ARCHERY: HISTORY, RULES AND ANECDOTES
Why be interested in archery in 2025?
Because it’s an ancient sport that’s being modernized, and is attracting more and more curious people in Quebec and elsewhere! Accessible to all, both soothing and demanding, archery develops concentration, self-control and precision. Whether in the great outdoors, indoors or even in competition, archery offers a unique experience for all ages.
👉 In this article:
- A fascinating history of archery, from prehistoric hunting to Olympic podiums
- Some surprising fun facts
- And above all, a quick and clear reminder of the rules to help you understand this sport… or even learn it!
The history of archery
Before it was a sport, archery was primarily a matter of survival. It dates back to prehistoric times, with traces of use dating back to around 10,000 B.C. (Some archaeological finds even date the use of arrowheads to around 60,000 B.C.). At that time, the bow was first used to hunt for food, then became a weapon of war used by many civilizations around the world.
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs used the bow both for hunting and as a symbol of power. In Asia, notably Japan, the bow took on a more spiritual dimension with kyūdō, a martial art in which one learns to shoot while seeking calm, concentration and inner harmony. In Europe in the Middle Ages, English archers used the longbow, a very large and powerful bow that enabled them to shoot far and hard. It played a key role in historic battles such as Azincourt in 1415.
With the advent of firearms, the bow gradually disappeared from the battlefield. But in the 19th century, it made a comeback as a sporting activity. The first clubs were created in England, then in the United States. Archery even became an Olympic sport at the 1900 Paris Games, but was subsequently withdrawn from the program. It wasn’t until 1972 that the sport returned, this time with well-established international rules.
Today, archery is practiced the world over. Indoors or outdoors, alone or in a team, it’s attracting more and more enthusiasts. It’s a sport that combines technique, calm and precision, accessible to all ages and highly appreciated for the unique sensations it provides.
Archery has been practiced in Canada since the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it began to take shape as an organized sport. Long confined to a few clubs in Ontario, it gradually spread to other provinces.
The creation of the Canadian Archery Association in 1927 marked a major turning point in its national development.
Today, competitions are organized across the country, and several provinces, including Quebec, have their own provincial federations and championships.
4 fun facts about archery
Archery has been a Paralympic sport since 1960, with archers shooting with their feet, teeth or other adapted devices, demonstrating incredible mastery, uncommon determination and a true spirit of surpassing themselves.
The Olympic target may look big, but the center is tiny: the “10”, the area that yields maximum points, measures just 12.2 cm in diameter. Archers have to reach it from a distance of 70 meters, aim at an area the size of a grapefruit from the other end of a soccer pitch!
An arrow can go as fast as a Formula 1 car: with a conventional bow, it can exceed 300 km/h… and with a high-performance compound bow, it can even reach 400 km/h. The record is 405 km/h!
In Bhutan, archery is the national sport: each competition is a real festival, with songs, dances and rituals between shots… much more than just an arrow contest!
The main rules of archery
GOAL OF THE GAME
Archery is a sport in which the aim is to hit the center of a target to score points. Each archer shoots several arrows, and the closer they are to the center of the target, the more points they earn, with a maximum of 10 for a perfectly centered shot. Scores are added up as each shot is fired, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
This requires concentration, calmness, consistency and good control, because each arrow can make the difference.
There are several disciplines: indoor shooting, outdoor shooting (like at the Olympic Games), but also nature shooting, 3D shooting or country shooting, which are often practised in forests or on open-air courses. There’s plenty of variety and challenge!
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT
For archery, you need a bow, arrows and some protection to feel comfortable and safe. There are several types of bow:
– the classical bow, used in the Olympic Games,
– the more technical compound bow, often used in competition or for hunting,
– and the traditional bow, similar to those used in the past.
Depending on the discipline, the equipment may change a little: when shooting in the forest (nature or 3D shooting), simpler bows are often used, without sights, whereas in outdoor competition, the bows are more equipped and precise.
In competition, targets are set at different distances. For adults in outdoor shooting (Olympic discipline), it’s often 70 meters. The target is large (122 cm in diameter) and divided into ten scoring circles, from 1 (on the outside) to 10 (in the center). Archers always shoot from a well-defined shooting line, which they must never cross during the series.
KEY RULES
In Olympic archery, archers use a conventional bow and shoot at 70 meters at a 122 cm target, divided into 10 scoring zones. The closer the arrow is to the center, the more points it earns (up to 10).
In the qualifying round, each archer shoots 72 arrows, grouped into volleys of 6. Total points determine the ranking for the duels. In the match, two archers compete in sets of 3 arrows each. The best score in a set earns 2 points, or 1 each in the event of a tie. The first to score 6 points wins the match.
Arrows must be shot within a time limit, and always from the shooting line. In the event of a 5-5 tie, a shoot-off is held to decide the winner: a single arrow, the one closest to the center, wins. All this takes place within a strict framework, ensuring safety, respect and fair play.
Want to try archery ?
🎉Focus on the BougeBouge Festival 🎉
📅 On the programme: sport for all !
- Marathon, half-marathon and adapted races: Whether you’re an experienced runner or a beginner, there are several distances on offer to help you meet your personal challenge
- Introduction to archery: Les Archers Perrotdamois will be on hand to offer an introduction to archery. Young and old are welcome!
- Sports activities and workshops: In addition to the races, various activities such as handball, yoga and athletics will enhance the experience for a 100% active day.
- Festive atmosphere and sports village: exhibitor stands, recovery areas and a friendly atmosphere await you throughout the event.
Whether you’re a runner, an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a great event, Île Perrot in May 2025 has a unique sporting experience in store for you with the BougeBouge Festival. So, on your marks, get set… Get moving! 🚀
Réserve ta place dès maintenant !
And to make sure you don’t miss a thing, you can follow us on our social networks !