Revised September 14, 2007

I. ELIGIBILITY, QUALIFICATIONS TO SHOOT, AND AWARDS

A. IBO TOURNAMENT YEAR
The IBO TOURNAMENT YEAR begins upon the completion of one World Championship and runs to the completion of the next World Championship.

B. CLASS ADVANCEMENT BY AGE
If an archer’s birthday falls after the conclusion date of the IBO World Championship, he or she will maintain class standing (FBH, CUB, Youth) until the conclusion of the subsequent IBO World Championship.
Adult archers may register at any event, for any class the archer is eligible for based on his or her age on the day of registration. If an adult archer wants to qualify for the World Championship, he or she must be the appropriate age for the class for which the archer is attempting to qualify on the date of the qualifier. If an archer elects to advance to an age optional class, they must qualify for the World Championship in that class. 

C. PRO AND SEMI-PRO CLASSES

1. An archer who registers for a Pro or Semi-Pro class during any one IBO shooting year must remain in that class for the entire duration of that IBO tournament year except that an archer may move up to Semi-Pro, or a Semi-Pro archer may move up to a Pro class. Archers who move from Semi-Pro to Pro during the IBO shooting year may not drop back down to compete as an amateur or Semi-Pro at an IBO sanctioned event for the remainder of that IBO tournament year. 
   
   
2. An archer who registers as a Pro or Semi-Pro in another 3-D shooting organization must register to compete at the same or higher level at IBO sanctioned events.
   
   
3. A Pro or Semi-Pro archer must be an IBO member to participate in any IBO
   sanctioned event

D. QUALIFICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

In order to compete in the IBO World Championship an Archer must be an IBO member and place in the top twenty (20) scores for your class at an IBO sanctioned qualifying tournament. FBH Archers need not qualify to participate in the IBO World Championship.

E.  IBO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED

1. An archer must be an IBO member to compete in a state championship, IBO Indoor World, Southern Triple Crown, National Triple
   Crown, or World Championship, except as noted in E-2 below.
   
   
2. With every membership renewal a guest pass will be given for use at a state or national level event. This pass will allow a member to bring a guest to an IBOevent and allow the guest to participate, without additional expense formembership). (the IBO Indoor or Outdoor World Championships are not eligible for this exclusion). A six (6) month limited IBO membership will now accompany the guest pass. This limited membership will not include Bowhunting World Magazine. It is our hope that members will utilize these guest passes to introduce their friends to the fun of 3-D shooting. At this time,guest pass fees shall be the same as normal entry fee for the class entered.

F. AWARDS, PURSES, AND ENTRY FEES

1. In order for any class to be awarded a first place, there must be three or more
   archers participating in that class.
   
   
2. The number of awards given in amateur classes will be based on ten percent (10%)
    of the total amount of participants in that class at that event in the preceding year, with
   a maximum of ten (10) plaques or twenty (20) checks.
   
   
3. Entry fees and amounts or percentages paid back from entry fees for IBO
   sanctioned events are set by the host clubs.
   
   
4. The number of places awarded in any classes with a cash purse will be equal to
   twenty percent (20%) of the class participation and will be awarded a maximum of
   twenty (20) places. At the IBO World Championship, purses will be divided among
   those who qualify for the final round.
   
   
5. Checks representing any amount won by a shooter at an IBO National or World event will be mailed to the winners. To allow for any questions, discrepancies, or corrections of any national or world event results, a five business day certification period will be used for future tournaments. At the end of this five day period, results will be considered final and checks will be sent.

 G. TEAM COMPETITION

1. All team members must be IBO members in good standing in order to compete in
   team competition.
   
   
2. Qualified teams may compete at the IBO National Championship Triple Crown
   events and the World Championship (if team events offered).
   
               a.  In order for a class to have a team competition in the IBO National
   Championship Triple Crown, there must be three teams registered to shoot at the first
   leg of the Triple Crown. In order to win, a team must shoot all three legs
   of the Triple Crown.
   
               b. IBO World Championship. Each team member must have qualified
   individually for the IBO World Championship in order to compete as a team member.
   
   
3. Team members may not change throughout the duration of any IBO competition. 
   
   
4. A team may be three or four members. Only the top three scores will count toward a
   team’s total score.
   
   
5. Team awards will be given at the conclusion of the IBO Triple Crown and at the conclusion of the IBO World Championship

II. TARGETS AND SCORING AREAS

A. TARGETS

1. At all IBO sanctioned shooting events, targets shall consist of 2-D silhouette or 3-D type animal targets having official IBO scoring areas.
   
   
2. Host clubs may mix the size of the animals so long as the targets have official IBO
   scoring areas.
   
   
3. Targets shall be set at unmarked distances. The approximate** maximum distance
   for each stake shall be as follows
   a.         Blue Stake -       50 yards (45.72 meters) 
   b.         Green stake -     45 yards (41.15 meters)
   c.         Red Stake -        40 yards (36.70 meters)
   d.         Yellow stake -     35 yards (32 meters)
   e.         Orange Stake -  30 yards (27.43 meters)
   f.          White stake -       25 yards (22.86 meters)
   ** Approximate distances have been added to allow the use of a laser range finder and to allow for inherent variations in their accuracy. Approximate distances are NOT intended to be an excuse to stretch target maximum distances.
   
   
4. Targets should be set so they are distinguishable with their vital areas (8 ring) unobstructed. 

B. SCORING AREAS

For all IBO sanctioned shooting events, the targets shall have scoring areas as follows:

1. An “11" ring consisting of a circle centered within the 10 ring. The circle size should be approximately twenty five per cent 25% of the size of the 10 ring.
   
   
2. A 10 ring consisting of a circle inside the vital area.
   
   
3. A Vital area (8 ring) that roughly approximates the heart, lung, and liver area of the appropriate animal.
   
   
4. The remainder of the animal shall be considered a “body” except as set out in Paragraph 5 below.
   
   
5. An arrow embedded in the hoof or horn of an animal, not touching body color, is considered a miss and is scored as a zero. Targets with legs of a different color than the main body will still be considered as body color for scoring.
   
   
6. Some targets have material surrounding the actual outline of a target animal. This additional material will NOT be counted for score.

A. GRAINS PER POUND AND ARROW SPEED

1. Arrows must weigh at least five grains per pound of the bow’s maximum shooting weight unless the archer’s equipment qualifies for the exception set out in paragraph 2 below. Shooting weight is defined as the bow’s maximum draw or thrust weight, as set-up at the time of competition. A variance of two (2) pounds of draw weight shall be allowed for bow scale variation. Equipment qualifying in this paragraph (A)(1) shall have no limit on arrow speed.
2. In the case where an archer’s equipment, when shot at five grains per pound, does not generate 280 fps, that archer may shoot arrows weighing less than five (5) grains per pound. However, equipment qualifying under this paragraph (A)(2) shall not exceed an arrow speed of 280 fps. A variance of 3% will be allowed for chronograph variation.
   
   
3. Draw weight shall not be adjusted after entering the shooting course. Adjustments can be made only after equipment is checked at the conclusion of a range. Doing so will be considered poor sportsmanship and subject to disqualification.
   
   
4. IBO recommends that archers do not exceed manufacturer’s recommended limits on arrow weight and draw weight.
5. Regardless of speed or arrow weight configuration, all archers must comply with maximum draw weight restrictions for their class as outlined below.(Rule III,B)

B. MAXIMUM DRAW WEIGHT

1.   The maximum draw weight for each class shall be as follows:
                        a.         Cub - 40 lbs.
                        b.         All Female and Youth Classes - 60 lbs
                        c.         LB - 90 lbs
                        d.         All other classes - 80 lbs.
                        e.        Crossbow - 190lbs.
PARENTS of Cub and Youth shooters do not play the performance game with your child’s equipment. Do not put their score at risk for points deduction or disqualification.

2.   A two-pound variance for bow scale variation will be allowed.

C. SIGHTS, OVERDRAWS, UNUSUAL EQUIPMENT, ETC.

1. Overdraws are permitted in all classes except TRD, YTRD, FTRD, LB, RU,
   
   
2. There is no limit to the amount of pins on a sight with the exception of sights used in the Hunter classes, which are limited to four pins.
   
   
3. A sight used in a fixed pin class may not be adjusted once the archer enters the shooting course.
   
   
4. Sights that project a laser light or other aiming dot on the target are illegal in all classes.
   
   
5. An archer using new or unusual equipment not addressed by class definitions or elsewhere in these rules, will be required to shoot in one of the open classes until the IBO Board of Directors makes a ruling on the proper class for the equipment.
   
   
6. A verifier or clarifier style peep sight will be allowed in all classes that permit the use of sights

IV. SHOOTING RULES AND ETIQUETTE
  
A. SHOOTING ETIQUETTE

1. Shooting groups shall not consist solely of friends and relatives. Such groups shall be “busted” by including at least one outsider who will keep score, whenever possible. A group of friends and or relatives must be aware that good sportsmanship requires an additional competitor /scorekeeper be added to their group. The archers in a group of teammates, friends, and or relatives are required to make range officials aware of this situation. Failing to do so is un-sportsmanlike conduct.
   
   
2. An archer may only participate in one class at any one IBO sanctioned event. This does not prevent an archer from shooting a different style or class at a different event (except that pro or semi-pros may not drop to an amateur class during the IBO Shoot year.
   
   
3. In a group that contains archers shooting from different stakes, the archers shooting from the farther stakes must shoot first.
   
   
4. When shooting, the archer must touch the appropriate stake with some part of his or her body.
   
   
5. Each archer shall be allowed a maximum of two minutes to complete his or her shot. This rule shall operate as follows:

a.   Time will begin for the first archer when the previous group clears the target. Time will begin for the next archer when the previous archer releases his or her arrow.
b.   Archers should be sensitive to the time concerns of the groups behind them and make every attempt to shoot in a timely manner. An archer found to be over his or her allotted time by a range official will have five points deducted from his or her score. If the actions of a whole group are contrary to this rule, each person in the group may have five points deducted from his or her score.
c.   After shooting, the shooter should immediately clear the stake for the next shooter. Using binoculars from the shooting stake after the shot is prohibited. Repeated violations of this rule will result in a five point deduction of the shooters score for each violation.
d.   Repeated violation of an archer’s two minute time limit is considered to be un-sportsmanlike conduct.

6. There shall be no discussion of yardage until all arrows have been scored. Discussion of yardage is permitted only among archers who have shot the subject target and must be done in a manner to ensure that other archers who have yet to shoot the target will not be assisted.

7. No more than one umbrella may be used to assist a shooter at the stake. The maximum size for an umbrella used on a range shall be “golf sized.” 

B. SCORING

1. SCORECARDS
   a.         At all IBO sanctioned shooting events, two score cards must be completed for each archer. Scorecards must have the archer’s name, address, and IBO Membership number, and the IBO Membership number of each scorekeeper. 
   b.         Score cards must be split between two scorekeepers so that each scorekeeper has one card for each archer. Both scorekeepers must agree on a score, compare and punch the scorecards before the arrows are pulled from the target. Scorecards will be marked by a punched hole in the correct scoring box for each target.
   c.         Arrows pulled early will receive a zero. Repeated violations of this rule will result in the offending archer being disqualified.
   d.         If the two scorekeepers for a group mistakenly record different scores, the inconsistent scores must be corrected as agreed upon by the majority of the group. The error must be circled and initialed by both scorekeepers and the correct score punched or otherwise clearly marked. If agreement by the majority of the group is not possible, the shooter will receive the lower of the two scores.
   e.         Score cards must be legible, complete, and signed by the archer to be accepted. No scorecard may be changed by a competitor or scorekeeper after submitting it to a range official.
   f.         Scorecards will be collected at the end of each course. Each group’s scorecards must be turned in together, by the entire group.
   g.         Archers shall be responsible for their own scorecards. It is up to each archer to ensure that his or her scorecard meets the above                                                        requirements.
   Duplicate cards will not be issued to replace lost or damaged cards, except in unusual circumstances approved by the host and or IBO tournament officials in their sole discretion.
   h.         Host clubs shall keep scorecards for one year following an IBO sanctioned shooting event.  
   i.          Any attempt by an archer to knowingly falsify a score, or knowingly allow another to falsify his or her score shall result in a disqualification of that archer for that shooting event and that archer shall be ineligible to participate in an IBO sanctioned shooting event for a one year period. A suspended competitor may petition the IBO Board of Directors for reinstatement.
   j.          The IBO reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to correct harmless errors including but not limited to, score tabulation, lack of initials or signature, posting, etc., which in the opinion of the IBO, are clearly not a result of an attempted inflation of the archer’s score.   
   
   
2. SCORING ARROWS
   a.         Scores will be tabulated as follows:
                                       i.          11 points - 11 ring or “X” ring centered inside the 10 ring
                                       ii.         10 points - 10 ring or heart
                                       iii.          8 points - Vital
                                       iv.          5 points - Body
                                       v.           0 points - Miss or arrow not touching body color.
   b.         If more than one scoring area is visible on a target, either scoring area can be used unless otherwise noted at the shooting stake.
   c.         An arrow touching the line marking the edge of a greater scoring area shall be given the higher score.
   d.         Arrows must stick in the target in order to receive a score other than a zero with the exception of a pass through, robin hood, or bounce back as set out in paragraphs (e) (f) and (g) below.
   e.         An arrow that passes through a target may be scored if witnessed and agreed upon by the majority of archers in the group. A pass-through is an arrow passing completely through the target with material 360 degrees around the arrow, leaving a separate entrance and exit hole. If the pass through was witnessed by a member of the group other than the shooter, and the group cannot agree, the archer may re-shoot the target before the group advances to score the target.
   f.          An arrow embedded into the nock end of an arrow embedded in the target shall be scored the same as the arrow embedded into the target. An arrow that hits another arrow – with the arrow being struck showing visible damage - that does not stick in the target shall be given the scoreof the arrow that was struck. The majority of the group must agree that 1) a particular arrow was struck, and 2) that striking the arrow prevented the arrow from sticking in the target, or the arrow shall be scored as a miss.
   g.         A bounce back is an arrow that squarely strikes the target and bounces
   back toward the shooter. An arrow that glances off the target is not considered a bounce back. A bounce back may be scored if the score can be agreed upon by the majority of archers in the group. If a member of the group other than the archer witnesses the bounce back and the group cannot agree, the archer may re-shoot the target before the group advances to score the target. 
   h.         An arrow released or dropped accidentally will be scored a zero unless the archer is able to retrieve it while touching the stake and re-shoot it within that archer’s two minute period.
   i.          Any arrow intentionally shot into the ground or any object other than the target shall be considered an act of un-sportsmanlike conduct and the arrow scored a zero.
   

C. BINOCULARS AND RANGEFINDERS

1. An integral part of IBO 3-D competition is the archer’s ability to judge yardage without the assistance of range-finding devices or assistance from others. Therefore, cameras, rangefinders, or any other devices that may be used to calculate yardage to the target are prohibited. An archer may not use parts of his or her body, the bow, or any other accessories or equipment to calculate yardage. Any mark on otherwise legal binoculars that could be construed as a reference point for range finding is prohibited. 
   
   
2. Hand held binoculars of 8.5 or less magnification (per manufacturer’s specifications) are allowed
   
   
3. Binoculars shall not be used at the stake after the shot has been taken. An archer with an adjustable sight may not re-adjust their sight after they have used their binoculars at the shooting stake.  Archers may utilize binoculars additionally to view the target, while waiting their turn at the shooting stake or from an on deck area behind a group that is in the process of shooting a target.

D. EQUIPMENT FAILURES AND LEAVING THE COURSE

1. Once an archer begins a shooting course he or she must finish with his or her group unless given permission to leave by a range official, or in the event of equipment failure his or her shooting group. Any archer or group that leaves a range without the authorization of a range official will not be allowed to continue.
   
   
2. When possible, in the case of inclement weather, a siren or other warning system shall be implemented, indicating that a potential emergency exists, and all shooting and practice ranges are immediately closed. When this warning has been sounded, all shooting activity must cease, and everyone should seek appropriate shelter. Archers shall use the utmost caution to ensure the safety of all persons involved. Archers may only resume shooting activity after being instructed by the IBO, the host organization, or other range officials on the proper manner to re-enter the competition ranges once the emergency has passed and the ranges have been re-opened. Due to the severe risk to ones self or other shooters and/or range Personnel in a potential emergency situation, any attempt to circumvent these safety warnings and continue shooting will be viewed as un-sportsmanlike conduct, and will be grounds for immediate disqualification.
   
3. Once an archer begins a shooting course, he or she may not exchange equipment unless there is an equipment failure as set out below.
   
   
4. EQUIPMENT FAILURES.  Equipment failures must be visible and agreed upon by the majority of the group. The procedure for dealing with equipment failures shall be as follows:
   a.         The scorekeepers for the group shall write “equipment failure” on the scorecard of the archer with the equipment failure and initial the scorecard.
   b.         The scorekeepers will tabulate the archer’s score to that point and initial the cards appropriately.
   c.         The archer with the equipment failure shall then cautiously proceed forward through the course and immediately notify a range official.
   d.         If three or more archers remain in the group, they may continue shooting. If two or less remain, they must join the following group (so long as it does not result in a group of six or more) or step aside and wait on range official before proceeding. If range officials are not readily available then the group should proceed through the range to the check station.
   e.         The archer will be given a time by a range official within which the repair must be completed.
   f.          A range official will hold the archer’s scorecards until the repair is completed and the archer is escorted back onto the course by a range official. 
   g.         Any archer leaving the range without following the guidelines as set out in section (D) of this rule may be disqualified.

E. PEER GROUPS

1. A peer group may be made up of the top ten scores from a previous competition in a particular class. These scores will not include any tiebreakers. All shooters tied for a score will make up one score for this purpose.
   
   
2. The IBO or a host club (at the state, regional or national level) may require an archer to shoot in a peer group at a particular event. If an archer is registered by the IBO or a host club in a peer group and that archer does not shoot in the group, his or her score will be ineligible for awards of any kind.
   
   
3. If peer groups are assigned, the host organization will send a letter of invitation for an archer to participate in a peer group, however, it is still the shooter's responsibility to determine if he or she is required to shoot in a peer group. An archer may check the IBO web site, call the IBO office, check with the host club, or check in at registration, to determine if he or she is required to attend a meeting for the purpose of being assigned to shoot in a peer group.
   

F. TIE SCORES, UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT, AND MISC.

1. 11s will be used to break ties. The archer with the most 11s will be the winner. However, if two or more archers still finish with identical scores, the host club may declare a shoot-off. A shoot-off will consist of a 3-D animal set at an unknown distance, within the limits of the relevant class, and an “X” shall be placed in the center of the highest scoring area. The archer whose arrow is the closest to the “X” will be declared the winner. If only one archer is present at the shoot-off, he or she will be declared the winner.
   
   
2. No alcoholic beverages may be carried or consumed on any shooting course, range, or practice area by anyone during shooting hours. If in the opinion of a range official, an archer who is under the influence of alcohol attempts to enter a course, range, or practice area, the archer will not be allowed to shoot and will be suspended from that competition. Repeated violations may result in a revocation of IBO membership and a ban from all IBO sanctioned competitions.
   
   
3. Spectators shall not distract, interfere with, or assist archers while on the shooting course or range.
   
   
4. Un-sportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any action considered un-sportsmanlike by the host club or the IBO will be grounds for disqualification and/or suspension from membership. Examples of un-sportsmanlike conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
                           a.         Projecting any illuminated aiming point onto a target,  
                           b.         Littering or improper disposal of trash, 
                           c.         Registering to compete as an amateur when the archer is a Pro or Semi-Pro in another 3-D shooting organization; or registering to compete as a Semi-Pro when the archer is a Pro in another 3-D shooting organization.
                           d.         Communicating to another archer the yardage of a particular target that the other archer has not yet shot.
                           e.         Using a cell phone on the shooting range. Cell phones are only to be used when the group decides there is an emergency requiring such use. Upon entering a range, all cell phones are to be switched off.
                           f.         Disobeying or disregarding the orders of a range official or shoot official.
                           g.         Using performance enhancing drugs - Recognizing the IBO / 3-DI affiliation with FITA; the IBO is developing a substance abuse policy. We may be recognizing guidelines along the same structure as those utilized by FITA in their International competitions. Be advised, these guidelines may be implemented in the near future and may come into use with no further warning than this advisory.
                           h.        Any otherwise listed rule violation.

V. SHOOTING CLASSES

A. LEVEL ONE—NON-COMPETITIVE CLASSES   Awards given at random

FUTURE BOWHUNTERS (FBH)
FBH is a class for male or female archers 8 years of age and younger.Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights or style of release. The maximum shooting distance is 15 yards (13.72 meters) FBH is a non-competitive class designed to encourage children to learn to shoot a bow and consequently awards should be random and based on participation only. It is suggested that host clubs announce a scheduled starting time, with all archers present to begin at one time. Set a ten target range for this class only. The range may be in an open field with shooting stakes in a straight line and targets at unknown distances up to 15 yards.

B.  LEVEL TWO - YOUTH COMPETITIVE CLASSES

1. CUB (CUB)
   CUB is the class for male or female archers 9-12 years old. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. CUB archers will shoot from the white stake. 
   
   
2. YOUTH RELEASE AGES 13-14 (YMR 13-14)
   YMR 13-14 is for archers 13-14 years old. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. YMR 13-14 archers will shoot from the yellow stake.
   
   
3. YOUTH FINGERS (YF)
   YF is an optional class for archers 13-17 years old. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights or stabilizers. Must be shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. YF archers will shoot from the yellow stake.
   
   
4. YOUTH RELEASE AGES 15-17 (YMR 15-17)
   YMR 15-17 is for archers 15-17 years old. Equipment shall consist of a
   compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. YMR 15-17 archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
5. FEMALE YOUTH (FY)
   FY is for female archers 13-17 years old. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. FY archers will shoot from the yellow stake.
   
   
6. YOUTH TRADITIONAL (YTRD)
   YTRD is an optional class for male or female archers 9 to 17 years old. Archers in this class must use the same equipment as the Traditional Class (TRD).YTRAD archers will shoot from the white stake
   

C. LEVEL THREE – ENTRY LEVEL ADULT CLASSES - Trophy Awards- Monetary Awards (if offered) at Random

1. HUNTER CLASS (HC)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with or without sights. A sight shall have no more than four fixed, cross hair, or circle style pins without lens or magnification. If circle style pins are used, all circles must be the same size. A sight may have a rear aperture (i.e. Peep sight or fixed rifle type sight). Note rule change page 5, c-6, concerning peep sights. Sights may not be adjusted after entering the shooting course. Arrows must have screw in points and at least three feathers or vanes no less than four inches long (measured minimum 3.75 in). Only one stabilizer may be used. The stabilizer shall be no more than twelve inches long, and extend no more than twelve inches from the point of attachment to the riser of the bow. (For the purposes of this rule, any device adding length or weight to the stabilizer shall be considered part of the stabilizer and shall be subject to the twelve inch rule.)  Un-weighted vibration dampeners are not considered to be stabilizers; however, un-weighted vibration dampeners attached to the stabilizer are measured as a part of the stabilizer and are subject to the twelve inch rule above.  Equipment in this class may be shot with finger tab, shooting glove or release.  HC archers shoot from the yellow stake.
   If an archer wins more than once in HC at a qualifying event for shooter of the year, or wins either the National Championship or World Championship during any one IBO shooting year, that archer must advance to another class for the entire duration of the following IBO shooting year.
   
   
2. FEMALE HUNTER CLASS (FHC)
   Archers in this female only class must use the same equipment as the Hunter Class (HC). FHC archers will shoot from the yellow stake.
   If a archer wins more than once in FHC at a qualifying event for shooter of the year, or wins either the National Championship or World Championship during any one IBO shooting year, that archer must advance to another class for the entire duration of the following IBO shooting year.
   
   
3. HUNTER FINGERS (HF)
   Archers in this class must use the same equipment as the Hunter Class (HC) except that a release aid may not be used and the bow must be shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. HF archers will shoot from the yellow stake. If a archer wins more than once in HF at a qualifying event for shooter of the year, or wins either the National Championship or World Championship during any one IBO shooting year, that archer must advance to another class for the entire duration of the following IBO shooting year.
   
   
4. SENIOR HUNTER (SHC)
   This is an optional class for archers 50 years or older. Archers in this class will use the same equipment as those shooting in the hunter class.
   SHC archers will shoot from the yellow stake. If a archer wins more than once in SHC at a qualifying event for shooter of the year, or wins either the National Championship or World Championship during any one IBO shooting year, that archer must advance to another class for the
   entire duration of the following IBO shooting year.

D. LEVEL FOUR - ADVANCED AMATEUR CLASSES - Eligible for Monetary awards, Shooter of the Year

1. BOWHUNTER OPEN (MBO)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. MBO archers will shoot from the Blue stake.
   
   
2. FEMALE BOWHUNTER OPEN (FBO)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. FBO archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
3. BOWHUNTER RELEASE (MBR)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on stabilizers or style of release. A sight shall have fixed pin, cross hair, or circle style pins without a lens or magnification. If circle style pins are used, all circles must be the same size. Sights may not be adjusted after entering the shooting course. Note rule change page 5, C-6, concerning peep sights. MBR archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
4. FEMALE BOWHUNTER RELEASE (FBR)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on stabilizers or style of release. A sight shall have fixed pin, cross hair, or circle style pins without a lens or magnification. If circle style pins are used, all circles must be the same size. Sights may not be adjusted after entering the shooting course. Note rule change, page 5, C-6, concerning peep sights.  FBR archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
5. BOWHUNTER FINGERS (MBF)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights or stabilizers, must be shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. MBF archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
6. ADVANCED HUNTER CLASS (AHC)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with or without sights.  A sight shall have no more that four fixed, cross hair, or circle style pins without lens or magnification.  If circle style pins are used, all circles must be the same size.  A sight may have a rear aperture, (i.e. Peep sight or fixed rifle type sight).  Note rule change page 5, C-6, concerning peep sights.  Sights may not be adjusted after entering the shooting course.  Arrows must have screw in points and at least three feathers or vanes no less than 2 inches long (measured minimum 1.75 in).  Only one stabilizer may be used.  The stabilizer shall be no more that twelve inches long, and extend no more than twelve inches from the point of attachment to the riser of the bow.  (For the purposes of this rule, any device adding length or weight to the stabilizer shall be considered part of the stabilizer and shall be subject to the twelve inch rule.  Un-weighted vibration dampeners are not considered to be stabilizers; however, un-weighted vibration dampeners attached to the stabilizer are measured as a part of the stabilizer and are subject to the twelve inch rule above.  Equipment in this class may be shot with finger tab, shooting glove or release.  AHC archers shoot from the red stake.
   
   
7. COMPOUND UNAIDED (MCU)
   A compound shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. No sighting device of any kind may be used. A rest and plunger are all that may reside within the sight window of the bow. There shall be no markings on the bow or bowstring that could be construed as sighting marks. Archers must use the same nocking point and anchor point for each shot and fingers must contact the string in the same place for each shot. Face and/or string walking are not permitted. MCU archers will shoot from the yellow stake.
   
   
8. FEMALE SENIORS (FSR)
   FSR is an optional class for female archers 50 years of age or older. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. FSR archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
9. MENS SENIOR CLASS (MSR)
   MSR is an optional class for archers 50 years of age or older. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restrictions on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. MSR archers will shoot from the green stake.
   
   
10. MASTERS CLASS (MCBH)
    MCBH is an optional class for archers 60 years of age or older. Equipment shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. MCBH archers will shoot from the green stake.
    
    
11. CROSSBOW (X-BOW)
    Crossbows must be standard production crossbows with a maximum draw weight of 190 lbs, and a maximum bolt speed of 300 feet per second. Bolts must be no less than 20/64ths in diameter and no shorter than 14 inches. All bolts must be identical in type, size, fletch, point weight and overall weight. Bolts must use at least three vanes or feathers and screw in field points. Any type sight may be used, however, sights with magnification are limited to no more than 8x magnification. X-BOW archers will shoot from the green stake.
                           
    Crossbows must be in sound condition with a working safety. Crossbows shall not be cocked until the archer is at the stake and preparing to shoot. The safety must remain on until the archer is ready to shoot. Crossbows must be loaded while in a downward position and pointed toward the target. No crossbow may be loaded while pointed up.
    
    
12. PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED (PCBH)
    An optional class for archers that have an impairment recognized by the Americans With Disabilities Act that substantially limits the archer's ability to compete in a regular class requiring physical activities beyond those recognized by the ADA.  This class may be shot with a compound, crossbow, recurve, or longbow with no limitation on stabilizers, sights or style of release.  This class will shoot from the white stake.
    
    TRADITIONAL CLASSES
    In all traditional style classes the use of Clickers, draw checks, mechanical or electronic devices shall be prohibited as a shooting aid. 
    All bow weight restrictions shall apply in all traditional classes as in any other class.
    
    
13. RECURVE UN-AIDED (RU)  
    A recurve or longbow shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. No sighting device of any kind may be used. A rest and plunger are all that may reside within the sight window of the bow. No type of draw check or clicker may be used. There shall be NO markings on the bow or bowstring  (intentional or accidental) that could be construed as sighting marks. All arrows shall be of the same material and be of uniform length and weight. String walking and face walking are permitted in the RU class. RU archers will shoot from the orange stake.
    
14. LONGBOW (LB) (formally MTRD)
    A longbow shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers, Archers may use up to two (2) nock locating devices, but they must use the same nocking point and anchor point for each shot and the index finger must contact the string in the same place for each shot. The index finger must touch the nock of the arrow. . Face and/or string walking are not permitted.
     No sighting device of any kind may be used. There shall be no markings on the bow or bowstring (intentional or accidental) that could be construed as sighting marks. No type of draw check or clicker may be used. Arrows shall be made of wood and shall be identical in length, weight, and color (allowances shall be made for normal wear). Arrows shall be shot off the hand or shelf of the riser. LB archers will shoot from the white stake. A longbow shot in LB shall conform to the following specifications:
    1)         The bowstring, when the bow is strung, may only contact the nocks of the bow.
    2)         The riser should be cut no closer than 1/8 inch to the outside of the centerline of the bow, however, if a riser is cut less than 1/8 inch to the outside of the centerline of the bow, a pad may be added so that the arrow rests on a surface no closer than 1/8 inch outside the centerline of bow.
    3)         No stabilizers, counterbalances, or weights of any kind may be attached or built into the bow; except a bow quiver clearly designed to hold arrows. 
    4)         A longbow may have a draw weight of up to 90 pounds (measured at the face edge of the bow at the arrow shelf @ 28” draw).
    
    
15. TRADITIONAL (TRD)
    A recurve or longbow shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. Archers may use up to two (2) nock locating devices, but they must use the same nocking point and anchor point for each shot and the index finger must contact the string in the same place for each shot. The index finger must touch the nock of the arrow. Face and/or string walking are not permitted. No sighting device of any kind may be used. There shall be no markings on the bow or bowstring (intentional or accidental) that could be construed as sighting marks. No type of draw check will be allowed.  All arrows must be the same length and weight Aluminum or carbon arrows must have screw in field points; wood arrows may have glue on points. All arrows must have at least three feathers or vanes no less than four inches long. No stabilizers, counterbalances, or weights of any kind may be attached or built into the bow, except a quiver clearly designed to hold arrows. Arrows shall be shot off the hand or shelf of the riser only. An arrow side plate (if used) may only extend one  (1) inch above the arrow. TRD archers will shoot from the orange stake.
    
    
16. FEMALE TRADITIONAL (FTRD)
    Archers in this female only class must use the same equipment as the Traditional Class (TRD). FTRD archers will shoot from the white stake.

E. LEVEL FIVE - SEMI-PRO CLASSES

1. SEMI-PRO  (SPM)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. SPM archers will shoot from the blue stake.

F. LEVEL SIX - PROFESSIONAL CLASS

1. PRO RELEASE (PMR)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. PMR archers will shoot from the blue stake.
   
   
2. PRO FEMALE (PRF)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. PRF archers will shoot from the blue stake.
   
   
3. PRO FINGERS (PMF)
   A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights or stabilizers. Must be shot with fingers directly contacting the bowstring using a glove, finger tab, or bare fingers. PMF archers will shoot from the blue stake.
   
   
4. PRO SENIORS (PSR)
   PSR is an optional class for archers fifty (50) years of age or older. Equipment Shall consist of a compound, recurve, or longbow shot with no restriction on sights, stabilizers, or style of release. PSR archers will shoot from the blue stake.

VI. RULE VIOLATIONS AND PROTESTS

A. RULE VIOLATIONS

1. Any person in violation of the above rules may be disqualified from the event in which they are participating and may be suspended from membership. No warnings are necessary prior to imposing a disqualification, suspension, other discipline, or penalty.
   
   
2. Any person suspended from membership shall not be allowed to compete in an IBO sanctioned event for the duration of that shooting year, or as the Board of Directors direct.
   
   
3. Range and event officials are to be respected and have the authority to disqualify an archer from an event for unsafe behavior and/or violations of the above rules.

PROTESTS, APPEALS, AND REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION

1. A. At all National and World level events, an archer, upon the good faith belief of a rule violation, may file a protest with the Protest Committee.  The Protest Committee will be made up of at least three members of the board of Directors and any other persons that the IBO may designate. No protest will be heard by the Committee unless the protest is accompanied by $25.00 and a written request for consideration that clearly outlines the basis for the protest. Protests must be turned in no later than one hour after the close of shooting ranges for the day. The Protest Committee, in its sole discretion, may consider the protest solely on the written submission or may require testimony of available witnesses. Decisions of the Protest Committee will be made prior to the conclusion of the event, and awards may be issued at the conclusion of the event based on the committee’s decision. This decision shall be final. The Protest Committee shall preserve all documents submitted. Written documentation for the basis of the decision, along with all documents shall be forwarded to the IBO office for board review. 

1. B. At all other IBO sanctioned competitions; the host club shall resolve all protests by forming a Protest Committee to include any available IBO officials. The host club shall follow the procedures outlined above as much as possible. The person filing the protest or the person that is being protested may appeal the decision of the Protest Committee to the IBO Board of Directors by filing a written appeal in the IBO business office within five working days of the Committee’s decision. If an appeal is made, the Protest Committee shall give the Board of Directors all material submitted to them and the written basis for their decision. The Board of Directors will hear the appeal at the next regularly scheduled Board of Director’s meeting. The Board of Directors will do their best to resolve the issue in a fair manner based on the information before them. However, archers must realize that some issues are very difficult to resolve after the conclusion of a shoot and an appeal may not be considered by the IBO Board of Directors if, in their opinion, sufficient accurate information cannot be gathered to make an informed decision.

1. C. The intentional failure of an archer to cooperate with a Protest Committee in its investigation of a protest is unsportsmanlike conduct. The Committee may disqualify or declare the archer ineligible for awards at that event and the archer may be further sanctioned by the IBO for his or her failure to cooperate. If a decision by the Protest Committee or the IBO Board of Directors results in a change in the finishing order of a particular class, the IBO, in its sole discretion, may require the archers who are affected by the ruling to return their awards as needed to redistribute the awards based on the decision of the Committee or the Board.
   
   
2. SCORING DISCREPANCIES
   In the event of a scoring discrepancy, a protest may be filed by following the above procedures, OR if there is no allegation of intentional wrong doing and the scoring discrepancy is the result of inadvertence, simple error, or mistake, a request for reconsideration may be filed with the IBO office no later than the first Friday following the conclusion of an event. If a protest concerning a scoring discrepancy or a request for reconsideration is filed with the IBO office, the IBO will review the appeal or request and a FINAL decision will be made and communicated to the archer within ten working days following the date the protest or request is received.  In the event a protest or request for reconsideration is received after the awards ceremony begins, IBO or host officials will not be held responsible for awards given based on the results posted prior to the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event.
   
   
3. REVIEW OF COMPETITION BY THE IBO
   It is the intent and goal of the IBO to encourage participation in archery by providing a fair and equitable competition for every competitor at every IBO sanctioned event. The IBO also recognizes that it is very difficult for the IBO and host clubs to set courses, monitor rule violations, tabulate scores, encourage safety, hand out awards, and do all the other things required for a successful competition in a very short time period. Consequently, the IBO reserves the right in its sole discretion to investigate, review, and/or correct any competitive result based on any violation of rules, unsportsmanlike conduct, shooter eligibility, inadvertence, mistake, harmless error, or any other relevant circumstance, whether or not a protest or request for reconsideration is filed.

VII. ADDITIONAL COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS

A.      BEST OF THE BEST

The overall winners of each eligible class at the IBO National Championship Triple Crown will be eligible to compete in the Best of the Best competition at the IBO World Championship. The Archer must shoot the equipment used to win his or her respective class at the IBO National Championship Triple Crown.
    
 B.       SHOOTER OF THE YEAR

1. In order to qualify for Shooter of the Year, an archer must participate in at least five of the following events - Southern Triple Crown, National Championship Triple Crown, and World Championship. The top five scores from any of these seven events will be used to determine the Shooter of the Year in each eligible class.

2. Archers in the following classes are eligible for Shooter of the Year: FBO, FBR, FSR, FTRD, LB, MBF, MBO, MBR, MCBH, MCU, AHC, MSR, PCBH, PMF, PMR, PRF, PSR, RU, SPM, TRD, and X-BOW. A class must have at least 10 separate participants registered in Shooter of the Year events in order to give an award in that class.
           
C.        BIG GAME SHOOT-OUT
An archer that wins his or her class at an event in the National Championship Triple Crown or the IBO Outdoor World Championship
will be invited to participate in the Big Game Shoot-Out at the next event of these four tournaments.  The Archer must shoot the equipment used
to qualify in his or her respective class. This competition will be a bracketed, one arrow per bracket, winner moves to the next round shoot-out. In each competition, scoring will be determined by closest to the center of the eleven ring. Prizes will be awarded to the final two archers, first and second place.