Before You Even Get There

• Check the format: Field, Hunter, Animal, 3D (or a mix)
• Find out whether distances are marked or unmarked
• Make sure your kit fits your division/style rules

Pack Like a Scout

• Spare string, spare arrows, spare nocks
• Waterproofs (even if the forecast says “dry”)
• Snacks that survive being sat on
• Pencil/pen that works in drizzle

On the Day

1) Registration & Gear Check

You’ll sign in, get scorecards and may have your equipment checked. Arrive early if you can — rushing makes everything harder.

2) Group Assignments

You’ll shoot in a group (often 3–5 people). Groups rotate around the course together, scoring and confirming as you go.

3) Shooting Rotation

Typically the first shooter rotates to last after each target so nobody always shoots first or last. It keeps things fair and keeps tempers calm.

4) Scoring Without Tears

• Only the appointed scorer writes
• Scores are called out and confirmed
• Disputes go to the group’s captain/judge per event procedure
• Line-breakers count: if an arrow breaks a scoring line it gets the higher score

The Unwritten Rules (Etiquette)

• Stay quiet when someone is at full draw
• Don’t block views while scoring
• Keep pace — nobody likes a slow group
• Congratulate good shots (and laugh at your own misses)

Post-Competition

Ensure scorecards are signed as required. Stick around for prizegiving if you can — even if you don’t win, there’s often cake and Scottish clubs take cake seriously.