Classification in the M.A.A.

It seems that every M.A.A. Championship tournament causes certain amounts of confusion, particularly amongst the newcomers of tournament archery. This begins with the registration form. There are spaces to mark such as division, shooting style, sex, day and time, etc. What does it all mean?

Let us start with the easiest one – sex. In most cases there is no difficulty to distinguish between male and female archers. Although, appearance may be misleading sometimes.

The two groups – division and shooting style, cause the most extensive confusion. They are frequently mixed up. Look at it this way. Division has to do with the archer himself, the person. Presently M.A.A. has six (6) divisions.

Now, let us look at each of them:

The Pro division is for those who are members of the N.F.A.A. Pro division. These archers compete nationally or on state level for monetary prizes under rules set forth by the N.F.A.A. Pro division. No contribution is made by the M.A.A. to their prize moneys.

The Adult division is for those aged 18 and older are grouped in the adult division. Formally, this was called the "Open" division until it was changed to the more understandable "Adult" division a few years ago.

The Young Adult division  for those who are aged 15 – 17. The Youth division for those who are aged 12 – 14. The Cub division is for the little ones who are aged 11 and under.

In May 1999, the Senior division was established for those who are aged 55 and older.

In May 2003 the Master Senior division was established for those who are aged 65 and older.

Next let’s look at "Style". As the division depends upon the person, shooting style depends upon the type of equipment and how the archer uses it. The MAA recognizes eight (8) different styles of shooting.

The most popular is Freestyle (FS). In Freestyle any type of bow can be used and anything on the bow may be used. Such as, sight, string peep, stabilizers and release aids.

Freestyle limited (FSL). This style is the same as freestyle except that no release aids can be used. This style is often referred to as finger shooters because a finger tab or glove is used rather than a release aid.

Bow hunter Freestyle (BHFS) and Bow hunter Freestyle Limited (BHFSL). These styles have too many rules to list here. For a complete list you should consult an N.F.A.A. Constitution and By-Laws.

Bare bow (BB) says what it means. Nothing on the bow or string may be used to help in aiming. Only a stabilizer on the bow is permitted.

Bow hunter bare bow (BHBB) is the same as bare bow except that your fingers must touch the arrow when drawing the bow back. In other words, there is no string walking.

Traditional (TRAD) is like bare bow except a stick bow or Longbow is used and no stabilizers are allowed either.

Freestyle Limited Recurve/ Longbow  (FSLR/L). This style is the same as freestyle limited except that you must use a recurve or long bow. Once again, shooting styles are concerned with the type of equipment and how it is used.

The M.A.A. does not recognize any Bow hunter styles of shooting in any of the youth divisions.

The last slot in the M.A.A. classification is Class. This is on your scorecard but you will not find it on the registration form. The reason for this is that each tournament is different, so you may shoot in a different class for each. Currently, in the adult division, all archers except those shooting traditional shooting style shall be placed in classes AA, A, and B and men FS only in class C, according to scores shot in each individual round. There are no classes for any of the youth divisions, recurve freestyle limited or Pro division. For a complete breakdown you should consult the M.A.A. by-laws.

Besides individual competition there is also team competition at the M.A.A. Championship tournaments in the Adult divisions. Either Club or Association teams consisting of a maximum of four members may be entered in all shooting styles.

So, all in all the classification of archers in the M.A.A. tournaments is not so difficult if some thoughts are given to the structure of the classification system. Good luck to all and I hope to see you on the range.

Some tips for registering for a State Tournament – to help you and the registration chairperson:

1. Fill in ALL the information on the form.
2. Be sure to include your phone number.
3. Circle the date as well as the time.
4. Register as early as possible by calling in first.
5. If you find you have to cancel, do so as early as possible.
6. Make your check payable to: MICHIGAN ARCHERS ASSN.

When you attend a State Tournament, please fill in all of the information on the scorecard before turning it in. Check the information on it and make sure it is correct.