Classifications 2025

Measuring Progress: An Introduction to Archery GB’s Classification and Handicap Schemes

Archery, a sport demanding precision, focus, and consistency, offers immense satisfaction as skills develop. But how do archers track their progress objectively and compete fairly against others of varying abilities? Within the UK, Archery GB, the national governing body, provides two key systems designed specifically for these purposes: the Classification Scheme and the Handicap Scheme. While distinct, they work together to motivate archers, recognise achievement, and facilitate equitable competition.

The Classification Scheme: Milestones of Achievement

Think of the Classification Scheme as a series of benchmarks acknowledging an archer’s attained skill level. It provides tangible goals and recognition through badges. Starting from the entry-level ‘Archer’ class, archers progress through Bowman (3rd, 2nd, 1st Class), Master Bowman (MB), and finally, the prestigious Grand Master Bowman (GMB).

Achieving a classification requires consistently shooting at (or better than) a benchmark score. The required scores vary significantly depending on several factors:

  • Age Group: Juniors, seniors, and 50+ have different score requirements.
  • Gender: There are separate score tables for men and women.
  • Bowstyle: Recurve, compound, longbow and barebow all have their unique score thresholds.
  • Season: Indoor and outdoor seasons are tracked separately and have different rounds.

This structure ensures that the classifications represent a comparable level of proficiency within each specific category. Earning a classification badge – particularly the higher tiers like Master Bowman – is a significant achievement, reflecting dedication and consistent high performance. It serves as a powerful motivator, giving archers clear targets to aim for as they hone their technique.

The Handicap Scheme: Levelling the Playing Field and Tracking Form

While classifications mark specific achievement levels, the Handicap Scheme provides a dynamic, numerical representation of an archer’s current average shooting ability. Every Archery GB member can obtain an initial handicap based on their first few scored rounds. Subsequently, every time an archer submits a score from a recognised round, their handicap is potentially recalculated.

The handicap is a number, typically ranging from over 100 (beginner) down to 0 (elite). A lower handicap indicates a higher level of skill. Its primary functions are:

Fair Competition: How do you compare different scores across different rounds and between different archers? A handicap can be calculated for any score and round.

Personal Progress Tracking: An archer’s handicap provides a sensitive measure of their current form. Watching your handicap decrease over time is a clear indicator of improvement, even if you aren’t yet reaching the next classification level. It reflects consistency better than one-off high scores.

Complementary Systems

The Classification and Handicap schemes are not mutually exclusive; they complement each other beautifully. An archer might strive to achieve their next classification (e.g., Bowman 1st Class) while simultaneously monitoring their handicap to see their general performance trend improve (e.g., dropping from 45 to 40). The classification offers set goals and recognition, while the handicap provides a continuous measure of form and enables fair competition across the membership.

Together, these Archery GB schemes provide a robust framework that supports archers throughout their journey, offering motivation, measuring progress, celebrating achievement, and ensuring the spirit of fair play remains central to competition. They are integral parts of the organised archery landscape in the UK, encouraging participation and rewarding dedication at all levels.

For more information…

There is a terrific resource explaining the requirements in more detail here:

The Archery GB resources themselves can be found here:

To record your classifications either via email to records@tyndalearchers.co.uk or send a DM to the Records Officer (Alain Cottignies).