Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Timing Violations
- Shooting after time expires: Any arrow released after the red light activates or the time signal sounds is not scored (recorded as M/0). Judges observe the shooting line and the clock to enforce this rule.
- Shooting before the signal: An arrow released before the start signal is declared void and scored as 0. The archer may not replace it.
7.2 Arrow and Shooting Violations
- Too many arrows: If an archer shoots more arrows than permitted in an end, the highest-scoring arrow(s) in that end are removed from the score until the correct number remains.
- Shooting another archer's target: An arrow shot at the wrong target is scored as M/0 for the offending archer and is not counted for the other archer.
- Dropped arrow: If an arrow falls from the bow and the archer can reach it without leaving the shooting line, it may be re-shot. If it falls forward of the shooting line and cannot be retrieved without stepping forward, it is considered shot and scored where it lands (or as M if it does not reach the target).
7.3 Equipment Violations
- Non-compliant equipment: Use of equipment that does not meet the division's rules (e.g., a magnifying sight in recurve) results in immediate exclusion from the event.
- Equipment failure: If a bow or other equipment breaks during an end, the archer may request a time allowance of up to 15 minutes to make repairs or obtain replacement equipment. The replacement equipment must still be inspected by a judge. If the archer cannot continue, they forfeit the match.
7.4 Conduct Violations
- Unsportsmanlike conduct: Includes deliberate distraction of opponents, verbal abuse, disrespect toward officials, or any behaviour bringing the sport into disrepute. A first offence receives a yellow card (warning). A second offence results in a red card and the deduction of the highest-scoring arrow in the current or next end. Continued misconduct leads to disqualification (black card).
- Coaching during shooting: Any communication from a coach to an archer during active shooting (between the start and stop signals) results in a warning to the coach. Repeated violations may lead to the coach being removed from the field of play.
7.5 Appeals
An archer or team manager may lodge a formal appeal with the Jury of Appeal against a judge's decision. Appeals must be lodged promptly (typically before the next end begins). The Jury's decision is final and cannot be further appealed.