Introduction
Archery is a sport of precision and focus, where the difference between victory and defeat can be a single point. Understanding how scoring works in archery is crucial for both competitors and spectators.
This guide will walk you through the intricate scoring system used in archery, helping you understand what it takes to hit the bullseye.
The Target
The archery target is a circular board with ten evenly spaced concentric rings. The rings have alternating colors: white, black, blue, red, and gold from outside to inside. Each color is divided into two rings, making a total of ten scoring zones. The outermost white ring is worth 1 point, and the inner white ring is worth 2 points. The black rings are worth 3 and 4 points, the blue rings 5 and 6, the red rings 7 and 8, and the gold rings 9 and 10. The innermost gold ring, also known as the bullseye, is worth 10 points.
Scoring an End
In archery, an “end” refers to a round where each archer shoots a specific number of arrows. The scores for each arrow are added up to give the total score for that end. In Olympic archery, each archer shoots three arrows per end, and the maximum score for an end is 30 (if all arrows hit the bullseye). The archer with the highest total score at the end of all rounds is declared the winner.
Arrow Value Determination
The value of an arrow is determined by the zone it lands in. If an arrow touches the line between two zones, the higher value is awarded. This is often referred to as the “line breaker” rule.
Tie-Breaking
In the event of a tie, a shoot-off is used to determine the winner. Each archer shoots one arrow, and the archer whose arrow lands closest to the center of the target is declared the winner.
Team Events Scoring
In team events, the scores of all team members are added together. The team with the highest total score wins. In case of a tie, the team with the most number of 10s and then 9s is declared the winner.
Conclusion
Understanding the scoring system in archery can enhance your appreciation of this precise and challenging sport.
Whether you’re an aspiring archer or a fan of the sport, knowing how scores are calculated adds an extra layer of excitement to each arrow shot.