Official Rules

1. The Independent Archers Association (IAA) Board of Directors is the sole governing authority for all sanctioned events.
2. All participants agree to abide by these rules upon registration.
3. The IAA Board has final authority on rule enforcement and interpretation.
4. All Board rulings are final and not subject to appeal.

2.1 Age Classification

• If an archer's birthday occurs after April 1, the archer shall remain in their current age class until March 31 of the following year.
• No exceptions.

2.2 Organizational Recognition

• IAA classifications are independent.
• Class participation in any other organization has no authority within IAA competition.

2.3 Equipment-Based Participation

• An archer may compete only in classes permitted by their equipment configuration at equipment inspection and age.

2.4 Class Changes

• Moving to a lower maximum yardage class during a tournament year is prohibited without written approval from the IAA Board prior to competition.
• Lateral moves (equal yardage) must be declared at registration and are limited to ONE occurrence per year.
• Failure to declare a class change results in disqualification from the event.

2.5 Mandatory Move-Up Rule

An archer must move to the next higher class the following season if they:

• Win Overall Champion, or
• Win Archer of the Year.

Move-ups continue annually until:

• Maximum yardage is reached, or
• Age division eligibility changes.

No waivers permitted.

1. A minimum of three (3) competing archers is required to declare an event winner.
2. A minimum of three (3) eligible archers is required to award: Overall Champion, Archer of the Year (3 qualified archers in class throughout the season), and Super Slam.
3. If participation minimums are not met, no award shall be issued.

4.1 Qualification Requirements

An archer must:

• Compete in three (3) qualifying events
• Compete in the State Championship.

Failure to meet both requirements results in automatic ineligibility.

4.2 Determination

AOY standings are based strictly on cumulative score totals (best three scores within a season).

4.3 Tie Breaking (Applied Sequentially)

1. Highest number of 11s
2. Highest number of 14s
3. Shoot-off (if feasible)
4. Coin toss administered by officials

4.4 Automatic Qualification

AOY winners automatically qualify for the Jim Morrow King of the Stake Shoot-Off (Outdoor Season Only).

To receive an award at the State Championship, an archer must have competed in:

• Minimum one (1) IAA Indoor event
• Minimum two (2) IAA Outdoor events.

No exceptions.

1. Minimum three (3) qualified archers required per class.
2. Archer must compete in three (3) of four (4) designated events.
3. State Championship participation is not required.
4. Super Slam events count as a qualifier for AOY as well.

7.1 Maximum Shooting Distances

• White Stake — 25 yards
• Yellow Stake — 35 yards
• Red Stake — 40 yards
• Green Stake — 45 yards
• Blue Stake — 50 yards

Distances shall not exceed listed maximums +3%.

7.2 Target Setup Standards

• Vital (8-ring) must be unobstructed.
• All scoring rings must be visible.
• Targets may not be excessively rotated or leaned.
• No overhead obstruction permitted.

Targets failing standards must be corrected before scoring begins.

• 14 Ring — 14
• 11 Ring — 11
• 10 Ring — 10
• 8 Ring — 8
• Body — 5
• Miss — 0

8.1 14 Ring Rule

Applies ONLY to targets #5, #10, #15, #20, #25, #30. Requirements:

1. Archer must verbally declare attempt prior to shooting.
2. Declaration must be acknowledged by the group.
3. Once declared: 14 ring = 14 points, 11 ring = 10 points.
4. Failure to declare = 11 ring scored normally.

No retroactive declarations allowed.

1. Arrow weight minimum: 5 grains per pound of shooting weight.
2. Shooting weight = maximum draw weight at competition start.
3. Draw weight adjustments after course entry are prohibited.
4. Maximum arrow diameter: 27/64 inch.
5. Cub/Future Bowhunter max draw weight: 40 lbs.
6. All other classes: 80 lbs maximum.
7. Unlimited sight pins allowed.
8. Laser or projected aiming devices prohibited.
9. Verifier/clarifier peeps allowed where sights are permitted.

Violation results in disqualification.

1. Groups assigned by host club only.
2. Unauthorized group changes = immediate disqualification.
3. Archer must maintain physical contact with stake while shooting.
4. One (1) step off stake permitted per course.

10.1 Time Limit

• Maximum: 2 minutes per shot.
• Time begins — first shooter: when previous group clears target; subsequent shooters: upon previous arrow release.

Penalty structure:

• First violation: warning.
• Second violation: −5 points.
• Additional violations: disqualification.

10.2 Stake Conduct

Archer must clear stake immediately after shooting.

10.3 Umbrellas

Maximum one umbrella assisting a shooter at the stake.

10.4 Sight Adjustment

Sight elevation adjustments after drawing the bow are prohibited.

1. Line cutters receive higher value.
2. 14s and 11s recorded separately.
3. Host club designates scoring side for back-kill targets.
4. Pass-through or bounce-back arrows count only if witnessed and agreed upon by majority of group.
5. Accidentally released arrows score zero unless retrieved while maintaining stake contact.

Tie resolution order:

1. Most 11s
2. Most 14s
3. Shoot-off (if feasible)
4. Coin toss

• Binoculars permitted in all classes.
• Rangefinders permitted in all classes.

1. Archer must remain with assigned group unless released by a range official.
2. Equipment failure must be verified by a range official.
3. Official retains scorecard until repairs are completed.
4. Archer resumes at point of interruption only.

Unapproved departure from course results in disqualification.

1. Protests must be submitted to an IAA Board Member before scorecards are turned in.
2. Board review occurs immediately or at earliest practical time.
3. Board decision is final.