Draw Length - measured from the back of the bow to the arrow nock at full draw. As archer improves their technique, draw length usually increases. First arrows are usually 1" longer than necessary to allow for this.

Bow Length - length of bow dependent on draw length, a rough guide is 24" draw-63" bow, 26" to 28" draw-66" bow, 28"-30" draw-68" bow.

Tiller - Bowyers manufacturing process used to balance the forces which are applied by the limbs of the bow when strung or being drawn. Also a comparison of measurement taken from the limb to the string at each end of the riser(handle).

Bracing Height - a specific distance between the string and a particular point on the bow riser when the bow is strung. Dictates at what point the arrow leaves the string when shot.

Arrow Spine - the bending quality (stiffness) of an arrow, dependent on arrow shaft diameter and wall thickness. Arrows must be matched to the bow taking into consideration draw length and draw weight.

Archers Paradox - the initial stages of flexing of the arrow from the loose as it accelerates past the bow.

Pressure Button - an adjustable spring loaded contact point for the arrow which is set into the riser. Allows for fine tuning of the arrow to control the archers paradox, the degree of bending being dependent on arrow spine

Progression:
There are two systems in place to enable an archer to judge his/her progress within the sport:
1. The Handicap System.
The handicap system ranges from 0, (highest rating) to 100, (lowest rating). For each recognised round shot under GNAS rules of shooting there is a handicap number relating to the score obtained. A beginner or an archer not in possession of a handicap, will be eligible to receive a handicap after shooting three complete rounds. The handicap awarded will be equal to the average rating of the three rounds. A handicap may be reduced every time the archer shoots a round to a better standard than his current handicap. At the beginning of each calendar year, the club records officer will re-assess the handicap by taking the average handicap ratings of the archers best three scores shot during the previous year.
Once in possession of a handicap rating the archer can become eligible to compete in competitions for a handicap group or handicap adjusted score medal.

2. The Classification System.
The classification system recognises 6 classes - 3rd class, 2nd class, 1st class, Bowman, Master Bowman (MB) and Grand Master Bowman (GMB). For each recognised round shot under GNAS rules of shooting there is a qualifying score for each class for that round. An archer must shoot three rounds of, or better than, the qualifying scores within the calendar year to obtain a classification. Note- conditions do apply on types of competition and rounds shot to obtain certain classifications. (see GNAS Rules of Shooting)

At the start of the outdoor and indoor season club handicap cards are handed out so that archers can record the details of rounds shot and the obtained score. These should then be handed into the Club Records Officer at regular intervals for handicap evaluation and adjustment if necessary. Score sheets and competition results sheets should also be retained as these will have to be submitted to the County Records Officer in the event of claims for Classification badges and County records.

Club Shooting

Outdoor shooting is usually on an informal basis with individual archers left to put targets at distances they are comfortable with. Unfortunately as the ground is also used for other sporting activity, it is essential that all lost arrows are found. To this extent, archers are not encouraged to shoot distances beyond their capability, (new club rules regarding this come into effect in 2007) although the club metal detector is available however should the need arise. Wooden arrows should have metal tape wound around the OD to facilitate location when lost in the grass.
Archers are expected to put away target and stand when finished with.

The indoor shooting season usually sees the introduction of "fatter" arrows, a reduction in shooting distance to 18 metres (20 yards), and visitors from other clubs who pay a shooting fee to use our facilities. We also enter teams, Compound and Recurve, in a Postal League Competition. This requires us to shoot a Portsmouth round once a month - the scores being submitted by post to the organisers. (Compound team-2 archers, recurve team- 5 archers)
Indoors it is normal to remain on the same target throughout the evening and shoot ends of 3 or 4 arrows. Normal indoor competitions require ends of 3 arrows to be shot, however to get through an evening round usually requires us to shoot in ends of 4.

Competitions

A variety of competitions are held by County and individual clubs throughout the year to cater for both the experienced archer and the novice.
In general, GNAS round distances are in yards, use a 122cm face and 5 zone scoring. (9,7,5,3,1). Outdoor International FITA or metric round distances are in metres, use 122cm and 80cm faces(nearer distances), and 10 zone scoring.
The GNAS Rules of Shooting book is a must for the more competitive archer.
Full day shoots (144 arrows), usually start around 9am and finish around 6pm. Shorter novice rounds usually commence in the afternoon (2pm). A chair and large umbrella are usually the basic comfort requirements, although the more seasoned competitors have small tents and usually arrive at the ground a good hour before the start to pitch their tent on the spectator line (10 yards behind the shooting line), although it is a requirement that adequate room is left for the free passage of competitors and officials between the waiting line and the spectator line. Food and drink are also a requirement, and should be taken little and often throughout the day.
The GNAS dress code of clothing (except inclement weather gear), is that garments shall be plain dark green or white. There is no objection to wearing green and white garments together. (NB new rules allow club colours to now be worn. Check with your club).

Archery Safety Rules.

1. Do not put an arrow on the bow, or draw back unless you are on the shooting line and have the bow pointing in the direction of the target.
2. Do not cross the shooting line unless directed to do so by the "field captain".
3. If you hear the command "FAST" whilst on the shooting line, do not release an arrow, but bring the bow down and take the arrow off the bow. FAST means that there is a problem with safety and shooting cannot commence until told to do so by the field captain. The shout "FAST" can be issued by any person who considers there is a safety problem.
4. Walk to the target when collecting arrows and approach from the side.
5. When removing arrows from the target ensure nobody is in front of the target before withdrawing them.
6. Walk back from the target with the arrows point down.
7. Do not pull a bow back and release it without an arrow on it as this can damage the bow limbs. (refer rule 1).

Archer Etiquette.

A good archer-
1. Does not talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting.
2. Does not talk to another competitor who obviously prefers to be silent.
3. Does not make any exclamation on the shooting line which might disconcert a neighbour in the act of shooting.
4. Does not go behind the target to retrieve his/her arrows before the score has been recorded.
5. Does not walk up and down the shooting line comparing scores
6. Does not touch anyone else`s equipment without permission.
7. When calling arrow scores does so in groups of three, eg 7-7-5 pause 5-5-3
8. If he/she breaks anothers arrow through his/her own carelessness offers to pay for it.