Devizes Bowmen – Bowman Classification Rules

Background

Under the Archery GB classification system, Bowman classifications (3rd, 2nd, 1st) cannot be obtained with practice rounds.

Shooting Administrative Procedure 7 states:

All scores must be shot under Archery GB Rules of Shooting, at a meeting organised by Archery GB or a body affiliated to Archery GB, or at any associated club target day (Rules of Shooting – Rule 313).

Club Policy

To give members more opportunities to achieve Bowman classifications, Devizes Bowmen recognises scores shot on official “Bowman Sessions”.
These sessions follow the Archery GB Rules of Shooting and the requirements of Rule 313, which specifies:

  • A Club Target Day is any day and time appointed under the Rules of the Club and previously announced to members.
  • There is no statutory limit to the number of officially appointed Target Days in any one week.
  • All scores must be entered in the Club Record Book.
  • Target Days should commence punctually at the announced time.
  • All shooting must be in accordance with the Rules of Shooting.

Bowman Session Rules

To count towards a Bowman classification, a Bowman Session must follow these rules:

  • Minimum participants: At least two archers must shoot together, each attempting a Bowman classification.
  • Rounds: Archers may shoot different rounds, but all must start at the same time.
  • Sighters:
    • Outdoor: one end of sighters.
    • Indoor: two ends of sighters.
    • If the target is moved to a new distance as part of the round, no further sighters are allowed.
  • Practice arrows: Shooting practice arrows immediately before a Bowman session is discouraged.
  • Completing a round: Once started, a round must be completed. It is not acceptable to abandon a round and start another.
  • Second round: A second round may be attempted in the same session only if the first round has been completed.
  • Breaks: One interval may be taken during a round, typically at halfway, lasting one or two ends.
  • Score sheets:
    • Scores must be signed and witnessed by another archer taking part in the session.
    • All submitted scores must be clearly marked “Bowman session” for the Records Officer’s attention.
  • Arranging sessions:
    • Individual archers may agree a time and date for a Bowman session.
    • The club may also arrange Bowman sessions and will advertise these to all members (for example, via the WhatsApp group) to allow wider participation.

Indoor Sessions

All upcoming indoor sessions are automatically designated as Bowman sessions, because:

  • They are regular and diarised.
  • The indoor environment is controlled and consistent, making administration straightforward.

John Truss
Records Officer, Devizes Bowmen
September 2025