Stickbow Target Archery Forums

I've been following the accompanying threads on IFAA longbow, pondering some positive input into the brainstorming. I'd like to share some of my thoughts on the matter, which will hopefully move us in a direction for positive change.

First off let's take a look at the system as it has been explained to me, every two years the IFAA officers and delegates from each IFAA Nation meet at the World Field Championships where they discuss issues and proposals as they relate to IFAA. This July at WFAC is the meeting, and if it isn't too late, now is the opportunity to get some proposals in for IFAA longbow. The next meeting will be in 2006. Changes to the rules in 2004 will become effective after the WFAC 2004. For me to implement a change I need to contact my delegate here in the USA which I believe is the President of NFAA, Bruce Cull. He will start it off by creating a proposal which will be presented and discussed and hopefully voted on at the IFAA 2004 meeting.

While starting from scratch or from a rudimentary set of rules is great for brainstorming, it is more efficient to propose single additions or deletions to the present rules with logical and well thought out supportive statements regarding the proposal. We don't need to recreate the wheel.
If we go to IFAA and hand them a whole new set of rules: "Hi IFAA officers and delegates, here are a new set of Longbow rules we created on the internet for you to adopt.
Larryn
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!n
7. IFAA Longbow Gear Rules
a1. A one piece straight ended bow of any material, which when strung displays one continued unidirectional curve, which is measured as follows:
a2. When the strung bow is placed with the bowstring in a vertical position, the angle as measured between the tangent of any point on the limb and an imaginary horizontal line must always decrease as this point is moved further away from the bow grip.
a3. Tip reinforcing not exceeding ½" in height, as measured from the surface of the bow limb and not exceeding 1½" in length as measured from the limb tip will be permitted.
a4. ADDED 3/15/04 - The longbow division excludes the use of a stabilizer. Adding weight to the riser of the longbow is tantamount to using a stabilizer and is therefore not permitted.
a5. ADDED 3/15/04 - The use of a tennis style wrap would allow the archer to move his/her hand up and down on the handle and is regarded as a physical sighting method. The use of this type of wrap is not permittedn
a6. (Note: the longbow may not have any reflex shape on the limb, neither is the takedown longbow accepted. Longbows that do not comply with the definition will be classified as recurve barebow)
b. The belly must be free of any marks or blemishes that can be used as sighting aids.
c. The bow may contain a window and an arrow shelf.
d. Only one nocking point only is allowed on the string, which may be marked by one or two nocking point locators.
e1. Arrows must be of wood, fletched with natural feather, and must be of the same length, fletch and pile, without regard for colour.

e2. ADDED 3/15/04 - Sighting devices are not allowed in the longbow division. The use of rings on the arrows provides the archer with a physical sighting device and is not permitted.
f. Nocks may be of any material, any weight of pile may be used.
g. The bow must be shot with the "Mediterranean" loose.
h. One consistent anchor point must be used
n
<small>[ April 11, 2004, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: Admin ]</small>

I need to find the correct thread to post proposals on but I will list a few here.

1st off I propose that IFAA longbow adopt a rule taken from IFAA Bowhunter rules as follows;n
Bows, arrows, string and accessories shall be free from sight marks, blemishes and/or laminations which could be used for aiming. A levelling device is not permitted.

The above rule has proven effective in other barebow archery within IFAA, it is prudent for IFAA longbow to adopt said rule to benefit and limit the longbow class to true barebow archery.

Here's another rule proposal that needs some refinement but here is the rough draft:n
Amend rule: "A one piece straight ended bow of any material." -to-n
One piece or 2 piece bow which may not exceed 2 pounds in weight.

We do not need straight ended bow in the rules since the curve of the braced limb is described in existing rules. It is becoming more and more difficult to travel with a one piece longbow with increasing security measures in airports as well as more limiting baggage restrictions on airlines. It behooves the IFAA board to allow limited types of takedown longbows to accomadate travel to tournaments abroad, as it is an International event. One of the main concerns of not allowing takedown longbows was to eliminate adding of weight and bulky riser sections. By placing a weight limit on the bow and only allowing 1 and 2 piece longbows in IFAA longbow, we will eliminate excessive weight and risers.

I will take your "suprised" proclamation of excellence as a compliment . Thanks Art. The 1/2" rule has been a favorite of mine since 1996 and it has been trying to make it into the rules for some time, I am hoping that it makes it this year. It has merit in many ways, one being the further inclusion of longbows and longbow archers around the world.

Even though the rules aren't written exactly how I would like, there comes a point when you/I just have to shut up and shoot. I have a lot of respect for IFAA and the tournaments they put on. It is the best longbow World Championships I have ever shot in. There are far too many car seats and asses and reasons to sit at home and not participate. Butt if you have the gusto and fervor the rules are just a technicality the essense is in the " shot " with a stick and string. Arch on, arch on..
:thumbsup:
I think it is cool that Art is shooting Bowhunter recurve.

Larry