By Nick Butler

Many of those who competed at London 2012 will be unable to do so at Rio...although they will be able to appeal ©Getty ImagesNovember 27 - Archers deemed ineligible for future Paralympic competitions following classification changes introduced earlier this month will have the right to appeal, World Archery (FITA) have announced. 


The new classifications were first tested at the 2013 World Championships in Bangkok and are due to come into operation from April next year.

In a system where points are used to rate disabilities, all archers must have a minimum of 25 points for lower limbs or upper limb disability, but no combination of the two.

Anyone wishing to compete internationally as a Para-athlete must be classified using the new criteria even if they held a permanent classification under the old criteria.

These changes have already ruled out stars of the sport,including GBritain's Danielle Brown, who won compound gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games but is now set to be unable to defend her title at Rio 2016.

Browne and all other athletes affected will be able to appeal directly to World Archery while international classification hubs will also be introduced in order to simplify the re-classification process.

Danielle Brown, who shoots while sitting on a stool, will be one of the most high profile archers to miss out on Rio ©Getty ImagesDanielle Brown, who shoots while sitting on a stool, will be one of the most high profile Para-archers to miss out on Rio ©Getty Images


Appeals can be launched on the World Archery website although, should they be unsuccessful, the respective national federation will be charged 120 CHF ($132/£81/€98)

World Archery are also seeking bids to host international classification hubs where those athletes who have not met the new criteria and have lodged an appeal, or those who have not yet been classified under the new criteria, can be assessed. 

Travel and accommodation costs for the international classifiers it appoints will be covered by World Archery while all costs for athletes and support staff will be the responsibility of each country concerned.

There should be "at least one hub in Europe, one in Asia, one in the Americas and perhaps also one in Africa", it has been suggested.

The country hosting a hub will need to provide secure, private facilities including classification tables, space for other testing equipment, access to the internet and some area for shooting if necessary, with the application deadline being December 20.

World Archery added that it is "important that all athletes are classified using the new criteria as soon as possible."

More details on how to appeal can be found here.

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