The ArcheryGB Classification and Handicap scheme allows archers of all levels to understand their skill level and progress through the various awards available. From the initial Archer 3rd Class classification, right through to Elite Master Bowman.

There are nine different outdoor classification levels available to all archers, which are grouped into three sets of three. An archer starts off with the Archer tier, with 3rd Class, 2nd Class and 1st Class awards. They then move up to the Bowman tier, again with 3rd Class, 2nd Class and 1st Class, and then finally the Master Bowman tier, where the naming gets a little more fun with Master Bowman (MB), Grand Master Bowman (GMB) and Elite Master Bowman (EMB).

Claiming a Classification

To claim a classification, you need to shoot a number of arrows above a certain threshold score. The total amount of arrows changes as you move up the tiers. You can mix and match rounds of different lengths in order to make up the total. For Archer and Bowman classifications, our club records officer can confirm you’ve met the requirements. Master Bowman tier classifications need to be claimed from ArcheryGB. A claim form is available on the AGB website where you can submit your qualifying scores.

There are badges available for the different classifications and the club will award badges to members achieving Archer and Bowman classifications (Master Bowman classifications are administered by AGB).

For example to achieve any award in the Archer tier, the archer needs to shoot a number of complete rounds totalling at least 144 (or 12 dozen) arrows, which can be achieved in a number of ways. For Archer 3rd Class, each round must include a distance of at least 30 yards or 30 metres. If the archer reaches the minimum score required, then the scored round contributes towards their classification. Once they have shot rounds totalling 144 arrows at that classification level, they have achieved the award. Congratulations! The archer then may look at aiming for the Archer 2nd Class award.

If you would like to have your outdoor classification recorded and recognised by the club then please submit your scores for rounds you have shot to the club Records Officer. The outdoor classification year runs from January 1^st to December 31^st every year, so any recognised rounds you have shot during that period will count. The information to send is as follows:

• the round shot and the date
• the score
• your bow type
• a photo or scan of the score sheet or copy of the results sheet from a competition.

You can send your scores in as you get them and perhaps progress through several classification levels during the year, getting badges along the way. A final classification is calculated at the end of the year from the scores received and that is your starting classification for the next year.

Information about classifications, and classification tables for the different bow types, can be found on the Archery GB website here: AGB Classification Information