Different faces require different methods to scoring.
Whether you’re shooting a World Archery target face or a field archery face, the ultimate goal is still the same: shoot the middle. However, there are subtle differences that an archer should know when scoring on these faces that could potentially earn some extra points.
World Archery targets are easily identifiable with their yellow-red-blue-black-white colors, with each ring being subdivided into two rings. The scoring on this target starts at 10 points in the inner ring of the yellow and reduces by one point for each ring away from the smallest ring. There is an X ring inside the 10-ring, but this is still worth 10 points and is used to break ties.
Field faces have two variants:
- The first is yellow or white in the center surrounded by only black or blue rings, depending on the field round you are shooting — World Archery field rounds use these targets.
- The second is alternating black and white rings and is shot under the International Field Archery Association with distances in yards instead of meters.
Field faces only have five rings (one yellow/white, four black/blue) and an X ring in the middle of the center ring. The score starts at five points for the center ring and reduces by one for each ring away from the 5-ring. The X ring is inside the 5-ring, and for the IFAA round it is still worth five points. In the WA round the X ring is worth six points.
When an arrow is shot close to a ring of higher value, the exact position of the arrow can determine if the archer is awarded the higher score.
World Archery target faces (both 10-ring and field) require that the archer’s arrow just touch the line between scoring rings. For example, if the archer shoots an arrow in the 8-ring, there is a black line that separates the 8-ring from the 9-ring; if the arrow is touching that black ring, the archer gets nine points.
The IFAA field target, however, requires that the archer’s arrow not only touch the separating line between the two scoring zones but that it touches the higher scoring zone. For example, an arrow shot into the 4-ring and touching the line of the 5-ring will still be scored as a 4 because the arrow shaft is not touching the 5-ring itself.
Knowing these rules can help ensure that you are achieving the highest possible score that you are capable of. These small differences are often confused by the archers, so it’s best to confirm with the judge when you are at a competition. Keeping yourself educated with the rules can take away a lot of anxiety and help to make the tournament run much smoother.
