Running an archery tournament — even at the club level — involves more planning than most new event organizers expect. Having coordinated events at the NFAA from small club shoots to national championships, I can tell you that the principles scale: get the foundation right and the rest follows. Here is a complete guide for club event organizers.
Phase 1: Pre-Event Planning (4–8 Weeks Before)
- Define your format: What round are you shooting? (NFAA Indoor, NFAA 5-Spot, WA 18m, etc.) How many archers? How many distances/sessions?
- Secure the venue: Confirm target count, lane count, lighting adequacy, and backstop safety. Ensure you have enough shooting distance.
- Set registration: Use a registration platform (Sport80, Ianseo's online tools, or even a Google Form for small events). Collect bow style, division, age category, and full name for all competitors.
- Prepare target assignments: Calculate how many archers per target (typically 2–4 for indoor competition), create a target assignment list.
Phase 2: Day-Before Preparation
- Set up targets, bale numbers, and lane markers
- Configure your scoring system — whether Ianseo tablets, paper cards, or both
- Print scorecards or prepare tablet assignments by target
- Brief your volunteer staff: target captains, line boss, registration desk, equipment check
- Test all technology: tablets, network connectivity, result display screens
Phase 3: Competition Day
- Open registration 60–90 minutes before shooting begins
- Conduct an equipment check for any competitive divisions that require it
- Hold a competitor briefing covering range commands, safety rules, and scoring procedures
- Practice ends: always allow at least 1–2 practice ends before official scoring begins
- Manage the shooting line — use a consistent signal (whistle or light system) for each phase
- Monitor score entry in real time and resolve any disputes promptly through the official challenge process
Phase 4: Results and Wrap-Up
- Verify and publish final results — display at the venue and post online as soon as possible
- Conduct awards ceremony promptly — competitors often travel and appreciate efficient scheduling
- Collect all equipment, breakdown targets, and document any incident reports
- Send a post-event survey to gather feedback for improvement
Let ATS Run Your Event Technology
Contact Lalit Jain at ATS to handle Ianseo setup, live scoring, and result management for your next tournament — freeing you to focus on running a great event.