facing backward out of the circle and throwing overhead. 2
Modification to throwing circles Discus Tie down rail Shot Put Tie down rail 3
Rail Measurements: Discus The front lags are 62 apart, the tie down rail must be 16 in front of the circle The back lags are 110 apart and the tie down rail is 16 behind centre point of the circle Shot The front lags are 62 apart, the tie down rail must be 16 in front of the circle The back lags are 92 apart and the tie down rail is 16 behind centre point of the circle All holes are ¾ threaded lag drilled 3 into the concrete two bolts will be needed for each hole, one for a cap when the tie-downs are not installed. This bolt will have an allen/hex key slot at the top. The other bolt is a longer 2-3 bolt with a washer for when they are fully installed. This bolt will have a hex head to be tightened. When the rails are not installed it is important to keep the elements out of the holes. Spray some WD-40 into the hole before putting in the allen/hex plug then fill the hole with some silicone to create a seamless surface. When the holes are needed again, just dig out the silicone and replace the allen/hex plug with the bolt, washers through the rails. Tie-down Rails: There are a few different variations in the types of rails used: Option 1: The rails can be metal angle iron ¾ gage thickness, holes should be punched for the tie-down ratchets at about 1 from the top of the metal. Holes should be stamped at 12 intervals on the vertical side of the metal rail. Holes on the bottom side of the rail should be punched 62 apart on the front piece, 92 and 110 on the back piece. The tie down rails should be 82 for the front rail, and 130 in length for the back rail. Or three pieces to make up that length with holes to bolt them together. 4
Option 2: U Channel can be purchased from an industrial supplier and bolted to the throws pad, bolts will need to be longer than those used for the ¾ angle iron. Be sure to use the U channel with holes that are pre cut that is called slotted Channel. 1 5/8 inch x 1 5/8 should be sufficient. Two rails will be used per circle. Option 3: Spikes can be hammered into the ground to create a temporary training/competition site. The chairs are then strapped to the spikes. Ratchet Straps: Also known as truck straps have a ratchet mechanism and j hooks at both ends. One hook is attached to the rail, the other is attached to the chair and it is tightened with the ratchet. The best size to use is anything above 2 width with a j hook on both ends to loop through the rails and onto the chair. Note: Within many new facilities there is a large cement pad at the front of discus circles for the doors of the cage or for hammer throwing practice. Some of the lower class athletes or younger tie-down athletes may not be able to clear that surface. It could be worthwhile to create a tie-down throwing area at the front of the pad for such athletes. 5
The Rules: IPC Athletics Rules in Addition to IAAF Rules 5.15 Rule 179: Specific Field Rules Rule 179: Paragraph 1 Orientation (Sport Classes F11-12) An escort may bring athletes to the throwing circle or runway. It is the task of the escort to help the athlete orientate him/herself in the throwing circle or on the runway before the attempt. The escort must leave the circle or runway before the attempt begins. Acoustic orientation is permitted before, during and after the attempt. Athletes may only be escorted from the circle or runway after the officials have determined whether or not the attempt was a valid one. If the official in charge of the event decides that an escort who is providing acoustic orientation is in an unsafe location, the judge has the right to require the escort to move. Rule 179: Paragraph 2 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) The maximum height of the throwing frame, including the cushion(s), used as a seat, shall not exceed 75cm. Rule 179: Paragraph 3 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) The frame may have a holding bar made of metal, fibreglass or similar material but this must not have any articulation or joints. Rule 179: Paragraph 4 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) All parts of the frame must be fixed. Assistance to the athlete by flexible jointed parts is not allowed. Rule 179: Paragraph 5 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) It will be the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that the frame conforms to all the above rules, and no event shall be delayed whilst a competitor makes adjustments to his frame. Rule 179: Paragraph 6 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Frames will be measured before the competitor enters the throwing circle. Frames that have been examined may be liable to re examination before or after the event by the official in charge of the event. Measurement will always take place without the athlete sitting in the frame. Rule 179: Paragraph 7 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) All throwing events will be conducted from a circle, diameter 2.135m to 2.50m, into a sector as described in Rule 187. Rule 179: Paragraph 8 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) An authorized holding device must be used. If a holding device should 6
break during the execution of a throw, it shall not count as a trial, providing it was made in accordance with the rules. If the competitor thereby loses his balance and commits a foul, it shall not count against him. Rule 179: Paragraph 9 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) A competitor shall commence a throw or put from a sitting position, and, if lifting takes place, must keep one foot in contact with the ground inside the circle until the implement is released. The commencement is regarded as the forward movement which ends with the release of the implement. Rule 179: Paragraph 10 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) All parts of the frame and footrests must remain inside the vertical plane of the rim of the circle. Rule 180: Paragraph 7 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Add: In competitions other than Paralympic Games or World Championships, the Technical Delegate may decide, in co-operation with the Competition Organizers, to stage six throws consecutively. 5.21 Rule 187: (C) Throwing Events - General Conditions Rule 187: Paragraph 1 Implements shall comply with the specifications of the IPC Athletics Section. Rules 187: Paragraph 4a (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-53) For hand read hands, except that athletes in Sport Classes 51-53 may use strapping or a glove on their non-throwing hand, and anchor that hand to the frame. Note: Sport Classes F32-34 and F54-58 must not use gloves. Rule 187: Paragraph 14 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) (b) Delete:...stepped into... Insert:...entered... (c) Add: after...stop board Insert:...or any holding device outside the vertical plane of the edge of the Circle. Rule 187: Paragraph 14 (c) (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Note: A stop board is unnecessary for all athletes competing from frames. Rule 187: Paragraph 17 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Note: This rule shall be waived for competitors using the approved holding device. Rule 187 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) 7
5.22 Rule 188: Putting the Shot Rule 188: Paragraph 1 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Note: From start to finish, the movement shall be a straight, continuous putting action. SECTION IV- FIELD EVENTS 5.7 Rule 180: Field Events - General Conditions Rule 180: Paragraph 5 (Sport Classes F32-34, F51-58) Replace with "Athletes take three throws consecutively. In addition to the time allowed under this rule, a reasonable time will be permitted for an athlete to place the frame in the circle before the commencement of their first trial. This time shall not normally exceed two minutes for Sport Classes F32-34, F54-58 and three minutes for Sport Classes F51-53. Note: While the responsibility for tying down rests with officials and volunteers, the Technical Delegate will issue specific interpretations at each competition which ensure athletes do not engage in time-wasting tactics. 8
THROWING EVENTS (Open Women) IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS Events for athletes with cerebral palsy SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F32 2.00kg 1.00kg 397gr F33 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F34 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F35 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F36 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F37 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F38 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr Events for athletes in wheelchairs SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F51 1.00kg 397gr F52 2.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F53 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F54 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F55 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F56 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F57 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F58 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 7 APPENDIX II: THROWING EVENTS - IMPLEMENT WEIGHTS THROWING EVENTS (Open Men) Events for athletes with cerebral palsy SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F32 2.00kg 1.00kg 397gr F33 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F34 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F35 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F36 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F37 5.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F38 5.00kg 1.50kg 800gr Events for athletes in wheelchairs SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F51 1.00kg 397gr F52 2.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F53 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F54 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F55 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F56 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F57 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gr F58 5.00kg 1.00kg 600gr 9
THROWING EVENTS (Junior) JUNIOR GIRLS SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F32 2.00kg 0.75kg 397gm F33 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F34 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F35 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F36 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F37 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F38 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F51 0.75kg 397gm F52 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F53 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F54 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F55 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F56 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F57 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F58 3.00kg 0.75kg 400gm JUNIOR BOYS SHOT DISCUS JAVELIN CLUB F32 2.00kg 0.75kg 397gm F33 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F34 3.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F35 3.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F36 3.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F37 3.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F38 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gm F51 0.75kg 397gm F52 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F53 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F54 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F55 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F56 2.00kg 0.75kg 400gm F57 3.00kg 1.00kg 600gm F58 4.00kg 1.00kg 600gm 10
Example of Rails staked into the ground Example of a portable tie-down circle 11
Examples of chairs that are tied down 12
For more information concerning Tie-down throwing or Para-Athletics events see the following: The Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association www.ocpsa.com 1-866-286-2772 Athletics Canada www.athletics.ca International Paralympic Committee www.paralympic.org 13