Competing at NFAA Nationals: What to Expect

I've competed at NFAA National Championships and managed the scoring systems for national events as the NFAA's Scoring and Events Manager. From both sides of the line, here is what you need to know about what NFAA Nationals looks like and how to prepare.

The Event Format

NFAA Indoor Nationals typically take place in late winter (February–March). Archers shoot two 60-arrow rounds (300 points each) over two days, with the combined 600-point total determining final placement. Each round uses NFAA 5-spot target faces with 5 arrows per end over 12 ends.

The competitive environment is intense — hundreds of archers from across the country compete simultaneously in a large venue (Louisville, Kentucky's Freedom Hall is the traditional host). The shooting floor can be deafeningly loud, brightly lit, and full of distractions not present in your local club.

Equipment Preparation

• Bring backup strings, nock points, and spare tabs/releases. Equipment failures at nationals are permanent if you don't have spares.
• Shoot your competition arrows exclusively for the 2 weeks prior — know their individual flight characteristics.
• Check your bow's brace height, tiller, and paper tune the week before. Do not make equipment changes in the final 48 hours before competition.

The Days Before

Arrive early enough to practice in the venue the day before. Shooting under the venue's specific lighting is critical — indoor venue lights can create shadows that alter your perception of the target face. Most venues offer open practice on the day prior to the competition round.

Mental Preparation

The biggest challenge at nationals is not technical — it's managing the cumulative pressure of 60 arrows that all matter. Develop a "reset ritual" for after each arrow: a specific action that signals the previous arrow is done and the next is a fresh start. When I won Nationals with 295/300, I used the same routine on arrow 60 as I did on arrow 1. Consistency of process over the mental challenge of the score total is everything.

Scoring at Nationals

As someone who has managed NFAA national scoring through Ianseo, I can tell you: scores are verified carefully. Your scorecard must match the electronic entry. Score your own card accurately and honestly — verify your competitor's arrows before they're pulled. Disputes are rare but must be raised before arrows are pulled from the target.