Article I

A.        Terms:

1.         Round – Prescribed number of targets for the game being shot.

2.         Stake – Shooting position.

3.         Target – Target face.

4.         Target butt – Any object against which the target is placed.

5.         Shot – This term in connection with the stake number, i.e., “4th shot”, shall be used in referring to the different shots on any course.

6.         Spot – Aiming center.

7.         Inside Out – A scoring term describing an arrow that does not touch the outer separating line of the applicable scoring area.

8.         Timber – Warning call to other archers who may be in danger zone, announcing that you are ready to shoot.

9.         Stabilizer – A device extending away from the archer (back of the bow).

10.       Counterbalance – A device extending parallel to or toward the archer (face of the bow).

11.       String dampening device – A device made to stop the forward motion of the string.

12.       Chronograph – An electronic device used for the measurement of arrow speed.

13.       Bow scale – A device used for the measurement of peak draw weight.

B.         Definitions:

1.         Style – Refers to the type of shooting equipment used by the archer, i.e., Freestyle, Freestyle Limited, Barebow, Bowhunter Freestyle, Freestyle Limited Recurve,  Traditional, Barebow Recurve, or Longbow.

2.         Division – Refers to the separation of competitive archers by category, i.e., Professional, Senior Professional, Master Senior, Silver Senior, Senior, Adult, Young Adult, Youth and Cub. Note: All divisions are available for both male and female.

3.         Class and/or Flight – Refers to the separation of competitive archers according to skill level.

4.         Scratch Score – Refers to an archer’s score before it has been adjusted by his/her handicap.

5.         Net Score – Refers to an archer’s score after his/her scratch score has been adjusted by his/her handicap.

6.         Handicap – Refers to the number of artificial points an archer receives to adjust his/her scoring ability to the common level of perfect.

7.         Handicap Differential – Refers to the difference between an archer’s scratch score and perfect.

8.         Guest Competitor and Guest Participant. Guest Competitor – Refers to an NFAA member shooting at an event outside of their respective State or Section.  Guest Participant – Refers to non-NFAA member archers who may participate in sectional tournaments, state NFAA tournaments including the mandated NFAA indoor and outdoor state championships but who may not win awards nor claim titles such as “champion”.  Non-NFAA member participants shall participate while observing all NFAA tournament requirements, rules and regulations.  There will be no guest division, style, or class.  Guest participants will not be listed on the scoreboard or tournament report other than the report will state the number of guest participants but no reference to names or scores.  Sections and states have the option to honor the guest participant section of this item.

9.         Age – An archer’s age will be determined by their actual birth date and their physical age as of the first day of their competition in any tournament.

10.       Incomplete – When an archer does not complete required number of ends or targets in a tournament.

C.         Targets:

1.         They shall not be placed over any other larger targets nor shall there be any marks on the target butt or foreground that could be used as points of aim. 

2.         All target butts must be so placed that the full face is exposed to the shooter. 

3.         In all National and Sectional tournaments using official NFAA rounds, the following target configuration shall be used according to the target diameter:

20 cm. target faces: Sixteen target faces shall be used for the 35/30/25/20 foot and the 11 yard shots. The target butt shall be constructed to hold the targets in a 4 by 4 configuration.

35 cm. target faces: Four 35 cm. target faces shall be used. The target butt shall be constructed to hold the targets in a 2 by 2 configuration.

50 cm. target faces: Two target faces shall be used for the 35-yard fan (Field rounds) and 36-yard fan (Hunter rounds). The target butt shall be constructed to hold the targets either side-by side or one above the other.

65 cm. target face: One target shall be used.

4.         In all National and Sectional tournaments using official NFAA rounds where Group 4 Animal faces are specified, four Group 4 Animal faces will be used and the target butt shall be so constructed as to encompass the targets in a 2 by 2 configuration. The four faces presented shall be of the same design. Where Group 3 Animal faces are specified, two Group 3 Animal faces will be used, either side-by side or one above the other. The two faces presented shall be the same design. 

5.         An archer shall not deface his/her target in any manner to include punching a hole, enhancing the X or any other portion of the target in an effort to gain sighting/aiming advantage. Any target so defaced shall be removed by the tournament chairman. Repeated offense shall be grounds for removal of the offender from the tournament. Note: The tournament chairman may have the archer’s name placed on the target, as in indoor tournaments, however, the name will not be on or in the scoring area of the target.

D.        Shooting Positions:

1.         Yardage shall be shown for all shooting position stakes.

2.         It shall be permissible to use two or more shooting position stakes at any or all one-position targets, provided the stakes are equidistant from the target.

3.         All shooting positions shall be plainly visible. When ground level markers are used in place of traditional stakes, a sign should be posted listing the various positions for each target.

E.         Conduct & Disciplinary Actions:

1.        No alcoholic beverages or controlled substance (drugs) may be carried or consumed on any range or practice area during shooting hours at any NFAA sanctioned or owned tournament.  Anyone caught breaking this rule will be immediately disqualified and not allowed to complete the tournament.

2.        Littering the grounds of any tournament will not be permitted.  Host will provide trash receptacles.  Please keep our ranges clean.

3.        Un-sportsmanlike conduct on the ranges or tournament grounds will not be tolerated.

4.        A competitor not following the established tournament rules, improper conduct, or creating a safety hazard, may be disqualified immediately.  Disciplinary actions from warnings to disqualifications are at the Tournament Chairman’s discretion.  

5.        Verbal abuse or slander directed toward a Tournament Official while conducting their duties will result in immediate disqualification of the shooter from the tournament.

6.        Any disqualifications of a competitor should be documented in a written report that is signed by the Tournament Chairman, following the completion of the day’s events.  The report will be available for review by the Tournament Committee. 

F.         The use of personal stereo or radio equipment for music or self-coaching is not permitted while on the shooting line in competition (or official practice).


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