Archery Age Divisions: USA Archery, NFAA, & ASA
Understanding age divisions is essential for competitive archery. Each governing organization—USA Archery, NFAA, and ASA—has its own classification systems based on age, equipment, and competition format. This guide helps you match your archer to the appropriate division.
USA Archery, our National Governing Body for World Archery
USA Archery uses age divisions defined by an athlete’s age within the calendar year:
Youth Divisions
U13: Ages up to 12
U15: Ages 13–14
U18: Ages 15–17
U21: Ages 18–20
Adult & Senior Divisions
Senior: Any adult age
Master 50+: During the year of their 50th birthday and beyond
Master 60+: In the year of their 60th birthday and beyond
Master 70+: In the year of their 70th birthday and beyond
USA Archery also labels divisions by bow type and competition format (e.g., Recurve, Compound, Barebow) within these age categories.
NFAA (National Field Archery Association)
NFAA defines divisions based on actual age at competition day:
Junior Divisions
Cub: Under 12
Youth: 12–14
Young Adult: 15–17
Extras:
Pee Wee: Under 8 (optional at state/club levels)
Junior archers may request upward classification with parental consent; not reversible
Adult to Senior Divisions
Adult: 18–49
Senior: 50–59
Silver Senior: 60–69
Master Senior: 70+ (eligible to shoot in lower divisions upon request)
ASA (Archery Shooters Association)
ASA focuses on 3D archery and defines divisions primarily by age and shooting format:
Youth Categories
Junior Eagle: Ages 6–8 (must have adult supervision)
Eagle: Ages 9–11
Youth: Ages 12–14
Young Adult: Ages 15–17
Sex-specific categories exist (e.g., Youth Open Boys/Girls, Youth Olympic Recurve), and shooting distances vary by class (e.g., 20–40 yards).
ASA Adult Class Categories
The ASA classifies adult competitors primarily through a Pro/Am system, with divisions based on age brackets, equipment constraints, and competitive experience:
Pro/Am Classes
Open Pro — The top tier in ASA competition, available to archers regardless of age or gender. Shooters must adhere to equipment specs (e.g., 290 fps limit, ≤50-yard shots).
Senior Open Pro — For archers aged 50 and older, with the same performance specs as Open Pro.
Open Women’s Pro — A gender-specific division with a slightly reduced 280 fps speed limit, up to 50-yard shots
Semi-Pro / Open Semi‑Pro — The stepping-stone division before Open Pro, also capped at 290 fps and up to 50 yards.
Known 50 — A semi-pro level division that competes at known distances, up to 50 yards, with the standard speed and distance limits
Amateur & Age-Based Classes (Federation)
The ASA federation structure includes broader classes segmented by age and format, including:
Adult Men’s and Women’s categories (e.g., Women’s Bowhunter, Men’s Unlimited) generally shooting at 30-yard known distance with standard equipment restrictions.
Age-specific divisions such as:
Seniors (50–59)
Super Seniors (60+)
Senior Masters (70+)
These are more accessible, amateur-friendly options that don’t require Pro/Am-style qualifiers.
Summary Table
| Organization | Age Divisions & Ranges |
|---|---|
| USA Archery | U13, U15, U18, U21, Senior, Master (50+, 60+, 70+) |
| NFAA | Pee Wee (<8), Cub, Youth, Young Adult, Adult, Senior, Silver Senior, Master Senior |
| ASA | Junior Eagle, Eagle, Youth, Young Adult, |
| ASA Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Pro | Top competition tier (any age), ≤50 yards, 290 fps. |
| Senior Open Pro | Senior division (50+) at Pro performance level. |
| Women’s Open Pro | Women only, Pro level with 280 fps speed limit. |
| Semi-Pro / Known 50 | Mid-tier divisions, with qualified competitors and distance constraints. |
| Amateur Gender & Age Classes | Entry-level or club-focused adult divisions, including Bowhunter, Traditional, and age-based Senior/Super Senior categories. |
Why It Matters
Competition Eligibility: Compete in correct divisions to ensure fair matchups.
Progress Tracking: Age classifies align with JOAD/AAP program paths and national standards.
Equipment & Distance Expectations: Each division brings unique requirements in target size, shooting distance, and scoring.
Para Archery Divisions
USA Archery
USA Archery is the U.S. governing body recognized by World Archery and Paralympic sport. Para divisions follow international classification standards and are available in multiple equipment types (Recurve, Compound, W1, and Open). Classifications are determined by physical impairments affecting range of motion, muscle strength, or limb difference. Athletes can compete nationally and internationally, including in Paralympic Games, Para World Championships, and domestic events.
➡ Often categorized as: W1, Open Recurve, Open Compound.
NFAA (National Field Archery Association)
The NFAA offers Para and Adaptive divisions that allow athletes with physical disabilities to compete in field, 3D, and target archery alongside peers of similar classification. These divisions are designed to ensure inclusivity while maintaining the challenge and format of NFAA competition. While less tied to Paralympic classification, NFAA emphasizes adaptability and participation at all levels.
ASA (Archery Shooters Association)
ASA includes Paralympic/Adaptive classifications within its 3D tournaments. These are structured to provide equitable opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete on 3D ranges. Specific accommodations (such as chair usage or assistive devices) are made in alignment with ASA’s rules to ensure fairness and accessibility. Para divisions in ASA reflect the growing demand for inclusivity in outdoor 3D archery.
Each of these associations works to provide access to competition for archers of all abilities. Athletes who may qualify for Para divisions are encouraged to contact the respective organization for classification guidelines, equipment allowances, and registration details.
| Organization | Division Categories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA Archery | – W1 (Recurve & Compound) – Open Recurve – Open Compound | Follows World Archery & Paralympic classification system. Athletes compete at domestic and international levels, including Paralympics. |
| NFAA | – Para/Adaptive divisions (general) | Designed for inclusivity in Field, Target, and 3D archery. Less formal classification than USA Archery, more flexibility for adaptive equipment. |
| ASA | – Para/Adaptive classes within 3D tournaments | Offers adaptive opportunities for 3D archery. Rules allow for chair usage, assistive devices, and scoring accommodations as needed. |
