2025 NFAA Board of Directors Meeting Highlights

The NFAA Board of Directors convened for its 2025 bi-annual meeting to review ongoing initiatives, adopt key policy and rule changes, and approve new programs aimed at advancing participation and development across all levels of archery. The meeting reflected a strong focus on growth, modernization, and collaboration within the sport.

Competition and Rule Updates

The Board of Directors approved several important competition rule changes and updates. These include, but are not limited to the following:

Creation of a new Modern Bowhunter Freestyle division in all age categories, allowing movable sights and stabilizers up to 18 inches.
Addition of the Pro Chairman seat to the NFAA Council.
Renaming of the Barebow style to Barebow Compound to reduce confusion during tournament registration.
Removal of the requirement for Juniors to remain in an older age division once they have moved up.
New Professional Division qualification requirements based on previous national placement rather than qualifying score.
Removal of the Crossbow shooting style as mandatory at national events and elimination of the Master Senior Professional Division, both due to low participation.
Updated tie-breaker procedures for amateur divisions at the NFAA Marked 3D National Championships.
Establishment of a Competition Committee to guide the creation and modification of NFAA rounds, particularly Field rounds, in response to member needs and evolving equipment.
Clarified Longbow equipment rules that now include defined parameters for bows and accessories.
Assignment of target size requirements by age and shooting style for the NFAA Classic 600 Round, ensuring consistency across events.

nfaa Program & event Updates

Next Shot Initiative: Approved for a 3-year Easton Foundations grant with a potential extension. The program bridges the gap between introductory and recreational archery and long-term participation, creating a sustainable pathway from casual interest to lifelong involvement. It connects new archers with local clubs, shops, and state associations through mentorship and collaboration with outdoor and archery organizations. Dedicated outreach staff will develop programs and partnerships to strengthen these connections and address the drop-off between youth and lifelong archers.

Grow the Line Mentorship Program:
Grow the Line is a mentorship program to work into the Next Shot Initiative. At the 2026 Vegas Shoot, registration discounts are available for “Mentors” and “Rookies” who sign up to be part of the program. By equipping Mentors with accurate information, the program aims to improve the experience for new participants and increase retention. Long- term goals include expanding the program to additional NFAA events to strengthen the archery community nationwide.

Shooter of the Year:
Working to implement a new Shooter of the Year program for 2026 to increase participation at both national and sectional events. All NFAA and NFAA Foundation events, including sectionals, are now included in the NFAA Shooter of the Year program along with expanded awards for each shooting style. Goal is to grow the program and number or participants.

National Series: National Series was added to Sectionals. All sectional results are combined for Indoor and Outdoor to award overall National Series Champions in each division. While promotion remains a priority since many archers are still unaware of its inclusion, early feedback on the addition has been very positive.

Youth & Collegiate Focus:

Fifteen $500 Sectional Travel Scholarships awarded in 2024 to juniors advancing to national events.
Collegiate divisions added to national and sectional events to strengthen post-high school retention.

Judge Certification Program:
The Judge Certification Program launched in 2024. Andy Neville recently hired as Judge Training Coordinator to create national judge training and continuing education to expand the NFAA judge database and standardize judging across all levels.

Event Sanctioning Update (NEAT Program):
Transitioning from “Pro Sanction” to Nationally Endorsed Archery Tournament (NEAT) designation, offering calendar placement and marketing benefits for approved events.

Archery Magazine:
Transition to a quarterly digital magazine with an annual printed commemorative Yearbook received positive feedback.