White – JR YEOMAN
Initial award levels may be earned while participating in common recreation programs like summer camp, park classes, NASP, youth programs, where basic equipment is normally provided. You will acquire knowledge and resources in a logical progression to develop your ability and equipment decisions. The program allows for equipment evolutions and indoor/outdoor shooting venues… while learning about your local and national archery community… preparing you for the world of archery and your participation in it! YOUR QUEST begins!
LEARN – Introduce to your archery community
INTRO
SAFETY-WHISTLES
RANGE RULES
RANGE LAYOUT
3AR
TYPES OF BOWS
QUEST –
visit a local PRO SHOP
visit a local ARCHERY CLUB
participate in a local INTRO PROGRAM (summer camp, school class, NASP, scouts)
SHOOT – 5M/10M score 210+ (photo on location with counselor/parent with scorecard)
Welcome to Archery!
Through the ages, this primitive weapon has fed families, conquered civilizations, and provided a wonderful source of recreation. As a martial art, archery helps build self-confidence and control. As a sport, it ranks with golf as a challenge to building individual skill.
There are many models and manufacturers of archery equipment. There are also many styles, or forms of archery developed around two basic methods of shooting – using sights, and not using sights. Mechanical sights rely on the fine adjustment of equipment paired to the archer and the appropriate distance from the target to be shot. Archery without sights is an instinctive style, using a point-of-aim view at the target. This is similar to the difference between using a rifle with a telescopic scope, and a shotgun, just looking down the barrel to aim.
Instinctive is our preferred method for beginners. It is the simplest method for handling the equipment and developing good shooting form and consistency. It lays a practical foundation for the pursuit of archery in any discipline.
The sport of Archery takes pride in its safety record. Archery has the lowest incidence of injury of all shooting sports and is the fourth safest of all sports. The reason for this outstanding safety record is that the rules and procedures developed for archery are adhered to by the participants which ensure each person’s safety.
Control of all shooting activities is under the direction of the Instructor, sometimes called the Range Officer. Archers must obey their instructions at all times.
Before you begin ensure that all clothing is held tightly to the body to prevent fouling by bowstrings. Long hair should be tied back for the same reason.
Safety Rules – Archery is a lot of fun, but the fun can quickly turn into a tragedy unless every archer observes the shooting rules. Learn the safety rules and follow them every time you hold a bow or retrieve your arrows. Remember, most accidents are the result of carelessness and thoughtlessness.
Follow the instructions of the Range Officer. Give attention and listen to the commands given. Ask questions if you do not understand what is said.
Always use proper safety equipment, including an arm guard, finger tab or glove. The Instructor will ask the youth to reposition their safety equipment to prevent injury if the equipment is incorrectly positioned. If still incorrect, the Instructor will ask the youth if the leader can reposition the equipment.
Always inspect your equipment before shooting, damaged equipment should be repaired or replaced to avoid injuries. Replace the bowstring whenever it becomes worn.
Always use arrows of the proper length for you. Arrows that are too short can cause injuries.
Wear snug fitting clothes, tie back long hair, remove large earrings, and clear off any pins or remove anything from chest pockets. Wear a chest protector as need.
Never “DRYFIRE” your bow. Always have an arrow on the string when shooting. ”DRYFIRING”, or shooting a bow without and arrow, can seriously damage a bow.
POINT, DRAW, and AIM your arrow only in the direction of your target. The arrow must always be pointed down range.
Always aim and shoot only at targets on the range: Always be sure you know what your target is and that it is safe to shoot. If you’re not sure take a closer look, if you’re still not sure, do not shoot. Be sure the area around and behind your target is clear before you shoot. Never shoot if there is a chance your arrow may ricochet from the target or another object and hit someone.
Place your bow in the bow rack once you have finish the end and stand behind the waiting line: This helps the other archers know your finished shooting your arrows. Bows in a rack cannot accidentally be fired.
10. Always walk; never run, on the archery range. If you run, you might accidentally cross in front of another archer, step on arrows lying on the ground, or trip and fall into the target and be injured by arrows sticking out of it.
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These are the standard layouts for indoor and outdoor ranges. These are what you would see in most competitions. Notice where you stand to shoot and when not shooting (equipment is stored off the shooting line). No one is allowed in front of the arrows (down range).
Indoor competitions can involve thousands of people shooting or spectating. It is your job to always be on alert to prevent accidents! Most indoor shooting is at 10, 15, 18 (20 yards approximately) or 25 meters.
Outdoor competitions have a variety of shooting formats and distances. The longest is 90 meters! Make sure no one is down range or can walk into the sides. Be sure before you shoot!
There are lots of games in archery also, and ranges outside can be courses to enjoy (like golf course layouts).
This affords many interesting shots… and challenges!
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Safety video
Before you buy the wrong equipment and shoot the neighbor’s cat, let’s fill in some stuff you need to know…
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Range Shooting Commands
Range Shooting Rules – Follow the commands given by the Range Officer. If you are not familiar with the commands ask the Range Officer to give both verbal commands and whistle blasts until you are familiar with them.
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Archery Equipment
Long Bow
The most traditional type of bow is the longbow. These are the bows that most have seen in the old Errol Flynn-Robin Hood movies. They were made from a single piece of wood. Modern long bows are laminated strips of wood, with a leather-wrapped grip and a string. This type of bow remains very popular among archers that prefer a more traditional experience. A long bow offers many exciting challenges to an archer by keeping the equipment and experience as basic as possible.
Traditional Recurve and Olympic Recurve Bows
The first evolution of the bow is the recurve bow. The recurve is constructed with limbs that have a curve built into them. This special curve stores more energy in a shorter length limb. The result is increased arrow speed. A recurve can be fashioned from wood or from machined aluminum and also provides a shelf for the arrow to rest on that is centered to provide truer arrow flight. The recurve is the bow of choice for those competing on the international level.
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Compound Bows
The most technologically advanced form of the bow is the compound bow. A compound bow has an eccentric pulley or cam mounted at the end of each limb tip. Most compound bows will have a let-off percentage at a point in the draw from where the weight is reduced, or “let off”. This helps the archer remain at full draw.
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Arrows
Selecting arrows is not difficult; it depends on the type of bow and what you are shooting at. There are four types of arrow to choose from. Most traditionalists who use longbows prefer shooting wood arrows. These may be cedar, ash, bamboo, etc. Recurve and compound shooters may choose from aluminum, carbon, Aluminum/Carbon composite, or fiberglass, depending on your needs.
The arrow is composed of these parts. The “Cock” or “Index” fletch refers to the odd colored fletch. This normally is positioned to point away from the bow and is lined up with the orientation of the bow string for easy nocking. Crests are used to distinguish your arrows from other archers’ arrows.
Points
Confusing? Selecting points is determined by activity. Are you punching holes in paper or game? Do you even want the arrow to go through?
Bowfishing
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Archery Accessories
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There are a few accessories that can be used to help make things a little easier on you. A finger-tab or glove (“C and A”) helps protect your finger tips from being chaffed as you draw the string back. An arm guard (“E “) is worn on the arm you hold the bow with. It is used to protect your forearm from being struck by the string when you release. A quiver (“B”) hangs from your belt and is used to hold your arrows. A chest protector (“D”) covers a portion of the chest to protect the skin and hold back clothing. For compound shooters, a (“F”) mechanical release is an option. This device clips to the string and is used instead of your fingers. Once the bow is at full draw, you press a trigger that releases the string.
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Instinctive shooting with 3AR
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SCORE THE TARGET
In the SPORT of ARCHERY this is the standard World Archery 5-color target. It is used in different sizes both indoors and outdoors.
Rules for Scoring
Scoring takes place after each ‘end’. Arrows are scored according to the position in the target face. If the shaft an arrow touches the dividing line between two scoring rings, that arrow always scores the higher value. The scoring value of a 5-color target face is from 10 at the center of the face, to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, & 1 for each ring.
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Glossary of Terms
Bows:
Traditional or Long bows – Made by laminating pieces of woods like yew, ash or elm, or, alternatively two pieces of wood with differing characteristics such as elm, yew strengthened with fiberglass. The tips of these bows may be made out of bone or horn.
Recurve – Typically made in three sections with a handle made from cast or machined aluminum, fitted with flexible limbs on each end made from laminates of carbon, fiberglass, and wood. Space age, non-stretch materials are used for bowstrings.
Compound – Compound bows are much more technically sophisticated, employing wheels or ‘cams’ at the tip of the limbs. Acting as lever, these wheels allow an archer to draw and hold a bow with relative ease.
Arrows:
Point – The tip of the arrow. Shaped like a bullet, it penetrates the target.
Nock – The attachment on the rear end of an arrow that holds it in place on the bow string (also, to “nock”
is to place the arrow on the string).
Fletching – The feathers (real or synthetic) attached to the arrow which helps stabilize it during flight. The same color pattern must be used throughout an end.
Shaft – The long, narrow middle of the arrow, connecting the pile to the nock. Any substance (wood, aluminum, carbon) is allowed, but the shaft may not exceed 9.3 mm (about 1/3 of an inch) in diameter. It is marked with the archer’s name or initials for identification.
Other Equipment:
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.
Long rod stabilizer – From 29 to 36 inches long, it balances and stabilizes the bow when raised.
Side rod stabilizers – From 18 to 12 inches long, these also balance and stabilize the bow when raised.
Grip – Where you hold the bow.
Riser – The handle of the bow, and the foundation that supports all other elements. The side facing the target is the back of the bow. The side near the string is the front.
Limb – The part of the bow from the handle to the tip. A limb can have a draw weight of 15 to 51 pounds.
Clicker – Helps an archer release at the same spot during the draw process.
Quiver – A ground quiver, or a quiver worn by the shooter or attached to the bow, must be used to hold arrows.
Arm guard – used to protect the forearm from getting hit by the string.
Finger Tab – Protects the tips of the String hand while drawing the bow.
Archery Styles:
Target Archery – In target archery you shoot at round multi-colored targets. Shooting at distances vary from 18 meters (indoor) to 90 meters (outdoor), with target sizes being 40 or 60 centimeters for indoors and either 80 or 122 centimeters for outdoors. The targets have five colors with each color being divided into 2 to provide 10 scoring zones. The innermost ring is given a value of 10 points, down to the outermost ring with a value of 1 point. Target rounds involve shooting a set number of arrows from one or several distances.
Field Archery – Field archery is a challenging outdoor discipline in which the archer takes on the terrain as well as the target. It is a course set up in a brush/ land setting taking advantage of hills, slopes, angles and light and shade. Field archery rounds involves walking a course and stopping to shot a set number of arrows over varying distances at large foam targets that resemble familiar shapes or other target butts.
3-D Archery – 3-D archery is a subset of Field archery. It utilizes life-sized models of game animals and is popular with hunters. It is a course set up in a brush/ land setting taking advantage of hills, slopes, angles and light and shade. 3-D archery rounds involves walking a course and stopping to shot a set number of arrows over varying distances at foam animal targets.
Clout Archery – Clout archery is derived from medieval warfare where archers would lob arrows onto the advancing army. In Clout a target measuring 15 meters is diameter is marked on the ground, with a triangular marker placed at its center. The archer’s task is to lob arrows into this ground-target from distances up to 180 meter distances.
Flight Archery — In flight archery the aim is to shoot the greatest distance; accuracy or penetrating power are not relevant. Flight archery relies on the finest in performance equipment, optimized for the single purpose of greater range.
Sky Archery — An event very similar to the sport of biathlon except a recurve bow is used in place of a gun. The athletes ski around a cross-country track and there are two stances in which the athlete must shoot the targets: kneeling and standing. During competition the skis must not be removed at any time. The athlete may unfasten the ski when shooting in the kneeling position but must keep the foot in contact with the ski. The shooting distance is 18 meters and the targets 16 cm in diameter. In certain events, for every missed target, the athlete must ski one penalty loop. The loop is 150 meters long.
Other Terms:
ATA/AMO standards – The Archery Trade Association, formerly known as the Archery Manufacturer and Merchant’s Organization, (AMO) is a non-profit trade organization for the promotion of archery and bowhunting through sale of equipment, projects in archery education, the standardization of equipment measures, and the sponsorship of events. It includes manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other companies associated with these industries.
FITA — The international governing body of archery is the International Archery Federation (FITA). Founded on the 4th of September, 1931 in Lwow, Poland, by seven countries (France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, the United States, Hungary, and Italy), FITA serves to promote and regulate archery world-wide through its more than 140 Member Associations (National Federations or Associations) and in conformity with the Olympic principles. It aims at framing and interpreting the FITA Rules and arranging for the organization of World Championships and other international competitions.
ASA — Since its inception in 1993 the Archery Shooters Association, headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia, has hosted tens of thousands of amateur and professional archers from across the United States in national ASA Pro/Am and ASA Federation competitions.
USA Archery – The governing body for Olympic archery in the USA.
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QUEST –
visit a local PRO SHOP
visit a local ARCHERY CLUB
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While participating in a local INTRO PROGRAM (maybe at summer camp, a school class like NASP, scouts or another youth program) or at your local archery club or pro shop.
You will need an adult witness – like your counselor, instructor or parent.
Once you have shot and tallied your scorecard, they will sign off as evidence it was performed.
Then you shoot a digital picture of you and them holding the scorecard – this photo is emailed in.
SHOOT – This is the fun stuff! Every award in the ARCHERS QUEST progression is shot at a standard distance at each level. You will shoot 30 arrows (usually six ends or 5 arrows) for a potential max score of 300 points! You need 210 or more to pass to the next level. You may choose to shoot the indoor or outdoor (or both) to qualify. You may be anxious about how to fill out the scorecard, but the counselor will be happy to help.
One of the unique things about this program is that it anticipates your evolution in skill and equipment. Right now, you may be borrowing a simple barebow from a program, say summer camp. You will be shooting outdoors mostly, but later you may be shooting a NASP program at school indoors with standard Genesis equipment. No problem. As you move through venue and equipment, we have a plan. The target size stays the same depending on equipment used (barebow-largest target, pin sights on a bow- smaller target, advanced bows with scope sights-get handi-capped with a tiny target… but everyone shoots from the same distance indoors or outdoors. Distances get longer (harder) as the program continues!
5M indoors/10M outdoors score 210+
Barebow 80cm target/122cm target, standard World Archery 5-color ring target
Pins 60cm/80cm
Open 40cm/60cm
(add picture of a completed scorecard)
(need printable QUEST CARD with scorecard on it)