Teams usually consist of four members, for formal competition. However, a lesser number may be used, but in this case the smaller team must compete against the regular four-member team.
In informal competition, a team may be composed of any number so long as the teams competing against each other are composed of an equal number. Thus, practically the entire membership of one club may compete against the membership of another club, providing of course that the number of contestants on the two teams is equal. Each club determines the average score and the one with the largest average score wins.
Another method of team competition is to have all club members compete with the understanding that a specified number of players making the highest scores will form the team and their scores only will be used to represent the club.
These two informal methods permit a greater amount of sociability and afford each member an opportunity to shoot for the team.
A double round consists of shooting two rounds in succession. The York, American, National, and Columbia Rounds are used in this way. It will be noted that the junior rounds in the National, American, and Columbia are the same as the regular rounds, less ten yards at each distance. For all beginners, regardless of age, the Junior American Round is undoubtedly the best since it offers more encouragement to the archers because of the larger number of hits possible.
There are no standard rules for the regulation of handicap matches. As a rule each club works out its own method.
Standard Rules.–The following are the standard rules governing target shooting:
1. A regulation four-foot circular target shall be used for all competition. The target is divided into five equal and concentric circles. The color values are : gold–9 points; red -7 points; blue-5 points; black-3 points; and white–1 point.
2. An arrow cutting two colors shall count as hitting the inner one.
3. An arrow going through or bouncing off the target shall count five regardless of where it hit the target.
4. The target shall be. placed so that the center of the gold is four feet above the ground, and over the target stake.
5. When shooting, the archers shall straddle the shooting line, which is measured from the target stake.
6. Each archer shall complete one end, after which all go to the target to score the hits. Six arrows are called an end.
7. Recording the score : Four archers shoot on one target. Number 1, the Target Captain, records the score. Number 2 draws the arrows out of the target. Number 3 checks on these procedures, and Number 4 gathers up the stray arrows. Number 2 draws the Target Captain’s arrows first and then those of the other archers. The arrow closest to the center of the target is withdrawn first, and then those of the succeeding outer circles. The Captain superintends this scoring process and may give his decision, subject to the approval of the Field Captain if there is one, who settles all disputes. The Lady Paramount acts in this capacity for the women.
8. An arrow leaving the bow is considered as a shot unless the shooter can reach it from his position with the bow. However, if the bow, bowstring, or arrow, breaks while shooting the archer may have another shot.
9. The number of hits and scores are both recorded, but championships or winners are determined only on the total score.
10. Ties are decided by awarding the championship to the one having the largest score at the longest distance, and if this fails to break the tie, the next longest distance is used.
There is only one set of rules for both the amateur and professional in archery. A person of either sex or of any profession or occupation may enter the National Championship Tournament of the United States. Women only may compete in women’s events.