Early History of Archery Classifications

The use of classifications in archery developed as a practical way to recognise achievement and structure competition as the sport grew in popularity. In the early years, performance was often acknowledged informally through club awards, badges, or local score bands. These systems varied across clubs and regions, making it difficult to compare standards or consistently recognise achievement across the country.

As organised competition expanded, there was a growing need for a standardised framework to define performance levels clearly and consistently. Early classification schemes focused on fixed scoring benchmarks tied to recognised rounds, allowing archers to demonstrate competence at increasing levels of difficulty. This approach rewarded achievement without requiring ongoing recalculation or statistical modelling.

Over time, these early schemes became more formalised, providing a common reference point for clubs and competitions and helping archers understand where they stood within the wider archery community.

What the Classification System Is

The Archery GB classification system is a structured framework designed to recognise and reward an archer’s scoring ability across recognised qualifying rounds. Rather than reflecting a single good performance, a classification confirms that an archer can consistently achieve a defined scoring standard over a specified number of arrows.

Each classification level is earned by meeting or exceeding published score thresholds using recognised rounds and arrow counts. These thresholds are set to reflect meaningful stages of development, from early progress through to elite competitive performance. Once achieved, a classification acts as formal recognition that the archer has demonstrated the skill, consistency, and accuracy required for that level.

Classifications serve several important purposes within archery:

• They provide clear milestones that help archers set goals and measure improvement over time

• They allow meaningful comparison of performance within defined skill levels

• They support fair competition by grouping archers of broadly similar standard

Indoor and outdoor classifications are completely independent systems. Each has its own tables, qualifying rounds, arrow requirements, and seasonal structure. Performance indoors does not influence outdoor classification, and vice versa.

Unlike handicaps, which numerically track precision and consistency across all rounds, classifications acknowledge achievement. They mark the point at which an archer has met a recognised standard and provide a structured pathway through the sport, administered by Club Records Officers and Archery GB to ensure consistency and integrity.

Separate Outdoor and Indoor Classifications

There are two distinct systems:

• Outdoor archery: 9 classification levels
• Indoor archery: 8 classification levels

These classifications are grouped into three tiers: Archer, Bowman, and Master Bowman.

Scores required for each classification depend on the archer’s bow style, age group, and gender, with official details published in the Archery GB classification tables.

 Benefits of Classifications

Classifications complement the handicap system. While handicaps track relative performance and consistency, classifications provide:

• Formal milestones and recognition for demonstrated ability
• Motivation to progress through the ranks
• A benchmark for comparison with other archers at similar levels

They provide a structured, visible pathway from beginner Archer levels to elite recognition, supporting development and competition within the sport.

Relationship to Handicaps

• Both systems use recognised rounds and scoring, but operate independently.
• An archer may have an outdoor handicap and classification, and a separate indoor handicap and classification.
• While handicaps reflect accuracy and consistency, classifications reward achieving set score thresholds over a defined number of arrows.

Common Misunderstandings

Classifications are not handicaps

Although often mentioned together, classifications and handicaps serve different purposes.
Classifications are discrete achievement levels earned by meeting specific score and arrow-count requirements on recognised rounds. Handicaps, by contrast, are a continuous numerical measure that changes gradually as performance improves. A classification mark that a standard has been reached; a handicap tracks how consistently that standard is being achieved.

A single score can earn a classification

Unlike handicaps, classifications can be earned from a single qualifying score, provided the required arrow count and conditions are met. This is intentional: classifications are designed to recognise achievement, not consistency over time. However, higher classifications typically require more demanding rounds or competitive conditions to ensure the standard remains meaningful.

Indoor and outdoor classifications are completely separate

Indoor and outdoor classifications operate as independent systems. They use different tables, qualifying rounds, arrow counts, and seasonal cycles. Strong performance indoors does not influence outdoor classification, and vice versa. This reflects the very different technical and environmental demands of the two disciplines.

Classifications do take age, gender, and bowstyle into account

Unlike handicaps, classification scores are adjusted through separate tables for bowstyle, age group, and gender. This ensures that achievement at each classification level represents a comparable standard of performance across different categories, while still recognising the distinct challenges involved.

Classifications recognise achievement, not current form

A classification confirms that an archer has demonstrated the required standard at least once under recognised conditions. It does not necessarily reflect current shooting form or consistency. An archer may hold a classification even if their present scores fluctuate, which is why handicaps are often used alongside classifications to provide a fuller picture.