Guide to Classifications
Archery classifications are similar to handicaps in that you must shoot at least three rounds to gain a classification, and there are separate indoor and outdoor classifications for each bow style an archer shoots. However unlike handicaps, classifications take into account an archer's, gender, age and bow style. They therefore give an indication to an archer's ability taking these factors into account.
The outdoor classification is widely recognised by other archers, unlike the indoor classification. As with handicaps, Archery GB produce classification tables which state what score must be obtained for a given round to qualify for a given classification. Unlike the handicap tables, classification tables can easily be found on the internet or from Archery GB's Shooting Administrative Procedures which can be downloaded from the Archery GB website. You can work out your own classification or submit your scores to the club Records Officer and they will work it out for you.
Outdoor Classifications
Outdoor classifications are (the easiest to obtained are listed first) 3rd class, 2nd class, 1st class, Bowman (BM), Master Bowman (MB) and Grand Master Bowman (GMB). Juniors can gain Junior Bowman and Junior Master Bowman instead of Bowman and Master Bowman respectively. You can achieve 3rd, 2nd, 1st classes or BM (Bowman) classification at any club shoot or competition.
You can only qualify for MB (Master Bowmen) and GMB (GrandMaster Bowman) having submitted 3 scores to Archery GB, from Record Status competitions. Badges are awarded for all outdoor classifications. To get an idea of the difficulty of getting these classifications they are designed so that the top 1% will get GMB, the top 4% MB and top 15% Bowman.
Indoor Classifications
Indoor classifications are different to the outdoor scheme in that they run from A to H, A being the best. As with outdoor handicaps, classification tables are produced by Archery GB and three qualifying scores are required before a classification can be obtained. No badges are produced for indoor classifications but the handicaps can be used during competitions for example Worcester and Portsmouth shoots. Wyke Archers generally shoot the Portsmouth round at our indoor sessions, so it’s worth scoring at every session.
For quick access to the Classifications you need, select from the links below or scroll down to find what you are looking for.