Age and handicaps

[compass]

Hi,

This beginner asked an archery retailer whether a certain set up as regards poundage (about 36 was the number then under discussion, although I hope to get a bit more than that in due course) would give a cast of 90m. No, he replied, but you won't be shooting 90m. He went on to say that people always competed within an age group if they were past 60.

Is this the case, and is one not allowed/encouraged to cross age boundaries? Obviously, you don't want to be competing out of your class, but is there not a handicap system to square that up?

[tropicalshot]

Hi,

This beginner asked an archery retailer whether a certain set up as regards poundage (about 36 was the number then under discussion, although I hope to get a bit more than that in due course) would give a cast of 90m. No, he replied, but you won't be shooting 90m. He went on to say that people always competed within an age group if they were past 60.

Is this the case, and is one not allowed/encouraged to cross age boundaries? Obviously, you don't want to be competing out of your class, but is there not a handicap system to square that up?

yes you can shoot in the open division of your nominated class (comp/recurve)if you so choose. you need to shoot the open fita class to calim the fita Stars,
However having said that the norm seems to be when an archer reaches a certain age they like to drop down to the lower distances under the AA rules.
ie over 50 men goes down to the ladies Fita distance and the over 60's go to the freemantle. i dont think you will be too discouraged from shooting in the open but you have to work your way up to it so as youvwill not get to discouraged in heading straight to a 90m round (even those of us that have to shoot that round dont really like it .LOL)
F.Y.I. we have a 70yr old lady archer who's aim next year is to try a full ladies fita. i say go for it and good on her.

[James Park]

There is certainly no restriction to shooting the open age group when you are older than 50 or younger than 18 - you can enter it at any age at all. Many do and some are particularly challenging to beat.

[Alan]

At 71 I enjoy competing in a Freemanle in the vets division or a full FITA on a good day, I draw 50lb on an allegance.Untill 2 years ago I was drawing 54lb but had to drop it downto 45lb then slowly builtit up again.
Enjoy your archery thats the main aim:archer:

[bigfella]

Have fun with your archery. Many of us who have aged past the open age range still shoot it although in my case it seems to become more difficult as the years progress.

Many of us started out in our age division and progressed "up" to Open class as our abilities developed.

[compass]

Thanks, Tropical shot and James Park,

Does the handicap system work across age lines, (as in golf for eg) or only between competitors in the same age group? Someone said that even younger (ie to me, those under 50) archers don't like shooting @ 90m. I don't understand this. I thought that's where the challenge would be. Can't see the point of scoring well at less than your personal furthest range. I have everything to learn about archery of course, and your informed views and info would be most welcome, and may help me undertand the culture. It's all about learning, and discipline it seems, and that's why I'm keen.

Your tolerance would be appreciated.

Compass

[TrevorK]

Myself a young 47, I've only been shooting for approx three years, two in comps and yes the 90M is hard, especially for the older beginner, eg someone who has not progressed though the junior ranks.
I sometimes wonder that men and women in the senior division should shoot the same distances ie 70,60,50 and 30 and drop the 90M and as this may also encourage others to compete and bring in the matchplay at the end.

[tropicalshot]

I sometimes wonder that men and women in the senior division should shoot the same distances ie 70,60,50 and 30 and drop the 90M and as this may also encourage others to compete and bring in the matchplay at the end.

90m is a pain, its not used at olimpic or worlds but needed to get a ranking, i am unsure whether to drop it or not, on the one hand its not required in the above mentioned feilds but on the other its a challenge, and the will to strive for your best at the worst of times makes me think that it should stay.
as an average recurver the 90m is a nemises but i will beat it and post a 300+ one day at it, then vengence is mine, all mine i tell you lol

[Archangel]

90m is a pain, its not used at olimpic or worlds
It is used at Worlds.