Archery Competition

updated 10/09
changes in green

Objectives:

  • Enhance youth development of self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting activities.
  • To involve youth in a life skills program that teaches safe and responsible use of archery equipment including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration.
  • To promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
  • To expose participants to the broad array of vocational and life-long avocation activities related to shooting sports.
  • To strengthen families through participation in life-long recreational activities.
  • To complement and enhance the impact of existing safety, shooting and hunter education programs using experiential (hands on) educational methods and progressive development of skills and abilities.
    • Competition Guidelines:

    Divisions/Classes and Individual/Team Participation

  • Division for 4-H Archery Competition are based on 4-H eligibility guidelines. A 4-H'er may not compete in a higher age division. Divisions are Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior.
  • Classes for 4-H Archery Competition are based on bow type:
  • Novice Class:Open to Cloverleaf participants only and limited to recurve or universal draw legnth compound bow that does not have a positive draw stop or let-off (Genesis, PSE Discovery). Bows may be equipped with an arrow rest and nocking point only. Sights & additional equipment may not be used. A finger tab or glove may be used by the participant.
  • Recurve Class:Open to Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior partipants with separate competition for each age division.
  • Compound Class:Open to Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior partipants with separate competition for each age division.
    • Bows:
  • Any bow that does not violate the conventional meaning of the term in target archery may be used in 4-H archery events.  Separate classes will be designated for recurve and compound events.
  • Recurve bows - Longbows or recurve bows of conventional design only may be used in any recurve division of archery events.
  • Compound bows - Compound bows of any conventional design may be used in compound bow divisions of archery events.
  • Maximum draw weight (3-D & FITA target events) – The maximum draw weight for bows used in the 4-H competition is 60 pounds nominal peak weight or listed draw weight.  Bows may be subject to verification at the discretion of the event management.
  • Bowstring - A bowstring of adequate strength and composed of appropriate materials may not include any attachment or marking that may be used as a sighting device or aid. It may include the following attachments or components:
  • Servings - Center and end-loop servings are permitted, but no serving may terminate within the shooter's vision with the bow at full draw.
  • Nocking point indicator - One or more nocking point indicators may be used to position the nock on the string.  The nocking point indicator may be of any conventional design, including materials that may be crimped, wound, or heat shrunk to the center serving.
  • Lip or nose mark - One additional attachment with a diameter of one centimeter or less may be applied to the string to serve as a lip or nose mark (“kisser button”).
  • String peep - String peeps are permitted only in the compound classes in  3-D and  FITA events.
  • Arrow rest - An arrow rest of any conventional design with or without adjustable or moveable pressure points, arrow plates or draw check indicator may be used as long as it is not electronic and offers no additional aid in aiming.
  • Over-draw arrow rests - The use of an over-draw arrow shelf or rest is prohibited in recurve divisions of archery matches.
  • Over-draw arrow rests in 3-D and FITA - In the compound class of 3-D and FITA competition, archers may use an over-draw if they have displayed competence in shooting with that equipment. Overdraws are limited to a 6 cm or 2.5 inch maximum measured from the pivot point to bearing surface of the bearing surface on the arrow rest.
  • Stabilizers - Stabilizers or torque compensators may be used subject to the following provisions:
  • Contact with equipment - The stabilizer may touch only the bow.
  • String guide - The stabilizer may not act as a string guide.  This rule shall not prohibit the use of a cable guide or cable guard on compound bows.
  • Obstacles to other shooters - The stabilizer may not present an obstacle or distraction to other shooters.
  • Bow quiver - A bow quiver with or without arrows may be attached to the bow in place of a stabilizer, provided it does not serve as a sighting device or contact any part of the equipment but the bow.
  • Bow sight - A bow sight may be used.  Unless specifically prohibited.
  • Cable guard - Compound bows may use a cable guard, conventionally attached, to aid in vane clearance.
  • Sights - One bow mark, bow sight or point of aim may be used as an aiming aid in the  FITA target events in recurve division, but no more than one such device  may be used at any time. The sight may allow for both windage and elevation adjustment. Either pin or aperture sights may be used.
  • Aperture sights - The length of any aperture sight loop, barrel, or cone may not exceed the minimum inside diameter of the aperture and in no case may exceed 1 cm regardless of shape.
  • Hunting sights - Hunting sights using one to five fixed or moveable pins maybe used in compound class 3-D or FITA events. If a hunting type sight is used a pin guard may be in place.
  • Optical sights - Optical sights ("scopes") with magnifying lenses may be used in the compound division of FITA target archery and the 3-D events.
  • Levels - No leveling device may be used, except in the compound division of FITA and 3-D.
  • Magnification - No lens system, prism or other magnifying device may be incorporated into the sight except as provided in  above (compound division).
  • Electronic devices - No electronic sight or projection device, including laser sights or laser pointers will be permitted on the range.
  • Bowmark - A single mark on the bow may be used as an aiming device.  It may be with pencil, tape or another suitable material.  A bowmark may not be used in conjunction with another type or sighting device or in the Novice Class.
    • Shooting accessories:
  • Shooting tab or glove - A shooting glove, tab or other protective device may be used on the string hand provided it is smooth and provides no mechanical aids for holding or releasing the string.  No shape or design criteria are specified.  Several layers of material may be used, and a separator to reduce finger pinch may be included.
  • Bow hand - An ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn on the bow hand.
  • Bow sling - A bow sling may be used.
  • Arm guard - An arm guard or stall may be used on the bow arm to prevent string slap  and to hold clothing away from the string.
  • Chest protector - A vest or protector may be used to control clothing on the upper  body.
  • Clothing - Shooters may wear any clothing suitable for the climatic and weather conditions.  However, sleeved shirts and footwear are required for shooters at all times.
  • Release aids -  Release aids may be used only by compound shooters in the compound 3-D and FITA events.  Competence with the equipment must have been demonstrated before the release aid may be used.
    • Arrows:
  • Arrows - Arrows consist of a shaft with a head, nock, fletching, and personal identification markings.
  • Adequate supply - Each archer must provide an adequate number of arrows to complete the required course of fire. Each archer's arrows will be marked, on the shaft, with his or her name, initials, other insignia or cresting to permit identification.
  • Safety - Arrows must be sound and properly spined for the bow.
  • AMO standards - Arrows must meet Archery Manufacturer's Organization standard of at least six (6) grains per pound of peak draw weight. Arrow weight may be checked at the discretion of shoot management. [Coaches and shooters are responsible for pre-shoot check.]
  • Shaft materials - Any safe shaft material may be used.  All arrows must be inspected for soundness, particularly graphite shafts.  [Coaches and 4-H'ers are responsible for pre-shoot check.]
  • No arrows 23/64ths (9.3 mm) in diameter or larger is permitted.
  • Arrowheads - Only target or field points may be used in 4-H archery events unless other point types are specifically required
    • Other equipment:
  • Additional equipment that does not interfere with other shooters or the management of the firing line may be permitted.
  • Quiver - A ground quiver, or a quiver worn by the shooter or attached to the bow, must be used to hold arrows.
  • Binoculars or spotting scope - Binoculars or a spotting scope may be used to spot arrows, but no optical device containing a range finding device or reticle is permitted.
  • Glasses - Ordinary eye glasses, shooting glasses, or sunglasses may be worn; but the glasses must not include any device or structure to aid in aiming.
  • Range finders - The use of range finders is specifically prohibited in 4-H archery events.
  • Umbrellas – Umbrellas are not allowed on the firing line.\
  • Closed toe shoes that are secured to the feet by use of a heel strap or formed heel must be worn at all times while on the range. Flip flops and sandals are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at the firing line.

    • Inspection of equipment:

  • Archery equipment to be used in a 4-H Archery event should be  inspected by coaches prior to the event and in compliance with all 4-H rules.  The Field Captain or judge may inspect any equipment, at any time, at his/her discretion.
    • Range Control, Operation, and Safety:
  • Maintenance of safety is the responsibility of every shooter and coach as well as the designated range officials.
  • Inspection of equipment – Range officials will notify coaches of any visible safety or equipment violations.
  • Control of shooting - All shooting will be under the control of range officials at all times.
  • Safe zone of fire - Arrows may be shot only when a safe zone of fire exists from the firing line to the ultimate impact zone of the arrow.  Observing safety hazards downrange is the responsibility of each shooter as well as the range officials and coaches.
  • Practice shooting - No practice shooting will be permitted on the day of a shoot except as specifically permitted and in specifically identified areas.
  • Nocking arrows - Arrows may be nocked only after the appropriate command to fire is given.
  • Drawing bows - Bows may be drawn only on the firing line.
  • Restricted firing line - Only 4-H'ers in the flight or relay actually shooting and range officials may be present on the firing or shooting line during active firing.
  • Target group - Two or more 4-H'erss sharing a target butt or shooting station.
  • Tampering - 4-H'ers may touch or handle other shooters' equipment only if specifically authorized to do so by the other shooter or to prevent a dangerous situation or damage to the equipment.
    • Range Commands:
  • Control over the range will be through verbal, whistle, or light commands, or a combination of those command types. Whistle or light commands are preferred for larger groups, while verbal commands are acceptable for small groups of shooters.
  • Cease fire - The verbal command to cease fire, multiple whistle blasts (4 or more) or a red light requires all 4-H'ers to stop immediately and remove any arrow from the string.  The command indicates the presence of an unsafe condition downrange or the end of the time period for that end. Any arrow shot after the cease fire command at the end of a firing period will result in the loss of the highest scoring arrow for that end by the 4-H'er.
  • Shooters to the line - Either the verbal command or two whistle blasts calls 4-H'ers to the firing line.
  • Commence firing - Either the verbal command, a single whistle blast or a green light indicates the beginning of the shooting time period for each flight or relay.
  • Flight completed, score your targets and retrieve your arrows - A clear verbal command or a series of 3 whistle blasts may be used to indicate that the range is clear and the group may proceed to score targets and retrieve arrows.
  • Resume firing - Either the verbal command or one whistle blast is the signal to resume firing after an interruption.
    • Range Officials:
  • Range officials will be designated to control the shooting line and maintain high standards of safety at all times. Additional officials may be appointed at the discretion of the shoot or event coordinator.
  • Range official - One or more field officials will be appointed with the following duties:
  •  Safety - The field official(s) will maintain control over safety on the shooting field and its environs at all times. Inspection – Coaches and each 4-H'er are responsible for inspecting their equipment for conformity with the rules and safety prior to and as needed during the tournament. Rule enforcement and interpretation - The field official is responsible for enforcing appropriate shoot rules, resolving disputes over rule interpretation, and responding to questions about interpretation of the rules.
  • Squadding - The field official will call squads to the line in an orderly and timely fashion.
  • Time keeping - The field official will act as the official time keeper, maintaining the official clock for each end.  He or she has the authority to extend the four (4) minute time period for each end under extenuating circumstances.
  • Sight-in - In FITA events, sight-in of two arrows will be allowed at the beginning of each distance. There is no sight-in period for the 3-D event.  In the case of bow break down, fifteen minutes will be allowed for repair and five minutes for sight-in.
  •  Appointment of other officials - The field captain or field official may elect to appoint additional officials as needed to control the shooting line, assist in scoring, record scores, inspect equipment or conduct other duties related to the conduct of the shoot. Additional range staff - The field captain or event coordinator may appoint additional field staff with prescribed duties to assist in the operation and management of the archery range. 3-D officials - A minimum of one responsible person will accompany each flight of shooters on 3-D archery range, serving the functions of field captain, scorer and recorder.  A 3-D flight is composed of all shooters on the 3-D range at any one time.  The event coordinator will arrange for officials and support staff as needed to conduct the event.
    • Shooter position:
  • Established shooting lines - No 4-H'er will shoot from a position down range of the established shooting line, and all 4-H'ers will honor the established shooting locations.
  • Target Archery (FITA)- 4-H'ers must straddle the shooting line while shooting.  Any 4-H'ercompleting an end before the expiration of the time limit may ground his or her bow, without disturbing flanking 4-H'ers, and step back off the line.
  • 3-D Archery - Some part of the 4-H'ers body must be in contact with the shooting stake throughout the course of the shot.
  • Field Archery-4-H'ers must stand either to the left or the right of the shooting stake so that there is an imaginery line perpendicular to the target formed by the shooting stake.
    • Targets:
  • FITA Target Round - Targets used in the FITA Target Round will be full color, 122 centimeter FITA-style targets with ten equal and concentric scoring rings.  The innermost gold area is scored a "ten" and the outermost white area is scored a "one."
  • 3-D Archery Match  - Any quality 3-D target designated by the shoot management may be used in this event. The target at any given shooting stations shall remain the same for the duration of the shoot, but each station may use a different type of target.  Each target will have a center scoring area and an outer scoring area that cannot be observed with the unaided eye at the shooting stake.
  • Field Archery Round-Targets used for the Field Archery Round will be NFAA Official Field Targets of sizes selected by the event management and appropriate to the course.  For distance 15-30 yards, a 35cm target face will be used and for distance 35-50 yards, a 50 cm target face will be used.
    • FITA Target Round Scoring:
  • Targets in the FITA target round, for all ages in both recurve and compound competition, will be scored by officials appointed by the range Field Captain.  4-Hers may not touch any arrows in the target until they have been officially scored.  Scoring will be:
  • Scoring values – From the center of the target outward, the scoring areas are 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  Shots outside the scoring area are scored as misses.  The number of x’s shot by each archer will be recorded to be used in the event of a tie.
  • Scoring lines – The lines between scoring areas of the target are part of the higher value scoring area.  A shaft touching a scoring line receives the higher value score.
  • Shaft location – Point values will be determined by the location of the shaft as it rests in the target.  Any shaft falling beyond reach of the shooter or the extended bow will be considered shot.  The field captain has the option of allowing a replacement arrow to be fired.
  • Pass-throughs or bounce-outs – Any shaft that fails to remain in the target may be re-shot, provided that the arrow hit in the scoring face.
  • Cross-fires - No 4Her will knowingly shoot at the wrong target.  Arrows fired at the wrong target will be scored as misses (0’s).
  • Excessive shots – No 4-Her will knowingly shoot more than the required number of arrows at their own target.  Excess arrows shot will result in the deduction of the highest value arrows on the target until the appropriate number is reached.  In addition, a one-point penalty will be deducted for each excess arrow shot.
  • Dropped or misfired arrows – Arrows falling beyond the reach of the 4H'er or the extended bow will be considered shot.  The Field Captain may determine that a replacement arrow may be shot.
  • Shooter position – 4-Hers must remain more than one arm-length away from the target and their shafts until scoring is complete and the official scorer has cleared them to pull their shafts.
  • Initialing the score card – 4-H'ers and the scorer shall initial each score card to affirm agreement with the score awarded.  Any dispute in the scoring must be settled by the field captain immediately. Once scorecards have been signed, no appeal is permitted.  All scores will be agreed upon and totals shall match before the 4-Hers touch or remove any arrows from the target face.  In the event of a disputed call, the Field Captain will determine the appropriate score.  All 4-H'ers will initial their scorecards before leaving the scoring area.
  • In the event there is a tie in total tournament score between any teams or individuals, the following tie-breaking procedure will be followed.  Ties will be decided by counting the greatest number of x’s, then10’s, then 9’s, etc., scored in the FITA round, by the 3 highest scoring archers on each tied team or by each tied individual.  The team or individual with the highest number of x’s will be declared the tournament winner for their category.  If the number of x’s are equal then the number of 10’s, then 9’s, etc., will be counted to determine the winner.
    • 3-D Archery Round Scoring:
  •  Important Notice – The 3-D archery event will not count towards total tournament score for cloverleaf and junior participants. The 3-D archery event will count toward total tournament score for senior participants.
  •  A 3-D range official shall accompany each flight of 4-H'ers on the 3-D course (a 3-D flight consists of all shooters on the 3-D range at any one time).  All 3-D targets will be scored by an official scorer appointed by the Field Captain.  Additional 3-D range officials will be appointed by the Field Captain as necessary to facilitate 3-D range operation.  At the shoot management's option, a scorer may be stationed at each shooting station with 4-Hers moving between shooting stations.  Range commands are the same as listed above in Item above Range Commands.
  •  Scoring is based on the Fred Bear Scoring System which promotes ethical harvesting of wildlife
  •  +10 (10 or 12 ring) center vital zone
  •  +5 (8 ring) vital zone (lungs)
  •  +1 ethical pass (limited to maximum of 5 ethical passes)
  •   0 non-vital zone or clean miss
  • IMPORTANT:  It is possible to receive a negative score for the 3-D event.
  • Scoring lines - The lines between scoring zones on the target are part of the higher     value area.
  • Shaft location - The location of the shaft in the target will determine the point value of the shot. Shafts touching a higher value scoring zone will receive the higher score.
  • Pass-throughs or bounce-outs - Any shaft that does not remain in the target for any reason will be scored as a miss.  Shoot management will make every effort to maintain adequate and consistent target quality throughout the shoot.
  • Shooter position - Shooters must remain at least six feet away from the target until all scoring is completed and the official scorer has removed the shaft from the target.  Any shaft removed from the target prior to scoring will be scored a minus five.
  • Initialing the score card - Both the scorer and the shooter will initial the scorecard to affirm their agreement on the score awarded.
  • Courses of Fire: FITA Round - Prescribed courses of fire will govern shooting in the FITA target events, although these courses of fire may be altered by publication in a match announcement or bulletin.  Members of each target group will rotate in their order of shooting during each end. 
    • Field Archery Round Scoring:
    Courses of Fire
  • The FITA Round will be completed as a separate event with 4-H’ers assigned to a morning or afternoon flight by event management.
  • 3-D and Field Rounds will be completed as a combined event with 4-H’ers assigned to a morning or afternoon flight by event management. Shooting stations will be designated 1-20 and a 4-H’er will be assigned a beginning station and will rotate through in numeric order. After completing station 20, 4-H’ers will move to station 1.  3-D and Field Stations may be mixed to facilitate course layout.

    • FITA Round - Prescribed courses of fire will govern shooting in the FITA target events, although these courses of fire may be altered by publication in a match announcement or bulletin.  Members of each target group will rotate in their order of shooting during each end.  

  • Compound:
  • Seniors:   two ends of six arrows each at 60, 50, 40 meters:  36 total arrows.
  • Juniors:   two ends of six arrows each at 50, 40, 30 meters:  36 total arrows.
  • Cloverleafs:  two ends of six arrows each at 40, 30, 20 meters:  36 total arrows
  • Recurve:
  • Seniors:  two ends of six arrows each at 60, 50, 40 meters:  36 total arrows.
  • Juniors:  two ends of six arrows each at 50, 40, 30 meters:  36 total arrows.
  • Cloverleafs:  two ends of six arrows each at 25, 20, 15 meters:  36 total arrows.
  • Novice Class: Cloverleafs only, two ends of six arrows each at 25, 20, 15 meters: 36 total arrows
  • Total highest possible score in FITA is 360 points for all age classes.


    • 3-D Archry Round - 3-D targets will be placed in natural cover and at unmarked distances from designated shooting stakes.  Stakes will be placed for shooters at the option of the shoot management.  Only one arrow will be shot from each shooting station by a 4-H'er.4-H'ers must maintain physical contact (foot, leg, etc.) with the designated stake while shooting.
     

  • Participants will shoot a total of ten targets at unknown ranges.
  • Seniors:  white stake placed 0 to 50 yards from target.
  • Juniors:  red stake placed 0 to 35 yards from target.
  • Cloverleafs:   blue stake placed 0 to 25 yards from target.
  • No range finding devices permitted.
  • Recurve and Compound bows will be in different classes. Distances are the same for BOTH re-curve and compound archers.
  • Total highest possible score in 3-D,  is +100 points [all 10’s] for all bow and age classes.

    • Field Archery Round(Modified) - Field targets will be placed in natural cover and at marked distances from designated shooting stakes.  Two 4-H’ers will stand at the shooting stake (one to the left and one to the right).   Two arrows will be shot from each shooting station by a 4-H’er.


    Time Limits:
  • FITA Round - 4-H’ers have a total of four minutes to shoot each end of six arrows.
  • 3-D archery  and Field Archery- Although no posted time limits are set, shooters must make ready and shoot in an expeditious manner.  Time to judge range, determine kill zone location, adjust sights and otherwise make ready must be provided; but no shooter will impose excessive delay without due cause.
  • 4-H'er responsibility - The shooter is responsible for pacing their shooting to meet the time limitations.
    • Coaching:
  • No coaching is permitted on the firing line or station in 4-H archery events.Coaches may not advise or assist their 4-H'ers while they are on the firing line during any event except at the direct instruction of the field captain.  This rule may be modified for participants with handicaps or special needs through prior notification and approval by 4-H S.A.F.E. staff.  Modifications or needs will be announced at coaches meeting prior to the event.
  • Replacement of equipment - A coach may provide replacement or additional equipment as needed after obtaining permission from the Field Captain.
  • Assistance - Coaches may be requested by the Field Captain to assist a 4-H'er with a situation on the firing line.
  • Coach behavior - Coaches must conduct themselves in a quiet, supportive and cooperative manner at all times.
  • Removal of coaches - Range staff or the 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator may remove a coach from the vicinity of the firing line if they violate rules, distract other 4-H'ers or appear to distract their own shooters.  In the event that a coach is removed, a replacement may be permitted at the discretion of the Field Captain.  Continued disruption shall be deemed cause for disqualification.
  • Behavior and sportsmanship - The spirit of 4-H sportsmanship and appropriate behavior is expected of all participants in the 4-H shooting sports program.
  • Knowledge of procedures and rules - 4-H'er and coaches will make an effort to understand the procedures used in each event and comply with the rules and standards of the events.
  • Questions - Questions are encouraged to clarify any areas of misunderstanding or interpretations.
  • Ignorance of the rules - Ignorance of the rules in any event does not excuse their existence.
  • 4-H'er responsibility - 4-H'ers are responsible for knowing the rules of their event and staying within them. Learning the rules of the events is part of the educational process for shooting sports participants, but the intent is to aid shooters rather than entrap them.
  • Reporting - 4-H'ers are responsible for knowing the proper time to report to each event and for reporting at least 30 minutes prior to their shooting time or at the posted orientation time and location.
  • Behavior of participants - Safe, circumspect, and respectful behavior is expected of 4-H'ers, coaches, and spectators at all 4-H shooting events at all times.  Disorderly or unsafe conduct has no place on the shooting range and will not be permitted.
  • Staff discretion - All authorized range staff carry the discretionary responsibility to enforce behavioral guidelines. Warning - Any 4-H'er  or  coach displaying disorderly, destructive or abusive conduct may be warned a maximum of one time. Penalties - Further instances of such conduct may result in the shooter being penalized by having an appropriate reduction in their score or disqualified.
  • Review - Disqualifications will be reviewed by the shooting sports coordinator and a review board assembled for the purpose of determining additional sanctions, if any, according Georgia 4-H policy.
    • Certified Coaches
  • Counties are required to have  a minimum of one 4-H certified coach in the archery discipline per 10 4-H’ers present at all county, district and state activities. The 4-H Project SAFE Committee strongly recommends that there should be one discipline certified coach for each 3-5 person county team.
  • A 4-H certified coach in archery discipline must be present for a county practice or event to be recognized as a Georgia 4-H SAFE program.
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Awards are as outlined by the Project SAFE Development Committee.Recognition will be given to high individuals and teams in both compound and recurve divisions for Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior 4-H’ers.Recognition will be given to high individuals only in the Novice Class
  • The first place senior team in both recurve and compound will be eligible for Master 4-H'er status and to participate in the recognition of Special Events Winners at State 4-H Congress.  The banquet meal and lodging expenses will be paid for the team and coach; however, travel costs are not covered.
  • Additionally the high senior individual in recurve and compound will also be eligible for Master 4-H'er status and to participate in the recognition of Specialist Events Winners at State 4-H Congress.  The banquet meal and lodging expenses will be paid for the team and coach; however, travel costs are not covered.
  • Members of the State Winning (First Place) Team are ineligible to compete as team members in future years. This applies whether or not they compete in a national 4-H SAFE event.  Team members may compete as individuals in contests and may be recognized as State Winners as High Individuals.
  • State Winning High Individuals who are not members of the State Winning (First place) Team are permitted to compete in future years as either individuals or as team members.
     

     
     
     


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