Field archery
Encyclopedia
Field archery involves shooting at targets of varying (and often unmarked) distance, often in woodland and rough terrain.
One goal of field archery is to improve the techniques and abilities required for bowhunting in a more realistic outdoor setting. As with golf
, fatigue can be an issue as the athlete walks the distance between targets across sometimes rough terrain.
Field Archery is usually shot according to either IFAA
(International Field Archery Association) rules or to FITA
(Federation International de Tir a L'Arc) rules. (see section on FITA Field). Some national organisations (such as the NFAS
in the UK) have their own rules.
FITA rounds consist of 24 targets, which may have marked or unmarked distances depending on the specific type of round.
FITA Field Archery is very popular in Western Europe whereas 3D is shot mostly in the Americas and Oceania.
Three common types of NFAA round are the field, hunter, and animal. A round consists of 28 targets in two units of 14. The information in the following sections is taken from the NFAA Styles and Rules.
On these animals there are 4 rings, only 3 of these are used in ASA shoots. The one that isn't used very often is the 14 ring. This can only be scored if you call it before you shoot, and even then it may not be allowed. Next is the 12 ring inside of the 10 ring, inside of the 8 ring. Anything on the target that is outside of the 8, 10, 12, or 14 rings is a 5. If you miss the target, you score a zero.
Though the goal is hunting practice, hunting tips (broadheads) are not used, as they would tear up the foam targets too much. Normal target or field tips, of the same weight as the intended broadhead, are used instead.
sets the rules for many shoots including Big Game and 3D shoots. Most of these consist of 36 or 40 targets or 2x20 targets. The NFAS is not affiliated to any international organisation.
The information in this section is taken from the NFAS Rules of Shooting.
The most common NFAS rounds have a "walk-up" format where the archer starts at the furthest peg from the target and proceeds to nearer pegs if necessary.
The first arrow is shot from the red peg (or sometimes wasp peg for compound). A hit in the kill zone scores 20 points (sometimes 24 if an inner kill zone is being used). A hit in the wound zone (anywhere outside the kill zone but not on antlers or base, or within wound lines on 2D targets) scores 16 points.
If the scoring area is not hit with the first arrow the archer will proceed to the white peg for his/her second shot. A kill scores 14 points. A wound scores 10 points.
If a third shot is needed the archer will proceed to the blue peg. A kill scores 8 points. A wound scores 4 points.
If all 3 arrows miss the scoring zones the archer must stop shooting and a zero is scored for that target.
Juniors 12-14 and 15-16 must shoot blue, yellow, yellow and white, blue, blue respectively.
Cubs (under 12) shoot all their arrows from the closest yellow peg.
All archers attending these shots must carry a valid NFAS card in order to shoot.
There are multiple classes including compound limited, compound unlimited, bowhunter, barebow, freestyle, crossbow, hunting tackle, American flatbow and longbow. The traditional class is also accepted at some shoots.
The information in this section is taken from the NFAS website, sections About the NFAS and NFAS The Rules.
As part of the Constitution of the National Field Archery Society, an annual championship shall be held, open to members.
The NFAS hold shoots throughout the year and all over the country. They currently (2010) hold two championships, open to eligible members.
3D Championships - Bank Holiday weekend, end of May
National Champs - 3rd weekend in September
To be eligible to shoot a Championships, NFAS members must have competed in three open shoots in the bow style that they wish to shoot, or a previous Championships and existing members must have renewed their membership by the 31st of March.
The International Archery Federation
, commonly known as FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc), defines a suite of rounds based on a 24-target course.
Four target face sizes are specified: 80cm; 60cm; 40cm and 20cm. Six target faces of each size are used on the course. For each target face size there are upper and lower distance limits for the various divisions of archer. Target faces have four black outer rings and a yellow spot, each with an equal width. The yellow spot is subdivided into two rings. The black rings score 1 point for the outermost to 4 points for the innermost. A hit in the outer yellow scores 5 points. A hit in the inner yellow scores 6 points. Before April 2008, the innermost yellow ring counted as an X (the number of Xs was used for tie-breaks) but only scored 5 points.
Shooting positions are marked by coloured pegs set at a distance from each target. Generally the red peg is set the furthest from the target, the blue peg is set nearer, and the yellow peg (or white peg in the UK) is set the nearest. The course layer may choose to vary this, though. Each peg is associated with one or more divisions of archer:
The UK operates some variations on this for junior archers.
When shooting marked distances, the distance to the target is shown on each peg. On unmarked distances, the distance is not shown.
A FITA 24 Marked round is shot on a single day using 24 targets at marked distances only. A FITA 24 Unmarked round is shot on a single day using 24 targets at unmarked distances only. A FITA 24 Mixed round is shot on a single day using 12 targets at marked distances and 12 targets at unmarked distances. A FITA Combined Field round consists of a FITA 24 Unmarked round shot on one day and a FITA 24 Marked round shot on the same course the following day with the distances having been increased.
FITA rules state that the lanes between the shooting positions and the targets must not be obstructed by branches or tree trunks.
Archers follow the course in groups of between two and four. The pegs are arranged so that two people can shoot from one peg at the same time. Each archer shoots three arrows at each target, making a round of 72 arrows.
One goal of field archery is to improve the techniques and abilities required for bowhunting in a more realistic outdoor setting. As with golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
, fatigue can be an issue as the athlete walks the distance between targets across sometimes rough terrain.
Field Archery is usually shot according to either IFAA
International Field Archery Association
The International Field Archery Association, also known as the IFAA, is an amateur sports association that was founded in 1970 and represents in 2009 some 30,000 field archers in 30 member countries from all over the world.-External links:* *...
(International Field Archery Association) rules or to FITA
International Archery Federation
The International Archery Federation is the governing body of the sport of archery. It is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is composed of 140 national archery associations, and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.-History:FITA was founded on 4 September 1931 in Poland...
(Federation International de Tir a L'Arc) rules. (see section on FITA Field). Some national organisations (such as the NFAS
National Field Archery Society
-Introduction:The National Field Archery Society is a UK organisation that exists to foster and promote field archery as a sport.Information in this article is taken from items in newsletters of the NFAS.-History:...
in the UK) have their own rules.
FITA rounds consist of 24 targets, which may have marked or unmarked distances depending on the specific type of round.
FITA Field Archery is very popular in Western Europe whereas 3D is shot mostly in the Americas and Oceania.
NFAA (USA)
The NFAA is the US affiliate of the International Field Archery Association.Three common types of NFAA round are the field, hunter, and animal. A round consists of 28 targets in two units of 14. The information in the following sections is taken from the NFAA Styles and Rules.
Field
Field rounds are at 'even' distances up to 80 yards (some of the shortest are measured in feet instead), using targets with a black bullseye (5 points), a white center (4) ring, and black outer (3) ring.Hunter
Hunter rounds use 'uneven' distances up to 70 yards (64 m), and although scoring is identical to a field round, the target has an all-black face with a white bullseye. Child and youth positions for these two rounds are closer, no more than 30 and 50 yards (45.7 m), respectively.Animal
Animal rounds use life-size 2D animal targets with 'uneven' distances reminiscent of the hunter round. The rules and scoring are also significantly different. The archer begins at the first station of the target and shoots his first arrow. If it hits, he does not have to shoot again. If it misses, he advances to station two and shoots a second arrow, then to station three for a third if needed. Scoring areas are vital (20, 16, or 12) and nonvital (18, 14, or 10) with points awarded depending on which arrow scored first. Again, children and youth shoot from reduced range.3D
3D archery is a subset of field archery focusing on shooting at life-size models of game, and is popular with hunters. It is most common to see unmarked distances in 3D archery, as the goal is to accurately recreate a hunting environment for competition, albeit a more loosely organized form of competition than other types of field archery.On these animals there are 4 rings, only 3 of these are used in ASA shoots. The one that isn't used very often is the 14 ring. This can only be scored if you call it before you shoot, and even then it may not be allowed. Next is the 12 ring inside of the 10 ring, inside of the 8 ring. Anything on the target that is outside of the 8, 10, 12, or 14 rings is a 5. If you miss the target, you score a zero.
Though the goal is hunting practice, hunting tips (broadheads) are not used, as they would tear up the foam targets too much. Normal target or field tips, of the same weight as the intended broadhead, are used instead.
NFAS (UK)
In the United Kingdom the NFAS (National Field Archery Society)National Field Archery Society
-Introduction:The National Field Archery Society is a UK organisation that exists to foster and promote field archery as a sport.Information in this article is taken from items in newsletters of the NFAS.-History:...
sets the rules for many shoots including Big Game and 3D shoots. Most of these consist of 36 or 40 targets or 2x20 targets. The NFAS is not affiliated to any international organisation.
The information in this section is taken from the NFAS Rules of Shooting.
The most common NFAS rounds have a "walk-up" format where the archer starts at the furthest peg from the target and proceeds to nearer pegs if necessary.
The first arrow is shot from the red peg (or sometimes wasp peg for compound). A hit in the kill zone scores 20 points (sometimes 24 if an inner kill zone is being used). A hit in the wound zone (anywhere outside the kill zone but not on antlers or base, or within wound lines on 2D targets) scores 16 points.
If the scoring area is not hit with the first arrow the archer will proceed to the white peg for his/her second shot. A kill scores 14 points. A wound scores 10 points.
If a third shot is needed the archer will proceed to the blue peg. A kill scores 8 points. A wound scores 4 points.
If all 3 arrows miss the scoring zones the archer must stop shooting and a zero is scored for that target.
Juniors 12-14 and 15-16 must shoot blue, yellow, yellow and white, blue, blue respectively.
Cubs (under 12) shoot all their arrows from the closest yellow peg.
All archers attending these shots must carry a valid NFAS card in order to shoot.
There are multiple classes including compound limited, compound unlimited, bowhunter, barebow, freestyle, crossbow, hunting tackle, American flatbow and longbow. The traditional class is also accepted at some shoots.
The information in this section is taken from the NFAS website, sections About the NFAS and NFAS The Rules.
As part of the Constitution of the National Field Archery Society, an annual championship shall be held, open to members.
The NFAS hold shoots throughout the year and all over the country. They currently (2010) hold two championships, open to eligible members.
3D Championships - Bank Holiday weekend, end of May
National Champs - 3rd weekend in September
To be eligible to shoot a Championships, NFAS members must have competed in three open shoots in the bow style that they wish to shoot, or a previous Championships and existing members must have renewed their membership by the 31st of March.
FITA Field
The information in this section is taken from Book 4 of the FITA Constitution & Rules.The International Archery Federation
International Archery Federation
The International Archery Federation is the governing body of the sport of archery. It is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is composed of 140 national archery associations, and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.-History:FITA was founded on 4 September 1931 in Poland...
, commonly known as FITA (Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc), defines a suite of rounds based on a 24-target course.
Four target face sizes are specified: 80cm; 60cm; 40cm and 20cm. Six target faces of each size are used on the course. For each target face size there are upper and lower distance limits for the various divisions of archer. Target faces have four black outer rings and a yellow spot, each with an equal width. The yellow spot is subdivided into two rings. The black rings score 1 point for the outermost to 4 points for the innermost. A hit in the outer yellow scores 5 points. A hit in the inner yellow scores 6 points. Before April 2008, the innermost yellow ring counted as an X (the number of Xs was used for tie-breaks) but only scored 5 points.
Shooting positions are marked by coloured pegs set at a distance from each target. Generally the red peg is set the furthest from the target, the blue peg is set nearer, and the yellow peg (or white peg in the UK) is set the nearest. The course layer may choose to vary this, though. Each peg is associated with one or more divisions of archer:
| Peg colour | Division |
|---|---|
| Red | Recurve and compound |
| Blue | Bare bow, cadet recurve and cadet compound |
| Yellow | Cadet bare bow |
The UK operates some variations on this for junior archers.
When shooting marked distances, the distance to the target is shown on each peg. On unmarked distances, the distance is not shown.
A FITA 24 Marked round is shot on a single day using 24 targets at marked distances only. A FITA 24 Unmarked round is shot on a single day using 24 targets at unmarked distances only. A FITA 24 Mixed round is shot on a single day using 12 targets at marked distances and 12 targets at unmarked distances. A FITA Combined Field round consists of a FITA 24 Unmarked round shot on one day and a FITA 24 Marked round shot on the same course the following day with the distances having been increased.
FITA rules state that the lanes between the shooting positions and the targets must not be obstructed by branches or tree trunks.
Archers follow the course in groups of between two and four. The pegs are arranged so that two people can shoot from one peg at the same time. Each archer shoots three arrows at each target, making a round of 72 arrows.
See also
- ArcheryArcheryArchery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
- Target archeryTarget archeryModern competitive archery is governed by the World Archery Federation, abbreviated WA . Olympic rules are derived from WA rules. WA is the International Olympic Committee's recognized governing body for all of archery.Currently 142 nations are represented by WA archery governing bodies...
- Clout archeryClout archeryClout is a form of archery in which archers shoot arrows at a flag from a relatively long distance and score points depending on how close each arrow lands to the flag....
- History of archeryHistory of archeryThe bow and arrow are known to have been invented by the end of the Upper Paleolithic.Projectile points on are known from earlier prehistory, dating to the Middle Paleolithic...
- ArrowArrowAn arrow is a shafted projectile that is shot with a bow. It predates recorded history and is common to most cultures.An arrow usually consists of a shaft with an arrowhead attached to the front end, with fletchings and a nock at the other.- History:...
- BowBow (weapon)The bow and arrow is a projectile weapon system that predates recorded history and is common to most cultures.-Description:A bow is a flexible arc that shoots aerodynamic projectiles by means of elastic energy. Essentially, the bow is a form of spring powered by a string or cord...
- Field archery at the 2009 World GamesField archery at the 2009 World GamesThe field archery competition at the 2009 World Games took place from July 24 to July 26, at the Chengcing Lake in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.-Men:-Women:-External links:* *...