Whether you’re a seasoned scorer or stepping into your first tournament, understanding the etiquette of archery scoring is crucial to maintaining fairness, accuracy, and professionalism on the field. Scoring isn’t just about tallying numbers, it’s about respecting the process, the athletes, and the integrity of the sport.
Here’s a refined and expanded guide to competition scoring etiquette, designed to help scorers stay sharp and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Call Arrows Clearly and Consistently
- Always call arrows in sets of three, starting with the highest scoring value.
- For targets shared by multiple archers, use group identifiers (A, B, C, D) to avoid confusion.
- When calling 10s, include the clock-face position (e.g., “10 at 2 o’clock”) to help judges assess line cutters more accurately.
Pro tip: Speak loudly and clearly, especially in noisy environments. Your voice is the anchor for accurate scoring.
2. Respect the Scoring Sequence
- Wait for the designated scorer to call each arrow before recording any values.
- Never touch the arrows or the target face until scoring is complete.
This ensures that all arrows are judged in their untouched state, preserving fairness and preventing accidental damage or misjudgment.
3. Disputes? Call a Judge
- If there’s any disagreement about an arrow’s value, especially if it’s close to a line, pause and request a judge.
- Do not argue or attempt to resolve it among scorers or archers.
Judges are trained to make impartial decisions, and their ruling is final. This protects the integrity of the competition and prevents bias.
4. Use the Right Ink – Always
- Stick to black or blue ink only. Avoid pencils, erasable pens, or any ink that can be altered.
- Never change single arrows value scores without a judge’s explicit approval.
- Other numbered and total columns can be changed.
Tampering with scores even unintentionally can lead to disqualification or invalidate results. Consistent ink usage also helps maintain legibility and trust.
5. Mark the Target Face with Care
- If an arrow’s value is uncertain, use a small, discreet mark to indicate it.
- Avoid excessive or misleading marks that could influence future scoring decisions.
Remember, the target face is reused across ends. Over-marking can confuse scorers or give unfair visual cues.
6. Avoid Cross-Scoring Errors
- Double-check that each score is recorded in the correct column for the correct archer.
- Verify names, group letters, and shooting positions before writing.
Cross-scoring is one of the most common and costly mistakes. A moment of attention here can save hours of correction later.
7. Check Totals Thoroughly
- After scoring each end, verify individual arrow values and ensure totals are added correctly.
- Use a calculator if needed, accuracy is more important than speed.
Incorrect totals can affect rankings, awards, and even qualification status. A second pair of eyes or a quick double-check is always worth it. Once you have signed for the final total, that’s it, you have agreed that total is correct.
8. Appealing a Lower Score? Know the Rules
- If a lower score is recorded than the actual arrow value, it cannot be changed without a judge’s approval.
- For record-status events, use official World Record Status score sheets and follow all documentation protocols.
Appeals must be handled professionally and promptly. Don’t delay – once the arrows are pulled, the opportunity to correct may be lost.
Final Thoughts
Scoring in archery is a responsibility that demands precision, integrity, and focus. By following these etiquette guidelines, scorers contribute to a fair and enjoyable competition experience for everyone involved. Whether you’re behind the clipboard or calling arrows on the line, your role is vital to the sport.
So next time you’re on the range, remember: good scoring isn’t just about numbers – it’s about respect, clarity, and trust.