From U S A Archery newsletter – September 2017
Judges Corner: High Drawing Interpretation + Regional Seminars
High Draw – What is it? When is it enforced? How is it enforced?
World Archery defines a High Draw as: An athlete, when drawing back the string of his bow uses any technique which, in the opinion of the Judges, could allow the arrow, if accidentally released, to fly beyond a safety zone or safety arrangements (overshoot area, net, wall etc.). Rule book 3, art. 12.9.
High drawing is a concern for all event organizers whether the venue is in the desert outside Phoenix or inside a fairground building in Michigan. The fact that an arrow can, and sometimes does, fly beyond the safety barriers should be a concern for everyone involved in an event. Archery has a superb safety record, but it only takes one incident to change that.
At all USA Archery sanctioned events, Judges enforce the rule regarding high draw. The procedures is as follows:
The judge who identifies an archer with a high draw shall observe the archer shoot several times.
The same judge will ask the opinion of other judges on the field.
Having a consensus with other judges, the issue is then discussed with the Chair of Judges (COJ)
If the COJ upholds the high draw assessment, he/she will speak to the coach or parent of the archer. If no coach or parent is present, then the COJ will talk directly with the archer. The COJ will ask the archer to adjust their draw process. If this cannot be done, the COJ may ask the archer to stop shooting.
WA rule book 3; art 12.9 and book 3, art. 15.1.8 outlines the consequences of managing what is identified as a high draw.
It is important for line judges to keep checking back during the event.
The line judge may take photos of the archer to support their assessment.
Be in the know!
Here are some examples of High Draw and an archer drawing at a safe height for comparison:
High Draw
Correct drawing procedure.