SHOOTING RULES:

At Banana Bend Archery we follow the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) rules.

  

1. ASA adheres to a maximum arrow speed in each competition class as measured by the official on-site chronographs, with a three percent (3%) margin for differences between chronographs. Refer to the section "CLASSES" of these rules for the maximum speed allowable in each class. Each competitor understands and agrees that they may be required to shoot through the designated on-site chronograph. Any arrow required to be shot through the chronograph during or after a tournament round that exceeds the maximum arrow speed for their class, plus three percent (3%) will result in the disqualification of that round’s score.


2. All targets will be 3-D animals featuring the ASA Pro 12-Ringa and Pro 14-Ringa set at distances as shown in the "CLASSES" section of these rules for the maximum recommended distance for each class. ASA strives to adhere to the maximum recommendation, but range conditions may create target positions that may exceed the maximum. All targets will be placed vertical to the horizon and all groups are to insure that the targets are returned to this position after removing their arrows. No target may be placed with the head of the target quartered toward the shooter (“front-angled”), and the head of the target may not be quartered away (“rear-angled”) from the shooter at an angle greater than that which would promote damage to the target, or create glance-offs. The entire 8, 10, 12 & 14-ring scoring areas will be visible from the stake. Shooters may have a range official remove any limbs or debris that blocks their view of these scoring areas on the target.


3. Shooters are required to be on their assigned target fifteen (15) minutes before the shotgun start to provide range officials sufficient time to insure that all participants are in groups of no less than three (3) shooters. Each group will “draw lots” to determine who will shoot first, second, third, etc. The shooters will alternate being the first shooter at each subsequent stake, with their shooting order maintained throughout the round. Any shooter who does not shoot the first target with their assigned group (except as may be permitted in “Shooting Time Allowed Rule ‘E’”) will not be allowed to shoot on that day and will receive a score of zero (“0”).


4. It is recommended and desirable that groups have no more than five (5) shooters, however, individual tournament circumstances may require a maximum of six (6) shooters on a stake. Groups must have a minimum of three (3) shooters for an official score. If a shooter in a group of three (3) experiences a breakdown which leaves only two (2) shooters in that group, the range official will become the second scorer and accompany the group to score arrows until the third shooter returns.


5. Prior to shooting, each range will be instructed to proceed under "Free Pull" or under the instruction of the Range Official. In both procedures, each group will signal their completion of the target by standing five (5) steps inside the shooting stake toward the target. They will remain there until: (1) the groups on each side are finished and have also moved forward under "Free Pull"; or (2) the range official announces “pull” and they may then proceed to the target. Any group proceeding to the target too soon will receive a warning for the first offense, with the penalty for any subsequent offense being a score of zero (“0”) for the entire group.


6. Each shooter must be touching the appropriate “shooting stake” for their class with some part of their body during the shot. A shooter will receive a warning from the group for the first offense. The penalty for the second offense is a deduction of five (5) points from target score (but no less than a zero (“0”). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of zero (“0”). Anyone deliberately not attempting to shoot from the designated shooting stake shall be in violation of Competition Committee Rules paragraph D-1 “Unsportsmanlike Conduct.”


7. In consideration of time, no shooter may glass the target from the shooting stake after taking their shot. Shooters may glass the target prior to shooting, but are reminded of the time restriction after assuming their position at the stake. A shooter will receive a warning from the group for the first offense. The penalty for the second offense is a deduction of five (5) points from target score (but no less than a zero “0”). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that target.


8. As a courtesy to fellow competitors there will be no talking to spectators or other groups while other competitors in the group are shooting. The use of cell phones is prohibited during competition and cell phones and pagers are to be turned off. A shooter will receive a warning from the group for the first offense. The penalty for the second offense is a deduction of five points from target score (but no less than a zero). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of (“0”) for that target.


9. After you set your sights and draw your bow, you cannot reset your sights after a letdown. Penalty: A score of zero (“0”) for that target.


10. Shooters with movable sites are required to keep their yardage indicator covered before and after setting. A shooter will receive a warning from the group for the first offense. The penalty for the second offense is a deduction of five (5) points from target score (but no less than a zero (“0”). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that target.


11. For safety considerations, and to insure a timely competition, no archer will go behind a target to look for a lost arrow or for any other reason except to retrieve an arrow that is visible to the group. Shooters are expected to carry enough arrows to complete the round. A shooter will receive a warning from the group for the first offense. The penalty for the second offense is a deduction of five (5) points from target score (but no less than a zero (“0”). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that target.


12. A group may not approach the next shooting stake until the group occupying that stake has fully cleared the area. Anyone advancing to the next stake and interfering with the movement of the other group will receive a score of zero “0” for that target. Anyone found examining or touching the equipment of another shooter without permission shall be in violation of Competition Committee Rules paragraph D-1 “Unsportsmanlike Conduct.”


13. Only one arrow, per shooter, per target will be shot from the stake. A dropped arrow that falls while being nocked onto the string in preparation for a shot may be retrieved and shot with no penalty. If in the process of letting down the arrow is dropped it may be retrieved, but the shooter is responsible for maintaining control of the arrow at all times and the arrow must not be intentionally released or propelled by the string. Pointing the bow at the ground immediately in front of the shooter is dangerous and if the arrow is released, other than being dropped, the shooter will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that target.


14. Shooters are permitted to receive assistance from only one (1) shooter in their group. Assistance will be limited to holding a cap or a single standard golf-style umbrella.


15. Binoculars are allowed, but may be checked at random by a tournament official or if requested by another competitor. If the official deems any markings as inappropriate, the glasses will be confiscated and presented to the Competition Committee under the Shooting Rule on range finding. In addition, any binoculars that are pre-marked by the factory, but are being used by the shooter as a mechanical device for range finding will be confiscated and presented for review to the Competition Committee.


16. The projection of a light or reference point, either directly or by reflection, onto a target is prohibited. Anyone using these devices (lasers, mirrors, etc.) will receive a score of zero “0” for that round.


17. The use of any device or outside agency (including stabilizer bar or prop stick) that allows the mass weight of the bow to be relieved from either arm while shooting is prohibited. Anyone found in violation of this rule shall receive a score of zero (“0”) for each target where the violation has occurred.


18. Competitors in “Fixed Pin” classes may make one “gang adjustment” of their sight during competition without calling a breakdown. The adjustment may be made following a shot and prior to proceeding to the next target, under the following procedure: (1) inform the group, (2) make the adjustment to the whole pin set in front of the group. Individual pins may not be adjusted, and any further adjustments must be made under Shooting Time Allowed, Rule “4-1”.


Known Distance & Unknown Distance Competition: The Tournament Director shall have the option to designate individual classes or ranges for Known Distance or Unknown Distance competition for either or both days.

Unknown Distance competitions only:


19. Range finding is prohibited. All distances will be judged by the naked eye. No equipment, including but not limited to sights, binoculars, or spotting scopes will be used in a manner inconsistent with this prohibition. Using any part of the shooter’s body is prohibited, which includes “gapping techniques” that may also use equipment, or the “stepping off” of the distance to, or from, any target. Shooters may carry “target cards” reflecting a picture or rendering of the specific targets being shot, but no marks or notations of any type may be made on these cards. In addition, the prohibition on marks or notations includes carrying, or making, any additional notes about yardages or features of any target on a competition range. Penalty: Any offense upheld by the Competition Committee will result in disqualification of the shooter from the event, (with no refund of entry fees paid) and a minimum suspension for the remainder of the season. The shooter will be required to submit a request for reinstatement that must be reviewed and approved by the Competition Committee before the shooter will be permitted to compete in an ASA sanctioned event.


20. Exchanging target information with shooters in your group, spectators, or other groups while shooting is strictly prohibited. This prohibition also includes the taking of notes on target distances which is prohibited under Rule “S” on range finding. Violations will be referred to the Competition Committee. The first offense will result in disqualification of the shooter from the event. A second offense will result in a suspension for the remainder of the tournament season with no refund of any entry fees paid.
    

Known Distance competition only:


21. For ranges designated for Known Distance competition, yardages will be provided as measured within a one yard tolerance based on the equipment used. Shooters may elect to use range finders, but may not delay the time allowed and are required to share their information if requested by another competitor in their group. Using any part of the shooter’s body is prohibited, which includes “gapping techniques” that may also use equipment, or the “stepping off” of the distance to, or from, any target. Shooters may carry “target cards” reflecting a picture or rendering of the specific targets being shot, but no marks or notations of any type may be made on these cards. In addition, the prohibition on marks or notations includes carrying, or making, any additional notes about yardages or features of any target on a competition range.


22. For Known Distance competition, the time allowed will be three hours with one minute allowed for each shooter including the first shooter in the group. See “Shooting Time Allowed” for penalties and procedures.

SHOOTING TIME ALLOWED:

1. Each twenty (20) target Unknown Distance round will be shot in three hours and thirty minutes, and each twenty (20) target Known Distance round will be shot in three hours, unless the competition is extended by the Tournament Director in the event of severe or threatening weather, or other extenuating circumstances. It shall be the final determination of the Tournament Director to cancel, postpone, delay tournament activities, and / or determine the appropriate time frame for completion of the round. (See Rule “E”, paragraphs 1 & 2 below regarding individual exceptions to the time limit.)


2. After the allotted time the range official will call time and shooters may complete the target being shot. Further shooting will cease and scores will be totaled on targets completed and a zero (“0”) for each incomplete target.


3. Each group will be responsible for monitoring and adhering to the following pace of shooting:


1. Upon commencement of the round by a verbal announcement of the range official the first shooter at each target will be allowed two (2) minutes in Unknown Distance and one (1) minute in Known Distance to shoot his arrow.


2. Each remaining member of the group will be allocated one (1) minute to shoot.


3. Each group will be permitted four (4) minutes to score the target, pull arrows and reach the next stake at which point the time allotment procedure repeats.


4. Any shooter who fails to adhere to their specified time limit will receive a warning from the group or range official for the first offense. The penalty for all subsequent offenses is a deduction of five (5) points from target score (but no less than a zero (“0”). Each subsequent offense will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that target.


4. The following are the only conditions under which a shooter may leave the range and return to receive credit for the day’s competition. The shooter will be allocated additional time to complete any targets missed in the presence of two scorers designated by the range official, or by the range official, who will be responsible for scoring and completing the shooter’s score card.


1. Equipment failure need not be visible, but must be reported to a tournament official. If the equipment failure occurs during the act of shooting, the arrow will be scored as shot. The shooter will have up to forty-five (45) minutes from the time the shooter is picked up for equipment replacement or repair. Each shooter is limited to one (1) repair or replacement of equipment per tournament. A shooter with a second breakdown will be allowed to repair or replace their equipment, but will not be allowed to make up missed targets and will each be scored as zero (“0”).


2. Any shooter leaving the range for a personal time-out to use the restroom must first obtain approval by a tournament official. Upon approval of the request, the shooter must then check back with the official within five (5) minutes, and rejoin his original group to complete the round.

SCORING RULES:

1. Scorecards will be available at the entrance to each range. Shooters will pick up the official colored scorecard for that day, along with one white scorecard, at the beginning of each round. The properly completed official colored scorecard must be turned in by the group within fifteen minutes of completion of competition, and prior to leaving the range to receive credit for that day’s competition.


1. All information on the scorecard must be accurate with all information completely and properly filled in. Information blocks left blank, incomplete, or reflecting incorrect information will result in a deduction of ten (10) points from their score.


2. If the number of 12 & 14 Rings is left blank it will be scored as zero (“0”.)


3. No changes may be made to the official score card after the scorekeeper and shooter have signed the scorecard. If a shooter changes his scorecard after it has been signed by the scorekeeper, the shooter will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that tournament (and toward Shooter of the Year rankings if applicable) and will be brought before the ASA Competition Committee for further action.


2. Each group will designate two (2) members of their group as “Scorers” and two (2) as “Scorekeepers.” If a group has only three (3) shooters, one (1) will act as Scorer with the two (2) Scorekeepers alternating as the second Scorer.


1. Scorers will judge and score each arrow and call out the results to be recorded on the respective shooter’s scorecard by each Scorekeeper. (See Scoring Rule “C”).


2. Each scorekeeper will maintain one (1) scorecard for each shooter and be responsible for recording each arrow. A scorekeeper may not keep his or her own colored “official” card, but may maintain their own white “shooter’s copy” scorecard. Scorekeepers will record the total score and total number of 12 & 14 Rings at the end of the round.


3. Both completed scorecards must be reviewed and signed as correct by the Scorekeeper and the shooter. Any shooter serving as a scorekeeper must turn in the scored and signed “official” scorecard of the other scorekeeper. Any shooter turning in an “official” card on which they are both the shooter and scorekeeper will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that day, as well as toward qualification for the ASA World Championship Classic and Shooter of the Year rankings.


4. The Scorekeepers for each shooting group must turn in the official scorecards for the group together except when a shooter is permitted to make-up targets due to an equipment failure, or other approved leave. Shooters assume full responsibility for the accuracy of the information and scores on their cards. Any group that does not turn in their scorecards together before leaving the range will receive a score of zero (“0”) for that day, as well as toward qualification for the ASA World Championship Classic and Shooter of the Year rankings, if applicable.


3. All arrows must remain in the target until all arrows are scored. The arrow shaft must be touching any portion of the next highest scoring line to be scored for the higher value. The status of any doubtful arrows must be determined before drawing any arrow from the target and arrows may not be removed until a judgment has been made. If both Scorers are in agreement, the score will stand. Should the Scorers be unable to reach an agreement, the Scorekeepers will alternate the responsibility of making the final determination before any arrows are removed. Groups will be responsible for calling their own arrows. ASA Range Officials will not make arrow calls except when a group has only two (2) shooters, or during special competitions, shoot-offs, etc.


4. In the event of a Pass Through: (1) Arrows passing through the front of, but still in, the target will be pushed back and scored, (2) If the group agrees and confirms that the arrow actually passed through and was not still in the target due to the high number of arrows that had been shot at the target, the range official is to be notified and the shooter will be allowed to take the score where the “pass-through” occurred as determined by the group up to a maximum score of 10 points (a score of 12 or 14 points will not be permitted under this rule), (3) If the group agrees and confirms that an arrow passed through at the target’s “Insert Seam” the shooter will be given a score based on the point of pass through not to exceed eight (8).


5. Any arrow embedded (“Robin Hood”) in the nock of another arrow will be scored the same as the arrow it is embedded in.


6. Any arrow rebounded (a “Robin Hood” that strikes and damages another arrow and does not proceed toward the target, but bounces back) will be scored the same as the arrow it struck, provided the damaged arrow can be identified.


7. Any arrow deflected by contact with another arrow already in the target and still proceeding toward the target will be scored as the greater of: (1) where it lies in the target, or (2) a maximum of five (5) points if it is not in the target.


8. Except as allowed for in rules “4” through “7” above, the point of the arrow must be imbedded in the target to be scored or the arrow will be scored as a zero (“0”).


9. In classes where a final Shoot Down is not conducted, scoring ties (including first place) will be broken by the number of 12 & 14 Ringsa. If a 1st place tie cannot be broken by 12 & 14 Rings, a one-arrow sudden death shoot-off will take place if time and weather permit. The arrow that is determined to be the closest to the center of the 12 Ring, regardless of actual score, will decide the winner. If for any reason a shoot-off cannot be held, and for all other places that are tied by 12 Rings, the sum of the prize money for the tied places will be divided equally between the shooters. Special rules apply to all ties for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in classes designated for a final Shoot Down and are addressed in the “Final Shoot Down” section of these rules.

CLASS DEFINITIONS AND RULES:

All “Open” classes may use any bow, sight, release, stabilizer or equipment unless specifically prohibited in any other part of these rules, or by a ruling of the Competition Committee. Overdraws do not designate shoot class or shooting style. Sight type and/or release type is the determining factors for all non-Open classes. In Limited classes, only gloves, tabs, or fingers are acceptable, or a chew strap (tab held by the teeth) may be used in place of fingers. ASA reserves the right to review any equipment / accessories and determine its suitability for competition. The following equipment / accessories are prohibited in all classes: (1) Broadheads or any other point or tip not intended for target use; (2) Retaining mechanisms which allow the bow to be mechanically held in the drawn position; (3) Crossbows; (4) Laser sights; (5) Devices or an outside agency (including stabilizer bar or prop stick) that allows the mass weight of the bow to be relieved from either arm while shooting.