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🏛️Official — World Archery
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Silence and stillness at full draw
Archers waiting or observing must stay silent and motionless when a competitor is at full draw or about to release. Movement, noise, or talking near the shooting line during another archer's shot is considered a serious breach of etiquette, akin to golf's rule against moving during a putt.
A bow of any type complying with the common meaning of the word as used in target archery: a handle/riser and grip — no shoot-through type — and two flexible limbs, each ending in a tip with a string nock (9.1.1); It is braced by a single string attached directly between the two string nocks (9.1...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a bow can be any shape they want as long as it has limbs and a string, forgetting about the crucial aspect of bracing by a single string directly between the nocks. This misunderstanding leads to arguments over whether certain unconventional designs meet the official definition of a bow in target archery.
Recurve shoots 70 m outdoors at the 122 cm face, 72 arrows in the Qualification Round (Book 2, 4.5.1.1); Barebow shoots 50 m at the 122 cm face; Compound shoots 50 m at the 80 cm face (Book 2, 4.5.1.1); Recurve U18 and 50+ shoot 60 m; Recurve U15 shoots 40 m; Barebow U15 shoots 30 m (Book 2, 4.5....
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all archers shoot from exactly the same distance, which leads them to argue about why some events specify 70 meters while others use 60 or even 40 meters for certain age groups. The confusion arises because this rule is designed to accommodate different skill levels and equipment across various age categories, ensuring fairness in competition.
The Judges Committee appoints a director of shooting, who wherever possible is a judge and takes on no other activity (Book 2, 3.9.1, 3.9.2); The director of shooting enforces any reasonable safety measures (Book 2, 3.9.3); Duties include controlling the shooting, regulating end timing, and setti...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the director of shooting only enforces safety measures, forgetting their crucial role in controlling the flow of the competition, setting end times, and ensuring fair play among competitors. This oversight leads to misunderstandings about their comprehensive responsibilities.
Athletes shoot in ends of three or six arrows unless specified differently (10.1); Except for persons with disabilities, athletes shoot from a standing position without support, heads aligned over the shooting line at full draw (10.4); Athletes may not raise the bow arm until the signal to start ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that archers can raise their bow arms whenever they want during a shot, thinking it's just about when to start shooting. However, the actual rule states that athletes must wait until the signal to start before raising their bow arm, which leads to misunderstandings and arguments about timing and proper technique.
Each target has two scorecards, one of which may be electronic (12.1.1); If electronic and paper disagree, the paper card takes precedence (12.1.1); Scoring takes place after each end or set (12.1.2)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if there's a discrepancy between an electronic scorecard and a paper one, they should use the electronic card as it’s more modern. However, according to World Archery rules 12.1.1, in case of disagreement, the paper scorecard takes precedence, which can lead to misunderstandings and arguments about whose scores are correct.
An arrow shot before the start signal, after the stop signal, or out of sequence in alternating shooting costs the athlete or team the highest-scoring arrow of that end, scored as a miss (13.3); In a team match the same applies if any team member shoots outside the signals — the arrow counts as p...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if an arrow is shot out of sequence during a team match, only one member's entire end gets penalized instead of just their miss-counting arrow. However, the actual rule states that each individual who violates the sequence rules will have their highest-scoring arrow in that end disqualified, not necessarily affecting the whole team score.
The director of shooting enforces any reasonable safety measure — this is stated as a duty, not a discretion (Book 2, 3.9.3); The director controls the timing of ends and the order in which athletes occupy the line, which is what keeps live shooting and arrow collection separated (Book 2, 3.9.3);...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the director's safety measures are optional, which they aren't; in reality, it's a duty as stated in Book 2, 3.9.3. They also mistakenly believe the director controls only timing and line order, not keeping shooting and arrow collection separate, when in fact both aspects fall under their purview according to the same rule.
Rules govern the scoring of arrows themselves, arrows left behind, and scorecards (12.2, 12.3, 12.4); Ties and ranking are resolved under their own articles (12.5, 12.6); Where double or triple faces are used and more than one arrow lands in the same scoring area, all count as part of the end but...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that ties are resolved by counting all arrows in a scoring area as part of the end score, which isn't entirely accurate. The actual resolution process is more complex, involving specific articles (12.5 and 12.6) that dictate how to rank tied scores beyond just adding up all arrows.
The butt front must be large enough that an arrow just missing the outermost scoring zone still stays in the butt (Book 2, 7.2.1); Butts are firmly attached to supports secured to the ground so they cannot be blown or pulled over (Book 2, 7.2.1.1); Butts at long distances (30–70 m) are set at 10 ...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that the butt size requirement is too strict, thinking it means the butt must be enormous just to accommodate a barely missed arrow. In reality, they misunderstand how precise the positioning needs to be for an arrow to stay within bounds, regardless of its proximity to the edge. The confusion arises because the rule emphasizes exact placement over mere size.
The Judges Committee appoints a director of shooting, who wherever possible is a judge and takes on no other activity (Book 2, 3.9.1, 3.9.2); The director of shooting enforces any reasonable safety measures (Book 2, 3.9.3); Duties include controlling the shooting, regulating end timing, and setti...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the director of shooting is solely a safety officer without any other responsibilities, which leads to misunderstandings about their role in controlling the flow of competition and ensuring fair end times for each round. Actually, they are tasked with both enforcing safety measures and managing the overall shooting process efficiently.
Athletes breaking the following rules once scoring has commenced receive no warning — they are disqualified and lose any position gained (13.5); Using equipment that contravenes World Archery Rules (13.5); Knowingly breaking any rules and regulations, which may render the athlete ineligible to pa...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that disqualification only applies if you break a rule after your score has been tallied, but in archery, it can happen even before scoring begins as long as the equipment used is non-compliant or rules are deliberately ignored. They overlook how strictly World Archery Rules enforce adherence from start to finish of an event.
Recurve shoots 70 m outdoors at the 122 cm face, 72 arrows in the Qualification Round (Book 2, 4.5.1.1); Barebow shoots 50 m at the 122 cm face; Compound shoots 50 m at the 80 cm face (Book 2, 4.5.1.1); Recurve U18 and 50+ shoot 60 m; Recurve U15 shoots 40 m; Barebow U15 shoots 30 m (Book 2, 4.5....
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all archers shoot at the same distance and face size, which leads them to forget about variations like Recurve U18 needing a 70m shot at a 122cm face instead of the standard 122cm face for other categories. This oversight can cause confusion and mistakes in scoring and interpretation during competitions.
Separate equipment rules govern the Recurve, Compound and Barebow divisions (9.1, 9.2, 9.3); Accessories permitted for all divisions are listed separately (9.4), as are visual aids (9.5); All equipment is subject to equipment inspection (9.7)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that accessories are only allowed for their own division, like Recurve archers thinking they can use sights just because Compound archers do. However, the official rule clearly states that all divisions have access to listed accessories and visual aids, regardless of what other divisions might be using.
Breaking an eligibility rule may bring disqualification and loss of any position gained (13.1); Competing in a class whose requirements the athlete does not meet brings disqualification (13.1); Anti-doping violations are sanctioned under Book 7 (13.2)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that failing a doping test in archery only results in a fine or suspension, forgetting that it can lead to disqualification if the athlete is competing in an event they're not qualified for due to their clean status. The confusion arises because these two scenarios are treated as separate issues under different sections of the World Archery rules.
The field is oriented so athletes do not shoot into the sun (Book 2, 7.1.1.2); Venue altitude is capped at 1800 m without specific authorisation (Book 2, 7.1.1.1); Smoking, vaping and electronic cigarettes are not allowed on the field of play or the practice field (13.4)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the orientation of the field is solely about avoiding direct sunlight on their target, forgetting that it also prevents glare from hitting other competitors' targets, leading to unfair conditions for all. The confusion arises because they overlook how even minor adjustments in angle can significantly affect visibility and shooting accuracy across multiple targets.
The field of play is established with 90-degree corners, each distance measured accurately from a point vertically beneath the gold of each face to the shooting line (Book 2, 7.1.1.2); It is positioned so athletes are not facing directly into the sun — North ±20 degrees in the Northern Hemisphere...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 90-degree corners are for aesthetic purposes only, but in reality, they're crucial for ensuring consistent target placement and reducing wind effects on arrows. The angle of North plus or minus 20 degrees is meant to minimize glare from the sun while also accounting for any slight variations in shooting line elevation across different parts of the field.
Judging is run by the Tournament Judge Commission (Book 2, 3.10.1); At International Events there is a minimum of one judge per seven targets in the Target Qualification Round, and one per eight for Field and 3D (Book 2, 3.10.1.1); Judges are appointed by the World Archery Judges Committee, with ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all judges are appointed by the World Archery Judges Committee at every event, which leads to misunderstandings about who actually appoints them. The confusion arises because the official document specifies different appointment processes for various types of events and rounds within archery competitions.
An arrow shot before the start signal, after the stop signal, or out of sequence in alternating shooting costs the athlete or team the highest-scoring arrow of that end, scored as a miss (13.3); In a team match the same applies if any team member shoots outside the signals — the arrow counts as p...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that losing an arrow only happens if it's shot out of sequence during a team match, forgetting that individual matches can also result in penalties for arrows shot outside start or stop signals. The confusion arises because they overlook how this rule applies to both team and individual competitions.
A Jury of Appeal is constituted for the event (Book 2, 3.12); Scorers are appointed under Book 2 (Book 2, 3.13); Shooting positions are decided by draw, with provision for repositioning on targets (Book 2, 3.14, 3.15)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that other officials are just there for show or to meddle in decisions, but actually, their role is crucial - they ensure fair play by overseeing scorers and deciding shooting positions through a draw process, which helps maintain impartiality and transparency in the competition.
Practice may take place on the tournament range and consists of 3 ends, ending with the pulling of the practice arrows (14.1, 14.1.1); Practice targets are set at the first distance to be shot by each class (14.1.1); Other practice facilities are made available at least three days before competit...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that practice with the tournament range is limited to just 3 ends, forgetting that it can span multiple days if necessary, leading them to think they have a strict time limit for their entire practice session. The confusion arises because the rule specifies how many ends are in each practice session but not on its duration.
Under no circumstances may an arrow be re-shot (10.5); An arrow may be considered not shot if it falls from the bow or is mis-shot and part of the shaft lies between the shooting line and the 3 m line — provided it has not rebounded (10.5.1); An arrow is also considered not shot if the face or bu...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that an arrow is automatically considered not shot if it touches the ground anywhere outside the 3-meter line, but in reality, they must ensure part of the shaft lies between the shooting line and the 3 m line for it to be deemed not shot according to rule 10.5.1.
Each target has two scorecards, one of which may be electronic (12.1.1); If electronic and paper disagree, the paper card takes precedence (12.1.1); Scoring takes place after each end or set (12.1.2)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if there's a discrepancy between an electronic scorecard and a paper one, they should go with whatever was recorded last. But actually, the rule states it’s the paper card that takes precedence in case of disagreement, which can lead to confusion when scores are tallied after each end or set.
A bow may be drawn only when standing on the shooting line, with or without an arrow (13.4); The bow arm may not be raised until the start signal is given (10.3, 13.4); Only athletes whose turn it is to shoot may be on the shooting line (13.4)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that as long as they're standing on the line, their bow can be drawn at will, which leads them to misunderstand 13.4's stipulation that a bow may only be drawn when standing on the shooting line with or without an arrow. They overlook how this rule is meant to prevent accidents and ensure safety for all competitors.
Recurve and Barebow use the set system; Compound uses a cumulative score (12.1.4); Individual set play: the higher score in an end takes two set points, a tie gives each one (12.1.4.1); An individual reaching 6 set points wins the match and advances (12.1.4.1)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in set play, a tie score means neither competitor advances, which is incorrect. According to the rule, if an individual reaches 6 set points, they win regardless of how many ties they've had throughout the match. The confusion arises because the cumulative system doesn't apply here; it's specifically for compound archery teams.
Athletes shoot in ends of three or six arrows unless specified differently (10.1); Except for persons with disabilities, athletes shoot from a standing position without support, heads aligned over the shooting line at full draw (10.4); Athletes may not raise the bow arm until the signal to start ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that archers can raise their bow arms whenever they want during a shot sequence, misunderstanding that they must wait for the start signal as dictated by the rule. The confusion arises because it's easy to overlook the detail about not raising the arm until the start signal is given.
There are sixteen recognised target faces, from the 122 cm diameter face down to 40 cm double and triple faces (Book 2, 7.2.2); Only faces produced by a World Archery licensed manufacturer may be used at World Archery competitions (Book 2, 7.2.2); The 122, 80, 60 and 40 cm faces carry five concen...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only World Archery's licensed manufacturers can produce target faces, which leads them to believe they need special equipment for competitions. However, what the rule actually means is that these specific face sizes (122, 80, 60, and 40 cm) are standardized and must be used in competition, regardless of who manufactures them, as long as they meet certain quality standards.
A judge raises a yellow card if a team member crosses the 1 m line too soon, removes an arrow fully from the quiver before being on the shooting line, or (compound) attaches the release aid to the string before being on the line (13.6.1); The card requires the athlete to return behind the 1 m lin...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that crossing the 1 m line too soon means literally stepping over it with their feet, forgetting that they can also touch it or even have a part of their body (like an arm) on it before being ready to shoot. The confusion arises because this rule is interpreted very strictly, and athletes need to be hyper-aware of where their bodies are positioned relative to the line.
May be of multi-coloured strands and serving (9.1.2); May carry a centre serving for the drawing fingers and one or two nocking points (9.1.2); Additional servings may be added to fit the arrow nock and locate the nocking points (9.1.2)
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only one nocking point is allowed per arrow, leading to arguments about adding extra serving points for arrows with multiple fletches or different configurations. However, the official rule actually states you can add servings and nocking points as needed to fit your specific setup, so there's flexibility in how many nocking points are used.
A line 3 m in front of the shooting line is provided, its width falling inside the 3 m area (Book 2, 7.1.1.3); For Team Rounds a clearly visible line is marked 1 m behind the shooting line, at least 3 cm wide (Book 2, 7.1.1.3); The athletes' waiting line is at least 3 m behind the shooting line, ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the lines are merely visual aids for positioning themselves correctly, but in reality, they have specific dimensions and must be marked clearly as per the official guidelines; failing to do so can lead to penalties or disputes over whether athletes are within the correct distance from the shooting line.
A bow of any type complying with the common meaning of the word as used in target archery: a handle/riser and grip — no shoot-through type — and two flexible limbs, each ending in a tip with a string nock (9.1.1); It is braced by a single string attached directly between the two string nocks (9.1...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a recurve bow must have two separate strings like compound bows, which leads to misunderstandings about what constitutes a valid recurve according to World Archery standards. Actually, the key is in the single string bracing between the nocks on both limbs, not having multiple strings as some mistakenly believe.
Total time for an end is set by the number of arrows in that end (11.2.1); At World Ranking Events: 20 seconds per arrow for individual alternate shooting and all team and mixed team rounds, including shoot-offs (11.2.1.1); At those events, 30 seconds per arrow for individual shooting in qualific...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the 20-second-per-arrow timing only applies during shoot-offs, so they argue about why their score isn't affected when it's used in other parts of a match too. The confusion arises because this specific rule detail is not widely publicized or explained clearly at World Ranking Events, leading to misunderstandings and disputes among competitors.
Butts are secured to the ground so they cannot be blown or pulled over (Book 2, 7.2.1.1); Any part of a butt or support likely to damage an arrow is covered, with particular care where several faces share a butt so arrows passing through are not damaged (Book 2, 7.2.1.1); The butt front is sized ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that securing a butt only means using ropes or straps, forgetting about other methods like wedges or pegs, leading to misunderstandings on how to properly secure their equipment safely. Additionally, there's confusion around what exactly constitutes "damage" to an arrow and where the specific sizing of the front end should be applied within the rulebook.
An athlete receives one warning for the listed offences; continuing, or not following judges' decisions, brings disqualification (13.4); No athlete may touch another's equipment without consent (13.4); No athlete may draw a bow, with or without an arrow, except when standing on the shooting line ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a warning is just a verbal reminder, forgetting it's also an official record kept by judges, which can lead to disqualification if they receive multiple warnings for similar offenses. The confusion arises because they misunderstand how these warnings function within the rule framework of archery competition.
The director of shooting enforces any reasonable safety measure — this is stated as a duty, not a discretion (Book 2, 3.9.3); The director controls the timing of ends and the order in which athletes occupy the line, which is what keeps live shooting and arrow collection separated (Book 2, 3.9.3);...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that safety measures are solely enforced by the target director, neglecting other roles like field supervisors who also have safety responsibilities. The confusion arises because they overlook the broader safety oversight provided by multiple personnel rather than focusing on just one role.