What happens if a para archer shoots too early?
I · Intermediate · Competition · 4 of 4An arrow shot before the start signal, after the stop signal or out of turn loses the athlete or team their highest-scoring arrow of that end. Ties for elimination places and tied matches go to shoot-offs, not to counting tens: individuals shoot one arrow, then closest to the centre wins; teams one arrow each, then closest, then second closest.
How it works
- Early or late arrow: lose the highest arrow of the end.
- Out of sequence: the same penalty.
- Team faults: a yellow card, then losing the highest arrow if ignored.
- Ties: shoot-offs, not tens and Xs.
- Individual shoot-off: one arrow, then closest to centre.
- Team shoot-off: one arrow each, then closest, then second closest.
- Lost arrow: scored as a miss.
- Time: shoot-offs use the match time.
The glossary has the losing the highest arrow (para archery), the shoot-off (para archery), the team round yellow card, the set system (para archery), the cumulative scoring (para archery) and the scorecards (para archery).
Tricky cases
Two archers tie for the last elimination place. Count tens?
No. A shoot-off.
Both shoot-off arrows score 9. Who wins?
The arrow closer to the centre.
A team ignores a yellow card. Result?
It loses its highest-scoring arrow.
Is the forfeited arrow shot again?
No. It is scored as a miss.
Why the rule exists
Losing the best arrow punishes jumping the signal more than a small deduction would. Shoot-offs settle ties on the field.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | One-arrow shoot-off | 38.5.2 |
| Teams | One arrow each | 38.5.2 |
| Team faults | Yellow card | 39.6 |
From the rule book
World Archery, Rulebook, Book 5 Para Archery (13 March 2026), articles 38.5.2, 39.3 and 39.6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook Book 5, Para Archery.