Can disabled athletes participate in 3PAR competitions?

February 24, 2026

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸Youth 3 PAR▸Can disabled athletes participate in 3PAR competitions?

YES, disabled athletes are welcome in 3PAR competitions. The National Council recognizes that this is an area where there is still much to learn, but, in principle, athletes with limitations who use adaptive positions approved by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are encouraged to compete in 3PAR matches alongside able-bodied athletes. For example, an athlete in a wheelchair is allowed to place a table on the wheelchair and to rest both elbows on the chair for and “adapted” prone position and one elbow for kneeling. For standing, the table must be removed and the athlete must rest his/her support arm on the side just as an able-bodied athlete would. Any program with a disabled athlete who wants to compete should study Rule 5.1.4 in the National Standard Rules. Athletes with more profound disabilities and limited upper body control are in the IPC SH2 category where rifles can be held in a support stand. The Council is still experimenting with how scores fired by these athletes can be handicapped to allow them to compete in 3PAR competitions. For further information on IPC adaptive positions, contact the National Paralympic Coach, Will Anti, at [email protected].