7. Violations & Penalties
Losing an Arrow's Score
- An arrow shot before the start signal, after the stop signal, or out of sequence in alternating shooting costs the athlete or team the highest-scoring arrow of that end, scored as a miss (13.3)
- In a team match the same applies if any team member shoots outside the signals — the arrow counts as part of the end and the team loses its highest-scoring arrow (13.3)
- Drawing and releasing an arrow on the competition field after practice has been officially closed, before shooting starts, or during breaks — intentionally or not — costs the highest-scoring arrow of the next scoring end (13.3)
Warnings
- An athlete receives one warning for the listed offences; continuing, or not following judges' decisions, brings disqualification (13.4)
- No athlete may touch another's equipment without consent (13.4)
- No athlete may draw a bow, with or without an arrow, except when standing on the shooting line (13.4)
- Repeatedly shooting more than the permitted arrows per end, or raising the bow arm before the start signal, are warnable (13.4)
- So are repeatedly withdrawing arrows before scoring, and repeatedly touching arrows or the face before or during scoring (13.4)
- Only athletes whose turn it is to shoot may be on the shooting line, except athletes with a classified disability (13.4)
Disqualification
- Athletes breaking the following rules once scoring has commenced receive no warning — they are disqualified and lose any position gained (13.5)
- Using equipment that contravenes World Archery Rules (13.5)
- Knowingly breaking any rules and regulations, which may render the athlete ineligible to participate (13.5)
- Persisting in a dangerous drawing technique after being told to correct it (13.5)
- Altering or falsifying a score without authorisation, or knowingly having one altered (13.5)
- Unsportsmanlike conduct from an athlete or anyone assisting them — it will not be tolerated (13.5)
- A sanction against an athlete automatically applies to their coach or official (13)
Team Round Yellow Card
- A judge raises a yellow card if a team member crosses the 1 m line too soon, removes an arrow fully from the quiver before being on the shooting line, or (compound) attaches the release aid to the string before being on the line (13.6.1)
- The card requires the athlete to return behind the 1 m line and start again, or be replaced by a team-mate with arrows to shoot (13.6.1)
- If the team ignores the card and the athlete shoots, the team loses the highest-scoring arrow of that end (13.6.2)
Eligibility, Doping and Alcohol
- Breaking an eligibility rule may bring disqualification and loss of any position gained (13.1)
- Competing in a class whose requirements the athlete does not meet brings disqualification (13.1)
- Anti-doping violations are sanctioned under Book 7 (13.2)
- A positive alcohol test brings disqualification and referral to the Board of Justice and Ethics: 1 year ineligibility for a first offence, 4 years for a second, and a life ban for a third (13.2)