Scoring
Scoring in archery is straightforward: points are awarded based on where the arrows land on the target. The highest score for a single arrow is 10 points for hitting the inner gold ring, while the lowest score, for hitting the outer white ring, is 1 point. Arrows that miss the target completely score zero points.
In Olympic competitions, athletes must shoot 72 arrows across 12 rounds. The cumulative score determines their ranking. Following this, competitors enter a head-to-head knockout round, where the goal is simply to score more points than their opponent. Tournament formats can vary, affecting the number of arrows shot and the distance to the target.
Rules of Archery
- Equipment Regulations: Archers must comply with official equipment rules, ensuring that no accessories or gear provide an unfair advantage over opponents.
- Time Limits:
- Athletes have a maximum of two minutes to shoot an end of three arrows.
- For an end of six arrows, the time limit is four minutes.
- Starting Signal: Archers may not raise their bow arm until the official signal to start is given. Points may be forfeited as penalties if the bow is drawn after practice time has concluded.
- Arrow Reshooting: An arrow cannot be re-shot under any circumstances. However, if an arrow falls from the bow, misfires, or if the target blows or falls over, it may be considered not shot, and extra time will be granted in such cases.
- Scoring Arrows:
- An arrow that rebounds or hangs from the target will score according to the mark it makes on the target face.
- If an arrow sticks in the nock of another arrow (known as a “Robin Hood”), it will score the same as the arrow in which it is embedded.
- Penalties:
- Athletes can face disqualification, point deductions, or bans from competition for various rule violations, depending on the severity of the offense.
Equipment Damage: In the event of equipment damage, archers may appeal to the judge for repairs or replacements. Any time allowances will be determined at the judge’s discretion.