A Guide To Visually Impaired

Target Sports

Archery and Shooting

 A Visible
Difference
Through
Sport

A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Introduction This resource will enable coaches, leaders and
club personnel:

Welcome to the British Blind Sport ‘Guide to • Learn about sight loss and eye conditions.
Visually Impaired Target Sports’.
• Have a better understanding of the needs of
At British Blind Sport we believe that every people with a visual impairment.
person with a visual impairment has the right
to participate in sport and physical activity. We • Apply their knowledge to meet the needs of
understand that there are many hurdles and people with a visual impairment.
barriers to overcome in order for each visually
impaired (VI) person to have the same access • Use basic communication skills to support the
as a sighted person. Our educational resources needs of people with a visual impairment in
have been created with the specific purpose sport and physical activity.
to assist anyone who is delivering sport and
physical activities with support, ideas and • Understand where you can obtain further
guidance on how to include people with a visual support to ensure your club/group/activity is
impairment. fully accessible and inclusive to people with a
visual impairment.
This resource focuses on the target sports of
Archery and Shooting and is a joint product
between British Blind Sport and Agincourt 600 By making small and simple adaptations you
with contributions from Archery GB and British will be able to include people with a visual
Shooting. This exciting project, kindly funded impairment in your sports and activity sessions.
by Agincourt 600, has provided new initiatives The information and tips that you will find in
for VI people to take part in both sports across this resource will be beneficial to all the
the country. This resource has been designed participants in your group, not just people
to educate the coaching and club network to living with sight loss.
ensure a greater knowledge of VI Archery and
VI Shooting and help enhance opportunities for
more VI people to take part in these exhilarating
sports.

Contributors Statements
Alaina MacGregor, CEO, be the springboard for wider benefits such as
British Blind Sport increased wellbeing, a healthier lifestyle and
British Blind Sport is renewed confidence. The positive effects of
committed to providing participation in sport and physical activity for a
sport and recreational VI person, irrespective of ability or experience,
opportunities for blind and cannot be underestimated. We know that
partially sighted people ensuring participation in sport is a positive
living in Great Britain. We are determined to experience for a VI person is often due to a
help those who are living with sight loss to skilled and confident coach or teacher. This
have as many opportunities to participate in as research is a fantastic and insightful tool for
wide a range of sport and leisure activities as those coaches and teachers who want to help
possible and to live the life that they choose. others achieve their sporting goals and who
Sport can be so much more than the activity are committed to making a visible difference
itself. Research shows that sport can often through sport.

Page 1
 Dr Sinclair Rogers, Chair, Agincourt 600 Ken Nash, NSRA committee member,
BBS Chairman and Chairman of BBS
Shooting Section.

Target shooting is a sport

which would generally
be perceived as being
unsuitable for blind or
partially sighted people.
This could not be further
from the truth!

The Agincourt 600 charity was set up to As this educational

celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Battle resource will explain, it’s a
of Agincourt, one of the most famous and fantastic sport that any VI person can take part
controversial battles in English history. The key in and thrive. Participants find that physical and
part that longbows and archery played in the mental stamina, as well as concentration, are all
battle led the committee to pledge to support improved. With the right training and practice
the advancement of archery and shooting outstanding scores can be achieved.
for the disabled as well as supporting the
advancement of education and arts. We could Across the UK there are more than 30 equipped
think of no better scheme to support disabled clubs between them having excess of 200
sport than this fantastic project. It has seen regular participants. The number of clubs and
British Blind Sport support and create a number participants continues to increase.
of opportunities for VI people to try and thrive at
these brilliant sports. This resource will hopefully Although strong in the UK and a number of
continue the good work that BBS has done other countries, VI shooting is not currently
and allow the deliverers of sport to carry on included in the Paralympic Games. Moves are
providing sporting opportunities in an informed continuing to increase interest in International
and productive way. We are proud to support it. events with Paralympics the ultimate goal. With
projects like Agincourt 600 and resources like
Neil Armitage, CEO Archery GB this making the sport even more accessible to
Archery is an inclusive the VI community, we hope this will continue to
sport, and as such we grow the sport and we’ll see more and more
encourage participation people taking up VI shooting.
in whatever form by  
those of every age,
gender
and ability.

Visually impaired archers

shoot alongside everyone
else and can aspire to
many levels of archery, from simply being a
recreational archer to being local, regional,
national and international competitors.

We are delighted that our clubs and coaches

have been involved in the creation of this project
and resource. We hope that this will enable
more VI people from across the nation and from
every walk of life engaging with archery.

Page 2 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Contents
Understanding Sight Loss Page 6 First impressions count Page 13

The Facts Page 6 Where to start Page 14

Sight Loss Page 6 Environmental Factors Page 14

Eye Conditions Page 6 Archery Page 14

Supporting Visually Impaired Page 9 Shooting Page 14

People in Target Sports
Visually Impaired Archery Page 15
Preparation Page 9
Explaining Archery Page 15
Page 9
Advertising
Orientation, Spatial Awareness and Page 16
Travel Page 10 Club Management

Session Venue and Time Page 10 Competitive Archery for Visually Page 16
Impaired Athletes
Further Reading Page 10
About British Blind Sport Archery Page 18
Communicating with Visually Page 10
Impaired people Case Study – Carmel Bassett Page 19

Correct Terminology Page 10 Case Study – David Poyner Page 19

Further Reading Page 11 Agincourt 600 Page 20

Guiding Visually Impaired People Page 12 Visually Impaired Page 22

Acoustic Shooting
General Guiding Page 12
What is VI Target Shooting? Page 22
Target Sports Page 13
Case Study Jenna Mistry Page 26
Making Target Sports Accessible for Page 13
Visually Impaired People General Classifications Page 27

Coaching visually impaired Page 13 Further Information Page 28
participants in target sports
Resources and Guidance Page 28
General coaching advice Page 13
What does British Blind Sport do? Page 29

Page 3
Page 4 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting
Page 5
 Understanding • They will not be able to see a demonstration.

Sight Loss • They may become quickly disorientated

during an activity.

Sight impaired
The Facts
This category is also known as partially sighted.
There are almost two million people in the • Partially sighted people will have some useful
UK living with sight loss. This figure includes vision that they can use to navigate the world.
approximately 360,000 people registered as
blind or partially sighted, who have severe and • They may not be able to see a demonstration.
irreversible sight loss.
• They may not be able to recognise you from
Within this figure, there are over 25,000 blind a distance.
and partially sighted children (aged 0-16).
Severely sight impaired (blind) and Sight
The number of people with sight loss is set to impaired (partially sighted) are collectively
increase in line with population ageing: by 2050 known as Visually Impaired (VI) or people living
the number of people with sight loss in the UK with sight loss.
could be nearly four million.

Eye Conditions

Sight Loss There are a number of conditions that result

in sight loss. These varying conditions affect
Sight is classified in more than one measure. blind and partially sighted people in different
The main measures are ‘visual acuity’ and ways. For example, a visually impaired person
‘visual field’. may be totally blind or have blurred peripheral
vision. It is important to remember that people
Visual acuity is a person’s ability to see fine are individuals with different levels of vision and
detail. varying support needs. Whilst there are many
different conditions that result in sight loss, the
Visual field is the boundaries of what a person majority of visually impaired people are likely to
can see in one instant i.e. the entire area which have one of the following four conditions:
can be seen without moving the eyes.

There is often confusion between the terms

blind, visually impaired and partially sighted.

Sight loss is broken down into two main

categories; severely sight impaired and sight
impaired:

Severely sight impaired

This category is also known as blind.

• Under government legislation, a person who
is severely sight impaired would be unable
to perform a job for which eyesight is an
essential element for the task.

Page 6 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects a small part of the retina at the back of the
eye called the macular. It causes a loss of vision in the centre of the visual field, affecting vision
when looking directly at something. People with this condition will usually have peripheral vision,
but may struggle to recognise the faces of their teammates.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes a loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve or increased eye
pressure. This condition occurs gradually and will result in a significant reduction of peripheral
vision over time. While treatment exists for glaucoma, it can’t repair the existing sight loss.

Page 7
 Cataracts

Cataracts cause blurred or cloudy vision, the result of yellowy pigment on the lens of the eyes.
This condition is the main cause of visual impairment across the globe. To treat cataracts, surgery
can be used to remove the cloudy lens.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can affect anyone with diabetes. It causes floaters and blurred vision, resulting
from damage to the retina due to high blood sugar levels.

Page 8 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Other conditions For acoustic shooting, since the ability to see
has no influence on results achieved using
Along with these four conditions, there are acoustic shooting equipment, it has been
many other causes of sight loss. Visit the decided that in the UK there is not a need to
RNIB website for information on a specific eye classify athletes into groups of similar level of
condition. visual impairments.

www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions

For archery, visually impaired athletes will need

a sight classification to verify their level of sight
loss in order to participate in a fair and equal
way. See page 27 for details of the
classification process.

Supporting Visually Impaired

People in Target Sports
Preparation • Provide information in an accessible format
if required (e.g. braille, clear print or suitable
As with any sports or activity session, electronic version for a screen reader).
preparation is paramount. The following adages
are a good reminder to sports coaches and • Advertise your sessions with local and
leaders of the importance of preparation. national VI organisations such as British Blind
Sport, RNIB, Guide Dogs or your local Blind
- Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance Society.
- Fail to Plan – Plan to Fail
• Many County Councils or Local Authorities
This section will outline some key factors to provide a Sight Support Service for people
consider when delivering sport sessions to living with sight loss. This could be an
people with a visual impairment which will help excellent method to promote your club or
with planning and ensure that the participant sessions to your target audience and engage
has a quality experience. with visually impaired people. British Blind
Sport can advise on your local contacts.
Advertising Contact BBS for further information.

The promotion and marketing of your sports • Use social media to promote your services.
session, club or activity is important to ensure Evolving technology such as screen readers
people are aware of what your club offers, and smart phones makes social media a very
where you are located and what activities and accessible and popular medium for visually
programmes are accessible. impaired people.

The way in which people with a visual • Use appropriate images of visually impaired
impairment communicate and source athletes in your marketing material. This will
information may be different to sighted people, directly speak to your target market and help
so it is important to consider the following when to inspire other visually impaired people to
advertising sessions: take part.

Page 9
 Travel Communicating with Visually
Impaired people
Following British Blind Sport research into
‘Overcoming Barriers to Participation’ a key It is important to understand the needs of a
barrier identified by visually impaired people visually impaired person. Do not be afraid to ask
is travel. questions to obtain as much information as you
can that will aid in coaching and delivery.
As many VI people rely heavily on public
transport it is advisable to check public • Remember to always introduce yourself by
transport options and promote the nearest name to a VI participant.
train station or bus route in any promotional or
marketing material. • Always ask a VI person how much they
can see.
Additionally, there may be community transport
options available. Local Sight Support Services • Find out if the VI person has had any sight
will be able to provide information as to what previously. This may affect their understanding
services may be available. of a sport, game or task as well as
Some participants may rely on a sighted understand distance and spatial awareness
guide or support worker who may assist the differently from someone who was born with
participant in getting to and from your club or sight loss.
session.
• Establish if there is a preferred situation or
Session Venue and Time environment that promotes better vision, for
example a VI person may have better vision in
It might be necessary to provide a meet and their left eye, so by making a small change to
greet service for a VI participant, especially on where you stand to demonstrate a skill or task
their first visit to a club, venue or session. This may make a huge difference.
can be discussed and arranged during any prior
communication with a VI participant. • Take time to describe the environment, the
details of a task, the layout of a room – this
Ensure that staff at the venue have been briefed will help build confidence for a VI person.
to inform them that a VI person will be attending
the session. Can the VI person access the venue
independently? Do they need support in the
Please consider that if possible, an afternoon changing area? To overcome any safety issues
session would be better for a VI person to get with young children discuss options with the
to and from your venue due to lighter child’s parents, guardians or carers beforehand.
conditions.
Correct Terminology
Further Reading
It is important to always use the correct
EFDS Inclusive Communications Guide: terminology when referring to people with a
http://bit.ly/efdsguide visual impairment and discussing sight loss
in general. Using the wrong type of language
Sport England Accessibility Audit Check List can create a barrier so by using appropriate
https://www.sportengland.org/media/30255/ terminology it will help you build lasting
Accessible-Sports-Facilities-Audit-Check-List- relationships with your participants and grow
October-2012.pdf your participation programmes.
BBS Barriers to Participation research
http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/overcoming-
barriers-to-participation/introduction/

Page 10 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Words to use Words to avoid
Person with a visual impairment The blind
Person with sight loss The handicapped
Visually impaired person The disabled
Partially sighted people Visually impaired (when referring
to an individual)
Blind people Suffers from
has an impairment

While it is important to use correct terminology, • EFDS Inclusive Communications Guide –

do not over think every sentence you say. For Access for all: inclusive communications
example, saying the term ‘See you later’ will not
be offensive to the vast majority of VI people. http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/case_
studies/2697_access_for_all_efds_inclusive_
Further Reading communications_guide

• Media Guide to reporting on persons with • EFDS Talk To Me Research

an impairment; International Paralympic
Committee: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/
research/3253_talk_to_me_-_word_version
http://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/do
cument/141027103527844_2014_10_31+guid
e+to+reporting+on+persons+with+an+impairm
ent.pdf

Page 11
 Guiding Visually
Impaired People
A VI participant may require a sighted guide to • Offer your elbow or shoulder to the VI
assist them to and from your sports session. person for them to take hold of. Ask them
which side they prefer to be guided on. If
A VI participant may also require a sighted guiding a child, they may want to hold your
guide during the sports or activity session to hand instead of your arm, or may just want to
either assist when changing drills or tasks, or for touch your arm. Ask them which technique
the sports activity itself (such as running). they prefer.

General Guiding • Ensure you are always one step in front of

the person that you are guiding, don’t walk
A VI participant may rely on a sighted person too fast or too slowly, ask if they are happy
to assist them in accessing your sports facility. with the pace.
Not having access to a sighted guide may
cause a barrier to participation. Guiding is a • Communicate at all times e.g. steps (up or
useful skill and easy to learn. As a coach, you down), handrails. Describe what is around
can consider guiding the VI participant yourself them and explain any changes in ground surface.
or allocating the role to another member of the
group. Its important that whoever guides the • When guiding a VI person to a seat, place
VI person, they must consider the following their hand on the back of the chair/
key points: bench. Do not back them into the seat.

• Identify yourself and ask the VI person if • When walking through doorways ensure that
they would like some assistance; don’t just the VI person steps behind you and ensure
presume that they do or don’t. that they do not get struck by the door or
catch their fingers, etc.

• Explain any loud noises.

• Keep your guiding arm still and relaxed.

Don’t start waving it about or pointing at things.

• Remember to give the person you are guiding

adequate space around obstacles.

Page 12 A
Visually Impaired
Guide To Friendly Target
Visually Impaired Athletics
Sports Archery and Shooting
 Target Sports people, it is about assessing a situation and
behaving appropriately.

General coaching advice

Archery and Shooting are inclusive sports.
Through the club system it enables participants Effective and clear communication is key to
of all ages, genders and physical and mental ensuring that participants enjoy their archery
abilities to shoot together. or shooting experience. A coach may need to
adapt their communication style to best support
This section of the resource has been created participants with visual impairments. Much
to assist those delivering archery and shooting of the guidance included below will address
activities, providing support, ideas and the challenges of communication as well as
guidance on how to include people with a modification of equipment and processes to
visual impairment with the aim to help archery best support VI participants.
and shooting providers become VI friendly and
improve accessibility through their provision of First impressions count
training, resources and support.
The first experience a VI participant is likely
These include: to have at a venue is meeting the coach and/
• Archery clubs or other organisers. First impressions are
• Shooting clubs important. They help to put participants at ease
• Leisure activity providers in what can be an unfamiliar and potentially
• Schools anxious situation. They also help to build a
rapport between participant and coach.
Making Target Sports Accessible for
Visually Impaired People In order to improve the effectiveness of
the communication process, typical
Archery and Shooting can develop a number of considerations include:-
skills, improve self-esteem and provide a safe
environment to create enjoyable experiences. • Announcing yourself by name when
Furthermore, both sports are unique in that approaching a person or group; you may have
participants of all ages, genders and abilities to do this more than once to allow them to
can shoot together. This enhances the social become familiar with the sound of your voice.
and inclusivity benefits to participants.
• Addressing a visually impaired participant
To deliver these great experiences, coaches and by name or lightly touch them on the side of
organisers need to consider a number of factors the arm to indicate you are talking to them;
when delivering archery or shooting sessions to always ask before touching the archer/
people with a visual impairment. shooter.

Coaching visually impaired • Verbalising body language (explain what you

participants in target sports are doing); some participants with sight loss
may not be able to read facial expressions or
It is possible to include VI people in an inclusive make eye contact.
coaching group with sighted archers or sighted
shooters. Both are inclusive sports which allow • Smile and adopt a friendly and positive
participants of all ages, genders and physical attitude; even though the participant may not
and mental abilities to participate together. be able to see you, your demeanour will be
reflected in your voice.
It is important that coaches and organisers
are knowledgeable about working with VI
participants. Like any interaction between
Courtesy of England Athletics

Page 13
 Where to start Finally, remember that medical conditions must
remain confidential. It is the choice of the archer
Remember that we are all different, so each or shooter as to whether they wish to share
person with a visual impairment will be different information with others.
too. Their sight levels, personality, ability and
fitness levels will vary. It is important not to Its ok to ask! If you don’t know what you’re
generalise about visual impairments across dealing with, then you can’t help the participant,
participants but to understand how much the so ensure that you have a full understanding of
person can see and how to maximise the use of their abilities and limitations.
any sight they have.
Environmental Factors
As a starting point, it is essential for the coach
to determine accurately the extent and type of In the case of a partially sighted participant,
visual impairment for each participant. This will environmental factors can influence how they
enable the coach to ensure that the participant are able to perform and how the coach might
receives the best possible support. best communicate with them.

In order to make the participant feel comfortable Archery

and to ensure confidentiality, it would be a good
idea to meet with the person before a group Typical factors include:
session starts or take them aside away from the • The amount of available light.
group at the start of the session before asking • Changes in light, such as cloud cover, time
questions about their impairment. of day.
• Type of light (such as the sun, fluorescent
Ask the participant what their visual impairment lights, floodlights, skylights in ceiling where
is and how it affects their ability to see. Also changes to outdoor light can affect
check to determine if there are other health indoor lighting).
considerations which should be taken into • Colour contrast - it may be preferable to use
account. Eye conditions can often be linked to black and white or black and yellow target
other medical conditions such as, for example, faces instead of the more typical,
head injury, stroke or learning challenges. five-colour ones.
• Positioning of the archer and coach in relation
Coaches should communicate with sensitivity to the light source; avoid having your back to
when assessing a participant’s condition. The a window or bright sunlight, as the reflection
archer or shooter may find it difficult to discuss will make it more difficult for a partially sighted
this with a complete stranger, particularly if there participant to see you.
are other people around. • Level of background noise. For example,
echoes, ventilation fans, sounds from bows
Consideration should also be given to the being released, whistles.
stability of the impairment. It may be that a
participant’s visual condition is expected to Shooting
deteriorate over time. This should be taken into
account when planning coached activities. In addition to the above, there are other factors
to consider, including:
It should also be noted that a participant’s level • Shooting and some types of archery are
of vision may vary on a daily basis. Their vision indoor sport. Therefore overhead lighting and
may be affected by changes in lighting or their window light needs to be considered.
general health. Consequently a participant may • Positioning of the participant in relation to the
be able to carry out a task one day, but find it light source (as above).
more difficult on another day. • Sudden noises, prepare the participant for
others to be shooting alongside them.
• Asking spectators to be as quiet as possible.

Page 14 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Visually Impaired • Physical, manual demonstrations may be
necessary and appropriate; a participant may
find it useful to feel a clear demonstration of
Archery good technique in order to replicate it.

• Some visually impaired participants may

Explaining Archery require additional support, including hands-
on adjustment, guiding or assisting with skills
The way a coach explains archery techniques repetition.
and equipment will vary depending on the visual
ability and history of the participant. • Wherever physical contact is required, or
would add value, ensure that the participant is
For example, a participant whose sight comfortable with this; ask first.
has reduced over time may have some
understanding of what a bow, arrow or target • Verbalise all instructions because hand
look like. However, a participant who has movements and gestures are not always seen
been blind from birth may not have previously by visually impaired participants.
encountered archery and may have no concept
of the equipment used nor the purpose of the • Give precise instructions to help visually
activity. impaired participants find their way; for
example, use “the equipment is on your left
Similarly, a partially sighted archer may be able side” instead of “it’s over there” and pointing.
to receive some degree of visual instruction
and/or make use of some form of visual sighting • Maintain verbal communication with the
aid, whereas a fully blind participant is likely to participant when moving positions; for
require much clearer verbal instruction and may example, don’t move from their side to behind
need the use of a tactile sight. them unannounced as it can confuse or
surprise them.
It may be possible to coach a partially sighted
archer in a similar way to their sighted peers, • Use key words and avoid long, unnecessarily
however this will depend on the extent and type complex sentences.
of their visual impairment.
• Be logical and sequential when presenting
It is essential to ensure that verbal instructions information.
are concise and accurate. If the archer struggles
to understand instructions, they may be able • It may be helpful to draw on the palms of
to see sufficiently to copy the techniques of hands to demonstrate a point.
sighted archers.
• It may be helpful to allow the archer to walk to
Some general points for consideration when and feel the target so that they can develop a
coaching VI archers include:- mental picture of what it is and how far away
it is placed.
• What descriptions you use when explaining
an activity or action; clear communication is It can prove very valuable for a coach to
vital, so provide detailed explanations of skills, experience sight loss themself by listening to
drills, equipment and rules coaching sessions either with eyes closed,
blindfolded or using equipment which replicates
• Don’t be afraid to use everyday language a range of visual impairments (e.g. SimSpecs).
such as “see” or “look” when working with It will help the coach in being able to identify
visually impaired archers whether enough information was provided
and whether the techniques required were
adequately described.

Page 15
 Orientation, Spatial Awareness Competitive Archery for
and Club Management Visually Impaired Athletes

It is important that VI archers become familiar Archery is a highly inclusive sport which
with their shooting environment and the club. enables visually impaired participants to shoot
Coaches and organisers should allow enough alongside normally sighted archers. The club
time for archers to orientate themselves system provides an environment within which
properly. It can be helpful to introduce the VI VI archers can participate and enjoy personal
participant to someone at the venue (a club skills development, competition and the social
member or official) who can help them settle in. aspects of the sport.
This is important for both new and experienced
archers, even in facilities that they have Classification
used before.
For VI archery, the sight classifications are B1,
Key considerations include:- B2 and B3. B1 athletes must wear a blindfold
at all times. All visually impaired archers are
• Enabling an archer to navigate around the classified on acuity only NOT acuity and field –
venue, highlighting key elements of the see general classification section page 27
range, such as the waiting line, shooting line, Archery is unique to other sports whereby
equipment area(s), target line, facilities, etc. they include competitions and events for a
category known as VI Open which incorporates
• Highlighting potential dangers such as participants who would normally be categorised
doorways, slippery areas or areas of uneven as B4 or B5. As with the other groups (B1, B2,
ground; do this at the start of every event B3) for archers, this is based on acuity only.
as changes may occur in the venue from For archery, participants must be registered
session to session. Also consider high level blind or partially sighted and be able to
obstructions such as overhanging branches, show their current certification at events and
the undersides of staircases, etc. competitions, as required.

• Using a tactile board to explain the layout of Adaptation of Rules

the venue and the range.
The formal rules that need to be followed while
• Assessing noise - will the group work shooting (known as the “Rules of Shooting”) are
verbal commands? Whistle commands contained in documents provided by a number
can sometimes cause distraction or have of organisations, including BBS Archery, the
an adverse effect on orientation and International Blind Sport Federation, World
communication. Archery and Archery GB. The contact details
for each of these organisations can be found in
• Ensuring that there is an unobstructed path section 4 of this guide.
to the shooting line.
Adaptation of Equipment
• Keeping equipment in a well-defined area and
inform the participants of the area location. A range of equipment adaptations can be used
by VI archers. Where a participant has some
• Showing participants where to put their residual sight, the use of standard or modified
equipment between ends. bow sights may be possible.

• Involving visually impaired participants in all Where sight is insufficient to use modified
aspects of the club, including social activities. optical devices, an alternative means of aiming
must be considered. In this case a back-of-the-
• Enlisting the help of a family member or friend hand tactile sighting aid is used, in combination
of the participant to assist with guiding. with foot locators.

Page 16 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Foot locators are used to ensure a repeatable
placement of the archer’s feet which, in turn,
helps them achieve a consistent orientation
towards the target. Foot locators are often
made from wood and are available to buy from
British Blind Sport archery website.

Adaptation of Rounds

VI Archers can shoot standard rounds as

described by Archery GB and World Archery.
Typically, however, rounds with a maximum
distance of 60 yards or less are most suitable
for VI participation.
The tactile sighting aid comprises two parts, a
stand and the tactile device itself. Stands are There are also a number of modified rounds
typically adapted from photographic tripods, which have been specifically established to aid
music tripods, or similar. The purpose of the participation in VI archery. These “Burntwood
stand is to enable the tactile device to be Rounds” provide a mechanism whereby the
moved up and down so that adjustments in change in distances found in typical archery
elevation of the bow can be achieved. rounds is replaced with a change in the size
of the target face whilst the shooting distance
The function of the tactile device itself is to remains constantly at 30m for adults and 15m
provide a consistent and repeatable reference for juniors. This enables an archer to shoot
point, usually against the back of the hand. This without having to adjust foot locators and
replicates the aiming that can be achieved with sighting aids.
an optical sight. The key design points include
a physical point of reference against the skin of The number of arrows shot at each face size
the hand and which is sufficiently soft or springy will remain the same as the number of arrows
to avoid bruising of the reference point. shot at each distance in the traditionally
recognised equivalent.
Tactile devices can be produced from a
number of materials. These could range from The table below details the Burntwood
a pressure button such as might be used on equivalents for a number of familiar rounds.
a recurve bow, to rubber balls, door stops or By way of explanation, the Burntwood York
even fibre draft excluder. In fact, anything that comprises 12 dozen arrows shot a distance
has a soft springy response and which provides of 30m (or 15m for juniors). The first 6 dozen
a repeatable sensation of the hand could be arrows are shot on a 40cm face, the next 4
pressed into service. dozen on a 60cm face and the final 2 dozen on
a 80cm face.
Tactile sights can also be sourced via the BBS
Archery website, as can plans for making a
number of adapter items.

Page 17
 Burntwood York 6 4 2 -
@40cm @60cm @80cm
Burntwood Hereford / Bristol - 6 4 2
@60cm @80cm @122cm
Burntwood St. George 3 3 3 -
@40cm @60cm @80cm
Burntwood Albion / Windsor - 3 3 3
@60cm @80cm @122cm
Burntwood Western - 4 4 -
@60cm @80cm
Burntwood American - 2½ 2½ 2½
@60cm @80cm @122cm
Burntwood St. Nicholas - - 4 3
@80cm @122cm
Burntwood National - 4 2 -
@60cm @80cm
Burntwood Warwick - 2 2 -
@60cm @80cm

V.I.I.R. 1 3 3 3 3
@40cm @60cm @80cm @122cm
V.I.I.R. 2 - 3 3+3 3
equivalent to World Archery @60cm @80cm @122cm

Burntwood Long Metric 3 3 - -

@40cm @60cm
Burntwood Short Metric - - 3 3
@80cm @122cm
Burntwood M900 - 2½ 2½ 2½
@60cm @80cm @122cm
(Burntwood) Frostbite - - 3 -
@80cm

Burntwood rounds can be easily integrated into most competitions and club events.

About British Blind Sport Archery There are two national BBS championships for
visually impaired archers.
The BBS archery section was formed in 1985
after tactile archery was developed. The sport Many archers shoot in sighted clubs and can
has grown in popularity, is totally inclusive and compete equally with other archers due to the
suits all types of visual impairment. The section handicap system. For further information see
is run by volunteers who are all experienced and British Blind Sport contact details on page 28.
knowledgeable about the sport.

Page 18 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

Case study: Carmel Bassett
I was born with As I improved and got more confident I joined
my eye condition. an archery club near me where I improved
I have nystagmus, all the time. So much so that I qualified to
photophobia, border go to the World Para Archery Champs in
line glaucoma and Donaueschingam, Germany in 2015. Here I
albinism. amazed myself and got a bronze medal in the
VI Category. Absolutely magic!
I am so grateful to my parents for not molly-
coddling me when I was small and let me do Playing sport has made me a lot more confident
the things other kids did, climbing trees, riding in myself, and even though my sight has
my bike etc. I’d encourage all parents with deteriorated a bit it hasn’t put me off because
visually impaired children to do the same. I now have the building blocks to have a go
at anything. “You never know till you give it a
I used to take part in all the sports stuff at go” is my motto. Thanks to my long suffering
school: swimming, running, trampolining, husband Bob, who never puts up barriers about
football, anything really. I took up judo when I my sight, I have led a full and enjoyable life. Of
left school and loved it. I’d found a great sport course there have been down times, but there
that it didn’t matter that I couldn’t see so well. I always are in life. However, thanks to sport I’ve
was on an even par when we were on the mat. learnt to pick myself up again and move on to
As I got older and couldn’t do judo any more I the next thing!
got into circuit training and running, but archery
is my love now.

How I got into archery was through a notice

in the “events” section of the British Blind
Sport magazine for a coaching weekend in
Brighton. I went along and was made to feel
really welcome by Sue, Colin and Malcolm and
I was hooked! The sport was really satisfying
as I found success quite quickly and was
regularly hitting the target and getting scores.

Case study: David Poyner

At 41 I surfaced from Then I discovered archery and I have never
a coma and found looked back. I have set records, won national
out that I couldn’t championships and shot for Great Britain. Most
see. Previous to this of all it is sport! I guess that it has taken over
sight loss I had been my life, being a club chairman, chairman of
a high achiever in the archery section and previously a Trustee of
sport as a player and British Blind Sport.
international referee.
I thought my life was
ended as I wouldn’t
be able to take part in
sport. That idea drove
me nuts.

Page 19
 Agincourt 600

the deadliest of weapons and was the biggest

contributing factor for the victorious Henry V
and his men. This battle is notable for the use
of the long bow in very large numbers, with
English and Welsh archers forming the majority
of Henry’s army.

The terrain, along with heavy rain in the days

leading up to the battle, played an integral role
in its final outcome. The battleground took
place on a flat, boggy plain with woods on
either side. As the majority of the huge French
The Battle of Agincourt took place near army were on horseback, the woods and the
Azincourt, northern France on Friday 25th boggy land meant that the French army could
October 1415 and was seen as a major not get behind the English army and surround
conquest for King Henry V and the English and them and the horses struggled with the sodden
Welsh in the Hundred Years’ War. ground. As a result, this significantly reduced
Although severely depleted and suffering from the intensity of the French as the army had no
diseases such as dysentery, the English Army choice but to go into battle division by division
of 6000 men were able to defeat the formidable rather than a full on attack.
French Army of 36,000 men. The tactics of the
English leading up to the battle plus the terrain The conditions did not hinder the English army
were all to the benefit on the day however as most were stationary longbow archers.
the English had one very crucial advantage: The longbow provided a deadly advantage
the long bow. Capable of shooting down the by enabling to reach the French army up to
enemy from a long range, the long bow was 200 metres away at a rate of 17-18 arrows

Page 20 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

per minute. The French weaponry on the day, Conversely the French were led by four high
could not counter a successful attack. Using ranked nobles as King Charles VI was weak and
the crossbow, which was only useful at short mentally ill at the time. Whilst the nobles Charles
distances and only being able to fire 2-3 arrows d’Albert and Boucicault were both experienced
a minute, the French archers proved to be soldiers, their rank was not considered high
ineffective whereas the English were able to enough from the other French nobles within the
maintain a steady attack from a relatively safe army and as such, their commands were largely
distance. ignored.

Henry’s role cannot be underestimated. His 6,000 Frenchmen lost their lives during the
army was not typical of the times and was Battle of Agincourt, while English casualties
specially recruited; men were well paid, well were around several hundred. Despite the odds
trained and disciplined. The majority of his army against him, King Henry V had won one of the
was comprised of expert longbowmen. great victories in military history.
Henry preferred a small, professional army, In the March 2015 budget the Chancellor of
compared the large untrained force of most the Exchequer announced that £1m would
European armies. This gave the English a be allocated for commemoration of the 600th
considerable organisational advantage. anniversary of the battle of Agincourt. The
Agincourt 600 charity supports international
At first the English planned to wait for the friendship and understanding, commemoration,
French to attack, but with no evidence of knowledge and shared heritage. One of the
movement from the opposition, Henry became charities aims is for the advancement of the
impatient and gave the command for the amateur sport of archery and shooting for
battle to commence. This gave his soldiers an the disabled, to support appropriate courses
early advantage over the French, who were in archery and shooting for the disabled;
unprepared and trying and organise themselves contribute to the costs of these courses and the
whilst under a deluge of longbow arrows. attendance at them by individuals and develop
the individual capabilities, competences and
Being led by a popular leader who joined skills of those involved in these courses. British
his men on the field, Henry gave a rousing Blind Sport would like to thank Agincourt 600
speech before battle commenced which for their support on this project.
provided a huge morale boost to his troops.
Such a success was Henry’s speech that it is
referenced in Shakespeare’s play ‘Henry V’,
where Henry refers to his ‘band of brothers’.

Photographs supplied by Agincourt 600

Page 21
 Visually Impaired Acoustic Shooting
What is VI Target Shooting? The Target

The discipline of VI shooting is a challenge of Unlike traditional Target Shooting targets, an

accuracy and control. Competitors use air rifles Acoustic Shooting Target has a white centre
to fire a series of shots at a stationary target. VI with graduated scales of grey, leading to a black
athletes use an audio signal to guide them in outer ring.
their aiming, with the audio signal rising in pitch
as the point of aim moves nearer to the centre This target is illuminated by an intense light
of the target. aimed at the centre of the target.

To many people the terms ‘visually impaired’

and ‘target shooting’ seem rather contradictory Specialist Sighting System
but the adaptive form of acoustic shooting
makes the sport accessible to anyone with a A specialist sighting system is used which
visual impairment. measures the amount of light being reflected
from the target and converts this into sound,
This resource outlines key modifications and that a shooter can hear through headphones.
adaptions for a VI person. As the level of light increases, so does the
frequency (or pitch) of the sound. A VI shooter
Acoustic Shooting (as the name describes) uses will aim according the pitch that they hear. A
a sound source, which allows a VI shooter to low pitch, will mean there is little light and a
take aim and shoot at the target. shooter will be aiming at the black or grey outer
rings of the target. As a shooter aims closer
General advice on inclusion of VI people to the white centre where a brighter light is
into sport reflected, the pitch becomes higher. The centre
of the target will be the highest pitch, so a VI
Please see pages 9 to 14 for further information shooter will take a shot when they hear the
on incorporating VI people into your club and highest pitch.
sessions.
The specialist sighting equipment is designed to
work at a distance of 10 metres.

The Shooting Range

Due to the nature of the equipment used for

acoustic shooting, air rifle/air pistol ranges
are best designed for this sport. Most Visually
Impaired Shooting Clubs in the UK are attached
to Shooting clubs and the same facilities are
used. Shooting clubs should also welcome
visually impaired participants to join in with their
sessions.

The Rifle

Any .177 calibre target air rifle is suitable for

acoustic shooting, however only a few of the
current air rifles available permit pellets to be
loaded once the specialist sight is fitted.

Page 22 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

.177 calibre (4.5mm) is the smallest size of certificates, which enable the use of additional
pellets widely used in air guns and is the only aids, and ensure anyone with an impairment
calibre generally accepted in competition. can compete, can be obtained from the
Compared with larger pellets the .177 travels National Small-bore Rifle Association.
faster and on an flatter trajectory.
Sighted Assistants
The Shooting Position
In VI shooting, each shooter will have their own
There are two different shooting positions. Sighted Assistant.

1. Supported The role of the sighted assistant is to: ensure

2. Unsupported (or Freestanding) safety, guide the VI shooter onto the target
(using verbal cues), make adjustments to the
Supported: rifle and inform the VI shooter of the value of
each shot.
When VI shooters first start using this position.
They use a specialist stand (Belgian Spring A sighted assistant should position their shooter
Stand) which takes the weight of the rifle and and ensure that the rifle is “naturally on aim” this
the stand provides a safe and controllable means that the rifle points directly towards the
position. Using the supported position gives target each time it is picked up and placed on
confidence to new and novice shooters. the stand.

The Belgian Spring Stand was originally A sighted assistant must ensure that their
developed for shooters who had lost, or lost the shooter is able to hear them, when they are
use of, an arm and it has been adopted for use wearing the headphones.
by VI shooters.
The sighted assistant will stand behind the
The stand is placed on the bench and is shooter and look over their shoulder along the
adjustable to the height of the shooter. Although line of the barrel.
the stand takes the weight of the rifle - it is
sprung, therefore has a degree of instability
which mimics that of an able bodied shooter in
the unsupported (freestanding) position.

Unsupported:

The unsupported or freestanding shooting

position does not involve the use of a Belgium
Spring Stand and the rifle is held by the shooter.
It is acceptable to shoot competitively in both
the supported and unsupported (freestanding)
disciplines.

For those VI shooters who are unsteady on their

feet or cannot stand without assistance it is fine
for them to sit on a backless chair or stool. This
must not have a backrest as it can give unfair
support and therefore provide the shooter with
an unfair advantage.

For shooters with other impairments additional

aids or adaptions may be required. Exemption

Page 23
 By looking along the barrel from both the top Health and Safety
and side, the sighted assistant can guide the VI
shooter to the target using verbal instructions Shooting is a very safe sport.
(i.e. left, right, up, down).
On the range there will always be at least one
Verbal instructions must be kept at a minimum qualified Range Conducting Officer who has
and communication must remain as quiet as overall responsibility for range safety.
possible to avoid distracting other shooters.
Each VI shooter has a sighted assistant who is
After each shot, the sighted assistant can responsible for ensuring their safety.
inform the VI shooter of the value of the shot
with an indication of where it is in relation to the A shooting range is designed to ensure that in
bulls eye. A great way to describe the position the event of a stray shot, it will be contained in
of a shot is to refer the face of clock ie: “you got such a way that nothing can escape and cannot
a score of 9 at about 4 o’clock”. cause injury or damage.

Below is a list of some handy tips for a sighted Integrating VI Shooters into Clubs
assistant:
The majority of VI shooting clubs in the UK are
Do: a part of existing shooting clubs. Clubs are
encouraged to integrate VI shooters into their
• Load the rifle and change the target if clubs. Clubs would need to purchase specific
necessary. equipment for VI shooters – there is often
grant aid for this. The average cost per set is
• Adjust the sights. approximately £2500.

• Adjust the spring stand. Where there is not an appropriate club nearby,
BBS can support the set up of a club in local
• Give verbal cues to help the VI shooter facilities e.g. the village hall. In this case,
acquire the target. because it is likely that the helpers will not be
experienced shooters, additional training and
Don’t guidance can be provided.

• Push, pull or otherwise physically help to aim

the rifle. However, safety is paramount and Classification
it may be necessary to intervene to avoid an
accident. Since the ability to see has no influence on
results achieved using acoustic shooting
Coaching VI Shooters equipment, it has been decided that in the
UK there is not a need to classify athletes into
When introducing anyone new to the sport, give groups of similar level of visual impairment.
detailed descriptions about the equipment, the
space in which the person is shooting and the
environment.

Allow the VI person to feel the rifle and other

equipment to orientate themselves with the
equipment and understand how it works.

Page 24
2 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting
Page 25
 Competitions A division consists of six individuals each
shooting against each other twice during a
British Blind Sport hosts a National Shooting season.
Championships annually. This competition
includes the supported and unsupported The course of fire consists of 10 shots per
(freestanding) disciplines. The supported event round with 10 rounds per season.
is split into three classes according to shooters
average, whilst the unsupported event is These leagues run as a postal system, whereby
divided into two classes. The course of fire in all individuals shoot at their home range and send
events consists of 60 competitions shots within their targets to a central scorer who issues the
a total time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes. results and prizes.

Local clubs often organise their own internal Although strong in the UK and a number of
competitions amongst members and other countries, VI shooting is not currently
occasionally will hold events against other included in the Paralympic Games. Moves are
local clubs. continuing to increase interest in International
events with Paralympics being the ultimate goal.
Nationally, summer and winter leagues are
organised with competitors placed into
divisions, according to their shooting average.

Case study: Jenna Mistry

Jenna was inspired by the London 2012
Paralympic Games to try sport and after giving
a few sports ago, she found she loved
acoustic shooting.

“I loved the coverage and buzz of the

Paralympic Games and I just wanted to get
involved in sport. I phoned British Blind Sport
to find what sports I could take part in near me.
I was given information about a disabled horse
riding club, a cycling session and also a local
shooting club.

VITS Shooting Club, 49th Rifles let me try out

at the club for a few weeks to see if the sport
of shooting was right for me. I really wanted
to commit and now I shoot every two weeks. I
would go every week if I could! I really enjoy it
and I love group, we have a laugh and a joke and we all gel. We are all equal. It’s a great balance
between social and sport activity.

When I first started, I had to stand on some telephone directories, because I am short. But now I
have a specially made wooden platform which the club made for me. I love VI shooting and would
highly recommend it to anyone with sight loss… it’s great!”

Page 26 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

General
Classifications Only B1, B2 and B3 domestic classification
are recognised internationally and for major
Sight classifications are important as they domestic competitions. National Governing
ensure a fair and equal competition. Success Bodies of sport are responsible for deciding
at competitions should be defined by an whether B4 and B5 players are eligible to
athlete’s skill and ability, not their impairment. compete in their VI competitions.
The sight classifications should give all athletes
the confidence that they are competing against British Blind Sport classifications are relevant
others equally. The classification process for people who want to compete in domestic
groups athletes with similar level of visual or recreational competitions. Individuals can
impairments together. receive their classification by joining British Blind
Sport. Membership is low cost and includes a
British Blind Sport records classifications as B1, free sight classification. For more information
B2, B3, B4 and B5. Sight classifications are visit britishblindsport.org.uk/classification
based on the visual acuity and visual field of the
athlete. The classification will be based on best For international competitions, an athlete will
correction (such as lenses) in the best eye. To need a classification that is sanctioned at an
be classified into a category, participants either International Blind Sports Federation event.
need the required acuity level or the required IBSA classifications are stringent for all sports
field level, not both. The classification categories and medical evidence will need to be provided
are detailed below: by each athlete.

Classification Acuity Field For more information visit IBSA at

www.ibsasport.org/classification
B1
• From no light perception up to and including
hand movements.
• or Not applicable.

B2
• From counting fingers at any distance to a
visual acuity of up to and including 2/60.
• or A field of 5 degrees or less.

B3
• From a visual acuity above 2/60 to a visual
acuity of up to and including 6/60.
• or A field of more than 5 degrees and less
than 20 degrees.

B4
• From a visual acuity above 6/60 to a visual
acuity of up to and including 6/24.
• or Not applicable.

B5
• From a visual acuity above 6/24.
• Or Not applicable.

Page 27
 Further Sports Coach UK Visual
Impairment Factsheet
Information Sports Coach UK and British Blind Sport
have produced a factsheet that highlights the
fundamentals of coaching visually impaired
Resources and Guidance people:
• PDF document: www.bit.ly/scukfact
British Blind Sport
Action for Blind People
• Telephone: 01926 424247
• Email: info@britishblindsport.org.uk • Telephone: 0303 123 999
• Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk • Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
British Blind Sport Archery Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
• Telephone: 01926 424247 • Telephone: 0303 123 999
• Email: secretary@bbsarchery.org.uk • Website: www.rnib.org.uk
• Website: www. bbsarchery.org.uk
Guide Dogs
British Blind Sport Shooting
• Telephone: 0118 983 5555
• Telephone: 01926 424247 • Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
• E-mail: info@britishblindsport.org.uk
• Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk Sport England
Archery GB • Telephone: 08458 508508
• Website: www.sportengland.org
• Telephone: 01952 677 888
• Email: enquiries@ archeryGB.org English Federation of Disability Sport
• Website: www.archeryGB.org
• Telephone: 01509 227750
National Smallbore Rifle Association • Website: www.efds.co.uk
• Telephone: 01483 485503 International Paralympic Committee
• Website: www.nsra.co.uk • Telephone: +49-228-2097-200
• Website: www.paralympic.org
Creating accessible content and literature
International Blind Sport Federation
The English Federation of Disability Sport have • Website: www.ibsasport.org
produced an inclusive communications guide.
It offers guidance in providing information in
accessible formats for people with a variety of
impairments:

• Website: www.bit.ly/efdsguide

Page 28 A Guide To Visually Impaired Target Sports Archery and Shooting

About British Blind Sport What does British Blind Sport do?
At British Blind Sport we help blind and partially
sighted people get active and play sport. • Organise sporting competitions for people
Sport and recreational activities can enhance with visual impairments, allowing them to
the lives of people with visual impairments by compete against others.
improving their health and increasing their social
interaction. We encourage adults and children • Support people with visual impairments within
to participate in activities at all levels, from the sports world.
grassroots to the Paralympic Games.
• Provide sight classifications to blind and
Acknowledgments: partially sighted athletes to ensure a fair and
British Blind Sport would like to thank Agincourt equal competition.
600, David Poyner, Ken Nash and Simon
Cordingley for their expertise and support in • Support the education of teachers to ensure
producing this resource. no child with visual impairment is denied the
opportunity to play.

• Provide advice to clubs and coaches to

enable more people with visual impairments
to participate in sport.

Page 29
British Blind Sport is the leading voice for the blind and
partially sighted community in sport and recreation in
United Kingdom.

Email: info@britishblindsport.org.uk
Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk

Address: Pure Offices, Plato Close, Tachbrook Park,

Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV34 6WE
Telephone: 01926 424247
Copyright © November 2016 by British Blind Sport.
All rights reserved.

British Blind Sport is a registered charity No. 1168093

This publication can be requested in larger
print, braille and on audio CD.

This resource has been funded by;