If you are interested in archery you should know that there are two types of archery in the SCA.
Target archery
This is (more or less) conventional target archery where the archer shoots at static targets.
Target Bows
Target Bows can be any weight, and can be made of any material.
Most bows are acceptable, except for the following:
Bows with counterweights attached.
Compound Bows.
Target Arrows
Target Arrows must be made from materials available to bowyers before the seventeenth century (i.e. wood) so no plastic, Aluminium, Carbon fibre etc..
Fletchings must be feathers and not vanes.
The point on the end must be the normal target point.
Medieval type points such as broadheads, bodkins or any other variant are not allowed.
Combat archery
Combat archery is A game where specially prepared combat arrows are fired at other specially armoured people. This occurs in various games such as SCA combat tournaments, SCA war games and war training. Participants in SCA combat archery must be trained and authorised before playing.
Combat Bows
Combat Bows can be made of any material but are limited to a thirty pound pull at twenty-eight inches.
Most bows are acceptable, except for the following:
Bows with counterweights attached.
Compound Bows.
Combat Arrows
Target Arrows must be made from materials available to bowyers before the seventeenth century (i.e. wood) so no plastic, Aluminium, Carbon fibre etc..
Fletchings must be feathers and not vanes.
Combat arrows must not have points on them. The points must be removed or never attached in the first place.
Instead, a so called "archery blunt" must be attached to the combat arrow. Archery blunts are a special product developed in the SCA specifically for combat use. A substitution with other types of blunts is not allowed.
Blunt are available for sale within the SCA.
Additionally, combat arrows are prepared for use by extra reinforcing fibre tape.
If you have a bow and arrows bring them along to the Stormhold Monthly Bash and consult with an archery line marshal about the suitability of your gear.
Resources for Archers
Lochac archers webpage:
http://www.sca.org.au/archers/
