Classifications & Handicaps

Links to ArcheryGB Classifications & Handicaps pages

An explanation of the schemes for indoors and outdoors are here: Indoors and Outdoors

The classification and handicap tables can be downloaded from Archery GB with these links:

Outdoor Classification Tables:
Barebow Compound Longbow Recurve
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Indoor Classification Tables
(all bow types):		 Handicap Tables
(Indoor and Outdoor Rounds):
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Target Days and Shooting Scores Eligible for Bowman Classifications

The Archery GB classification scheme has higher expectations of archers who are working towards claiming the 3rd/2nd/1st Class Bowman Classifications, than on those working towards the 3rd/2nd/1st Class Archer Classifications.

For scores to qualify, they have to be shot at a “competitive event” having the status of “Club Target Day” or higher.  It is a long-standing convention at Redruth Archers that every day is a Target Day.  Therefore, it is possible to collect qualifying scores on any day – provided that the Rules of Shooting are being followed (of course).

To satisfy the “competitive event” element of the classification scheme, the following conditions must be met:   (explanatory notes are in blue)

  1. A field captain will be appointed. They are responsible for the overall safety of the shoot, and for ensuring that the Rules of Shooting are being followed by all present.  The field captain may be shooting or non-shooting.  If the Field Captain is also shooting, a Deputy (who may also shoot) will also be appointed.

    The Field Captain (and Deputy) needs to be familiar with the Rules of Shooting, including what should occur in the event of (for example) disputes over line cutters, bouncers, equipment failure, timing of ends (etc).  You do not need to know all the rules by heart, but you do need to know the basics, and where to find the detail in the rules when necessary.
    While the Field Captain is shooting, their Deputy becomes responsible for watching the field.  In practice this means that if the Field Captain is shooting, the round has to be shot in (at least) 2 details (one where the Captain Shoots, and another where the Deputy shoots).

  2. The following are to be agreed in advance.
    • A start / assembly time.
    • The “family” of rounds to be shot.
    • For metric rounds the allowed period for “practice”. (e.g. “2 ends”, “15 mins”: max 45mins.)
    • Timing of breaks. (e.g. “a 10-minute break at every distance change to start once the targets have been reset”.)

    These details can be agreed at any time before the start time by mutual assent, taking into account the start time and expected weather conditions and, for timing of breaks, the format of the round being shot.  If planning hours or days in advance, please consider announcing your intention (e.g. through the Club’s WhatsApp or Facebook Groups) so that other members have the opportunity to join you.
    All AGB / WA rounds are qualifying rounds, as long as the maximum distance is appropriate for the gender, age group, and bow style of the archer (as set out in the classification tables).  Different rounds from the same family may be shot synchronously (e.g. Long National alongside National-40 is fine), but not those from different families (e.g. Long Western alongside Long National is not allowed).

  3. All equipment (including archer’s personal equipment and targets) must be set up in advance of the start time.

    This means that any archers who miss the start time cannot “join-in” once the shoot is underway.

  4. No more than the maximum number of sighters will be shot (imperial rounds), or no more than the agreed amount of practice will be allowed (metric rounds).

    Only your first round at any given venue on a given day can count (and no extra practice is allowed before assembly).

  5. Shooting is to be synchronous across the field for the duration of the round.

    Breaks are to be taken together.  Stoppages and finishing of irregular ends related to, for example, equipment failures, bouncers etc (as per Rules of Shooting) are to be observed by all participants.

  6. Scores are to be recorded using one of the approved scoring systems defined in the Rules of Shooting. No archer may record their own scores.  

  7. On completion of the round, score sheets must be completed correctly and are to be signed by the archer, and counter signed by whoever recorded the scores. Completed score sheets are to put in one of the envelopes provided, which should also be filled in correctly, and passed to the Records Officer (via. box in garage).

    Score sheets must include archers name, date, venue , bow style, round shot, and all total columns must be completed correctly.  Score sheets will be rejected if information is missing.

Archers who are not shooting the round may continue to use the field while the round is underway, but should show consideration regarding any disruption caused by (for example) setting up, taking down, or moving targets, or searching for lost arrows. (This is a matter of everyday archery etiquette.)