Summer Handicap League 2023

AGB have restructured the Handicap and Classification system. There are now three additional new classification levels (there will be different badges), an additional age category (50+ archers) and the handicap system runs now from 0 to 150, where it used to be 0 to 100. AGB have also changed the number of rounds that you need to shoot to get a classification. All handicaps and classifications from previous years are no longer valid and everybody starts afresh.

Quick summary:

• Archer Tier Classification (3rd to 1st class):
  You need to shoot 12 dozen arrows (e.g. either 1 x 12 dozen round or 2 x 6 dozen round or 3 x 4 dozen round at the age appropriate distance). This can be achieved at any of our shooting days.
• Bowman Tier Classification (3rd to 1st class):
  You need to shoot 18 dozen arrows – but these must be shot at competitive events – so they can no longer be achieved during practice shooting Monday – Saturday – but do not fret, it will still be possible to shoot them at our club.
• Master Bowman Tier Classification (Master, Grand Master and Elite Master):
  You need to shoot 36 dozen arrows and these need to be shot at Record Status Competitions.

Achieving 3rd-1st Class or Bowman at the Club

RRAC is introducing the Summer Handicap League.

All our Sunday Shoots and the formal Saturday Shoots (Opening & Closing Shoots) will count towards the League.

For each shoot I will establish straightforward handicap results.

Depending on the number of archers there will be points per rank in reverse order.

So, if there are 10 archers – the first placed archer will receive 10 points and the archer on the 10th place will receive 1 point. The points are cumulative and at the end of the year there will be medals for the top three archers of the League. This means that any qualifying score (that is high enough score at the appropriate distance) shot as part of the League will count towards a Bowman Tier Classification.

The current standing in the Summer Handicap League can be found by clicking here.

FAQ:

• What if I don’t yet have a handicap?
  Good question, you have remembered that it takes three scores to get a valid handicap. For the League it simply means that your handicap is assumed to be 0 (top archer) and you will be ranked further down until you have a valid handicap. Just get those scores in, all correctly recorded scores count towards a handicap including the ones shot during the practice sessions. Remember, you can achieve Archer Tier Classifications up to First Class in practice sessions. The only EXCEPTION are 252 rounds – which will NOT count towards a handicap.
• I can only shoot 20 yards so I can only shoot 252 rounds, can I therefore not participate in the League?
  Yes, you can participate in the League, however, you will shoot with a handicap of 0. Once you are able to reach 30 yards, I recommend starting to shoot National 30 rounds (4 dozen arrows at 30 yards and 2 dozen arrows at 20 yards). The first three dozen arrows at 30 can count as 252 rounds (you need to mark the score sheet to tell me that you want to do that), but you will also get handicaps, classifications and a chance at a new club record.
• I am not able to shoot every Sunday, is this a problem?
  That is not a problem. It is true though, that the more often you shoot on Sundays, the higher up in the final ranking you will be.
• I don’t want to / do not have the time to shoot on Sundays, but I want to achieve Bowman Classification.
  How do I do that? I don’t know, I’m afraid. AGB stipulates that Bowman can only be shot at a competitive event. Our new Summer Handicap League has been introduced to provide the opportunity to our members to achieve Bowman Classifications without having to go to away competitions. Sunday is the only day where we shoot under formal competition rules and where we have time to shoot a full 12-dozen round for those who want to do so. If Sunday shooting is not an option, you will have to find mid-week away competitions to achieve your goal.

Happy Shooting!

Barbara Wanzenried

Records Officer

Royal Richmond Archery Club