How long does an archer have to shoot?
I · Intermediate · Shooting, timing and team matches · 3 of 6In matches shot in turn, an archer has 20 seconds for each arrow. When archers shoot at the same time, as in qualification, the time limit is 30 seconds an arrow at world ranking events and 40 at others, taken as one block for the end. An arrow shot outside the time costs the archer their best arrow of the end.
How it works
| Situation | Time for each arrow | So an end lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Individual match, shooting in turn | 20 seconds | 20 seconds a shot |
| Team and mixed team matches, and their shoot-offs | 20 seconds | 2 minutes for six arrows; 80 seconds for four |
| Qualification and matches shot at the same time, world ranking events | 30 seconds | 3 minutes for six arrows; 90 seconds for three |
| The same, other events | 40 seconds, or 30 if the invitation says so | 4 minutes for six arrows; 2 minutes for three |
- In alternate shooting, the opponent's 20 seconds start as soon as the first archer's arrow is shot or their time runs out.
- 10 seconds are allowed to come to the shooting line before the clock starts.
- The time may be extended in exceptional circumstances.
- If shooting is suspended in mid-end, the clock is reset for the arrows still to be shot.
Tricky cases
Does a faster first arrow give more time for the next?
It depends on the format. In qualification the time is one block for the end, so yes. In alternate shooting each arrow has its own 20 seconds.
The arrow left the bow a moment after the stop signal. Does it count?
Yes, as an arrow of the end, but the archer loses the highest-scoring arrow of that end.
Why the rule exists
A clock keeps a field of a hundred archers moving together, and in a match it puts both archers under the same pressure.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B3 11.2 |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Articles 11.2 and 13.3. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).