Competition Guidance

---

Competitions take place throughout the year indoors and outdoors with most being on Sundays, although there are some Saturday shoots and, particularly at Bank Holidays, some on Mondays

We list the regional events on our website here, taken from the EMAS Rolling Calendar on the EMAS and Notts websites. We will also list some local events that we think our archer will enjoy.

Details of where and when competitions are to take place nationally can be found in Archery UK, AGB’s quarterly magazine, on the AGB website. 

Another good source of information about competitions is from the competitive archers in the club.

You enter most competitions as an individual using the published method of entry - paper forms or online entry.

For a few, e.g. Notts Summer League, entry is through the Club Secretary who will normally canvas members to assess their interest.

For a very small number of tournaments entry is by invitation, e.g. when shooting for the county team. The chances are this will not be an issue in the first year or so of shooting.

Have a chat with other club members who may be interested in entering - that way you’ll be sure to know someone else at the shoot.

Let the organiser know as soon as you possibly can, they may have a reserve list in place and you might get a refund, which won’t happen if you simply do not show up. 

As well as the organiser let others who you were planning to shoot with know.

Life does get in the way and, believe it or not is more important than archery, so when this happens don’t let it worry you. 

This is very important when you are starting out as you want to choose an event that matches your experience.

A good tip us to check the maximum distance: if it is 'shorter' (60yds or less) the shoot is likely to attract club archers rather than high level competitors and so is a better place to start looking when you begin your competitive archery life.

Choose the right level for you. 

There are several levels to choose from:

• World Record Status (WRS) - This is the the highest level of competition, outside of international competition. These shoots will be very formal and involve archers performing at the highest level.
• UK Record Status - similar to WRS but national so a lower, but still very high, standard of archer.
• The Rest - which will vary from more serious shoots through to very relaxed local shoots. It’s hard to tell from the entry form but ask around, other archers will have a good idea. 

Some take all day, some half a day some less and these differences will impact on what you need to take with you and more:

• It’s important to be aware that longer outdoor shoots can take all day - certainly up to 8 hours. So if sighters are at 10.00 you may still be there at 18.00. If in doubt ask in advance.
• Some indoor shoots are shot over a few sessions, for example the Notts County Championships take place over three sessions –9.00 AM, 12.00 noon, 3.00 PM.
• Think about what else you would like to do that day and enter the session that suits you best - bear in mind that results and trophies will be awarded after the final session so that session is likely to be considerably longer.

• The distances involved in the competition you've chose to enter, including changes of distance e.g. for a Western round it is 4 dozen each at 60 and 50 yards, so practice those and the change from 60 to 50.
• Timing - all rounds have a time element to them so find out:
  • how long you have to shoot your arrows and how many arrows you shoot (usually two sets of three for English / Imperial rounds but three or six for World Archery rounds, depending on the distance being shot)
  • what the whistles are. This is particularly important for World Archery rounds
• Practice the timings and whistles in the club environment. If you tell other archers what you are trying to do they will normally be very accommodating and it may even encourage them to join you at the competition.
• Practice the scoring you anticipate at the shoot - five zone, ten zone etc
• Talk to the club coaches - there are lots of ways in which to practice, but bear in mind that simply shooting lots of arrows is not usually an effective way of practicing.

• Make sure that you know where the shoot is, what time it starts and how to get there, especially if you are going with others. You might want to get there early to set up your shelter and chairs.
• Find out about parking at the venue, especially if you are in a wheelchair or have other mobility issues. If needs be speak to the organiser about booking a parking slot or how they might be able to help you.
• Find out about refreshments at the shoot, especially if it’s a long shoot
• Mark your arrows - your initials and a number or some form of arrow wrap are a must for most competitions these days. Speak to your coaches and others in the club for advice on this.

• Turn up on time - well early actually - it takes time to check in, find you spot on the line put up your tent and bow, warm up and relax. You don’t want to rush all that.
• Some events will have a check in/registration that you need to complete
• Find your boss and introduce yourself to others on your boss - you’ll be spending the day with them and it’s more fun if you can have a chat as the day goes along.
• Remember to change your sight mark at change of distance - every time.
• Shoot your best but don’t worry about bad arrows - you can do nothing about them, just make sure you shoot the next one better.
• Help the hosts clear away
• Thank the hosts and judge - they’ve put in a lot of effort and will appreciate it.
• Stay for the awards at the end, if you can’t apologise to the host and judge - same reason as above
• Sign for any trophies you win
• Don’t gloat when you win yet another raffle prize
• Above all else enjoy yourself.

• Your bow! Pack carefully and take what you need for the time you are likely to be at the shoot:
  • Bows, arrows, quiver etc - everything you need to shoot.
  • Some spares - extra arrows are always useful.
• Clothing appropriate to the conditions - include layers and a waterproof. N.B. you should have practiced in these clothes as shooting in a waterproof for the first time can be difficult. Bear in mind the dress code for the day, usually spelled out on the entry form.
• Make sure you have a pen - you may be asked to do some scoring
• Food and drink for the day - this will vary depending on the length of the shoot. Make sure you have enough to keep you going and, most importantly, stay hydrated.
• Tent - for shelter and somewhere you can store things on the day.
• Chair - it may be a long day and you might want to sit down, if only at lunchtime.