Scoring and Awards

Recommended Awards for Beginners

If you're new to archery, the 252 Award Scheme and the Portsmouth Badge Scheme are excellent ways to track your progress and build your skills. Both schemes are designed to help archers of all levels, especially beginners, set achievable goals and see tangible results as they improve.

Understanding Archery GB Classifications

Archery GB classifications provide a structured way for archers to measure their skill level and progress over time. These classifications are standardized across the UK, making them a recognized benchmark of an archer's ability.

How Classifications Work

Classifications are achieved by shooting qualifying scores in designated rounds, both indoors and outdoors. Each classification level requires three qualifying scores, which must be shot in competition or at a recognized club event. The more advanced the classification, the higher the score needed.

The Path to Mastery

Starting from Archer Third Class, archers can work their way up through a series of progressively challenging levels, ultimately aiming for the prestigious titles of Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman. Achieving these top classifications is a significant accomplishment, requiring consistent high performance and dedication to the sport.

Indoor Classifications

Archery GB offers a structured set of classifications for indoor archery, allowing archers to track their progress and set goals. The indoor classifications are as follows:

• Archer Third Class

• Archer Second Class

• Archer First Class

• Bowman Third Class

• Bowman Second Class

• Bowman First Class

• Master Bowman

• Grand Master Bowman

To achieve these classifications, you must shoot three qualifying scores in recognized indoor rounds such as Portsmouth, Worcester, or Vegas. Your top scores are then submitted for classification.

Outdoor Classifications

Outdoor classifications follow a similar structure but are more challenging due to the greater distances and varying conditions. The outdoor classifications include:

• Archer Third Class

• Archer Second Class

• Archer First Class

• Bowman Third Class

• Bowman Second Class

• Bowman First Class

• Master Bowman

• Grand Master Bowman

Achieving these classifications requires shooting three qualifying scores in recognized outdoor rounds such as the National, Western, or York/Hereford. The highest classifications, Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman, require exceptional skill and consistency.

252 Award Scheme

The 252 Award Scheme is a fantastic way for beginners to improve their accuracy and consistency at various outdoor distances. The goal is to score 252 points with 36 arrows (six ends of six arrows) at specific distances. This scheme is only available for outdoor shooting and covers the following distances (all in yards):

• 20 yards

• 30 yards

• 40 yards

• 50 yards

• 60 yards

• 80 yards

• 100 yards

How to Obtain 252 Badges

To obtain a 252 badge, you need to achieve the 252 score at a particular distance. Once you've done this, simply submit your scores to the club, and you can claim a badge representing that distance. These badges are an excellent way to mark your progress as you extend your shooting range.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​