BOWSTYLES
201. Introduction and General Rules The recognised bowstyles are given below. Additional information is also provided where necessary within the Rules for each separate archery discipline. The following general rules apply to all bowstyles:
(a) Visual Aids.
(i) Field glasses, telescopes and other visual aids may be used for spotting arrows.
(ii) Prescription spectacles or shooting spectacles, provided they are fitted with the same lenses normally worn by the archer, and sun glasses may be used. The glass of the non-sighting eye may be fully covered or taped, or an eye patch may be used.
(iii) No visual aid may be fitted with microhole lenses, or similar devices, nor marked in any way which can assist in aiming.
(b) Accessories. Accessories are permitted such as limb savers, bracer, dress shield, bowsling, belt or ground quiver, and tassel. Foot markers are also permitted but must not protrude above the ground more than one centimetre.
(c) Broad-head, edged, bodkin, silver spoon and any other large diameter arrow piles are not permitted.
(d) An archer’s equipment must not represent an undue obstacle to other archers on the shooting line.
202. Recurve (Freestyle) The following items are permitted:
(a) Bow
(i) A bow of any type provided it subscribes to the accepted principle and meaning of the word bow as used in archery, e.g., an instrument consisting of a handle(grip), riser (no shoot through type) and two flexible limbs each ending in a tip with a string nock.
(ii) The bow is braced for use by a single string attached directly between the two string nocks only, and in operation is held in one hand by its handle (grip) while the fingers of the other hand draw, hold back and release the string.
(iii) Multi coloured bow risers and trademarks located on the inside of the upper limb are permitted.
(b) Bowstring
(i) A bowstring of any number of strands that may be of different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose with a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers, a nocking point to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary, and to locate this point, one or two nock locators may be positioned, and at each end of the bowstring a loop to be placed in the string nocks of the bow when braced.
(ii) In addition one attachment is permitted on the string to serve as a lip or nose mark. The serving on the string must not end within the archer’s vision at full draw. The bowstring must in no way offer aid in aiming through a peephole, marking or any other means.
(c) Arrowrest
(i) An arrowrest, which can be adjustable, any moveable pressure button, pressure point or arrowplate may all be used on the bow provided they are not electric or electronic and do not offer any additional aid in aiming.
(ii) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 4cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow.
(d) Draw Check Indicator A draw check indicator, audible and/or visual, other than electric or electronic, may be used.
(e) Bowsight A bowsight for aiming is permitted, but at no time may more than one such device be used. A bowsight attached to the bow for the purpose of aiming which may
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allow for windage adjustment as well as elevation setting is subject to the following provisions:
(i) It shall not incorporate a prism or lens or any other magnifying device, leveling or electric or electronic devices nor shall it provide for more than one sighting point. The sight point may be a fibre optic sight pin.
(ii) A bowsight extension is permitted.
(f) Stabilizers and Torque Flight Compensators. Stabilizers and torque flight compensators on the bow are permitted provided they do not:
(i) Serve as a string guide;
(ii) Touch anything but the bow;
(g) Arrows.
(i) Arrows of any type may be used provided they subscribe to the accepted principle and meaning of the word arrow as used in archery, and that such arrows do not cause undue damage to target faces or buttresses. The maximum diameter of the arrow shaft shall not exceed 9.3mm.
(ii) An arrow consists of a shaft with head (point or pile), nock, fletching and, if desired, cresting. The arrows of each competitor shall be marked on the shaft with the competitor’s name or initials and all arrows used for the same end of 3 or 6 arrows shall carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(h) Hand Protection.
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, or shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted, provided that such protection does not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow and/or a platform tab may be used.
(iii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
203. FITA Standard Bow The FITA Standard Bow is a simplified form of the recurve bow and is fully described in FITA Constitution & Rules.
204. Recurve Barebow Recurve Barebow is generally as described for Recurve (Freestyle) in Rule 202 with the following variations:
(a) Bow
(i) The bow must be bare, except for items mentioned below, and free from protrusions, marks, blemishes or laminated pieces which could be of use in aiming. Multi-coloured risers are permitted.
(ii) Integrally fitted torque flight compensators are permitted provided that they are not fitted with stabilizers. Weights may be added to the lower part of the riser. All weights, regardless of shape, must mount directly to the riser without rods, extensions, angular mounting connections or shock absorbing devices.
(b) Bowstring. There shall be no attachment on the string to serve as a lip or nose mark.
(c) Arrowrest. The pressure point shall be placed no further than 2cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow
(d) Exclusions. Recurve barebow archers may not use:
(i) Sights.
(ii) Draw check indicator.
(iii) Stabilizers.
205. Recurve Traditional The Recurve Traditional is generally as described for Recurve Barebow in Rule 204 but with the following variations:
(a) Arrows. Arrow shafts shall be made of wood but with no limit as to maximum diameter. Fletchings shall be of natural feather; metallic piles and plastic nocks may be used.
(b) Arrowrest. The arrowrest must not be adjustable. A pressure button is not permitted
(c) Shooting Style. Archers must adhere to one anchor point and one finger position on the
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string throughout a tournament.
206. Longbow
(a) Bow. The bow shall be the traditional longbow made from wood, either “self”, “backed”, or “laminated” with cambered (stacked) belly and horn nocks. With the exception of the “self” bow, each limb of the bow shall form a single simple curve from the handle to the nock when at full draw. The bow shall be not less than five feet in length for an arrow of less than 27 inches and; not less than five feet six inches in length for a 27” or longer arrow, this being measured along the back between the string nocks. At no point shall the depth of the bow, measured from back to belly, be less than 5/8 (five eighths) of the width of the bow at the same section. The bow may carry no support for the arrow. Bows of bamboo, constructed in conformity with the above, shall be permitted.
(b) String. The string may be of either natural or man-made substance, and may, if desired, embody a “kisser” at any point as required to facilitate a consistent draw position, but for no other purpose.
(c) Sights and Ground Markers. A sight, as such, is not permitted but one of the following may be used:
(i) A mark on the bow limb.
(ii) A rubber band of no more than 1/8” in depth and thickness.
(iii) A ground marker of any design provided it does not exceed a height from the ground of 6 inches or a diameter of 3 inches or impede any other archer.
(d) Arrows. Arrows shall have wooden steles (shafts), shall be fitted with feather fletchings, and may have either horn-reinforced, self or applied nocks. There is no limit to the maximum shaft diameter. The pile shall not exceed the diameter of the shaft at the point of fitment. Shouldered piles, whilst not disallowed, should be avoided because of excess damage to targets. Arrows shall be properly marked, so that there shall be no difficulty in claiming them.
(e) Hand Protection
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, or shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted, provided that such protection does not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow and/or a platform tab may be used. An extension so as to provide a greater angle, prior to release, other than that achieved by the use of a normal tab, glove or other form of finger protection, is not permitted.
(iii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
206A American Flatbow
(a) Bow. The bow shall correspond to the traditional form of a longbow which means that when strung the string may not touch any other part of the bow but the string nocks. The bow may be made from any material or combination of material. The shape of the grip is not restricted. Centre shot is allowed. For women the bow will not be less than 150 cm in length, for men the bow will be not less than 160 cm in length – this length being measured on a strung bow between the string nocks all along the outside of the limbs. No weights, stabilisers or torque flight compensators are allowed
(b) String. The bow string may comprise of any number of strands which may be different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose. The string may have a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers, a single nocking point to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary, and to locate this point 1 or 2 nock locators may be positioned and at each end of the bowstring a loop to be placed in the string nocks of the bow when braced. The serving on the string must not end within the athlete’s vision at full draw. The bowstring must not in any way assist aiming through the use of a peephole, marking, or any other means. No lip or nose mark is permitted. String silencers are permitted provided they are located no closer than 30 cm from the nocking point.
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(c) Arrowrest. If the bow has an arrow shelf, that shelf may be used as an arrowrest and it may be covered with any type of soft material. No other types of rest will be allowed. No drawcheck device may be used.
(d) Sight and Point of Aim. No sight or sightmark on the bow that help aiming or any other artificial point of aim is allowed.
(e) Arrows. Arrows shall have wooden shafts fitted with points of the field type or bullet, conical or cone shaped meant for wooden arrows. Only natural feathers will be used as fletching. Cresting may be applied. The maximum diameter of arrow shafts will not exceed 9.3mm; the points for these arrows may have a maximum diameter of 9.4mm. All arrows must be marked with the archer’s name or initials on the shaft. All arrows used at any end will carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(f) Hand Protection. Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted.
(i) The finger protection must not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) An anchor plate or similar device attached to the finger protection (tab) for the purpose of anchoring is not permitted.
(ii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but must not be attached to the grip.
207. Compound (Unlimited) The following equipment is described. All types of additional devices, unless they are electric or electronic, are permitted:
(a) Bow.
(i) A bow, (which may be of a shoot through type) where a mechanical advantage is obtained, eg by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices. The peak draw weight must not exceed 60 lbs.
(ii) The bow is braced for use by bowstring(s) attached directly between the two string nocks of the bow limbs, or attached to the bow cables, as may be applicable to the particular design. Cable guards are permitted.
(iii) The bow must be free and held in the hand.
(b) Bowstring.
(i) A bowstring of any number of strands that may be of different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose, with a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers or release aid.
(ii) A nocking point may be fitted to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary. To locate this point one or two nock locators may be fitted.
(iii) In addition attachments are permitted on the string such as a lip or nose mark, a peephole (which must be secured to the string), a peephole ‘hold in line’ device, loop bowstring, etc.
(c) Arrowrest.
(i) An arrowrest, which can be adjustable, any moveable pressure button, pressure point or arrow plate, may all be used on the bow provided that they are not electric or electronic.
(ii) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 6cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point of the bow).
(d) Draw Check Indicators Draw check indicators, audible and/or visual, other than electric or electronic, may be used.
(e) Bowsight A bowsight attached to the bow, which may allow for windage adjustment as well as elevation setting which may also incorporate a leveling device, and/or magnifying lenses and/or prisms. A bowsight extension is permitted. Electric or electronic devices are not permitted. The sight point may be a fibre optic sight pin.
(f) Stabilizers and Torque Flight Compensators Stabilizers and torque flight compensators, provided that they do not:
(i) Serve as a string guide;
(ii) Touch anything but the bow;
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(g) Arrows
(i) Arrows of any type may be used provided they subscribe to the accepted principle and meaning of the word arrow as used in Archery, and that such arrows do not cause undue damage to target faces or buttresses. The maximum diameter of an arrow shaft shall not exceed 9.3mm.
(ii) An arrow consists of a shaft with head (point or pile), nock, fletching and, if desired, cresting. The arrows of each competitor shall be marked on the shaft with the competitor’s name or initials and all arrows used for the same end of 3 or 6 arrows shall carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(h) Hand Protection.
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow may be used. An anchor plate or similar device attached to the finger protection (tab) for the purpose of anchoring is permitted.
(iii) A release aid that must not be attached in any way to the bow nor incorporate electric or electronic devices may be used.
(iv) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
208. Compound Limited The Compound Limited is generally as described for Compound Unlimited in Rule 207 but with the following variations:
(a) The string must be drawn, held back and released by the fingers of one hand.
(b) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 4cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow.
(c) The bowsight must not incorporate magnifying lenses or prisms (ie a scope). A level and a peephole are allowed.
(d) Multipin sights are allowed, except for archers shooting for FITA Awards.
209 Compound Barebow The Compound Barebow is generally as described for Compound Limited in Rule 208 but with the following further variations:
(a) The bow must be bare, except for the arrowrest and one stabilizer (see (c) below), and free from protrusions, marks, blemishes or laminated pieces which could be of use in aiming.
(b) Although multi-coloured strings are permitted, there shall be no additional markings or attachments on the string which could be of use in aiming.
(c) One stabilizer no longer than 30.5cm (12”) overall may be fitted.
210. Crossbow
(a) A crossbow stock may be made from any safe material and must be fitted with a mechanical trigger. Prods, which may be made of any material except metal, shall not exceed 900mm in length when the crossbow is strung.
(b) The draw weight at the string latch shall be no more than 95lbs (43 kg). The draw weight and draw length must be clearly marked on the prod. The clean draw length, measured from the string to the string latch shall be no more than 300mm
(c) The bow must be fitted with a bolt retaining clip.
(d) A string may be made of any non-metallic material.
(e) Bolts may be made of any material and of such design as not to cause unreasonable damage to the target. Bolt length is minimum 12 inches, maximum 15 inches. Three fletchings, feather or plastic, shall be fitted.
(f) Telescopic or magnifying sights are not allowed.
(g) The following are permitted:
(i) Foot stirrups attached to the bow.
(ii) Stabilizers.
(iii) Palm rest.
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(iv) A butt hook that does not rest directly on top of the shoulder and is no more than 150mm in length.
(h) The length between the back sight and the front sight shall not exceed 720mm.
(j) All crossbows must be drawn by hand. The use of cocking aids, gloves or fingerstalls is not permitted.
(k) Pistol crossbows are not permitted.
(l) Crossbow and the Law. When travelling on public transport or walking in a public thoroughfare it is essential that the prod be removed and the stock and prod be carried in a case or cover.
211. Conventional Flight Bows
(a) Any bow, other than a crossbow, which is constructed so that there is no mechanical advantage obtained by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices.
(b) The following may be used:
(i) Keyhole bows, forward handles and overdraws.
(ii) A six-gold ring and a flipper or strap. A flipper is made from pieces of leather and/or rubber that wrap in opposite directions around the string.
(iii) Handheld non-mechanical release aid. No mechanical release aid may be used other than the flipper as defined above
(iv) Hand protection as defined in 202(h), or other held non-mechanical release aids.
(v) Block, sipur and angle measuring device.
212. Compound Flight Bow. Bows so constructed that a mechanical advantage is obtained by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices.
(a) The weight of the bow shall not exceed 60 lbs measured at the break over point or position of normally drawn bow at which the bow’s maximum poundage is achieved.
(b) Keyhole type bows, forward handles and angle measuring device are permitted.
(c) Overdraws are permitted but no overdraw shall allow the point of the arrow to be drawn further back than the brace height of the bow.
(d) Any release aid used must be handheld.
213. Competition Between Bowstyles
(a) Bows that are recognised in Rules 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 and 206A may not be used in direct competition with bows recognised in Rules 207, 208 and 209. Competition on a handicap basis is not regarded as direct competition.
(b) Crossbowmen using bows recognised in Rules 210 shall shoot on separate targets from other archers and not compete with them.
201. Introduction and General Rules The recognised bowstyles are given below. Additional information is also provided where necessary within the Rules for each separate archery discipline. The following general rules apply to all bowstyles:
(a) Visual Aids.
(i) Field glasses, telescopes and other visual aids may be used for spotting arrows.
(ii) Prescription spectacles or shooting spectacles, provided they are fitted with the same lenses normally worn by the archer, and sun glasses may be used. The glass of the non-sighting eye may be fully covered or taped, or an eye patch may be used.
(iii) No visual aid may be fitted with microhole lenses, or similar devices, nor marked in any way which can assist in aiming.
(b) Accessories. Accessories are permitted such as limb savers, bracer, dress shield, bowsling, belt or ground quiver, and tassel. Foot markers are also permitted but must not protrude above the ground more than one centimetre.
(c) Broad-head, edged, bodkin, silver spoon and any other large diameter arrow piles are not permitted.
(d) An archer’s equipment must not represent an undue obstacle to other archers on the shooting line.
202. Recurve (Freestyle) The following items are permitted:
(a) Bow
(i) A bow of any type provided it subscribes to the accepted principle and meaning of the word bow as used in archery, e.g., an instrument consisting of a handle(grip), riser (no shoot through type) and two flexible limbs each ending in a tip with a string nock.
(ii) The bow is braced for use by a single string attached directly between the two string nocks only, and in operation is held in one hand by its handle (grip) while the fingers of the other hand draw, hold back and release the string.
(iii) Multi coloured bow risers and trademarks located on the inside of the upper limb are permitted.
(b) Bowstring
(i) A bowstring of any number of strands that may be of different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose with a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers, a nocking point to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary, and to locate this point, one or two nock locators may be positioned, and at each end of the bowstring a loop to be placed in the string nocks of the bow when braced.
(ii) In addition one attachment is permitted on the string to serve as a lip or nose mark. The serving on the string must not end within the archer’s vision at full draw. The bowstring must in no way offer aid in aiming through a peephole, marking or any other means.
(c) Arrowrest
(i) An arrowrest, which can be adjustable, any moveable pressure button, pressure point or arrowplate may all be used on the bow provided they are not electric or electronic and do not offer any additional aid in aiming.
(ii) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 4cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow.
(d) Draw Check Indicator A draw check indicator, audible and/or visual, other than electric or electronic, may be used.
(e) Bowsight A bowsight for aiming is permitted, but at no time may more than one such device be used. A bowsight attached to the bow for the purpose of aiming which may
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allow for windage adjustment as well as elevation setting is subject to the following provisions:
(i) It shall not incorporate a prism or lens or any other magnifying device, leveling or electric or electronic devices nor shall it provide for more than one sighting point. The sight point may be a fibre optic sight pin.
(ii) A bowsight extension is permitted.
(f) Stabilizers and Torque Flight Compensators. Stabilizers and torque flight compensators on the bow are permitted provided they do not:
(i) Serve as a string guide;
(ii) Touch anything but the bow;
(g) Arrows.
(i) Arrows of any type may be used provided they subscribe to the accepted principle and meaning of the word arrow as used in archery, and that such arrows do not cause undue damage to target faces or buttresses. The maximum diameter of the arrow shaft shall not exceed 9.3mm.
(ii) An arrow consists of a shaft with head (point or pile), nock, fletching and, if desired, cresting. The arrows of each competitor shall be marked on the shaft with the competitor’s name or initials and all arrows used for the same end of 3 or 6 arrows shall carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(h) Hand Protection.
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, or shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted, provided that such protection does not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow and/or a platform tab may be used.
(iii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
203. FITA Standard Bow The FITA Standard Bow is a simplified form of the recurve bow and is fully described in FITA Constitution & Rules.
204. Recurve Barebow Recurve Barebow is generally as described for Recurve (Freestyle) in Rule 202 with the following variations:
(a) Bow
(i) The bow must be bare, except for items mentioned below, and free from protrusions, marks, blemishes or laminated pieces which could be of use in aiming. Multi-coloured risers are permitted.
(ii) Integrally fitted torque flight compensators are permitted provided that they are not fitted with stabilizers. Weights may be added to the lower part of the riser. All weights, regardless of shape, must mount directly to the riser without rods, extensions, angular mounting connections or shock absorbing devices.
(b) Bowstring. There shall be no attachment on the string to serve as a lip or nose mark.
(c) Arrowrest. The pressure point shall be placed no further than 2cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow
(d) Exclusions. Recurve barebow archers may not use:
(i) Sights.
(ii) Draw check indicator.
(iii) Stabilizers.
205. Recurve Traditional The Recurve Traditional is generally as described for Recurve Barebow in Rule 204 but with the following variations:
(a) Arrows. Arrow shafts shall be made of wood but with no limit as to maximum diameter. Fletchings shall be of natural feather; metallic piles and plastic nocks may be used.
(b) Arrowrest. The arrowrest must not be adjustable. A pressure button is not permitted
(c) Shooting Style. Archers must adhere to one anchor point and one finger position on the
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string throughout a tournament.
206. Longbow
(a) Bow. The bow shall be the traditional longbow made from wood, either “self”, “backed”, or “laminated” with cambered (stacked) belly and horn nocks. With the exception of the “self” bow, each limb of the bow shall form a single simple curve from the handle to the nock when at full draw. The bow shall be not less than five feet in length for an arrow of less than 27 inches and; not less than five feet six inches in length for a 27” or longer arrow, this being measured along the back between the string nocks. At no point shall the depth of the bow, measured from back to belly, be less than 5/8 (five eighths) of the width of the bow at the same section. The bow may carry no support for the arrow. Bows of bamboo, constructed in conformity with the above, shall be permitted.
(b) String. The string may be of either natural or man-made substance, and may, if desired, embody a “kisser” at any point as required to facilitate a consistent draw position, but for no other purpose.
(c) Sights and Ground Markers. A sight, as such, is not permitted but one of the following may be used:
(i) A mark on the bow limb.
(ii) A rubber band of no more than 1/8” in depth and thickness.
(iii) A ground marker of any design provided it does not exceed a height from the ground of 6 inches or a diameter of 3 inches or impede any other archer.
(d) Arrows. Arrows shall have wooden steles (shafts), shall be fitted with feather fletchings, and may have either horn-reinforced, self or applied nocks. There is no limit to the maximum shaft diameter. The pile shall not exceed the diameter of the shaft at the point of fitment. Shouldered piles, whilst not disallowed, should be avoided because of excess damage to targets. Arrows shall be properly marked, so that there shall be no difficulty in claiming them.
(e) Hand Protection
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, or shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted, provided that such protection does not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow and/or a platform tab may be used. An extension so as to provide a greater angle, prior to release, other than that achieved by the use of a normal tab, glove or other form of finger protection, is not permitted.
(iii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
206A American Flatbow
(a) Bow. The bow shall correspond to the traditional form of a longbow which means that when strung the string may not touch any other part of the bow but the string nocks. The bow may be made from any material or combination of material. The shape of the grip is not restricted. Centre shot is allowed. For women the bow will not be less than 150 cm in length, for men the bow will be not less than 160 cm in length – this length being measured on a strung bow between the string nocks all along the outside of the limbs. No weights, stabilisers or torque flight compensators are allowed
(b) String. The bow string may comprise of any number of strands which may be different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose. The string may have a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers, a single nocking point to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary, and to locate this point 1 or 2 nock locators may be positioned and at each end of the bowstring a loop to be placed in the string nocks of the bow when braced. The serving on the string must not end within the athlete’s vision at full draw. The bowstring must not in any way assist aiming through the use of a peephole, marking, or any other means. No lip or nose mark is permitted. String silencers are permitted provided they are located no closer than 30 cm from the nocking point.
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(c) Arrowrest. If the bow has an arrow shelf, that shelf may be used as an arrowrest and it may be covered with any type of soft material. No other types of rest will be allowed. No drawcheck device may be used.
(d) Sight and Point of Aim. No sight or sightmark on the bow that help aiming or any other artificial point of aim is allowed.
(e) Arrows. Arrows shall have wooden shafts fitted with points of the field type or bullet, conical or cone shaped meant for wooden arrows. Only natural feathers will be used as fletching. Cresting may be applied. The maximum diameter of arrow shafts will not exceed 9.3mm; the points for these arrows may have a maximum diameter of 9.4mm. All arrows must be marked with the archer’s name or initials on the shaft. All arrows used at any end will carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(f) Hand Protection. Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string is permitted.
(i) The finger protection must not incorporate any device to hold, draw and release the string.
(ii) An anchor plate or similar device attached to the finger protection (tab) for the purpose of anchoring is not permitted.
(ii) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but must not be attached to the grip.
207. Compound (Unlimited) The following equipment is described. All types of additional devices, unless they are electric or electronic, are permitted:
(a) Bow.
(i) A bow, (which may be of a shoot through type) where a mechanical advantage is obtained, eg by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices. The peak draw weight must not exceed 60 lbs.
(ii) The bow is braced for use by bowstring(s) attached directly between the two string nocks of the bow limbs, or attached to the bow cables, as may be applicable to the particular design. Cable guards are permitted.
(iii) The bow must be free and held in the hand.
(b) Bowstring.
(i) A bowstring of any number of strands that may be of different colours and of the material chosen for the purpose, with a centre serving to accommodate the drawing fingers or release aid.
(ii) A nocking point may be fitted to which may be added serving(s) to fit the arrow nock as necessary. To locate this point one or two nock locators may be fitted.
(iii) In addition attachments are permitted on the string such as a lip or nose mark, a peephole (which must be secured to the string), a peephole ‘hold in line’ device, loop bowstring, etc.
(c) Arrowrest.
(i) An arrowrest, which can be adjustable, any moveable pressure button, pressure point or arrow plate, may all be used on the bow provided that they are not electric or electronic.
(ii) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 6cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point of the bow).
(d) Draw Check Indicators Draw check indicators, audible and/or visual, other than electric or electronic, may be used.
(e) Bowsight A bowsight attached to the bow, which may allow for windage adjustment as well as elevation setting which may also incorporate a leveling device, and/or magnifying lenses and/or prisms. A bowsight extension is permitted. Electric or electronic devices are not permitted. The sight point may be a fibre optic sight pin.
(f) Stabilizers and Torque Flight Compensators Stabilizers and torque flight compensators, provided that they do not:
(i) Serve as a string guide;
(ii) Touch anything but the bow;
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(g) Arrows
(i) Arrows of any type may be used provided they subscribe to the accepted principle and meaning of the word arrow as used in Archery, and that such arrows do not cause undue damage to target faces or buttresses. The maximum diameter of an arrow shaft shall not exceed 9.3mm.
(ii) An arrow consists of a shaft with head (point or pile), nock, fletching and, if desired, cresting. The arrows of each competitor shall be marked on the shaft with the competitor’s name or initials and all arrows used for the same end of 3 or 6 arrows shall carry the same pattern and colour(s) of fletching, nocks and cresting, if any.
(h) Hand Protection.
(i) Finger protection in the form of finger stalls or tips, gloves, shooting tab or tape (plaster) to draw, hold back and release the string.
(ii) A separator between the fingers to prevent pinching the arrow may be used. An anchor plate or similar device attached to the finger protection (tab) for the purpose of anchoring is permitted.
(iii) A release aid that must not be attached in any way to the bow nor incorporate electric or electronic devices may be used.
(iv) On the bow hand an ordinary glove, mitten or similar item may be worn but shall not be attached to the grip.
208. Compound Limited The Compound Limited is generally as described for Compound Unlimited in Rule 207 but with the following variations:
(a) The string must be drawn, held back and released by the fingers of one hand.
(b) The pressure point shall be placed no further than 4cm back (inside) from the throat of the handle (pivot point) of the bow.
(c) The bowsight must not incorporate magnifying lenses or prisms (ie a scope). A level and a peephole are allowed.
(d) Multipin sights are allowed, except for archers shooting for FITA Awards.
209 Compound Barebow The Compound Barebow is generally as described for Compound Limited in Rule 208 but with the following further variations:
(a) The bow must be bare, except for the arrowrest and one stabilizer (see (c) below), and free from protrusions, marks, blemishes or laminated pieces which could be of use in aiming.
(b) Although multi-coloured strings are permitted, there shall be no additional markings or attachments on the string which could be of use in aiming.
(c) One stabilizer no longer than 30.5cm (12”) overall may be fitted.
210. Crossbow
(a) A crossbow stock may be made from any safe material and must be fitted with a mechanical trigger. Prods, which may be made of any material except metal, shall not exceed 900mm in length when the crossbow is strung.
(b) The draw weight at the string latch shall be no more than 95lbs (43 kg). The draw weight and draw length must be clearly marked on the prod. The clean draw length, measured from the string to the string latch shall be no more than 300mm
(c) The bow must be fitted with a bolt retaining clip.
(d) A string may be made of any non-metallic material.
(e) Bolts may be made of any material and of such design as not to cause unreasonable damage to the target. Bolt length is minimum 12 inches, maximum 15 inches. Three fletchings, feather or plastic, shall be fitted.
(f) Telescopic or magnifying sights are not allowed.
(g) The following are permitted:
(i) Foot stirrups attached to the bow.
(ii) Stabilizers.
(iii) Palm rest.
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(iv) A butt hook that does not rest directly on top of the shoulder and is no more than 150mm in length.
(h) The length between the back sight and the front sight shall not exceed 720mm.
(j) All crossbows must be drawn by hand. The use of cocking aids, gloves or fingerstalls is not permitted.
(k) Pistol crossbows are not permitted.
(l) Crossbow and the Law. When travelling on public transport or walking in a public thoroughfare it is essential that the prod be removed and the stock and prod be carried in a case or cover.
211. Conventional Flight Bows
(a) Any bow, other than a crossbow, which is constructed so that there is no mechanical advantage obtained by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices.
(b) The following may be used:
(i) Keyhole bows, forward handles and overdraws.
(ii) A six-gold ring and a flipper or strap. A flipper is made from pieces of leather and/or rubber that wrap in opposite directions around the string.
(iii) Handheld non-mechanical release aid. No mechanical release aid may be used other than the flipper as defined above
(iv) Hand protection as defined in 202(h), or other held non-mechanical release aids.
(v) Block, sipur and angle measuring device.
212. Compound Flight Bow. Bows so constructed that a mechanical advantage is obtained by the use of accessory limbs, levers, pulleys, eccentrics or similar devices.
(a) The weight of the bow shall not exceed 60 lbs measured at the break over point or position of normally drawn bow at which the bow’s maximum poundage is achieved.
(b) Keyhole type bows, forward handles and angle measuring device are permitted.
(c) Overdraws are permitted but no overdraw shall allow the point of the arrow to be drawn further back than the brace height of the bow.
(d) Any release aid used must be handheld.
213. Competition Between Bowstyles
(a) Bows that are recognised in Rules 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 and 206A may not be used in direct competition with bows recognised in Rules 207, 208 and 209. Competition on a handicap basis is not regarded as direct competition.
(b) Crossbowmen using bows recognised in Rules 210 shall shoot on separate targets from other archers and not compete with them.
