The Parent's Guide to Tournament Etiquette

The Do's & Don'ts of Archery Tournaments 

Archery has a "code of conduct" that can be intimidating for those new to the competition circuit. Here is a breakdown to help you support your Archers without accidentally breaking the rules. We will review both Indoor and Outdoor rules. (Most are the same.)

The "Whistle" Rules (Silence is Golden)

• The Golden Rule: When Archers are on the line and the whistle has blown to start an end, spectators should be quiet. Real talk: I'm not saying you can't speak for the next 2 to 2.5 hours. A hushed voice when chatting is okay. Yes, laughter has been known to carry from the spectator area to the line. (It may or may not have been me.)
• When to Cheer: Spectators are free to cheer when a Qualification Round has been completed. Clap. It's okay. Appreciate the effort it just took your Archer to complete the task, especially if things went awry at some point, but they brought it back. They did it. The persevered. It's also okay to clap after the final whistle of an end or when an Archer returns to the waiting area, but usually that's limited. (The only time these cheering rules go out the window is during matches and Team events. It can become unruly, loud, and fantastic! But, best to read the room.)
• No "Coaching" from the Sidelines: At any Archery event, "sideline coaching" (shouting advice or using hand signals) can actually get your Archer disqualified. Let them do their own thing. And, let their coach do the coaching.

Navigating the Gallery

• Stay Behind the Line: At many Indoor events, there is often a clear physical barrier between the spectators area and the Archers. Never cross this line while the range is "hot" or when.... Actually, there aren't too many reasons why you would cross this line at all. Just don't. This goes for practice sessions, too. Outdoors, the barrier may not be physical, but there will definitely be a "Do Not Cross" line on the ground. Barriers can range from "Caution" tape to fencing.
• Flash Photography: This is strictly prohibited during indoor competitions. A sudden flash can cause an Archer to flinch or lose focus. Make sure your flash is turned off before you start recording or taking a photo. Outdoors, you really don't need a flash. Still, ensure it's off. Don't be "that" person.
• Movement: Try to avoid sudden movements if you are sitting in the front row of an Indoor event. In an Archer’s peripheral vision, you might be a distraction. Hopefully by the time your Archer is competing, they are used to people walking behind them. Always give a wide berth.

Respect the Scoring Process

• The "Judge" Zone: Only Archers* and officials are allowed at the target butts during scoring. Parents should never approach the targets to check arrows or argue a point value. (*There is some pliability to this rule for younger Archers new to the sport who need help scorekeeping. Permission is required by a judge or Director of Shooting (DOS) prior to the start of competition. If they say no, it's final.)
• Electronic Devices: The overall rule for both Indoor and Outdoor is "no electronic devices in competition." This is to ensure fair competition by preventing the use of technology that calculates sight settings, communicates with others, or distracts shooters. However, these rules vary between Target, 3D, and Field with competition rules being generally stricter. In practice, many Archers will listen to music with earphones. Their phone will be in their quiver. That's okay, but note rules at the club or event. Many Target Archers use scoring apps to keep track of arrow values and placement. Most of these apps have a "competition mode" which bypasses the "no electronic devices" rule. Some Archers rely on the calculator on their phone to add up points. It will be up to the judge on whether this is allowed. Note: It is important for your Archer to know the rules surrounding devices while at an event. Some judges, even at national events, are not familiar with the rules around "competition mode".
• Let the Archer Handle It: If there is a scoring dispute, your Archer needs to call for a judge by raising their arm into the air and waiting for them to make a decision. Learning to advocate for themselves is a key part of their development. A note to Archers: Always fight for your points. A judge's call is final. There are appeal processes, but we won't go into that here.
• Archers MUST SIGN their Scorecard: To make a score official, an Archer must sign their scorecard at the end of the round or match(es) before handing it into the scoring table. This is a MUST. A parent, coach, or other cannot sign on their behalf. There are accommodations for Para Archers. 
• The "Vibe" of the Scorecard: Avoid asking "What did you shoot?" the second your Archer steps off the line. Give them space to decompress first. Set boundaries for yourself of when to chat and what topics are allowed.

Supporting the Community

• Space is Limited: Be mindful of your “footprint”. Indoor, don’t take up three extra chairs for gear if people are standing. At larger events, Archers typically access to a secured bow storage area for their belongings. For local/regional events, Archers are responsible to find a spot. Ensure your Archer is respectful of space. Close up bow cases, pile cases on top of each other. Put backpacks on top. For Outdoor events, there will be rows of 10x10 sun canopies. Keep within your footprint to allow as many tents as possible in the spectators area. Keep your space clean at the end of the event. Dispose of your garbage and don't forget anything. 
• No Trash Talking: Don't talk about Archers, parents, or coaches during a competition. Especially if you're new: you don't know who you're sitting beside. It could be a parent or supporter of an Archer. There's no need to make a bad impression at the start of your Archery journey. If you're not happy with a coach, let them know after the competition via email. Take some time, make your thoughts known in a constructive way. If you don't like a call from a judge, your Archer needs to deal with it. 
• Discussions with the Coach: At the end of the day, many coaches will have a discussion with their group or individual Archers (or both). Give them time and space to do this. You don't need to know what's going on unless they ask you to be part of it. 
• Camo: At most tournaments, apparel with a camo design, motif, or pattern will be prohibited. This is a World Archery rule that has trickled down to most clubs. Allowing camo is up to tournament organizers. Do not assume it will be allowed. Larger events will publish a dress code and rules.

Dealing with the "Bad End"

• Keep a Level Head: Your Archer will look at you for a reaction. If you look stressed or disappointed, they will know it and feel it immediately. A simple thumbs-up or a calm smile goes a long way. Even if we think we're being neutral, our Archers are wired to read us for the most subtle reactions. Continue to be encouraging.
• The 24-Hour Rule: If the tournament didn't go as planned, wait 24 hours before doing a debrief. For now, just be the parent, not the coach. If your Archer doesn't want to talk about it, don't make them. They have a coach to figure things out.

The Tournament Cheat Sheet

Here are specific "do's and don'ts" to keep in mind. Keep this list handy to ensure a stress-free experience for both you and your Archer. Remember: there is some wiggle room depending on the event. 

✅ THE "DO" LIST

• Cheer at the Right Time. The time to clap and celebrate is after the whistle blows to end the round or match.
• Respect the Judges. If your Archer disputes a value during scoring, encourage them to raise their hand and ask a judge to decide. Judges have the final say on arrow values.
• Stay Hydrated. Bring your own water and snacks. The days can be long, and you need to keep your own energy up to be supportive.
• Check the Dress Code. Ensure your Archer is wearing "tournament-approved" clothing (e.g., closed-toe shoes and no camo) to avoid a stressful last-minute change. Rules will be enforced during provincial/state and national events, but may be more lax during non-sanctioned (World Archery) events. If you have a question, ask the tournament director or Director of Shooting (DOS) or check the dress code.
• Enjoy the Finals. Even if your Archer isn't in the finals, watching others handle the pressure is the best "mental game" lesson available. Encourage your Archer to stay and watch.

❌ THE "DON’T" LIST

• Use Flash Photography. This is a major safety hazard and is strictly prohibited while Archers are on the line.
• Coach from the Sidelines. Shouting advice or giving hand signals is often against the rules, discouraged, can add unnecessary pressure to your Archer, and could get them disqualified.
• Approach the Targets. Only Archers and judges (and Media) are allowed in the scoring area. Stay behind the Spectator Line at all times.
• Rush the Decompress. When your Archer steps off the line, consider asking "Are you hungry?" before "What was your score?" or "What happened?"
• Worry about the Music. Bigger tournaments like the Lancaster Classic are famous for its high-energy atmosphere. Don't worry about the noise. It’s part of the experience! Even smaller tournaments have music. Your Archer needs to learn how to tune extraneous noises out and compete with distractions around them.

The Official Dress Code Summary

✅ What to Wear:

• Top: Tournament or club shirts are good. Collared shirts (as long as the collar doesn't catch on the string) or T-shirts are acceptable. Tank tops are generally not permitted. Keep shirts with provocative sayings at home. 
• Bottoms: Pants, skirts, capris, and shorts are all okay. If you think your Archer will be asked to change, have a back-up. Some events have rules around length of shorts and skirts and the "tightness" of tights <Insert eye roll>. 
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. An Archer will not be allowed to compete if they are not wearing closed-toe shoes. Archers will be standing for long periods of time, so consider some level of comfort. Need some help deciding on shoes? Listen to ("Shoes that Stabilize: Reece's Range-Tested Picks") for everything you need to know about shoes for Archery.
• Finals Stage: If your Archer makes the Finals, this is the time for a club/team jersey or Archery attire.

❌ What to Avoid:

• Camo: Following standard tournament traditions, camouflage clothing is not permitted on the competition floor/field. This includes hats, tops, and bottoms. This is a World Archery rule and most global and national federations and associations follow suit. However, there are some exceptions within disciplines and clubs.
• Blue Denim: While some local shoots allow it, many high-level tournaments discourage denim. Ask coaches or other Archers before attending or check the rules of the event.
• Offensive Graphics: Any clothing with profanity, offensive slogans, or political statements is typically strictly prohibited.
• Loose Clothing: Avoid excessively baggy sleeves, wide collars, or dangling drawstrings that could get caught in your bowstring or interfere with your shot. Even with a chest protector and arm guard, baggy clothing including sleeves, can get in the way.

The "Parent & Spectator" Perspective

While the dress code technically applies to the Archers on the line, it is recommended that parents and coaches dress in a way that respects the professional nature of the event.

• Pro-Tip: Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Indoor facilities can vary in temperature: one area might be chilly while the another is warm. For Outdoor, check the weather forecast at the tournament site, not just at your hotel/home. Bring layers and be ready for anything.

If you have any questions or would like to add anything to this list, contact the Archery Parent Podcast. 

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Keywords: 

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Can you wear camo in Archery tournaments? | Archery tournament whistle commands | Coaching from the sidelines in Archery | Archery scoring area rules for parents | Electronic devices in Archery competitions | Archery tournament dress code for beginners | How to support your Archer during a bad end | Flash photography rules in Archery

World Archery clothing regulations | Closed-toe shoes for Archery | Prohibited clothing in Archery | Denim rules in Archery tournaments | Archery spectator gallery etiquette | 24-hour rule for sports parents | Archery sideline coaching | How to cheer at an Archery event | Archery tournament footprint and space | Calling a judge in Archery | Archery target butt access | Signing archery scorecards | Archery tournament Director of Shooting (DOS)