Archery is a sport that involves using a bow to shoot arrows at a target. Originating thousands of years ago as a method for hunting and combat, archery has evolved into a competitive sport and recreational activity. 

Competitions vary from traditional target archery to more modern variations like 3-D and field archery, each with their own set of rules and equipment specifications. Mastery in archery requires a combination of focus, precision, and physical strength. 

Whether you're interested in competitive shooting or simply enjoy archery as a hobby, the sport offers various disciplines to suit different skill levels and interests.

Please see the overview of guidelines below. These guidelines are not comprehensive and the clubs instructors always have the final say and will ensure you have the information you need, when you need it.

Critical Rules and Guidelines

Safety and Conduct

• Disqualifications: Archers may be disqualified for unsafe behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or inappropriate acts. Decisions by the instructors are final.

• Courtesy: Maintain decorum on and off the shooting line. No distracting behaviors or noise.

• Safety: Always obey, respect, and pay attention to the range safety officers. Never touch a bow or fire without clear and explicit permission.

• Shooting Line Etiquette: Do not turn and leave the shooting line when the archer next to you is drawing or at full draw.

• Communication: No talking, humming, or swearing while on the shooting line.

• Be courteous to other shooters when behind the line by controlling noise and activities to not create a distraction. 

• DO NOT bend over to pick up a dropped arrow. It is dangerous and distracting. Shoot your extra arrow that you should carry. Pick up the arrow when all shooters on your line have completed shooting. 

Dress Code

• Wear appropriate attire including ideally a shirt with any 4-H emblem. No vulgar or distasteful clothing. Open-toed shoes, sandals, and flipflops are not allowed during outdoor shoots.

Age and Classes

• Archers are categorized into Youth (Under 14) and Senior (15-19) based on age as of January 1 of the current year.

• Distances: Junior archers can expect distances ranging from 10 to 30 yards. Senior archers may shoot from 30 to 50 yards.

Equipment

Bows and Arrows Requirements

• Draw Weight: Cannot exceed 60 pounds.

• Arrows: Must be identical in length, weight, diameter, and fletching. Must have commercially manufactured points.

Bow Styles

• Compound Bow: A basic and common bow shot with fingers and without sights. The primary bow provided by our club.

• Aided Compound Bow: Compound bow with any sight, stabilizer, rest, and hand-operated release aid.

• Recurve: Recurve or longbows only, with specific rules on sights, stabilizers, and releases.

Safety Equipment

• Archers are required to wear an arm guard and use a finger tab. The club can provide some, but members are expected to purchase their own once experienced in archery.

Club Meets

General

• Always aim to arrive slightly ahead of the meeting start to help set up. Always be on time.

• No practicing on ranges before the shoot starts. Pay close attention to the instructors to understand the current status of the meet.