What do the lights and whistles mean in archery?
I · Intermediate · Shooting, timing and team matches · 4 of 6Archers shoot standing, on a shooting line, and only when signalled. Two sound signals call them to the line, one starts the shooting, and three send them forward to score. Lights follow the same pattern: red to wait, green to shoot and yellow for the last 30 seconds.
How it works
| Signal | Light | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Two sounds | Red | Come to the shooting line |
| One sound, 10 seconds later | Green | Shooting begins |
| None | Yellow | 30 seconds remain (not used when archers shoot in turn) |
| Two sounds | Red | Time is up: stop, and go back behind the waiting line |
| Three sounds | Red | All arrows shot: go forward and score |
| Five or more sounds | Emergency: all shooting stops |
- Archers shoot from a standing position without support, with the head over the shooting line at full draw. Archers with disabilities are excepted.
- The bow arm may not be raised until the start signal.
- A bow may be drawn only on the shooting line, pointing at the archer's own target.
- Only archers whose turn it is may be on the line. Everyone else waits behind the waiting line, at least 3 metres back.
- When four archers share a target they shoot in pairs, A and B, then C and D, swapping who goes first each end.
- A director of shooting runs the signals and the timing.
- If lights and digital clock disagree, the clock counts.
Tricky cases
Can an archer lift the bow and aim while waiting for the signal?
No. The bow arm may not be raised until the signal to start is given.
Can an archer draw the bow behind the line to warm up?
No. A bow may be drawn, with or without an arrow, only on the shooting line.
Do archers have to stand?
Yes, unless they have a disability. Para archery has its own rules.
Why the rule exists
On a range the signals are the safety system: nobody draws a bow while anyone is walking to the targets.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B3 10.3, 10.4, 10.9; B3 11.1 to 11.4; B2 7.1.1.3 |
| Para archery | Seated shooting and other adaptations | Not covered |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Articles 10.3, 10.4, 10.9, 11.1, 11.2.3, 11.3 and 11.4.4; Book 2, Articles 3.9 and 7.1.1.3. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).