Becoming a Judge
Judges play a vital role in archery.
They ensure competitions are run fairly, safely, and consistently, giving every archer confidence that events are conducted to the rules. From local club shoots through to state and national events, judges help maintain the integrity of the sport.
Why become a judge?
Judging is a great way to stay involved in archery beyond shooting. Many judges are experienced archers who want to give back to the sport, while others simply enjoy being part of competitions in a different role. It’s a practical, respected role that supports both clubs and the wider archery community.
Becoming a judge may suit you if you:
- enjoy understanding rules and how things work
- like being involved in competitions
- want to contribute to the sport in a meaningful way
- are confident communicating with people
- are calm, fair, and able to make decisions under pressure
What do judges do?
Judges are responsible for ensuring competitions run safely and according to the rules.
Depending on the level of event, this can include:
- overseeing shooting procedures and timing
- checking equipment compliance
- assisting archers with rule clarification
- managing scoring and resolving scoring queries
- ensuring safety on the shooting line
- supporting event organisers and officials
At higher levels, judges may take on additional responsibilities, including supervising other officials and overseeing major events.
Judging pathway
Judging follows a structured pathway, starting at entry level and progressing through experience and additional training. While the exact titles and requirements can vary, the pathway typically includes:
- Entry-level / Club Official – assisting at club events and learning the basics
- Event Judge – officiating at club and interclub competitions
- National Judge – officiating at higher-level events
- International Judge – officiating at major national and international competitions
Progression is based on experience, assessment, and continued development within the role.
What do you need to get started?
To become a judge, you will generally need to:
- be a current member of an affiliated archery club
- have a good understanding of the rules of shooting
- complete the required training and assessments
- gain practical experience at club and local events
Depending on the level, you may also need to complete additional learning or accreditation requirements.
As with coaching, requirements and course formats can change, so it’s important to check the latest information before getting started.
How to become a judge in Victoria
The best place to start is within your club. Clubs often rely on volunteers to assist with running competitions, and this is where many judges begin, by gaining experience and learning from existing officials.
A typical pathway looks like this:
- Become an active member of an affiliated club
- Get involved in club competitions and event support
- Express your interest to your club and Archery Victoria
- Complete the required training or accreditation
- Gain experience officiating at events
- Progress through the judging pathway over time
Not sure whether judging is right for you?
You don’t need to know everything before you start.
Many judges begin by helping at club level and build their knowledge over time. If you’re willing to learn, pay attention to detail, and support the sport, judging can be a rewarding and enjoyable role.
Ready to get involved? If you’re interested in becoming a judge, start by speaking with your club and then contacting Archery Victoria for current requirements, training opportunities, and the next steps.
