Archery Tags: How Many Can You Get?

Archery Tag is a sport that involves teams of four players on opposing sides of a playing field, separated by a neutral zone. The objective is to score the most points during a timed match by hitting opponents with arrows or catching their arrows in mid-flight. In the context of South Dakota, SD, there are various regulations and requirements for engaging in archery and hunting activities. The state offers diverse hunting opportunities, with a focus on mule and whitetail deer. Non-residents can participate in archery deer and antelope hunting through a limited entry draw. Additionally, there are specific rules regarding licenses, fees, and age requirements for both residents and non-residents. However, it is unclear if you can obtain more than one archery tag in SD as the information provided does not directly address this question.

Archery tag rules

Archery Tag is a combat game that combines elements of dodgeball, paintball, and traditional archery. It is played with two teams of 4 to 9 players each, for a total of 8 to 18 players. The game begins with an Opening Rush, where players start in their attack zones and dash into the safe zone to grab arrows before returning to their respective zones and firing at their opponents.

Rules

• The playing field is split into three areas: two attack zones and a safe zone in the middle.
• Players can only fire at each other when they are in their team's attack zone and cannot deliberately shoot at someone in the safe zone.
• Each attack zone has barriers for players to take cover behind.
• The safe zone is where players can retrieve arrows without worrying about enemy fire.
• When going to the safe zone, players must leave and return to their attack zones through their end lines.
• Loitering in the safe zone is not allowed; players who stay there for more than 5 seconds will receive a warning, and a second infraction will result in a point deduction or elimination, depending on the game style.
• If a team has more than the maximum number of players, the extra players must stay on the sidelines and substitutions must be made without stopping the game.
• There are no stoppages unless there is an equipment safety issue or a player injury.
• Players must wear protective masks at all times and can only use the bows and arrows for their intended purposes.
• Violent behaviour, foul language, and obscene gestures are not allowed, and players must follow the referee's commands.
• Players can shoot anyone wearing a mask and move around their side of the field.
• Players cannot cross to the enemy's side, move barricades, load or shoot in the central zone, or dry fire a bow (shoot without an arrow loaded).
• Headshots are not allowed.
• Games last for 5 minutes or until one team knocks out the other.
• Each player starts with 2 arrows, and there may be extra arrows in the central zone that can be picked up.
• If a player is hit by an arrow, they are out and must move to the side and wait to be "saved" by their teammates.
• Players can be "saved" if a teammate shoots out a spot on the foam 5-spot targets or catches an arrow in mid-air.
• If an arrow bounces off a wall, floor, or barricade and then hits a player, it doesn't count as a hit, but if it hits two players, it's a double kill.
• Catching a bounced arrow without touching the tip is valid and saves a teammate.

Scoring

There are two ways to play Archery Tag: League Style (Points Style) and Elimination Style. In League Style, players play for points, and when a player is hit, they are not eliminated but can continue playing and focus on scoring points. In Elimination Style, a player is eliminated if they are hit by an arrow or if their arrow is caught by an opponent.

In both styles, each team has a 5-point target on its side of the field. In League Style, players earn 1 point for hitting another player, 2 points for shooting a spot out of the opposing team's target, and 3 points for catching an arrow in mid-flight. In Elimination Style, a player is eliminated if they are hit or if their arrow is caught, and a teammate can bring them back by shooting a target or catching an arrow.

Variations

Archery Tag can be adapted for groups of fewer than 8 people, and tournaments can be organised for larger groups.

Archery tag league rules

Players

Each team should consist of 4 players, with the opposing teams positioned on opposite sides of the playing field, separated by the Neutral Zone. Teams must start the game with the same number of players, but can play with a minimum of 2 players without forfeiting the match. Teams with more than 4 players can substitute players between periods.

The Game

The objective of the game is to score the most points during a timed match. Points are awarded for "hits" and "catches". A "hit" against an opponent is worth 1 point, while catching an opponent's arrow in mid-flight is worth 3 points. Players who are hit with an arrow remain in the game and continue playing.

Match and Period

A match consists of 3 periods, with each period lasting between 6 and 8 minutes.

Boundaries

All players must remain within the designated boundary lines during play.

The Opening Rush

Players start by taking a position on their end line. After a signal from the referee, players rush into the Neutral Zone to collect their arrows. Official league/tournament arrows are placed on each side of the Neutral Zone, on the right side of each team. Players then return to their Action Zone to begin shooting.

Zone Rules

Players are considered "live" only when they are in their Action Zone, meaning they can only shoot or be shot at when behind their Attack Line. Players are not permitted to shoot from the Neutral Zone or at players who are in the Neutral Zone. Players in the Neutral Zone can only retrieve arrows and must return to their Action Zone immediately. Stalling in the Neutral Zone is not allowed, and players must return to their Action Zone within 10 seconds or a warning will be issued by the referee. A second infraction will result in a 2-point penalty at the referee's discretion. 2-point penalties may also be assessed for crossing the opposing team's Attack Line, stalling, shooting someone in the Neutral Zone, or being out of bounds.

Pause in Game (Timeouts)

Timeouts can only be called for equipment safety issues or injured players. In the event of an injury, the referee should be notified immediately so that play can be stopped and the injured player can be attended to.

Player Conduct

Players must respect and abide by the referee's decisions at all times. Masks are mandatory during gameplay. Bows and arrows should only be used as intended for gameplay and must not be used as a shield or to knock arrows out of the air. Violent or disrespectful behaviour, as well as obscene language and gestures, will not be tolerated.

Archery tag tournament rules

Archery Tag is a fun, exciting, and safe sport that combines elements from dodgeball, paintball, and traditional archery. It involves two teams attempting to score more points than their opponents by firing foam-tipped arrows at each other and targets. Here are the rules to be followed during an Archery Tag tournament:

Players and Teams

• Each team should consist of 4 to 9 players.
• The minimum number of players required to play is 8 (4 vs. 4), and the maximum is 18 (9 vs. 9).
• Teams should have an equal number of players on the field at the start of the game.
• Teams can have more than 4 players, but substitutions are only allowed between periods or "live" during play.
• If a team has more than 5 players, the additional players must stay in a designated area on the sideline.

Equipment

• Bows are designed for both right-handed and left-handed people.
• Arrows are homologated with foam tips to ensure safety.
• Each team will have 5 targets, barriers for cover, bows, arrows, safety masks, and armguards.
• Only the provided bows and arrows are allowed to be used.
• Players must wear protective masks at all times during play.

Playing Field

• The playing field is divided into three areas: two playing areas for each team and a safe/neutral zone in between.
• Players can only shoot at or be shot by opponents when they are in their respective playing areas ("Action Zones" or "Attack Zones").
• The safe zone is for retrieving arrows, and players inside it cannot shoot or be shot.
• Players must enter and exit the safe zone through their end lines and cannot loiter there.

Scoring

• Points are awarded for "hits" and "catches."
• A "hit" against an opponent is worth 1 point.
• A "catch" of an opponent's arrow in mid-flight is worth 3 points.
• In some variations, 2 points are awarded for taking down a target.
• The team with the most points at the end of the timed match wins.

Conduct and Safety

• Players must respect and follow the referee's decisions at all times.
• Bows and arrows must only be used as intended and not as shields or to knock arrows out of the air.
• Violent, disrespectful behavior, obscene language, or gestures are not allowed.
• The game is paused only for equipment safety issues or injured players.
• Instructors and supervisors will ensure rules are followed to maintain a safe playing environment.

Game Flow

• The game begins with the "Opening Rush," where players rush into the neutral zone to collect arrows and then return to their zones to start shooting.
• Matches consist of 3 periods, with each period lasting 6 to 8 minutes.
• If a player is hit, they may remain in the game and continue playing, depending on the playing style (League Style or Elimination Style).
• If a player is eliminated in Elimination Style, they can return if a teammate shoots a target or catches an arrow.

Archery Tag tournaments provide an exciting and competitive experience for participants, allowing them to test their aim, reflexes, and teamwork skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Archery tag application deadlines

The deadlines for archery tag applications vary depending on the state and the type of game. Here are the application deadlines for a few states:

South Dakota

The application deadline for the South Dakota archery deer tag is typically in May. For 2023, the deadline was May 15. There is also a separate deadline for the statewide archery antelope tag, which was May 31 in 2023.

Utah

The application deadline for Utah's archery deer tag is usually in May. For 2023, the deadline was May 15.

Idaho

Idaho's application deadline for its archery elk, deer, and antelope tags is usually in June. For 2023, the deadline was June 23.

Arizona

Arizona's archery elk and antelope tags have an application deadline in May. For 2023, the deadline was May 8.

Montana

Montana's archery elk and deer tags have an application deadline in April. For 2023, the deadline was April 14.

Wyoming

Wyoming's archery deer and elk tags have an application deadline in May. For 2023, the deadline was May 15.

It is important to note that these deadlines may change from year to year, so it is always a good idea to check the official state websites for the most up-to-date information.

Archery tag equipment

Archery tag is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a safe way to experience the thrill of combat archery, and the equipment needed to play can be purchased or rented.

The basic equipment required for archery tag includes bows, arrows, masks, and targets. Some companies offer kits that include all the necessary equipment, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual items. It is important to consider the quality and durability of the equipment, especially if it is intended for commercial use.

Bows are the primary weapon in archery tag, and it is important to choose ones that are safe and easy to use. Arrows should be foam-tipped for safety, and masks and other protective gear are essential to prevent injuries. Inflatable bunkers and targets are also commonly included in archery tag kits, providing a dynamic playing field.

When purchasing equipment, it is important to consider your budget and objectives. Archery tag can be played casually for entertainment or with a focus on fitness and cardio. The equipment you choose should align with your goals and the number of players you intend to host.

Some companies offer customisable equipment, allowing you to choose colours and strength specifications to cater to different ages and abilities. It is also worth considering the level of support provided by the seller, including setup assistance, maintenance advice, and customer service.

Frequently asked questions