Bethany Rhodes – Bristol II new record
Bethany Rhodes Rounds – Handicaps and Classifications.
The first outdoor round submitted by an Aire Valley Archer (not including a 252 round or indoor rounds ) has been received by the records officer this week. And In fact it is the first in this outdoor season and last years outdoor season.
Bethany Rhodes submitted a Bristol II – six dozen arrows at 60 yards – four dozen at 50 yards and two dozen at 40 yards – shot at St Ives on Sunday 27th June. The submitted score was 1244 – and this is also a new club record for Bethany’s age range and improving on one of Daniella Browns numerous club records.
Submitting rounds is one of the best ways to help you improve your skills in Archery. Two valuable indicators of improvement are the Handicap system and the Classifications.
The handicap system is a way of adjusting scores to a baseline so that archers with different levels of experience can compete on an equal footing. A novice usually starts out with a high handicap, which reduces as they post better scores. To achieve a handicap an archer must shoot at least three rounds. These need to be shot with at least one other archer and the results need to be recorded, witnessed, signed and submitted to the club records officer, who is responsible for listing club members’ handicaps.
The system has two main uses. First, handicaps can help you gauge your progress. Second, they are also used to produce adjusted results in handicap tournaments. Once the results of such tournaments are in, the Tournament Organiser will use the Archery GB handicap tables to calculate the handicap adjustments and find the winner.
Classifications are important to all archers because they are the best indication of where you are in terms of scoring ability, and provide a benchmark for levels of improvement. There are six classification levels: the lowest is third class, then second class, first class, Bowman, Master Bowman, and Grand Master Bowman at the highest classification level.
Archery GB produces tables detailing exactly what scores you need in each round to hit a certain classification. The scores required for a classification can be found in our shooting administration procedures.
To gain a classification you need to shoot three scores that meet that classification level. The highest two classifications, Master Bowman and Grand Master Bowman, can only be achieved with scores achieved at record status competitions. Once you achieve a classification you cannot go back and claim a lower one.
You can hold different classifications for different bow types, but you can only hold your classification for the calendar year in which you shot your qualifying scores. You must re-qualify each year to maintain it. (source ref ArcheryGB)
Bethany’s score for this round achieved a handicap of 27 and a classification of Junior Bowman – it would have been junior Master Bowman if the round was shot at an official competition. This alone is quite a remarkable achievement given the restrictions we are all subjected to at present and now Bethany will be in a team representing her country in this sport we all love – which we hope is also a true reflection of the club and its coaching staff
Score sheets submitted for record keeping, need to be carefully verified by someone other than the archer shooting the round – a fellow archer – a companion or buddy – which means we have to get back to shooting with fellow club members as soon as possible. Use the social media we as club members tend to use to keep in touch with other members and you may be able to meet with other like minded members to help with any problems or questions you may have about the sport. Archery GB is running many sessions on-line and with a variety of subjects – take advantage of these facilities – you are paying for them – so get your moneys’ worth.
