How is an archery range laid out?
Officials' detail · Divisions, the field, officials and conduct · 6 of 6Checked 14 October 2026
Archers shoot from one shooting line at a row of targets set at a measured distance. A waiting line runs at least 3 metres behind the shooting line and a 3-metre line in front of it. The centre of the gold is 130 cm above the ground.
How it works
- Each distance is measured from a point under the gold of the target to the shooting line, within 30 cm at the long distances, 15 cm at 50 to 30 metres and 10 cm indoors.
- Lines: the shooting line; a 3-metre line in front of it; for team rounds a line 1 metre behind it; the waiting line at least 3 metres behind.
- Target centre: 130 cm above the ground, give or take 5 cm, for a single face.
- The target face is fixed to a "butt", which must hold the arrows and be anchored so that wind cannot blow it over.
- The field is laid out so that archers do not shoot into the sun.
- The venue should be no higher than 1,800 metres above sea level unless an exception is authorised.
Tricky cases
What is the 3-metre line for?
It decides whether a dropped arrow counts as shot. An arrow with part of its shaft inside the line may be replaced.
Can spectators stand behind the archers?
Yes, but only behind the barriers. The director of shooting is responsible for keeping spectators there.
Why the rule exists
Exact distances and heights make a score mean the same thing on one range as on another.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B2 7.1; B2 7.2.1; B2 7.2.3 |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 2, Articles 3.9.3, 7.1 and 7.2. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).