LIV Annual Interkingdom Archery Competition

Introduction

The 2025 Season is the 58th year of the IKAC. Come play with us.

As Scorekeeper, scores that are submitted are checked for errors, such as odd numbers in a period score (period shoots only have even numbers) or a score over 30 in a static end. Those will be returned to be corrected. High scores will be looked at, checked and if it seems out of line with the archer, they may be questioned in an email to the marshal to verify that all is correct and then it will be posted. If I receive question on scores that have been approved, we can discuss them on the SCA Target Archery Site and/or Quivers and Quarrels. Great scores should be talked about not hidden from sight and forgotten. I believe in the honor of the SCA and what it stands for. It is up to all of us to keep it so. For those that have left the IKAC because you believe a score is unreal or they must not be playing by the rules I hear you. Twenty years ago, when I saw some of the crossbow scores, I had some of those thoughts myself. Now I am one of the one that I am sure others question my scores. Let us talk, let us learn, and let us improve. For those that have left the IKAC because your scores or your friend’s scores were not posted or you were getting no response at all, come back. Give us a chance, let us show you the difference as to how we are now.

The rules changed for the 2025 Season is as follows:

New start date is 1 January

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IKAC RULES

The IKAC consists of seven Divisions: to include four Adult Divisions (Open Handbow, Open Crossbow, Period Handbow, Period Crossbow) and three Young Archer Divisions (Yeoman Division, Youth Division and Child Division.) The competition starts on 1 January and ends on December 1.

In all Divisions, each Kingdom`s score will be the average of the top 3 scorers. All scores submitted for ALL archers that participate in the competition will be shown in the database on the Scores page. http://www.scores-sca.org/ikac

In ALL division prizes will be awarded for the 1st place Kingdom (Golden Medallions), the Second Place Kingdom (Silver Medallions) and 3rd place Kingdom (Bronze Medallions). Also, the designs of the medallions have changed so keep an eye out for the new medallion images. The winning Kingdom will be determined by averaging the highest scores of the three top-scoring archers for each Kingdom. In the case of a 1st place tie in a division both Kingdoms will be awarded 1st place Medallions and no 2nd place medallions will be awarded for that division. In cases of 2nd place ties in a division both kingdoms will be awarded 2nd place medallions.

THE ROUNDS

The IKAC consists of twelve rounds: two static (or "untimed") rounds, and two 30 second timed (or "speed") rounds at 3 distances 20, 30 and 40 yards. The static rounds will consist of six arrows each. There is no limit on the number of arrows that can be shot in the 30 second timed round. Once again: this means that each archer will shoot at each distance four times, two static and two timed. Note: The distances must be measured out, not paced.

For the Children and Youth Divisions, the distances are 10-15-20 yards and 15-20-30 yards respectively. The Yeoman Division uses the Adult ranges. Everything else is the same.

Summary of distances per division:

• Adult Divisions
  • Open Handbow/Period Handbow/Period Crossbow/Open Crossbow
  • 2 rounds static (6 arrows) @ 20, 30, & 40 yards
  • 2 rounds 30 second timed @ 20, 30, & 40 yards
• Young Archer Divisions
  • Rounds remain the same. The distances change as indicated below
  • Yeoman Division:
    • 20-30-40
    • Youth 15 and under
  • Youth Division:
    • 15-20-30
    • Youth 12 and under
  • Children Division:
    • 10-15-20
    • Youth 9 and under

TIME LIMITS

There is no time limit for the static rounds. Each timed (or "speed") round is 30 seconds and as many arrows as can be loosed in that time.

The archers may begin drawn and aim, to release upon command. The use of a tape recorder with a recording of the thirty second count-down is permitted for timing the ends. In shooting a speed end, you MUST draw your own arrows, NO ONE may hand them to you. If an arrow is in flight at the end of 30 seconds it will be counted.

Any arrow or bolt released before the start or after the end of the 30 second time limit causes the archer to loses their highest scoring arrow or bolt of that round.

GENERAL RULES

Archers may compete in all Divisions. Archers may shoot both recurve and longbow in the Open Handbow Division. If you shoot a period style bow, you must shoot separately in Open and Period to enter a score for both Divisions (i.e., you cannot take one IKAC shot and count it for both the Open and the Period division, you must shoot two separate IKACs). Crossbows, both modern and period, may shoot only in the Crossbow Divisions. In the Young Archer Divisions, you may only compete in one of the categories (children, youth, or yeoman).

The competition may be shot at any official Kingdom, Local event, or recognized practice (published in a newsletter or online E-list / page generally recognized by the local group). Events that fall outside of the normal IKAC season may be granted official scoring if requested to the Keeper well in advance in writing AND with approval of the Keeper.

Archers may shoot for official score at as many competitions as they can attend, and may shoot for official score, in each Division, once each day of a multi-day event. Archers may shoot more than once in a particular Division per day, but only their top complete round of that day will be officially counted.

NOTE: The Keeper encourages each archer to proactively ask questions in cases of misunderstanding or confusion regarding rules or scores. Please feel free to contact the Keeper via email or phone (see the Contact section) if any questions arise.

In setting up and shooting the IKAC, all necessary precautions should be taken to insure the safety of all archers and bystanders. A warranted target archery marshal must be present at each IKAC shoot (an archer who is a Marshal may submit scores for himself/herself). The name of the Marshal must be submitted along with the score in order for the score to count. Contact information for the Marshal MUST be submitted along with the score, in case there are questions with the submission. This is very important. If you are a Marshal, please be aware of this. Archers are counting on you for their scores to be counted, please assist by providing your contact information.

OTHER IMPORTANT RULES

1. An IKAC has to be shot as one continuous shoot. An archer must declare when the IKAC is started, which division they are shooting, and must shoot each round until the IKAC shoot is completed. However, a temporary pause for adverse weather or other conditions may be allowed.
2. The order of the ends is left to the archer or the Marshal as long as each IKAC score is shot as one complete, uninterrupted shoot. For example, an archer may shoot two Royal Rounds back to back, and then shoot two 30-yard timed ends and two 40-yard timed ends to complete the IKAC shoot. The above scenario would be fine, as long as no other arrows are shot for any other reason during that time.
3. The archer may not pick and choose the best ends out of multiple shoots. Each shoot is a complete end-to-end exercise, where EACH arrow counts toward the final score.
4. Once the start of an IKAC shoot has been declared, ALL arrows shot MUST be counted toward the score. Ranging shots and practice shots in between ends are specifically prohibited.
5. The archer may take a reasonable amount of time to complete a shoot, but no other arrows must be shot for ANY purpose (including another competition), once the archer has declared the start of his/her IKAC shoot. If that happens, that IKAC score cannot be counted.
6. The Keeper of the IKAC retains the right to clarify any score submitted.
7. All scores must use the on-line form. Any exception must be approved by the Keeper of the IKAC.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment must conform to the rules specified for by the current SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook. Please refer to these rules when shooting the IKAC. The official SCA archery rules can be found on the SCA web page at:
http://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/docs/t_archery/target_archery_rules.pdf

DISABLED ARCHERS

Upon the judgment of the Marshal in charge of the archery competition, and subject to the rules of each Kingdom and the Society, allowance may be made for various disabilities. For example, visually impaired archers may have someone tell them where their arrows strike the target. Archers in wheelchairs may shoot while seated. Archers unable to cock their crossbows may have someone cock it for them, etc.

TARGETS & SCORING

OPEN DIVISIONS

The open Division target is a 60 cm, five color face.

For the Open Handbow and Open Crossbow Divisions scoring is: Gold=5, Red=4, Blue=3, Black=2, White=1. Lines count as the higher score. Arrows passing through, falling out, or bouncing off the target face count as three points.

The Open Divisions target 60 cm, FITA field face

NOTE: At the request of several IKAC shooters, archers are now allowed to also use 60 cm FITA field face in black and gold targets if they wish. These targets can have a more period look. They are commonly used in mundane archery competition for Field Archery at distances from 30-60 yards. They can be bought from most archery distributors, including Lancaster Archery. The use of this target is entirely optional. Archers can continue to use the usual FITA 5-color 60 cm target without issues.

Scoring is on the honor system: you may count and record your own score.

PERIOD DIVISIONS

The five color 60 cm. target may be used for the Period Divisions except that the scoring is different. The scoring is: White through blue = 2 points, red and outer gold = 4 points, inner gold = 8 points. Scores for the Royal Round, Open and Period Divisions may be shot and recorded on the five color face. Four points are given for a pass through or bounce off.

The Period Divisions target is a 60 cm. three color face.

Those archers wishing to shoot a more period looking target are encouraged to make and use the period face. The target is based on the one from the Luttrell Psalter. The target represents a two ring target with a center peg. The peg was used to hold the target to the butt. Splitting the peg or pin was the best shot, so those arrows hitting dead center score highest. The colors are from the inner ring or peg to outer ring: Or, Vert, and Argent. It is scored: Argent=2, Vert=4 and Or=8. Four points are given for a pass through or bounce off.

The target face is equal in size to the current five ring, 60 cm. target now in use for the IKAC. The target may be made by hand by using a compass. The diameters of the rings are 6 cm., 24 cm. and 60 cm. The black line between the rings may be no wider than 2 mm. Yellow may be substituted for the gold and white for the silver. The vert should be a dark green. The back side of a 60 cm., five color target may be used by carefully tracing the rings.

For those who wish to visit a print shop, here is a PDF for large format printers with the Period Face pre-drawn.

SCORES

Scores must be submitted to the site within thirty days of being shot to be counted as official. Scores may be submitted after this date by asking for approval from the Keeper. The final scores must be received to the IKAC site no later than December 8th. The results of each competition should be sent as soon as possible after they are shot, so they may be tabulated and posted. The Keeper`s interest is in recording all scores however, so if the 30 deadline passes do not hesitate to submit your scores anyway. The Keeper may contact you to obtain clarification before entering the scores. NOTE: All scores must use the on-line form. Any exception must be approved by the Keeper of the IKAC.

DIVISIONS

OPEN HANDBOW

In the Open Handbow Division, recurves and longbows, both period and modern, may compete using the current SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook. There is no poundage limit. The rounds and general rules are the same for all Divisions.

OPEN CROSSBOW DIVISION

Both modern and period style crossbows may compete using the current SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook. in the Open Crossbow Division. Crossbows may compete only in the crossbow Divisions.

There is no limit to the number of bolts that may be shot in the speed ends. The target and scoring are the same as in the Open Division.

PERIOD HANDBOW DIVISION

The main intent of the Period Division is to encourage the use and construction of gear with a more period appearance in our SCA archery. Period style longbows or recurves may compete using the current SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook.They may still be shot in the Open Division as well.

Period equipment may compete using the current SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook.

RELEASE AIDS:
Archers may use any period style release appropriate for their bow, but are not required to do so. For example, an archer may use a glove or tab instead of a thumb ring while shooting an Eastern style bow.

STRINGS:
Modern string materials are allowed, as well as period materials. Please exercise caution for a period material string.

ARROW RESTS:
Non period arrow rests are not allowed. Built in full or partial windows are not allowed. However, a protruding rest resulting from layers of leather or other period materials, added to the handle is allowed.

NOCKING POINTS:
See the standard SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook.

SIGHTS:
Placement of sighting marks on bow limbs are not allowed for the Period Division.

ARROW NOCKS:
Nocks shall be either self or reinforced self, or period style inset nocks, for wood, bamboo or reed arrows. They may be of any materials that are similar in appearance to period materials and also similar in style. Plastic nocks are not allowed for period handbow division.

PERIOD CROSSBOW DIVISION

Only period style crossbows may compete using the standard SCA Target Archery Marshal’s Handbook in this Division.

The crossbow may be shot from any position. But the crossbow may be held only by the hands, not on a sandbag, etc.

Slings are not allowed for shooting, but may be used to carry the crossbow.

Period Crossbows may not have a modern style lock nor a modern trigger. They must have a period-style lock and release mechanism. The Lock and Release Mechanism should be documentable to 16th century or earlier. If there is a question about the mechanisms being in period, then the Marshal in Charge of the shoot may request proof or allow its one time use at that event, until proof is provided. Archers using crossbows that might be questioned should be encouraged to bring documentation.

The target and scoring are the same as in the Period Division. There is no limit to the number arrows in the speed ends.

YOUNG ARCHER DIVISIONS

The deputy in charge of the Young Archer Divisions is Osmond de Berwic. Osmond can be reached at ikac_youth scores-sca org

In all of the Young Archer Divisions, recording the age (as of 1 Jan) of the child is mandatory. The on-line form and printed form are modified accordingly. Scores without age will be rejected.

You may only compete in one division per season:

• The Children division is meant for kids 9 and under.
• The Youth division is meant for kids 12 and under.
• The Yeoman division is meant for kids 15 and under.

The Young Archer Divisions are meant to help children get interested and started in archery and put in the time to start developing their skills. Children who already shoot at the level of adults should be shooting in the Adult divisions. Children who may be younger than 9 but are able to reach 30 yards should be encouraged to shoot in the Youth division. Youth who may be younger than 12 but are able to reach 40 yards should be encouraged to shoot in the Yeoman division. This is not a competition where a very accomplished archer can get yet another medal, but a competition meant to get kids started in archery and interested in the sport. This is the spirit of this competition, and I ask each marshal`s assistance in understanding and meeting the spirit of the competition.

To this end the IKAC has set thresholds scores for the Young Archer Divisions scores well above what the normal child shoots in that division. Once they cross that threshold score they are allowed to finish out the season in that division but the following season they will be moved up to the next higher Division. These threshold scores are as follows:

• Children Division: 100
• Youth Division: 120
• Yeoman Division: 140

If the Child is interested in moving up in the middle of the season from the Children to the Youth division, from the Youth to the Yeomen, or from the Yeoman to the Adult. Send a notification to the Keeper or his Deputy for Youth Archery, so that we can adjust the scores accordingly.

CHILDREN’S DIVISION

The Children`s Division is open to all children age 9 and under (as of 1 Jan). Participants in the Children`s Division may shoot with either bows or crossbows. The age (as of 1 Jan) of the Child must be specified when sending in a score report. The target used in the Children`s Division is the same as the Open Handbow. The rules are the same as in the Open Division, except that the distances are 10 yards, 15 yards and 20 yards (instead of 20,30 and 40). Note that medallions will be awarded in the same way as the other divisions, i.e. the average of the top three children in each Kingdom will be counted for score. Children that shoot in the other divisions may not shoot in the Children`s Division. Children that shoot a score of 100 or above must move to the Youth Division the following season, but may finish the current season in this division.

YOUTH’S DIVISION

The Youth`s Division is open to all children age 10 to 12(as of 1 Jan). Participants in the Youth`s Division may shoot with either bows or crossbows. The age (as of 1 Jan) of the Child must be specified when sending in a score report. The target used in the Youth`s Division is the same as the Open Handbow. The rules are the same as in the Open Division, except that the distances are 15 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards (instead of 20, 30 and 40). Note that medallions will be awarded in the same way as the other divisions, i.e. the average of the top three children in each Kingdom will be counted for score. Children that shoot in the other divisions may not shoot in the Youth`s Division. Youth that shoot a score of 120 or above must move to the Yeoman Division the following season, but may finish the current season in this division.

YEOMAN’S DIVISION

The Yeoman`s Division is open to all children age 13 to 15(as of 1 Jan). Participants in the Yeoman`s Division may shoot with either bows or crossbows. The age (as of 1 Jan) of the Child must be specified when sending in a score report. The target used in the Yeoman`s Division is the same as the Open Handbow. The rules are the same as in the Open Division, the distances are the same 20 yards, 30 yards and 40 yards. Note that medallions will be awarded in the same way as the other divisions, i.e. the average of the top three children in each Kingdom will be counted for score. Children that shoot in the other divisions may not shoot in the Yeoman`s Division.Yeoman that shoot a score of 140 or above must move to the Adult Division the following season, but may finish the current season in this division.