of ProposalsGoogle Sites1 in the 3D Rules

To better meet the needs of the 3D and bow hunter archers, the following changes are proposed.

A.      Bow Hunter Division

a.       Rules Target and 3-D:

      70# limit (tournament director or judge will enforce level drawing rule).

      Arrows must have at least three (3) feathers or vanes no less than 1.75" in length for indoor and outdoor events, with the exception of 3D.  (See 3D notes below)

      Arrow must weigh at least five (5) grains per pound of draw weight (example 70# = 350 grain arrow weight) or must be under 300 feet per second.

      A compound, recurve, or longbow shot with or without sights.

      Sight pins - For indoor, outdoor and 3D archers may have more than five fixed pins.  No lens or magnification are allowed on the sights.  Pins must be fixed.

      The sight CAN NOT be adjusted after the first scoring arrow is shot for that day or entering the 3D range. It may only be moved during practice and when non scoring arrows will be shot for practice.

      If circle style pins are used, all circles must be the same size.

      A sight may have a rear aperture (i.e., peep sight or fixed rifle type sight).

      Only one (1) forward stabilizer may be used. The stabilizer shall be no more than twelve (12) inches long, and extend no more than twelve (12) inches from the point of attachment to the riser of the bow. (For the purposes of this rule, any device adding length or weight to the stabilizer shall be considered part of the stabilizer and shall be subject to the 12-inch rule.)

      Back bars are allowed in the Bowhunter Division.  Maximum total length of the back bar is unlimited.

      Points - Indoor, Outdoor and 3D - any style of points with the exception of broad heads.  Broad heads are not allowed.

      Un-weighted vibration dampeners are not considered to be stabilizers; however, un-weighted vibration dampeners attached to the stabilizer are measured as a part of the stabilizer and are subject to the 12-inch rule above.

      Equipment in this class may be shot with finger tab, shooting glove or release. No electrical or computerized release may be used.

a.       Additional Rules for 3D only:

      No range finders of any kind are permitted on the Unmarked 3D coarse.  Rangefinders may be used on the Marked 3D coarse.

      Archers may not have more than 4 fixed pins

      A sight shall have no more than five (5) fixed, cross hair, or circle style pins without lens or magnification. The sight CAN NOT be adjusted after the first scoring arrow is shot for that day or entering the 3D range. It may only be moved during practice and when non scoring arrows will be shot for practice.

·         Binoculars of any power are allowed.  Binoculars can’t have range finding capabilities.


B.      3D USIAC

3D USIACs shall serve as the 3D National Championship of the USCA, during which National Titles shall be earned and bestowed. It is the only event that an archer can earn a 3D Collegiate Championship title in 3D archery.

USCA Clubs can expect a general announcement in the fall confirming the dates, location and accommodations and registration deadlines. A registration packet will be available to the clubs in mid-August.

USCA Clubs are not limited as to the number of participants.  USCA Clubs can register as many athletes as desired.

a.       FORMAT

      Twenty (20) targets marked yardage.

      Twenty (20) targets unmarked yardage.

·         Maximum distance for both is Men’s and Women’s Compound, 50 yards, Men’s and Women’s Bowhunter, 40 yards, Recurve, 30 yards

·         Marked range will be set using either a tape measure or one laser rangefinder.  Practice range will also be set using the same tape measure or laser rangefinder.




Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgchangesinthe3drules1 for Board Eligibility

Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposalforboardeligibility1 Tenure for Board Members
We propose that the board membership tenure be increased from the current 2 years to 3 or 4 years for the coach members who serve on the board and to 2 years for the athletes who serve on the board. We further propose that athlete representatives be elected in an alternating cycle so that there is not a loss of information when both athletes are retired. We propose that athletes be elected along gender lines, as is presently done, or by combining regions into north/east, and south/west.

Relevance: As USCA grows and the board has more issues to deal with, it has been noted that the board often cannot fully address issues and ensure they implement corrections before their spot is up for election. By increasing the tenure of elected positions, USCA ensures that the board can fully register issues with decisions it makes, overview implementation of said decisions, and ensure that the decisions are carried out with the vision the board had in mind at the time of making its decision.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orglongertenureforboardmembers1 for the elimination of regional positions/athlete representation
At present the regional elections appear to serve no meaning. Those who are elected as athlete representatives most likely will not be elected to the national board and have no formal responsibilities within their region. As such the elected position is meaningless.

Relevance: 75% of the regional athletes are not elected to the board (kind of an obvious fact, but just throwing it out there). The regional elections do not appear to serve much meaning aside from a distraction from the national board elections. It is more efficient for clubs to nominate someone to the national board and let the full nation of members vote to determine who is most suitable for the position, rather then the current tiered system.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposalfortheeliminationofregionalpositionsathleterepresentation1 for 3D presentation
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposalfor3dpresentation1 the board elections by adding a nominating committee
Much as US Archery Association has a committee that approves nominations for board positions, college archery should consider a similar move. At present any individual may throw their hat in the ring, but may lack the experience or credentials to serve on the board, or may not support the mission and vision of US College Archery. As such a nominating committee would be capable of interviewing and determining who best would serve US College Archery and then put forth the nominations for the membership to vote on their preferred candidates. The committee would be appointed for 3 years at a time by the USCA board, in a rotating shift, such that only a third of the committee is replaced on a yearly cycle, rather than the entire committee being replaced entirely. Additionally, the committee would be known only to the Board and employees of USCA who must interact with the committee, in order to prevent individuals nominated for the board from attempting to maneuver themselves to advantageously good graces with members of the committee.

Relevance: This form of committee exists within US Archery Association, which has had recent financial stability and shown extremely reserved board members who do not act in a way that damages their organization. It is felt that USCA would benefit from this model.

Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgadjusttheboardelectionsbyaddinganominatingcommittee1 Warrior Project
It is proposed that USCA begin supporting the mission and vision of the Wounded Warrior Project and considering including disabled athletes at collegiate competitions. This would not only grow the sport but it would assist veterans who are returning home from war in finding something to put their energy into and finding a social outlet. College athletics can help American veterans who have returned home and are attending colleges and universities across the nation.

Relevance: Many organizations currently support the wounded warrior foundation and many archery shops hold fundraisers and discount equipment to assist those seeking some way to recover from the trauma they have experienced. This is an opportunity for college archery to assist those suffering from war.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgwoundedwarriorproject2
USCA begin working with military academies to recruit athletes for competitions and USCA membership. Many such institutions are attended by athletes who are not aware of opportunities that exist to compete and it is proposed that USCA contact and attempt to work with such institutions to help grow the sport.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgrecruiting1 Code Proposal
Allow denim and camouflage acceptable at USCA events, while making faded (such as faded denim) one of the colors/styles unacceptable for events. Many denim products are professional looking, present regional or state culture in a manner that is not disrespectful to the sport of archery, and in many cases are viewed as suitable attire for all but FITA/USCA officials. Camouflage is largely a color scheme that is enjoyed by bowhunters and those who participate in hunting activities, and as USCA has moved to include the bowhunter division in mainstream activities, then it is proposed that so long as the athlete does not dress inappropriately or in a manner deemed disrespectful to officials, USCA, or FITA, camouflage be accepted. Additionally, if USCA works with military academies, camouflage is part of their attire and should be respected as official uniform.

Relevance: In recent years FITA has relaxed the rules on uniforms and appropriate clothing options. In previous decades FITA required all athletes wear white clothing, then moved towards embracing alternative color options. This simply allows for American athletes to wear clothing they feel has significance to them culturally and allows them to feel most comfortable while competing. Ripped, torn, or faded clothing will remain considered inappropriate.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgdresscodeproposal1 Archers Proposal
Many athletes find it difficult to start campus clubs or gain university approve. Rather than be affiliated with an on-campus club, athletes would be able to pay a larger fee than the average membership and compete as non-voting members within USCA events. Should a club be formed on campus the non-voting member would be required to join the campus club in order to continue competing.

Relevance: Many members do not wish to grow archery but would rather compete individually. In recognition that clubs pay additional fees to USCA, along with their individual membership fees, we propose that USCA require a higher fee of athletes who opt to not build a club at their university. This would apply to single athletes only. If 2 or more students compete at the same university, an official club would be required.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgnon-affiliatedarchersproposal1 Proposal

Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgamsproposal1, South, and North athletes must attend an additional event in order to qualify for all-regional team honors
This is in recognition of the East region’s requirement for athletes to attend either the NECAT or the Adam Wheatcroft Memorial tournament. Athletes gain additional opportunities to compete against their peers, additional events to represent their school at, and a chance for better competition experiences in preparing for USIACs.

Relevance: The East region requires athletes compete at either the NECAT or the Adam Wheatcroft tournament in order to qualify for the All-East regional team. This allows for those who have a bad day at either indoors or the regional event to attempt to recoup their losses and potentially make the regional team.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgwestsouthandnorthathletesmustattendanadditionaleventinordertoqualifyforall-regionalteamhonors1 for the requirement of All-Americans attend regional events.

Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposalfortherequirementofall-americansattendregionalevents1 for All-American participation at 3D USIAC
We propose that for full, ‘well rounded’ athletes to be awarded All-American honors, those who qualify as All-Americans at Indoor Nationals and USIAC must attend 3D USIAC. However scores at 3D USIAC will not apply for adjusting All-American standings, due to many target archer’s inexperience with the event, mere attendance is proposed.

Relevance: As archery is composed of outdoor and indoor events, we feel that 3D events should begin to be given an equal amount of weight as other events. Therefore, by including this requirement, athletes who train for 3D events can begin to demonstrate their talents.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgrequirementforall-americanparticipationat3dusiac1 Academic and All-American honors for Bowhunter division
This proposal seeks to recognize the academic and athletic excellence of the participants in the bowhunter division. However, because the registration is currently not even with other divisions, it is recommended to not award a full ten awards for the division, rather offer a formula to determine how many participants can be recognized for all american and all academic honors. This formula would be simple to implement and simple to understand. Based on the 7-5-3 principle for awarding medals, the division would require 3, 5, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, or 36 participants in order to qualify for 1 through 10 places in the all american and all academic rankings. The larger the number of participants, the more that can be awarded, in recognition of the development of a competitive division.

Relevance: In past years the female compound division was held to 8 All American honors awarded on a yearly basis. However, the formula suggested above would allow flexibility for years when there are significantly fewer participants, versus years in which more individuals compete. Once the division has stabilized, it can be adjusted to a permanent 10. With compound women numbers dropping, consideration might be given to adjusting all formulas for these awards.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgallacademicandall-americanhonorsforbowhunterdivision1 the annual meeting, currently held at the USIACs, to sometime during the fall, and hold it online in live chat to allow maximum participation of membership.
Rationale: Currently the meeting at USIAC is a distraction. At the 2012 meeting several coaches were disruptive and held up the competition, forcing athletes to sit and listen to political antics and infighting. This is not positive behavior at a national event and harms scores and sets the wrong message. An organization that is about the athletes must focus on the athletes. Additionally, only clubs that travel to USIAC benefit from anything they learn at the annual meeting. A virtual meeting would allow clubs not in attendance to have the same opportunity to ask questions and to hear their peers discuss merits of various subjects.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgmovetheannualmeetingcurrentlyheldattheusiacstosometimeduringthefallandholditonlineinlivechattoallowmaximumparticipationofmembership2 bow hunter division to the overall team award at USIAC.
This proposal seeks full inclusion of the growing bowhunter division, which is regarded by some teams as a necessary division due to the large numbers of bowhunters on their campuses. It is felt that full inclusion is preferable to deliberate exclusion.

Rationale: The adjustment to the way the overall team award is calculated would not be in any way harmful to present teams. It would include the bowhunters in the same manner as the current team award is calculated, simply with the additional division counting for the same points as all the others.

Relevance: The team award is something that is recognized by USCA and no other organization has something similar. The alteration to how the award is calculated would be similar to when compounds were originally included in the team calculation, but with the understanding that the competitive compounds seen at world events and many target events are vastly different than the bowhunter division compounds in use at IBO and NFAA events.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgincludebowhunterdivisiontotheoverallteamawardatusiac1 for a central location for USIAC
Given recent increases in participation at USIAC and host difficulties in finding venues large enough to hold participants, it is necessary that USCA consider a central location in the U.S. that is the constant site of the national championships, rather than a constant moving host that is prone to first or second year mistakes, expensive locations for one coast or another, and present fair and equal travel time to all clubs participating at the national event.

Rationale: Currently one club has proposed excluding a full division from competition (bowhunters) and force that division to go to an alternative competition, rather than seek a larger venue that can better handle the steady increase in participation USCA has experienced in recent years. Additionally, a central site allows the host there to provide an optimal atmosphere for competitors, as said host will best understand the needs of USCA, the rules of FITA and FISU, and how to manage a field of collegiate athletes.

Relevant: In past years the National Archery Association (NAA) has held national events on a 4 year cycle. The National Field Archery Association holds its national events (Las Vegas, Louisville) at the same location every year. This indicates that both organizations understand that a permanent or semipermanent location helps provide familiarity to the athletes participating and for the host to provide the best possible environment for the athletes.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposalforacentrallocationforusiac1 to limit teams at USIAC and Regional events to 3 per class/division.
This proposal seeks to limit all participating clubs/teams to 3 individuals per class, such as male recurve, female compound, etc., at events of regional or national ranking. It would not affect world team trials events.

Rationale: Currently large teams have an unfavorable advantage over smaller teams, with capabilities to field large teams and pick and choose their best archers for team rounds after the ranking round has already occurred, while small teams are ‘stuck with what they’ve got’. This is disadvantageous to smaller schools or clubs that have had difficulty recruiting in recent years and provides an unfair advantage to the large clubs, especially for best overall team award.

Relevant: Currently international teams are composed of 3 archers per division, a change from 4 per division (change made by FITA in 2005). Given USCA’s trend to follow towards international standards to better prepare athletes for international successes, it is relevant to consider applying the same standards to local clubs/teams as they are applied to national teams.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgproposaltolimitteamsatusiacandregionaleventsto3perclassdivision2 Scoring to be included in Overall Team Championship
Texas A&M University would like to propose that the individual scoring round be put back into the Overall Team Championship, instead of overall team being based solely off of the team round events. 

1. This will allow for smaller schools that cannot field a full to team to get more points from the individual ranking round
2. Other sports that have individual and team activities count both, not just the team events 
3. The scoring formula would not be that difficult
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgindividualscoringtobeincludedinoverallteamchampionship1 Hunter and Basic Bow USIAC
Texas A&M University would like to propose that bow hunter and basic bow shoot in their own championship or become part of the 3-D Championships.

1. This will help in the large growth of USIACs by not including these categories.
2. Taking these categories out of USIACs will help in finding a venue that can accommodate the size of the tournament.
Webmaster USCAAwebmaster@uscollegiatearchery.orgbowhunterandbasicbowusiac1