Judges play a critical role in every archery tournament. They are responsible for ensuring the field of play and targets comply with standards, determining the value of an arrow when needed, and applying the rules to ensure a fair competition.

This page provides information about how to become a judge, what level of judge is required for your tournament, and resources.

HOW TO BECOME A JUDGE

• Do you love the sport of archery?
• Do you want to help the sport grow?
• Do you want to learn new skills and be part of a supportive community?
• Can you:
  • Understand, interpret and apply rules?
  • Be fair and objective?

If you answered “yes”, consider becoming an archery judge!

Range Safety Officer

To become a judge, you must first become a range safety officer (RSO). The RSO is responsible for ensuring the archery range is safe to use and that archers are using it in a safe manner.

If your club is a member of both Archery Ontario and Archery Canada, use the links below to

• Download and read the manual from the Archery Canada website at http://www.archerycanada.ca/en/judging-and-rules/163-safety-officer
• Complete the online exam from the Archery Canada website at http://www.archerycanada.ca/en/judging-and-rules/163-safety-officer 

Your certification by Archery Canada as a RSO is recognized by Archery Ontario. Send a copy of your certification to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If your club is a member of Archery Ontario only, use the links below to

• Download and read the manual from the Archery Canada website at http://www.archerycanada.ca/en/judging-and-rules/163-safety-officer
• Download and complete the RSO exam from the AO site

When you have completed the exam, send it to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Local Judge

The first level in Ontario is a Local Judge (sometimes called as “Club Judge”). They are qualified to:

• qualified to judge specific discipline(s) or
• qualified to judge all disciplines (full Local Judge)

Following is a chart of the types of archery and the events for which a qualified local judge may officiate.

To qualify, you must

• be a member of Archery Ontario in good standing, and
• successfully complete the Local Judge exam for the relevant archery discipline

TO OBTAIN A COPY OF A LOCAL JUDGE EXAM, PLEASE EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Your accreditation is valid for 4 years from the date of your appointment and you are expected to maintain current knowledge and skills.

Provincial Judge Candidate

You must become a Full Local Judge to qualify as a Provincial Judge Candidate.

To qualify, you must

• be a member of Archery Ontario in good standing
• successfully complete Local Judge exams for all archery disciplines

You may be a Provincial Judge Candidate for three years from the date of your appointment, during which you are expected to complete the requirements to become a provincial judge.

Provincial Judge

To qualify, you must

• be a member of Archery Ontario in good standing
• successfully complete the Provincial Judge workshop
• successfully complete the Provincial Judge exam
• successfully participate as a Provincial Judge Candidate in at least one AO provincial championship (Outdoor Target, 3D or Field)

Your accreditation is valid for 4 years from the date of your appointment and you are expected to maintain current knowledge and skills.

WHAT LEVEL OF JUDGE IS REQUIRED

Step 1: Consider the minimum judging qualifications required for your event

*AC Recognized means the event is registered with Archery Canada and is recognized for ranking purposes. Any event that is recognized by and registered with Archery Canada must be judged by a Provincial-level judge.

The judge must be a current member of AO and meet current judge qualification requirements.

Step 2: Contact a judge and make arrangements

• Identify the event and confirm if the judge is qualified to judge the event
• Agree on the date and time for the event, including arrival time; confirm if lunch and refreshments will be provided
• Discuss and agree on duties – equipment inspection, field of play inspection, judging, appeals
• Agree on the fee and method of payment

Step 3: If you encounter challenges to find a judge for your event, contact a member of the AO Judges Committee (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 

RESOURCES

Reference the current versions of Archery Ontario, Archery Canada and World Archery Rule books.

• The Archery Ontario books are available at: https://archeryontario.ca/tournaments/rules-and-regulations
• The Archery Canada books are available at: https://archerycanada.ca/resources/judging-resources
• The World Archery books are available at: https://www.worldarchery.sport/rulebook 

Archery Ontario Judges Committee

• Mark Cote, NJ (Chair)
• Kelly Chambers, NJC
• Elizabeth Horlock, NJC

NJ - National Judge
NJC - National Judge Candidate