Indoor Archery Competition Guidelines

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 age eligibility guidelines. A 4-H’er may not compete in a higher age divisions. Divisions are as follows: Cloverleaf, Junior, and Senior.
• Classes for 4-H Archery Competition are based on bow type:
• Novice Class: Is open to Cloverleaf participants only and limited to recurve or universal draw length compound bows 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 or additional equipment may not be used. A finger tab or glove may be used by the participant.
• Recurve Class: Is open to Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior participants with separate competition for each age division.
• Compound Class: Is open to Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior participants with separate competition for each age division.
• A county may enter any number of eligible Cloverleaf, Junior, or Senior
4-H’ers. All Indoor Archery Tournaments will be individual competition only for each age division and class.

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 novice, 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 – 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.
• 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 not be attached to the bow for target archery. A hip quiver or ground quiver should be used.
• 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. No sight lights!
• 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 of 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 five (5) 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 shooters are responsible for pre-shoot check.]
• No arrows larger than 9.3 mm or .366 inches in diameter are 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 hip quiver worn by the shooter to hold arrows. Back quivers are not allowed.
• Binoculars – Binoculars may be used to spot arrows, but no optical device containing a range finding device or reticle is permitted. Spotting Scopes are not allowed on the line for indoor archery.
• 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.
• 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. Shoes that enclose each toe individually are not allowed.

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 4-H’er 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.
• Sky drawing – Sky drawing at Sate Indoor events will not be tolerated. If a
4-H’er is unable to draw the bow without pointing the bow in the direction of the target (pointing to wall above the target or ceiling), the equipment must be altered to allow the 4-H to draw correctly. For safety and to prevent damage to facilities, any 4-H’er seen sky drawing will not be allowed to continue.
• 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’er 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’ers 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 range 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 range official is responsible for enforcing appropriate shoot rules, resolving disputes over rule interpretation, and responding to questions about interpretation of the rules.
• Squadding – The range official will call squads to the line in an orderly and timely fashion.
• Time keeping – The range official will act as the official time keeper,
maintaining the official clock for each end. He or she has the authority to
extend the two (2) minute time period for each end under extenuating
circumstances.
• Sight-in – In indoor events, two ends of 3 arrows will be given before the scoring round begins. In the case of bow break down, fifteen minutes will be allowed for repair and 3 arrows given sight-in.
• Appointment of other officials – The range 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.

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.
• 4-H’ers must straddle the shooting line while shooting. Any shooter completing 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.
• Each 4-H’er will have approximately 2 & 1/2 feet of width at the firing line and is responsible for maintaining themselves and their equipment in their shooting area. Incidental contact between archers does not justify allowing archer to re-shoot any arrow, However, any one intentionally bumping or interfering with another archer will not be allowed to finish the match.

Targets

• Novice and Cloverleaf participants will use a 60cm full-face targets that will be placed side by side on the target buttress. Two 4-H’ers will shoot at one target.
• Junior and Senior participants will have their choice of either a 40cm full-face target or a 40 cm 3-spot target. Four targets will be placed per target buttress and each 4-H’er will shoot at their own target.

Scoring

Targets for all Cloverleaf and Junior participants in both recurve and compound competition, will be scored by officials appointed by the range Field Captain. Senior participants will score their own targets in their assigned group. 4-H’ers may not touch any arrows in the target until they have been officially scored. Scoring will be as follows:
• Scoring values for full-face targets – From the center of the target outward,
the scoring areas are X – 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Shots outside the scoring area are scored as misses.
• Scoring values for 3-spot targets – From the center of the target outward, the scoring areas are X – 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6. Shots outside the scoring area are scored as misses. Only one arrow scored per spot!
• 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 will be scored based on the value of the lowest un-market hole in the target face.
• Cross-fires – No 4-H’ers will knowingly shoot at the wrong target. Arrows fired at the wrong target will be scored as misses (0’s).
• Excessive Shots – No 4-H’ers 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.
• Shots after Time has Expired – Shots reaching the target after time has expired will be scored as a miss. The arrow of highest value for that end will be lost. The signal to stop shooting means time has already expired. Arrows shot during the signal will be considered shot after time has expired.
• Dropped or Misfired Arrows – Arrows falling beyond the reach of the 4-H’ers or the extended bow will be considered shot. The range official may determine that a replacement arrow may be shot.
• Shooter Position – 4-H’ers 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 Scorecard – 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 range official immediately. Once scorecards have been signed, no appeal is permitted. All scores will be agreed upon and totals shall match before the 4-H’ers touch or remove any arrows from the target face. In the event of a disputed call, the range official 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 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.

Courses of Fire / Time Limits

• The State Indoor Event will consist of a 330 round with 30 arrows shot in 10 ends of 3 arrows at 18 meters. Novice Class will shoot at a distance of 9 meters.
• The match will be completed with four 4-H’ers assigned to each target buttress with an A,B and C,D alternate format. When archers are called (two whistle blast), they will have 20 seconds to approach the shooting line and prepare to shoot. The commence firing command (one whistle blast) will be given after the 20 seconds to approach the line has expired.
• Participants have 2 minutes to shoot each 3-arrow end. All shots must be released and have reached the target before the two minutes expire.

Coaching

• Only certified coaches, with issued credentials where applicable, will be allowed in the equipment area. All other coaches and parents must remain behind the designated spectator line.
• While a 4-H’er is on the shooting line, he or she may receive non-electronic coaching information from the coach, provided that this does not disturb the other 4-H’ers. 4-H’ers cannot verbally respond from the firing line and coaches cannot assist in any other fashion except at the direct instruction of the field captain. This rule may be modified for participants with disabilities or special needs through prior notification and approval by 4-H SAFE 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 range official.
• Coaches must conduct themselves in a quiet, supportive and cooperative manner at all times. Coaches that violate rules, distract other 4-H’ers or appear to distract their own 4-H’ers will be given 1 verbal warning. If a second warning has to be given, that coaches credentials will be pulled and they will be moved behind the spectator line. If the coach is still disruptive, he or she will be removed from the range.
• Only designated scorers are allowed down range. Coaches and parents are not allowed to go down range to the targets unless instructed by the field captain.

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’ers 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’ers 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’ers 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 & Volunteers

• 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 3-4 person county team.
• Counties must provide 1 volunteer per every 4 Cloverleaf and Junior 4-H’ers to assist with scoring at the targets.
• 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. Certified Coaches and volunteers must meet the UGA policies for volunteers.

Awards & Recognition

• Awards are as outlined by the Project SAFE Development Committee. Recognition will be given to high individuals in all division and classes.
• The State Indoor Archery Match is an additional opportunity for 4-H Archers. Winners of the Indoor Archery match are recognized for participation only and are not recognized with Master 4-H Status or recognized at State 4-H Congress.
• State Winning High Individuals are permitted to compete in future years.