Compound & Recurve Archery
Archery competition rules and equipment standards.
Two events combine for score: a 24-arrow target round (12 arrows at each of two distances — 30m/20m for Juniors, 40m/30m for Seniors) and a Trail round of 15 3-D targets plus 5 field targets. Four bow classes are recognized: Recurve–Barebow, Recurve–Olympic, Compound–Bow Hunter, and Compound–Open, each with its own equipment rules and a 60 lb. draw weight limit.
Qualifying scores to advance: 120/240 (Recurve Barebow), 140/240 (Recurve Olympic), 200/240 (Compound Bow Hunter), 210/240 (Compound Open).
Fall Match Rules (PDF) ↗Archery Classes at a Glance
ASA and NFAA both run much larger class lists than this — dozens of equipment/age combinations. Here's the short version of what actually matters for figuring out where you fit.
By age
| State Program | Age | ASA equivalent | NFAA equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 9–11 | Eagle | Cub |
| 12–13 | Youth | Youth | |
| Senior | 14 | Youth | Youth |
| 15–17 | Young Adult | Young Adult | |
| 18 | Open / Pro classes | Adult |
Our "Junior" (9–13) and "Senior" (14–18) brackets, as of January 1, are what govern our Fall archery matches. ASA and NFAA slice that same age range into more classes for their own events — shown alongside for comparison. Both organizations also run adult brackets (50+) that don't apply to our youth program.
By equipment style
A compound bow with cams for mechanical let-off, shot with a sight and mechanical release. The most common setup for target and 3-D archery.
The traditional curved-limb bow with a sight but no let-off. NFAA and World Archery both run this as its own division, separate from compound.
No sight, no stabilizer, no mechanical release — recurve or compound, aimed entirely by instinct and form. NFAA splits this into Barebow Recurve and Barebow Compound.
NFAA divisions (Freestyle Bowhunter, Modern Freestyle Bowhunter, Bowhunter Limited) that mirror real hunting setups — fixed pins or limited sight adjustment, no release aid in some variants.
ASA-specific split: in "Known" classes, yardage to each target is marked; in "Unknown" classes, you judge distance yourself. Unknown classes are generally more advanced.
ASA classes using fixed-pin sights instead of a single moveable pin — a middle ground between full Freestyle and Barebow.
Trap Shooting
Clay target shotgun competition rules.
Course of fire is 100 clays shot at 16 yards. Shooters provide their own factory-loaded shells (no reloads) — 12 gauge or smaller, shot size no larger than #7½, max 1⅛ oz. shot charge. Qualifying score to advance is 35 out of 50 clays.
Fall Match Rules (PDF) ↗Smallbore Rifle
.22LR precision rifle competition rules.
Two events: a 3-Position match (10 shots each prone, standing, and kneeling at 50 yards) and a Rifle Silhouette match (banks of 5 metal chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams at graduated distances). Qualifying score for the 3-Position match is 175 out of 300.
Fall Match Rules (PDF) ↗Smallbore Pistol
.22 caliber precision pistol competition rules.
Two events: a Short Course match at 25 yards (10 shots slow fire, two 5-shot strings timed fire, two 5-shot strings rapid fire) and a Pistol Silhouette match (banks of 5 metal targets at graduated distances). Qualifying score for the Short Course is 125 out of 300.
Fall Match Rules (PDF) ↗BB Gun
Five-meter BB gun competition for new and young shooters.
Shot under the Daisy National Match Program and the NRA BB Gun Rules. The qualifying course is 40 shots in four positions (prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling) with a qualifying score of 335 out of 400; the state match adds a 25-question written test. Teams are five shooters. Seniors may compete until their 16th birthday, and clear chamber indicators must never be used in a BB gun.
Spring Match Rules (PDF) ↗Air Rifle
Three-position and silhouette air rifle competition.
Shot under the CMP National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules. The qualifying course is 60 shots in the ISSF order (kneeling, prone, then standing) with a qualifying score of 450 out of 600. Teams are four shooters. Only .177 caliber flat-nose wadcutter pellets are allowed, and a clear barrel or clear chamber indicator is required. Silhouette air rifle uses the NRA Rifle Silhouette Rules.
Spring Match Rules (PDF) ↗Air Pistol
Ten-meter paper and silhouette air pistol competition.
Shot under the USAS-NRA Air Pistol Rules at 10 meters: 40 record shots in two timed segments, with sighters only in the first. Everyone shoots standing and unsupported — Juniors with one or two hands, Seniors with one hand. Qualifying score is 280 out of 400, and teams are two shooters. A signed Handgun Permission Form must be on the firing line with the shooter, and only .177 caliber flat-nose wadcutter pellets are allowed. Silhouette air pistol uses the NRA Pistol Silhouette Rules.
Spring Match Rules (PDF) ↗A note on safety
Every discipline here is built around the same core habits: treat every bow or firearm as if it's ready to fire, keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times, and know your target and what's beyond it. Range officers and coaches have final say on the line, and their instructions always take priority over any written rule.
Rulebooks change from year to year — always check the linked official source for the current version before a sanctioned match. Coaches can help members find the specific rules that apply to their event.