Rule Changes for 2022

Looking ahead to the 2022 season, we are here to update you on the rule changes from World Archery for 2022.

World Archery has now released the new Rule Books which came into effect on 15^th January 2022, with some rule changes.

The new rule books and the differences can be found here - https://worldarchery.sport/rulebook 

The key changes that affect UK Tournaments, that are World Record Status, and the archers are as follows - please note that Equipment Changes listed below will come into effect for the AGB Rule book as well as the World Archery rule book, following AGB adopting the same equipment rules for Recurve, Barebow and Compound for consistency's sake.

Target Archery Rule Changes

1. No extra time is allowed for equipment failures or the treatment of medical problems at any Tournaments shot to World Archery Rules (e.g. World Record Status). The archer can leave the line to deal with the issue and then return to the line if time permits on that end.
2. Barebow equipment changes:

• Change to allow vibration dampeners on barebow. All dampeners and weights must pass through the 12.2cm ring without flexing. Angular brackets or connectors are not allowed.
• Weights can now be added above and below the grip, as long as they do not aid with aiming or ranging in any way.
• Change on barebow tabs to clarify that marks on tabs can have up to two different lengths (as well as being uniform in size, shape, and colour)

Target Archery Shooting Time Change

World Archery are to introduce a change in the time allowed to shoot one arrow in normal shooting.

Presently, the time allowed is 40 seconds (which gives an archer 4 minutes for 6 arrows, and 2 minutes for 3 arrows).

The change being introduced in March 2022 is to allow 30 seconds. This gives the archer 3 minutes for 6 arrows, and 90 seconds for 3 arrows.

HOWEVER - This change is being introduced in 2022 at WORLD RANKING EVENTS ONLY (for example, European Grand Prix's, Continental and World Championships, World Cups etc).

All World Record Status events that do not have World Ranking Status are unaffected, and will, for 2022, continue to have the timing of 4 minutes for 6 arrows and 2 minutes for 3 arrows.

All TO's reserve the right to shoot to the new timing rulings for World Record Status competitions (30 seconds per arrow), but this must be advertised in the event prospectus before entries are taken.

Field Archery Rule Changes

1. Barebow equipment changes:

• Change to allow vibration dampeners on barebow. All dampeners and weights must pass through the 12.2cm ring without flexing. Angular brackets or connectors are not allowed.
• Weights can now be added above and below the grip. As long as they do not aid with aiming or ranging in any way.
• Change on barebow tabs to clarify that marks on tabs can have up to two different lengths (as well as being uniform in size, shape and colour)

Para Archer Rule Changes

1. On Para archers, the back support of a wheelchair shall not extend further forward than half the width of the archer's body at the side. It is measured from the furthest point of the backrest.

 (Note, this particularly applies when archers are seeking Para Classification)

1. The Introduction of Â"Doubles” teams to replace the three-person teams currently shot. Â"Doubles” will be of the same gender. And the rules for the team matches will be the same as for mixed teams.
2. Change in the width of lane lines for Para only Events where team rounds are being shot. For individual events, lane lines at a Para only event remain at 1.25m per archer.

For Tournament Organisers:

1. Cadets are Â"renamed” as U18
2. Juniors are Â"renamed” as U21
3. Masters are Â"renamed” as 50+

For the above, these apply for WA events. And the ability to claim WA Stars, Target Awards and World / European Records within these groups. They are not linked to the AGB Age Groups.

1. World Archery Indoor Rounds can also be shot outdoors and qualify for World Records and Target Awards.
2. For Field Organisers, if wishing to adopt WA Field 3D bow categories, note that the Â"Instinctive” bow category has been replaced by the Â"Traditional” bow category. There are changes in the equipment rules for this.
3. Change in Para archery teams - the three-person team is removed and replaced by same-gender Â"doubles” teams. Rules for shooting the team event are the same as mixed team rules.
4. Change in the width of lane lines for Para only Events where team rounds are being shot. For individual events, lane lines at a Para only event remain at 1.25m per archer.
5. For Shoots Offs for compounds following the Ranking Round (so not a Shoot Off during a Match) there will be one face in the middle of the target. With one archer per target for the ranking round shoot-off).

(NOTE: This is rarely used in the UK. We don't tend to have a cut for the numbers entering the eliminations)

Archery GB National competitions will be adopting the rule changes from World Archery as required. The AGB rule book will be updated 1 April. Further information on upcoming changes will be in the Spring Archery UK magazine.