SportsMaze

Can a coach talk to an archer during shooting, and what must archers wear?

A · Advanced · Divisions, the field, officials and conduct · 5 of 5
Checked 14 October 2026

A coach may give an archer advice while they are on the shooting line, as long as it is not electronic and does not disturb others. At major events archers wear sports clothing in team uniform, with closed sports shoes. Denim, camouflage and baggy trousers are not allowed.

How it works

Coaching:

  • Individual events: non-electronic coaching information may be given to an archer on the line, without disturbing other archers.
  • Team events: archers and coach may talk to each other whether on the line or not. The coach stays in the place set by the organisers.
  • At most one team official for each archer competing, and no more than four on the field at once in most cases.

Dress, at the Olympic Games, world championships, world ranking and World Cup events:

  • Team members of a category wear the same uniform.
  • Trousers, shorts, skirts or dresses, no shorter than the fingertips with arms at the sides.
  • Tops must cover front and back, be fixed over both shoulders and cover the midriff at full draw.
  • No denim or jeans of any colour, no camouflage, no oversized or baggy trousers.
  • Sports shoes that cover the whole foot.
  • Headwear is optional.
  • The archer's name and country across the back, and the athlete number on the quiver or thigh.
  • Extra layers for bad weather need the technical delegate's approval.

Tricky cases

Can a coach use a radio to talk to an archer?

No. Coaching information must be non-electronic.

Can an archer wear jeans at a local competition?

It depends on the event. The dress regulations name the Olympic Games, world championships, world ranking events and World Cup events.

Why the rule exists

Advice is part of the sport, but a voice in the ear through an earpiece would move decisions off the line. The dress code is about presenting the sport at its showcase events.

Where it differs

WhereWhat changesSource
World Archery rulesAs aboveB3 10.6; B3 16; B3 18

From the rule book

World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Articles 10.6, 16 and 18. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).

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