CLASSIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
Classifications are important to all archers because they are the best indication of where you are in terms of scoring ability and provide a benchmark for levels of improvement.
There are various classification levels shown in the table below working downwards, with Grand Master Bowman at the highest classification level.
To gain a classification you need to shoot scores that meet that classification level. The highest two classifications, Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman, can only be achieved with scores achieved at record status competitions. Once you achieve a classification you cannot go back and claim a lower one.
You can hold different classifications for different bow types, but you can only hold your classification for the calendar year in which you shot your qualifying scores. You must re-qualify each year to maintain it.
Collect the correct classification sheet at the club.
REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR CLASSIFICATIONS
PLEASE NOTE: Indoor classfication require different numbers of arrows, see Example 3 below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All classifications and awards must be scored as in a competition.
Archer classifications and other awards can be achieved at any club session.
Bowmen classifications can only be achieved at Competitions, Club Target Days, friendly matches or any other event in line with rule 304 [to read go to DOCUMENTS]. It does not need to be too formal, but as a guideline it should be an event organised in advance, with multiple people taking part and with rules around practice and scoring being followed as if it were a competition.
Club Target Days
For the reasons above during the summer season Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoon sessions at BCCB are to be designated as Club target days. During the winter season Friday and Sunday afternoons are to be designated as Club Target Days. This does not change the sessions for anyone not wishing to do a classification score. This is the advanced notice required for a Club Target Day.
Scoring
You need at least 3 people scoring for a Bowmen classification .
You must NOT write down your own score. This covers the rule about multiple people taking part and it being competitive. Any award that you go for must never be scored by you, the archer, going for the award.
You need to follow competition rules on starting and progressing through the scoring.
These are as follows:
> You can only have six sighter arrows before you start scoring and only at the longest distance. You can not shoot several ends until you are scoring well and then start to score.
> You must continue to shoot all ends of the round without taking a break or not scoring a poor end.
> As above, you must not score your own arrows and you must get the score sheet signed by the scorer.
> The target distance must be accurate. It is not good enough to sight the position from one measuring line in the centre of the range, you need to check the distance with the measuring tape kept in the competition cupboard and measure from your position on the shooting line.
> You can’t stop shooting a round and then complete the score at another session, if you can’t complete a score you must start from the beginning again at the next session.
HOW TO DO IT
EXAMPLE 1
I am 55, male and I want to get an outdoor 3rd class Archer classification outdoors and I shoot with a recurve bow.
Start by clicking on the ‘Official Outdoor Classification and Handicaps Tables Archery GB‘ box below, this will take you to a set of tables on the Archery GB website.
Select ‘Outdoor Classification Tables: Recurve‘.
On the table scroll down to ‘50+ Men‘.
Look down the left side ‘Imperial Rounds‘
In order to achieve an Archer 3rd Classification there are various options e.g. for a National 40 you need to shoot 4 dozen arrows [8 ends] at 40 years and 2 dozen arrows [4 ends] at 30 yards and score 367 or more.
You need to do this two times for the classification [12 dozen arrows in total].
EXAMPLE 2
I am 24, female and I want to get an outdoor 2nd class Bowman classification outdoors and I shoot with a recurve bow.
Start by clicking on the ‘Official Indoor Classification and Handicaps Tables Archery GB‘ box below, this will take you to a set of tables on the Archery GB website.
Select ‘Outdoor Classification Tables: Recurve‘.
On the table scroll down to ‘Recurve Women‘.
Look down the left side ‘Imperial Rounds‘
In order to achieve an Bowman 2nd Classification there are various options e.g. for a Albion you need to shoot 3 dozen arrows [6 ends] at 80 yards, 3 dozen arrows [6 ends] at 60 yards and 3 dozen arrows [6 ends] at 50 yards score and 711 or more.
You need to do this three times for the classification [18 dozen arrows in total].
EXAMPLE 3
I am 15, male and I want to get an indoor 2nd class Archer classification indoors and I shoot with a recurve bow.
Start by clicking on the ‘Official Indoor Classification and Handicaps Tables Archery GB‘ box below, this will take you to a set of tables on the Archery GB website.
On the table scroll down to ‘Under 16 Men‘.
In order to achieve an Archer 2nd Classification there are various options e.g. for a Portsmouth you need to shoot 5 dozen arrows [20 ends of 3 arrows per end] at 20 yards and score 260 or more.
You need to do this two times for the classification [10 dozen arrows in total].