Changes in throwing sports rules: Implications about the performance of Paralympic athletes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify statutory changes in throwing sports occurred in 2014 and how they interfere with the Brazilian athletes' performance. The research is characterized as descriptive, documentary and quantitative. Rules were consulted in the archives from the International Paralympic Committee and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee as well as 177 results from competitions between 2013 and 2014. Student's t-test (paired) was used during statistical analysis with a 5% significance level. Results show a significant difference in throwing competitors' performance following the statutory changes. The functional classification F58 and F57 revealed a decrease in performance in 2014. Athletes with higher functional capabilities had worse performance compared to the results of those who are less functionally capable. The results of this investigation show that the changes in rules had direct consequences in results during the years analyzed, thus suggesting athletes have yet to assimilate and adapt to them.