Valley Bowmen Archery ClubFor the joy of the sport
Read & acknowledge

Club Rules & Etiquette

Please read all three pages, then sign off at the end. Respect the land, respect each other, enjoy the shoot.

Page 1 of 3

Field Archery Crash Course

For indoor archers transitioning to IFAA / IFAF field archery.

What is field archery?

  • A course of 28 targets set in natural terrain.
  • Distances are unknown.
  • Terrain and estimating yardage are part of the challenge.
  • Groups rotate together and everyone contributes.

Typical round

  • 28 targets.
  • Groups of 4–6 archers.
  • Start at an assigned target and rotate.
  • No one moves forward until everyone has shot.

Unmarked Animal Round (UAR)

  • The most common field round at Valley Bowmen.
  • Distances are NOT marked.
  • Estimating range is part of the competition.
  • Do not use rangefinders.
  • Do not discuss distances with other archers until the competition has finished.

Distance limits (UAR)

Target groups indicate the maximum distance.

GroupMax distance
160 yards
245 yards
335 yards
420 yards

Learn to recognise the groups quickly — the indicator board beside the peg will help.

Scoring (UAR)

Kill zone high score
ArrowScore
1st20
2nd16
3rd12
Wound zone low score
ArrowScore
1st18
2nd14
3rd10
  • Maximum 3 arrows per target. Stop as soon as you score.
  • Miss all 3 arrows = 0 points. No penalty, just no score.
  • Mark arrows clearly as 1, 2 and 3.
  • For 3D targets, arrows must remain in the body to score.
  • An arrow must break into the scoring area to score that zone.
Maximum score per target: 20 points
Page 2 of 3

Shooting the Course

Your group, etiquette, terrain and the kit to bring.

Your shooting group

Target captain (1st on list)

  • Controls shooting order.
  • Ensures safe shooting.
  • Manages the group and scoring process.

Scorers (two archers)

  • Both record scores independently.
  • You are responsible for checking your own score before signing the card.

Terrain considerations

Uphill & downhill

  • The effective shooting distance is shorter than the ground distance.
  • Use less sight adjustment than you might expect.

Side slopes

  • Maintain good balance.
  • Lean the bow tip slightly uphill to avoid hitting low.

Trees & obstacles

  • Ensure a safe shooting lane at all times.
  • Do not attempt unsafe shots.

Shooting etiquette

At the peg

  • Wait behind the shooting line until called.
  • Only nock an arrow at the peg.
  • Face the target when loading.
  • Never distract the archer.
  • Stay behind the active shooter.

At the target

  • Do not touch arrows until scoring is complete.
  • Agree scores before pulling arrows.
  • Pull arrows carefully: one hand on the target/backstop, one hand on the shaft close to the target.

Useful equipment

  • Waterproof boots with good grip
  • Binoculars (no rangefinder)
  • Spare arrows
  • Waterproof pen
  • Waterproof clothing (not too loose)
  • IFAF membership card (required at sanctioned events)
  • Water and snacks
  • Whistle
Safety essentials
  • Never nock an arrow while anyone is downrange.
  • 3 loud whistle blasts = STOP immediately.
  • Wear one piece of visible clothing at all times.
  • Walk only on marked paths — never cut through shooting lanes.
  • If you lose an arrow, mark the spot and return after the round.
Page 3 of 3

Valley Bowmen Archery Club — Club Rules & Etiquette

Read these, then add your acknowledgement at the bottom.

Before entering the woods

  • Post on the Valley Bowmen WhatsApp Notice Board before entering.
  • Members only unless committee approval has been given.
  • Minimum of TWO archers on the course at all times.
  • At least one mobile phone per group.
  • Carry a whistle.

Access & parking

  • Leave gates as you found them.
  • Reconnect electric fence wire if disconnected.
  • Drive slowly on woodland roads.
  • Park safely and preferably facing outward.

On the course — always

  • Follow marked paths
  • Wear suitable footwear and clothing
  • Watch out for each other
  • Encourage fellow archers
  • Keep the course tidy
  • Remove broken arrows
  • Return found arrows to the hub

On the course — never

  • Shoot alone
  • Run
  • Smoke
  • Litter
  • Dry-fire a bow
  • Shoot damaged arrows
  • Walk backwards through the course
  • Alter the course
  • Use foul language or inappropriate behaviour

Scoring the animal round (3D target)

Arrows must remain in the body of the animal to score. An arrow must break into the scoring zone to score that zone.

Examples of arrow placement

  1. The arrow lies in the target base and does not score.
  2. The arrow lies in the target base but cuts the “hairline”. It is scored a “wound”.
  3. The arrow is scored a “wound”.
  4. The arrow breaks the “kill” line and is scored a “kill”.
  5. The arrow hits the “hairline” but does not remain in the target. It is not scored and no other arrow may be shot.

The hand-drawn “wound” line separates the base from the animal. An arrow must break through the line to score a wound.

Lost arrows

  • Do not delay other groups.
  • Mark the location.
  • Continue the round.
  • Return later to search if necessary.
Emergency procedures

Stop shooting immediately if

  • You see a person or animal on the course.
  • You hear emergency whistle blasts.
  • You observe any unsafe situation.

Action

  • Shout “STOP!”
  • Blow your whistle.
  • Draw down safely.
Emergency services
999 / 112 · Nearest Eircode: X91 C7X6
Key contact
Gate Key Holder — Elaine · 087 206 3973
The Golden Rules
  1. Safety comes before score.
  2. Never shoot alone on the course.
  3. Stay behind the active shooter.
  4. Do not discuss distances during competition.
  5. Do not touch arrows until scoring is complete.
  6. Respect fellow archers, the course and the land.
  7. If unsure — ask.

Acknowledgement

I confirm that I have read and understood the basic IFAA / IFAF field archery rules and the Valley Bowmen Archery Club Club Rules & Etiquette.