Establishing a sport-specific, evidence-based archery classification system for athletes with a vision impairment

Overview of the Research project:

Participation in para-sports has grown at elite and grassroot levels, however, a challenge is to ensure equality, inclusion and fairness. Athletes must meet the minimum disability criteria within the Classification Code of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), to be eligible to compete. Participation by athletes with a vision impairment (VI) in para-sport however has increased slower than physical and intellectual impairment athletes. Potential barriers explaining this is the feeling of exclusion and lack of fairness, a consequence of an outdated classification system. Recent updates to the IPC Athlete Classification Code requires any classification system to be sport-specific, evidence-based and establish the impairment-performance relationship, rather than athletes being classified based on the grade of a medical condition. A recent joint IPC and International Blind Sports Federation position statement provides guidance on the main concerns in VI sport classification and the way these should be addressed. This guidance now needs to be implemented for each of the VI Paralympic sports, including VI archery, especially as very little research investigating the interaction between visual function and archery performance in athletes with a VI exists.

Aim of the PhD Project:

Therefore, the aim of the present project is to develop and assess a new evidence-based, sport-specific classification system in archery for athletes with a VI. The current classification system for VI archery requires athletes to be assessed using only distance visual acuity (VA), yet evidence is needed to ensure this is the most appropriate measure whilst also considering other visual functions. Through various experimental and observational research studies (e.g. literature review, survey/interviews, laboratory and/or field-based testing), this PhD project will aim to address the current issues in VI archery.

If you would like to discuss this research project please contact Professor Peter Allen on [Email Address Removed] or Dr Ash Willmott on [Email Address Removed].

Who are we looking for? 

Essential criteria include, applicants having a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree and preferably a Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Coaching, Strength and Conditioning, Optometry, Medicine). An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Desirable criteria include, applicants having knowledge of in-depth statistical analyses and archery, as well as peer-review scientific writing and/or presenting at conferences. A knowledge of vision/optometry is helpful, but not essential.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion. These qualities can be evidenced by excellent written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills, a willingness to take on and learn new tasks and skills, a genuine team player who will support and motivate other members of the team but can also work independently, good attention to detail, hardworking and enthusiastic, and, loyal and committed.

You’ll need to be prepared to study on a full-time basis, attending at our Cambridge starting in September 2025. You would be expected to live a reasonable travel distance from the campus during the PhD as onsite, consecutive and weekly testing in the laboratories is required.  

How do you apply? 

To apply, please complete the application form available via https://www.aru.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research/vc-phd-scholarships

Please ensure the reference ‘VC PhD Studentship: Establishing a sport-specific, evidence-based archery classification system for athletes with a vision impairment is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’. Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project and detail any previous relevant experience.

You will also the following documents available electronically to upload them to the application portal (we can accept files in pdf, jpeg or Word format): 

1.     Certificates and transcripts from your Bachelor and Master’s degrees 

2.     Your personal statement explaining your suitability for the project. We recommend uploading this as a Word or pdf file, but you can also type it directly on the form.  

3.     Curriculum Vitae 

You do not need to upload a research proposal with your application, only a personal statement is needed.     

We will review all applications after the submission deadline of 16 March 2025. Interviews are expected to take place between 6 May 2025.

If you have any queries relating to the application process or the terms and conditions of the studentship, please email [Email Address Removed]