Guidelines

Here are a few of the national guidelines for mixed runner and wheeler participation, according to Wheelchair Track and Field USA, the national governing body of wheelchair sports:

Can wheelers and runners participate in mixed heats?

Yes. If there is only one wheeler present, then combining the runners and wheelers into a mixed heat is desirable. In such a mixed heat, the runners are competing against each other and the wheeler is competing against his/her own time.

Do runners and wheelers compete against each other?

No. Running and wheeling are two separate disciplines. Athletes compete autonomously within their respective disciplines for times and scoring even if they are in a mixed heat.

Is mixing heats safe?

Yes. If the wheeler can control his/her chair around the track, follow verbal commands, and all the runners can control themselves around the track, then the presence of the wheeler does not represent a safety concern.

How do wheelers start the 800 meters and longer distance events in mixed heats?

Wheelers should start in an outside lane or behind the runners.

How do wheelers pass runners or runners pass wheelers?

The same USATF track rules apply. The racing wheelchair is simply an extension of the athlete’s body. Neither wheelers nor runners may impede any athlete while passing or being passed.

Does coaching wheelchair athletes demand significant additional training?

No. Wheelchair athletes are just like able-bodied athletes. They possess a range of physical and cognitive skills that will affect how coachable they are. Developing the skills to wheel is the same as, for instance, developing the skills to effectively throw the discus or javelin. Each coach must determine if any issues beyond the physical disability need to be taken into consideration when an athlete desires to participate.