New GNAS longbow classifications!

[NobleKnight]

Just realise that the number of rounds useful for getting high classes is diminished This is rather sad for those longbowmen who likes to shoot into gold at medium distanses... Why not to put the high class points to the table for the 60-50-40yds rounds? Is it so easy to get all golds at 60 yds - so why it is not possible to make GMB... What about sweet rounds like Windsor - so why not to make the table broader - to make it interesting for the high class archers...

What people think about it?

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by Furface

The original tables were very much "finger in the air" stuff, based on a relatively small sample. When we collected the data last year (or so) the sample was much larger and allowed us to form a consistent view that the original levels were much too high. We hope that the new levels will more accurately reflect the relative percentages among longbowmen.
On a related topic, we are getting several "observations" about the levels set for juniors. Again, in the latest data trawl, we received very few scores from junior archers, particularly in the lower age ranges. What scores we did receive from the youngest were inconsistent, which is possibly the nature of the beast. Anyway, we did not have enough scores on which to base a full set of tables. So, rather than leave junior longbowmen out altogether, or say there are no classifications for the younger groups, we took the decision to have just one set of scores across the age bands. This, in turn, meant that, confusingly, some of the scores required for longbow classifications in the younger groups are actually higher than their recurve equivalents. But we felt that it was better to have something than nothing. Hopefully, when the next revision comes round in a few years, there will be more scores, enough to make a reasoned reassessment.

Could it not have been extrapolated ( is that the right word ) for the lower age groups ie - 10% or something for each group down from u 18 cos IMHO how can you possibly have a requirement for longbow that is higher than recurve. Come on guys bit of lateral thinking maybe. Also as this is so bizarre this needs to be adressed MUCH SOONER rather than later IMHO

We are trying to encourage juniors into the sport are we not and this does NOTHING for younger juniors trying Longbow

[Snarkhunter]

Originally Posted by NobleKnight

Just realise that the number of rounds useful for getting high classes is diminished This is rather sad for those longbowmen who likes to shoot into gold at medium distanses... Why not to put the high class points to the table for the 60-50-40yds rounds? Is it so easy to get all golds at 60 yds - so why it is not possible to make GMB... What about sweet rounds like Windsor - so why not to make the table broader - to make it interesting for the high class archers...

What people think about it?

That's exactly the point: it is much harder to score highly at longer distances and therefore a greater test of skill. At Grand Master Bowmen level, the archer should be part of an elite.

The rule concerning the classifications requiring a minimum distance (for gents: 50yd/50m for 3rd class, 60yd/60m for 2nd class, 80yd/70m for 1st class and 100yd/90m for BM/MB/GMB) applies across all bow types, not just longbow.

[steve58]

Originally Posted by Snarkhunter

That's exactly the point: it is much harder to score highly at longer distances and therefore a greater test of skill. At Grand Master Bowmen level, the archer should be part of an elite.

The rule concerning the classifications requiring a minimum distance (for gents: 50yd/50m for 3rd class, 60yd/60m for 2nd class, 80yd/70m for 1st class and 100yd/90m for BM/MB/GMB) applies across all bow types, not just longbow.

Hear hear!

[NobleKnight]

Originally Posted by Snarkhunter

That's exactly the point: it is much harder to score highly at longer distances and therefore a greater test of skill. At Grand Master Bowmen level, the archer should be part of an elite.

The rule concerning the classifications requiring a minimum distance (for gents: 50yd/50m for 3rd class, 60yd/60m for 2nd class, 80yd/70m for 1st class and 100yd/90m for BM/MB/GMB) applies across all bow types, not just longbow.

Generally it is ok, esp for me as I can pull relatively heavy longbow... But this rule make very difficult to get GMB... for ladies - 100 yds concerning wood arrows and wood bow require not only high class of shooting but also a heavy\fast bow! Recurve is faster so the lady archer can easear reach that distance not pulling so much pounds... In longbow it becomes not only the test of the class but the test of phisical abilities also IMHO

[Flying Whale]

Originally Posted by NobleKnight

Generally it is ok, esp for me as I can pull relatively heavy longbow... But this rule make very difficult to get GMB... for ladies - 100 yds concerning wood arrows and wood bow require not only high class of shooting but also a heavy\fast bow! Recurve is faster so the lady archer can easear reach that distance not pulling so much pounds... In longbow it becomes not only the test of the class but the test of phisical abilities also IMHO

Ladies only need to shoot 80 yards/70m (Hereford, Ladies FITA) for GMB, not 100

[NobleKnight]

Yes, my mistake, thanks! But 80yds still requires a heavy bow to fight with the wind! As to my opinion high scores at medium distances that will allow ladies shoot weaker bows can still show the class!

[Flying Whale]

Originally Posted by NobleKnight

Yes, my mistake, thanks! But 80yds still requires a heavy bow to fight with the wind! As to my opinion high scores at medium distances that will allow ladies shoot weaker bows can still show the class!

Yes, but GMB is intended to show the ultra-elite, not just the good. I think an archer that good will be able to make the scores at that distance.

[NobleKnight]

Originally Posted by Flying Whale

Yes, but GMB is intended to show the ultra-elite, not just the good. I think an archer that good will be able to make the scores at that distance.

Agree... Interesting what a bow (minimum poundage) is needed to make high scores at 80yds...

[SVL]

Originally Posted by NobleKnight

Agree... Interesting what a bow (minimum poundage) is needed to make high scores at 80yds...

I shoot a 42lb bow and have no problem reaching the 80y target. Only been shooting it seriously for the past few months and have just made 2nd class (and only one score short of first class. I wold like to make bowman by next year at least.