Determine your Age, Division and Shooting Requirements

Male Female

Compound Recurve Longbow Bare Compound Bare Recurve Standard Compound Standard Recurve

Day Month Year


  • Your age at the end of the year is used to determine your division.
  • Your gender and the type of bow you shoot are also used in determining your division.
  • Abbreviations: Grand Master Bowman (GMB), Master Bowman (MB), First Class (1st), Second Class (2nd), Third Class (3rd).
  • All references on this website to Bowman also include Bowwoman.
  • All distances are in metres (m).
  • All ratings (r) are as published by Archery Australia.
  • FITA 90m, 70m, 60m, Intermiedate and Horsham are all 144 arrow outdoor FITA Rounds that you are likely to come across if you compete in tournaments.
  • Ratings are used as a means of comparing your score regardless of the Round you shoot.
  • Clubs without internet access may be able to use this calculator by enabling off-line use of this website.
  • Clubs hosting FITA events can use this calculator to determine (from entries) as to Rounds required to be setup.

Age Divisions

  • Cubs = 12 and under.
  • Intermediates = 13 and 14 years old.
  • Cadets = 15 and 16 years old.
  • Juniors = 17 to 19 years old.
  • Open = 20 to 49.
  • Masters = 50 to 59.
  • Veterans = 60 and over.

Distance Requirements

The distances below are applicable to equipped recurve and compound bows and standard recurves and compounds. 25. Distances differ for barebows and longbows.

At least 30 arrows in a shoot must be shot at the distances below to qualify for the applicable rank. For all ranks under Master Bowman the shoot must be at least 72 arrows. For Master Bowman and above the shoot must be recognized by Archery Australia and be in excess of 100 arrows. For all ranks, three qualifying shoots must be shot in a calendar year to qualify. Master Bowman and Grand Masters must re-qualify annually. In the case of Master Bowman and Grand Masters, at least one of the qualifying shoots must be shot at tournament. 26.

Division GMB MB 1st 2nd
Men 90m 90m 70m 50m
Women 70m 70m 60m 50m
Master Men 70m 70m 60m 50m
Veteran Men 60m 60m 50m 40m
Master & Veteran Women 60m 60m 50m 40m
Junior Male 90m 90m 70m 50m
Junior Female 70m 70m 60m 50m
Cadet Male 70m 70m 60m 50m
Cadet Female 60m 60m 50m 50m
Intermediate Male & Female 55m 55m 45m 35m
Cub Male & Female 40m 40m 35m 30m

There are no minimum distance requirements for achieving Third Class.

Shoots are often named after cities or locations. In Australia we have shoots named Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin, Brisbane and like.

Classification Requirements

The table below details ratings that must be achieved for a particular classification. GMB stands for Grand Master Bowman, MB for Master Bowman, 1ST for 1st Class, 2ND for 2nd Class and 3RD for third class. The table below pertains to Outdoor Target for equipped recurve and compound bows 26.

RECURVE
GROUP GMB MB 1ST 2ND 3RD
Men 85 75 65 50 35
Women 80 70 60 45 30
Master & Veteran Men 80 70 60 45 30
Master & Veteran Women 75 65 55 40 25
Junior Male 75 65 55 40 25
Junior Female 70 60 50 35 20
Cadet Male 70 60 50 35 20
Cadet Female 65 55 45 30 15
Intermediate Male 65 55 45 30 15
Intermediate Female 60 50 40 25 10
Cub Male 60 50 40 25 10
Cub Female 60 50 40 25 10
COMPOUND
GROUP GMB MB 1ST 2ND 3RD
Men 95 85 75 60 45
Women 90 80 70 55 40
Master & Veteran Men 90 80 70 55 40
Master & Veteran Women 85 75 65 50 35
Junior Male 85 75 65 50 35
Junior Female 80 70 60 45 30
Cadet Male 80 70 60 45 30
Cadet Female 75 65 55 40 25
Intermediate Male 75 65 55 40 25
Intermediate Female 70 60 50 35 20
Cub Male 70 60 50 35 20
Cub Female 70 60 50 35 20

Medals and Awards

Master Bowman

Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman - requires extremely good technique, strength, stamina and the ability to concentrate for prolonged periods. One of the qualifying shoots for the calendar year must be shot at a inter-club, State, National or International event (i.e. where other clubs are present).
First Class

First Class - awarded after three qualifying scores shot in a calendar year. Even greater distances. Most archers at this level will be shooting with a spotting scope, have good technique and can handle windy conditions.
Second Class

Second Class - awarded after completing three qualifying scores shot in a calendar year. Longer distances involved. This award generally indicates better technique, strength, understanding of wind conditions and sight settings.
Third Class

Third Class - this is the first of the class medals awarded. The class below 3rd is termed "novice".
All in the gold.

All 6 arrows in the gold (9 and 10 rings). These medals come in bronze for a club level, silver for State and gold for Nationals. The number (the picture shows 90) means that this achievement was gained at the distance of 90m.
Perfect, all in the 10.

This type of medal is awarded for a score of 60 points, the highest score possible. The white disk indicates the distance this perfect score was shot at. Bronze medals for club events, silver for State and gold for National.

FITA stars are also awarded for gaining particular scores at FITA events. At tournaments, the organizers usually award place medals and or trophies. Many archers display their medals on their quivers.

Club Uniform and Tournaments

White shirt (long or short sleeves) bearing club logo. Beige or black shorts or trousers. Club uniform is required to be worn at tournaments, it is not necessary for club shooting. Sports shoes are required at both the club and tournaments. In addition to your uniform and archery equipment, please come to tournaments with:

  • a cap or hat suitable for archery
  • water bottle
  • sufficient food as tournaments can last 8 hours
  • sunscreen
  • at least two pens, for scoring and marking target holes (keep permanently in your quiver)
  • a calculator for adding up scores
  • a set of allen keys to tighten or adjust anything (keep permanently in your quiver)
  • your AWA or AA membership card (this should be kept permanently in your quiver)
  • IMPORTANT - all your arrows must be initialled with your initials between the nock and vanes. All arrows must look alike. You are permitted to number your arrows.
  • IMPORTANT - turn off your mobile phone if you do bring it. Having it ring whilst on the shooting line does not go down well.
  • A camera. At indoor events, please ensure that the flash is turned off.

Your archery equipment will usually consist of bow, quiver & arrows, release aid or finger tab, bow stand and spotting scope/tripod.

Only about 20% of archers compete at a tournament level. Tournaments are tough as they involve shooting a lot of arrows over several hours and walking long distances. They require stamina and sustained concentration. In terms of etiquette and rules, never touch anyone's bow unless you are given permission to do so by the owner. Be aware that concentration and socializing don't mix. Don't disturb archers who are sitting quietly (particularly if wearing earphones) as they are more than likely concentrating on their shot sequence. Parents can assist by scoring, pulling arrows, monitoring sight settings, ensuring proper hyrdration and nutrition throughout the event and taking photos. Boundless well meant advice may be offered and whilst it can be useful, it can also be distracting and may be inaccurate. If concerned, check with a judge before heeding any suggestions. Tournaments are great fun and a place to meet other people with a common interest.