Scoring Basics
Scoring is a central part of target archery as it enables you to track your progress and to compete with others if desired. There are two official scoring methods, 5 zone (archery GB) and 10 zone (world archery). Both use the same target face but have different scoring zones.
More details can be found by downloading our Scoring Guide.
The Club keeps scoring records for all members. Scores are also used to update classifications and handicaps (see below). You can submit your scores either by placing your scores in the wallet inside the large shed at the Lintman Range or by email to Lindsey Roberts our Records officer at records@lintmanarchery.org
There are a wide variety of recognised ‘Rounds’ to score. More details can be found in the Archery GB Rules of shooting.
Members can view their own scores, handicaps and classification online. This service is provided through Golden Records Online. Click below to request access.
New for 2023
Archery GB (AGB) has relaunched the Archery Classification and Handicap schemes in January 2023. The new schemes have been rebased and are extended for more qualifying rounds and the new AGB Age Groups including new classifications for the Over 50+.
Handicaps
The handicap system is a way of adjusting scores to a baseline so that archers with different levels of experience can compete on an equal footing. A novice usually starts out with a high handicap, which reduces as they post better scores. To achieve a handicap an archer must shoot at least three rounds.
The system has two main uses. First, handicaps can help you gauge your progress. A reducing handicap indicates improving scores. Second, they are also used to produce adjusted results in handicap tournaments.
The handicap system involves three stages:
- Initial assessment – For an initial handicap to be obtained, an archer must first shoot three complete rounds. An average is taken of the handicap rating of each score, rounded up to the next larger whole number.
- Ongoing assessment – The process of handicap reduction is continuous and will be reduced every time an archer shoots a round that that is better than their current handicap. An average of the current handicap and the handicap of the round shot is taken and rounded up as before. If this handicap rating is lower, than this will be the new handicap taken forward, otherwise it will remain the same. For a handicap to improve, an archer must shoot a round with a handicap rating at least 2 better than their current handicap.
- Annual reassessment of handicaps – At the beginning of each season (1st Jan for outdoors; 1st July for indoors) all handicaps are reassessed. The best three handicaps achieved over the previous season are taken and the average taken. This is the handicap rating that will be taken over into the new season. For 2023 all archers handicaps will be rebased to the new scheme once three qualifying rounds have been shot.
Handicaps for different bow disciplines (recurve, longbow, compound and barebow only) are calculated in the same way, but if you shoot more than one discipline you can obtain a handicap for each.
Classifications
Classifications are the best indication of where you are in terms of scoring ability, and provide a benchmark for levels of improvement.
A comprehensive guide to the new Classification scheme, including an introductory video and all the resources needed to understand the new scheme are available from the Archery GB website.
Score Sheets
Please use the Lintman score sheets and fill in all the needed information. If you make your own score sheets please include the same information on them as on these sheets.