Classifications
If you’re a beginning archer you may have asked yourself: “So how do I know I’m getting better? How can I prove to my friends and family that I’m almost at Robin Hood level? How can I show my true archers-worth to the world?” Well, the answer is in your classification. Archery Australia has developed a classification system so that even beginning archers can achieve a classification and a medal after just one year. An archer’s improvement can then be measured in the continued climbing of the classification ladder.
We start with the colours of the target – White – Black – Blue – Red – Gold.
Next, we continue through to Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman.
For those who aren’t afraid of the dizzying heights of archery fame and glory there are three Elite levels:
Elite Bronze, Elite Silver, and Elite Gold
There are a few general guidelines you will need to know first, then keep scrolling down for the nitty-gritty:
To claim a White, Black, Blue, Red or Gold award:
Shoot a round with a minimum of 72 arrows
Shoot three scores within a calendar year within one classification category
For example: if you shoot scores that put you in two Black and one Blue classification, then you can claim the lower, Black, classification for the year.
Any distance can be shot to claim these awards
You can achieve the award only once in your archery career
To claim a Master, Grand Master, or any Elite award:
Master and Grand Master can be claimed annually, but one round must be shot in a tournament or QRE
The Elite awards can be claimed annually, but all three rounds must be shot in a tournament or QRE
Shoot a round with a minimum of 72 arrows, but the round must include at least 30 arrows shot at the following distance or greater:
Recurve
Open, 50+, 60+, 70+, U21, U18 - 60m (122cm face)
U16 - 40m (122cm face)
U14 - 30m (122cm face)
Compound
Open, 50+, 60+, 70+, U21, U18 - 60m (122cm face) or 50m (80cm face)
U16 - 40m (122cm face)
U14 - 30m (122cm face)
Barebow Recurve & Barebow Compound
Open, 50+, 60+, 70+, U21, U18 - 50m (122cm face)
U16, U14 - 30m (122cm face)
Longbow
Open, 50+, 60+, 70+, U21 - 50m (122cm face)
U18 - 40m (122cm face)
U16, U14 - 30m (122cm face)
There must be at least three other Archery Australia members competing
So, with that in mind, follow these steps to work out your classification and get those medals!!!
FIRST: Shoot a registered round
All organisers of tournaments, QREs, and club shoots will have registered the rounds that they will be shooting on a certain day with Archery Australia. For your score to be eligible for classification you must shoot one of those rounds on that day. If you are unsure, check with the organisers first. The registered rounds for an event are usually listed on the tournament invitation (and are also listed on the Archery Australia calendar)
Check our or SQAS's Calendar for events in SE Queensland that are registered. The Archer's Diary entry should list the registered rounds available. Club shoots across SE Queensland are not listed though – check the calendars of individual clubs (available on the links page).
Mid-Month & End of Month shoots at Centenary Archers shoot registered rounds – search for "Mid-month" or “End of Month” on the calendar, then click on the Google calendar entry to find out which rounds are registered for each shoot.
SECOND: Work out your rating & find your classification
Enter your details into the calculator on Archer’s Diary and your classification will magically appear!