Rulebook
Setup
Ranges are to consist of 15, 3-D targets of any brand with the official TK scoring rings.
1. All targets should be good enough to prevent an arrow from passing through the vital area of the target and score rings should be distinguishable. In the case of a target reaching the pass-through state (arrows passing completely through the target and/or burying beyond the nock) or becoming unscoreable during a tournament, range officials should be notified ASAP for the appropriate target replacement, repair, angle change, etc. Groups should make a majority ruling on the placement of the arrow or judgment call in the absence of a definable line.
2. At an event shooters can only enter one class per course. If a range has more than one course then shooters can enter more than one class, as long as each class is on different courses.
3. Targets are to be set at unmarked distances up to the following as determined by host range’s official range finder for the event:
a) 40 yards maximum
b) 30 yards maximum
c) 20 yards maximum
d) 10 yards maximum
(Clarification point: color of stakes is to be set by each host range)
4. Targets must be distinguishable. Obstruction of the vital area is legal, so long as it is possible for the arrow to travel an un-deflected (which doesn’t mean visually unobstructed) path to a portion of the vitals that must allow the possibility of scoring within the entire 15 and a portion of the 12 ring area above the 15 ring on the True Kill “TK” scoring rings of the target by the shooter sitting, kneeling, leaning, twisting, and/or using arrow arch. (Shooters should not have to hit the obstructions. However over, under, between and/or around is perfectly acceptable. A shot should not be changed if shooter hits obstructions while refusing to break form and/or makes an era in yardage judgment.)
5. All targets must be positioned in a manner that is appropriate for the score rings to support proper shot placement for the shot presentation. Headshots are not allowed. (Clarification point: targets may be angled so long as the intended shot placement would constitute a double-lung pass through and/or a heart shot on the animal target in question for all stakes.)
6. In the event that a target has multiple score zones visible to shooters at the same time, shooters in each group should agree on which rings best simulate a kill shot for the shot presentation before the first shot is taken. Shots placed in the wrong rings by a shooter claiming to have misunderstood which rings the group agreed to shoot will be scored as to how they lay according to the rings the group had designated.
Scoring
1. Official THE “TK” (True Kill) scoring areas are as follows per the angle presented to the shooter:
15 - heart sized area positioned to represent a heart pass thru.
12 - double vital area positioned to represent double lung, liver lung, etc. pass thru.
10 - signal vital area positioned to represent single lung, liver pass thru.
-5 - any part of animal outside the represented vital area.
2. True Kill “TK” rings will be used at all THE events.
3. There will only be one score keeper required at THE events, excluding the State and World events where 2 CARDS per person will be issued, requiring 2 score keepers.
4. All registration and shooting information on each scorecard must be filled out legibly or the shooter FORFITS ALL RIGHTS TO AWARDS. This includes classes, dates, contact info, etc. Any space on the scorecard that does not pertain to the shooter should have "N/A" written in the blank.
5. Shots must be scored by scorekeepers before arrows are pulled. 1st offense puller of the arrow or arrows will receive a warning and the group will make a majority ruling as to where the arrow or arrows were in the target. Repeat offenders may be disqualified at group discretion.
6. To score, arrows must be stuck in the target. (Clarification point: Arrows must be judged while in target, not after being pulled. If you are unsure enough to need to pull the arrow to see if it is in or out of a line then it MUST be called in.)
a. If while the group is attempting to make a line call the shooter in question pulls his or her arrow, they will recieve the lower score in question.
b. If while the group is attempting to make a line call another shooter pulls the arrow in question the shooter recieves the higher score in question.
7. If two or more parts of a broken arrow are stuck in the target, the shooter only receives a score if the actual target point is present and stuck in the target. If no target point is present then no score is given.
8. Upon final tally, tie scores will be broken based on the following:
a) the least # of -5's
b) the least # of 0's
c) the most # of 15's
d) the most # of 12's
e) the most # of 10's
In the event of a perfect tie, a sudden-death tie-breaker will be based on the scorecards from that shoot starting with shot number one on the card. Beyond that will be a sudden death shoot-off in which a shoot official will judge all scoring and line calls. (Clarification point: It is the responsibility of the shooter to make sure that the scorekeeper starts the scorecard on the correct line corresponding to the target number on which their group starts.)
9. An arrow that strikes another arrow on the way to the target, regardless of the impact angle, and physically damages the nock or shaft of the arrow that was hit, rendering the arrow unsafe to shoot, will receive the same score as the damaged arrow regardless of where any deflection may have placed the arrow. (This is why we have our gentleman’s rules.)
10. If an arrow is touching the outer edge of a line, the shooter receives the higher score. (Clarification point: Touching means NO visible space between the arrow shaft and the outer edge of the line in question. If it is questionable then call it in and move on.)
11. If a group is unable to reach a majority ruling on a line call, the shooter shall receive the benefit of the doubt with the higher score. (Clarification point: just as a tie goes to the runner in baseball.)
Classes
1. All age and gender related classes are optional.
2. All classes that are determined by age (Youth and Seniors) will be as of January 1st of each year.
3. It is the responsibility of the shooter to know all the rules pertaining to his/her class and make sure he/she is assigned the proper class, shooting stake, and range. Once a shooter shoots their first target he/she may not change classes. If the shooter does not qualify to shoot a class entered by mistake, shooter is disqualified from that round in the tournament. No refund will be issued.
4. Some of our THE divisions offer classes divided by skill level. The 3 skill levels are (Advanced, Average Joe, Beginner) are as defined by below:
Advanced Classes - These classes are for advanced shooters scoring 360 or above. If a shooter breaks the 360 mark twice in the same year at THE sanctioned events, they must enter in the advanced class of the same division at the next THE event. Once a shooter breaks the 360 cap a second time, the shooter is locked out of the lower class for the remainder of the season.
Average Joe/Jane Classes - This is a class for shooters scoring between 301-359. If a shooter breaks the 360 mark twice (AS COUNTED IF 15 RINGS WERE AVAILABLE) in the same season, or breaks the 375 mark once (AGAIN AS COUNTED IF 15 RINGS WERE AVAILABLE) in an Average Joe/Jane or Beginner class at THE sanctioned events, they must enter in the advanced class of the same division at the next THE event. Once a shooter breaks the 360 cap a second time, the shooter is locked out of the lower class for the remainder of the season. ( To releave any temptations, the 15 ring will be scored as a 12x in this class. In case of a tie then and only then will the x come into play to break the tie. Shooters at this level should not be attempting such a risky shot. )
Beginner Classes - This is a class for beginning shooters scoring 299 or below. If a shooter breaks over the 300 mark twice (AS COUNTED IF 15 RINGS WERE AVAILABLE) in the same season in a Beginners class at THE sanctioned events, they must enter in the Average Joe class of the same division at the next THE event. Once a shooter breaks out, of the 300 cap a second time, then the shooter is locked out of the lower class for the remainder of the season. However if a shooter breaks the 375 mark once (AGAIN AS COUNTED IF 15 RINGS WERE AVAILABLE) the shooter will make the jump from beginner to Advanced at next event. ( To releave any temptations, the 15 ring will be scored as a 12x in this class. In case of a tie then and only then will the x come into play to break the tie. Shooters at this level should not be attempting such a risky shot. )
5. Shooters may petition THE to look at special circumstances that might allow a shooter move back down to a lower class. THE will carefully review the circumstances presented. Any ruling will be final.
6. All first time shooters to 3D should enter as Beginner/Average Joe. All experienced 3D shooters should enter their first THE event in one of our Advanced classes. (ATTENTION: If you sandbag in these classes just to win a title SHAME ON YOU! Sandbagging not only hurts you as a shooter it directly hurts the growth of our sport and is obvious to everyone around you!)
7. Blackball Rule- If anyone purposely enters into a lower skill level class, than they are capable of competing, to win awards, and this is brought to the attention of any THE executive, board member, staffer, or range official. If enough evidence can be provided then, after careful review the shooter in question will be black balled and striped of any titles won under the deception, and banded from future THE events. The time of the Black Ball ban is to be set by THE Executives and Board Members.
8. Classes will be separated into 6 divisions: 3-D, Womens, Hunters, Single-pin, Primitive, and Youth.
3-D DIVISION - Magnification is legal in all 3-D division classes
a) Open-40 yd max-any bow, any sight devise, any release, any stabilizer
b) Seniors-40 yd max-50 & over, any bow, any sight, any release, any stabilizer.
WOMENS DIVISION - Same as 3-D Division
*a) Womens Advanced-40 yd max-female, any bow, any sight, any release, any stabilizer
*b) Womens Average Jane-30 yd max-female, any bow, any sight, any release, any stabilizer
HUNTERS DIVISION - any bow, stationary sight devise magnification is legal, any release, stabilizers up to 12 inches. (Measurement does not include quick disconnect sytems.)
a) Advanced Hunter-40 yd max-follows all guidelines of this division
b) Average Joe Hunter-30 yd max-follows all guidelines of this division
c) Beginning Hunter-30 yd max-30 yd max-follows all guidelines of the division
SINGLE PIN DIVISION - any bow, stationary single pin sight magnification is legal, any release, stabilizers up to 12 inches. (A movable site devise with/without magnification is legal so long as it is rendered unmovable. A popular method is two zip ties.)
a) Single Pin-30 yd max-stationary sight devise with single pin, any release
PRIMITIVE HUNTERS DIVISION - any recurve or long bow with no sights. A rest and plunger are all that may reside within the sight window. A draw check on the bow or string is acceptable so long as it cannot also be used as a sight. Stabilizers up to 12 inches. No release aid only finger protection. All shooting forms are acceptable. Such as over, under, or spilt finger release. Sting or face walking, as well as point of aim, gap, and shaft aiming styles. Of course as well as instinctive which is just an advanced version of one or more of the above concepts. If it makes you more accurate with this type of equipment with out actually adding a sight then so be it. Our goal is to make hunters more lethal. (Since this section has been reduced to one class and is considered to be an advanced shooters class the 15 ring has been reinstated.)
Primitive Hunter-20 yd max-must follow rules of the division
YOUTH DIVISION - all youth shooters must be 17 and under.
(Any shooter scoring over a 400 in their respected class will be forced to shoot in the next higher class. Excluding the youth class where shooters may remain until aging out.)
(In Cub classes, all negative 5 scores count as 0. In Mighty Mite and Traditional Youth classes, all negative 5 scores count as positive 5. (This is being done to encourage these young archers.)
a) Youth-30 yd max- any bow draw weight above 41#, 17 and under in age, any sight, any release, any stabilizer
b) Cubs-20 yd max- any bow with a max. draw weight of 40#, 13 and under in age, any sight, any release, any stabilizer
c) Genises-20 yd max- Large Genises bows using NASP archery equipment. 17 and under in age.
d) Mighty Mite-10 yd max-any bow with a max. draw weight of 30#, 9 and under in age, any sight, any release, any stabilizer-
e) Mini Genises-10 yd max- Mini Genisies bow using NASP archery equipment.
*f) Primitive Youth-10 yd max- follows Traditional guidelines, 17 and under in age
*g) PeeWee-from any where the shooter feels comfortable, 17 and under in age (non-competitive class all shooters receive an award)
Each class shall shoot from the following shooting stakes:
a) 40yd – Open, Seniors, Adv Hunters, Advanced Womens
b) 30yd - Single-Pin, Average Joe Hunter, Beginning Hunter, Womens Average Jane, Youth
c) 20yd - Primitive Hunter, Cubs, Genises
d) 10yd – Mighty Mite, Primitive Youth, Mini Genises
e) Optional to the shooter- PeeWee
*12. Youth shooters may "test" their abilities in a higher poundage/age bracket a maximum of 3 times during a shooting year. After the 4th entry in a higher poundage bracket they must stay in the higher bracket for the duration of the year. Youth shooters of a higher poundage bracket will not be allowed to drop back to a lower poundage bracket for any reason.
Shooting
1. When shooting, the shooter must touch the stake with some portion of his/her body. If a shooter looses contact with the shooting stake or tile while attempting a shot and two or more members of the see the infraction. The shooter will recieve a verbal warning from the group. If this happens a second time during the event the shooter will recieve a zero for the shot in question.
2. If a shooter looses or doesn't attempt to come in contact with the shooting stake and is verbally warned by a group member before the shot is fired. The shooter must make contact before the shoot is released or receive a zero for the shot in question.
3. When drawing a bow, shooters should always draw bows in the direction of the intended target - never to the side or upward in a sky drawn direction. Safety first! Only one warning will be given.
4. There is to be no discussion of target yardage until the target has been shot by each shooter in the group. Discussion is restricted only to shooters who have shot said target.
5. Stakes farthest from the target must be shot first unless otherwise directed.
6. All groups must shoot from multiple stakes where applicable. All targets must be shot before any advancement to pull arrows. If a shooter shoots the same target twice, the score of the second arrow will be counted as a 0. If the majority of the group cannot decide which arrow was shot second, the higher score will be counted as 0.
7. There is a 2 minute maximum time for the first shooter, and 1 minute maximum time for following shooters. This time is to begin when:
a) 1st shooter of the group - as soon as the target is cleared by the preceding group or if the target is unoccupied, as soon as your group reaches the target.
b) following shooters - when the shooter preceding you releases his/her arrow.
8. The maximum time to complete the course should be calculated as follows. The time allotted for each person shooting in the group plus 5 minutes per target to walk and score arrows. Any shooter still on a range after this time limit will have their score cards turned in and scored as they stand without finishing the course. Range officials may extend this time if terrain, weather, course layout, crowd, etc warrant the need.
9. It is each shooter’s response ability to see that his/her group stays within the time limits.
10. Once a shooter has reached full draw, a controlled letdown must be verbally announced prior to the shot. If an arrow is launched down-range during a controlled letdown, it may be re-shot without penalty unless the arrow hits the target.
11. If a shooter launches an arrow out of his/her reach during the process of coming to full draw. Shooter may re-shoot the arrow without penalty so long as the entire group agrees that it was not an intentional release and the shooter had not yet reached full draw. (Clarification point: unless the arrow hits the target)
12. Any arrow that can be reached by the shooter while still touching the stake may be re-shot without penalty so long as it is not touching the target.
13. If any part of the archer's equipment fails during a shot, that arrow maybe re-shot after the repair has been made. This only applies to the target the shooter is at when he/she realizes that the malfunction has occurred.
14. Shooters may alter obstructions that can be reached while they are touching the stake. Any altering of obstructions down-range or out of their reach while touching the stake may result in disqualification.
Gentleman Rules
1. If a shooter approaches the shooting stake, prepares to take the shot and realize that an arrow that has previously been shot is obstructing his shot placement. He/she may request that the arrow be removed. Shooters may not request the removal of their own arrow. If two or more shooters have shot said target then all that have shot the target should advance score all arrows and remove them. If only the shooter whose arrow is in question has shot said target, then only that shooter will advance, score and pull the arrow. (Anyone taking this opportunity to cheat, shame on you.)
2. Play-Through Rule - any "fast shooting" group must be allowed to pass through and shoot ahead of any group. This allows "fast shooting" groups not to get frustrated at the wait and slower groups who are still within the time guidelines to shoot without feeling pressured to hurry.
3. Gallery rule - a shooter has the right to ask any person or persons that are within his hearing distance to please be quiet while he/she is shooting.
4. If any shooter flairs up in anger and threatens another shooter for any reason, that shooter may be disqualified on the spot. ("Fighting is against the rules and it doesn't matter why.")
Grouping
1. There must be at least three people assigned to a shooting group and with not more than five unless a shoot official orders for more or less shooters under extenuating circumstances. However, groups of less than three shooters MUST be accompanied by a shoot official. (Clarification point: If, you shot a round in a group that does not fit into these guidelines and a protest is filed with THE you can/will be disqualified.)
2. Groups will be divided and busted at random at State and World events only. Groups of any size are considered to be busted so long as there is at least one shooter in the group that is not part of their family or regular shooting group. (Clarification point: Obviously we can’t separate everyone just because they know each other. Isn’t getting to know everyone one of the reasons we go to these events in the first place.)
3. If any shooter suspects that another is cheating but cannot prove it, has the right to request to shoot with the shooter in question at any THE event.
4. Once a shooter begins shooting a course, he/she must finish with that group unless re-assigned by a shoot official.
Equipment
1. Deerman's THE 3-D does NOT have a maximum arrow speed for any class. (Clarification point – This is for few reasons: most ranges do not own a chronograph & with today’s technological advances, speed limits are no longer needed to level playing the field, and hunters are purchasing equipment that straight out of the box, breaks speed limits set buy other organizations. With real hunting setups.)
2. THE strongly recommends that all equipment be shot within each manufacturer’s suggested standards.
3. Electronic range finding devices are NOT allowed on any of the shooting ranges regardless of use. Binoculars (handheld) will be allowed with no power restrictions. The use of a shooters normal equipment or any part of the body as a range finding devise is NOT a violation of this rule. Cameras may be used only for photography purposes (not as a range finding devise) after shots have been taken. This is up to the GROUP to police.
4. Equipment failures are determined by the shooter. The shooter must have his/her scorecard initialed by the entire group as an equipment failure. The scorecards of the shooter with the equipment will be totaled and initialed by group scorekeepers before leaving the range. At that time, the shooter with the failure only must proceed forward through the course to the range headquarters and notify a range official. The shooter has 30 minutes from that point to make repairs and check equipment on practice range before checking back in at the range headquarters for re-entry. If there are three or more shooters remaining in the group, they may continue shooting. If two or less shooters remain, they must join the following group or wait for a range official to join the group before continuing. All persons re-entering the range must be escorted by a range official. Any shooter not following these guidelines may be disqualified.
Entry Fees & Awards
1. Entry fees for non-members all classes are as follows: Non-State events $20, State Championships - $25, & World - $30. All youth classes will be half price at all THE events.
2. All THE members receive a 20% discount on all tournament entry fees.
*3. Awards may be held over and mailed to winners. The awards chart follows:
All THE Events
# of Shooters # of Places to be Awarded
1 – 9 1st - -
10 – 14 1st 2nd -
15 or more 1st 2nd 3rd
(this chart no longer applies to youth division all three places will be given)
4. Shooters may wish to compete for Shooter of the Year. A shooter will receive 1 point for each event entered. Additional points will be added if the shooter places in the top three of their class. 3 points for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, and 1 point for 3rd. The shooter gaining the most points in their division will be shooter of the year for that division. Shooter receives a card allowing them to shoot all THE events the following year at THE’s expence.
5. Shooters may wish to compete for a Grand Slam Championship. Shooter must compete in four designated events with the final leg being the State/Area Championship in a single year in the same class. The total combined score of the 4 events will be compared to others in their class to obtain a Grand Slam Championship Belt Buckle. If a shooter sweeps all four events he will receive an additional award recognizing his slam as a Supper Slam. This shooter will receive a lifetime entry into the Supper Slam record book.
Protesting
1. Protest of another shooter is to be filed with Deerman's THE 3-D. Protest must be made within 48 hours of the incident in question. No protest will be heard by any person until a $50 protest fee along with a detailed written protest is sent to Deerman's THE 3-D. Final ruling will be made by the Advisory Board Members within ten days of the event. If your protest is upheld then you will be refunded your protest fee. (Clarification point: there is no fee for shot protest.)
2. If a shooter wishes to protest the legality of a shot he/she must refuse to shoot the target having his card initialed by the group as a protest and circle the number of that target. After the shooter shoots the target, no protests of the target will be heard. When the protesting shooter finishes that round, he/she will be allowed to return to the target with a range official and explain the protest. If the range official agrees that the target is not legal, then the shoot official may make the minimum changes necessary to make the target fit within THE guidelines. Legal changes may include manipulating obstructions, target replacement, repair, angle change, etc. The shooter can then take the shot. However, if the range official does not agree with the protest, the shooter may shoot the target for a score or refuse to shoot and receive a zero.
Qualifying for World
1. All shooters paying an entry fee for any Deerman's THE 3-D event will receive an invitation to the World Championship for that year. (Rain out events included.)
2. Anyone involved with setup of the shooter stakes at a THE event will be eligible to compete in and win a placing at there own event.
3. Range Managers and THE Staff may extend a special invitation to the World Championship to anyone they feel has justifiable reason for not attending a qualifier. Special Invitation may not be given to the same individual on a repeated basis. Range managers have the right to ask for the entry fee of the qualifier in return for the invitation (allowing that all shooters paid entry to a Qualifier).
Miscellaneous
1. The Deerman's THE 3-D shoot calendar is defined from Jan 1st to the World Championship.
2. Littering the tournament grounds will not be tolerated. Any shooter caught littering may be disqualified.
3. No alcoholic beverages may be carried or consumed on any range or practice area by anyone during shooting hours. Also any person thought to be intoxicated at an event will be asked to leave the premises. Law enforcement officers will be called if necessary. This rule MUST be enforced at all THE sanctioned events. Host ranges must make emergency numbers available.
4. The press and spectators are welcome at all THE events so long as they do not interfere with any shooters ability to compete.
5. All world records can only be set at a Deerman's THE 3-D World Championship tournament. All state records can only be set at the Deerman's THE State Championship tournament for that state.
6. If any type of circumstance arises that these rules do not cover, the range manager will make the final ruling. The incident is to be reported to Deerman's THE 3-D officials for review and the addition of a new rule. Regardless of how the rule is written, the original decision will stand for that instance.
7. Range managers have the authority to modify any rule that is necessary to accommodate a handicap shooter.
8. All rules and guidelines apply to everyone, including all Range & THE Officials, Members, Reps, Hosts, Competitors, Spectators, Press, etc.
9. To compete in any State or Regular events hosted by THE, the shooter does not have to be a resident of the state where shoot is being held, qualify to compete, or be a THE member. Qualification is only required for the World Championship.
10. All interpretations of the rules in this rulebook begin and end with Deerman’s Association Members.
11. THE reserves the right to change rules at anytime throughout any given season, if rendered necessary and by the Deerman’s Association Members.
12. THE reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any event due to weather, breach of range contract, or any other unforeseen factors
