Elimination Scoring Formats

World Archery defines two distinct scoring methodologies for head-to-head elimination matches depending on the equipment division: the Set System and the Cumulative Score System. In Archeris, the appropriate scoring engine is automatically configured based on division rules.

1. Overview of Scoring Systems

Unlike qualification where total accumulated score determines rank, elimination matches are evaluated end-by-end:

• Set System (Olympic Format): Used for Recurve, Barebow, and Traditional divisions. Archers compete for Set Points in each end (2 points for winning an end, 1 for a tie, 0 for losing).
• Cumulative System: Used for Compound divisions. Total arrow scores across all ends are summed together (e.g. out of 150 points for individuals).

The correct scoring system is applied automatically based on the category's bow type — you do not need to configure it manually when creating an elimination bracket in Archeris.

2. Set System Points (Recurve / Barebow)

In individual matchplay using the Set System:

• Each match consists of up to 5 sets.
• In each set, both archers shoot 3 arrows (maximum 30 points per set).
• Point Allocation per Set:
  • Winner of the set receives 2 Set Points.
  • If scores are tied in the set, each archer receives 1 Set Point.
  • Loser receives 0 Set Points.
• Victory Condition: The first archer to reach 6 Set Points wins the match immediately.
• If the score is tied at 5 - 5 after 5 sets, a one-arrow Shoot-Off is conducted.

The Set System keeps every end meaningful — even a strong archer cannot coast on an early lead since each set resets the contest.

3. Cumulative Total Score (Compound)

In individual Compound matchplay:

• Each match consists of 5 ends of 3 arrows (15 arrows total).
• There are no set points; instead, raw arrow scores (10, 9, 8, etc., with X counted as 10) are added continuously.
• The maximum possible total score is 150 points (15 x 10).
• Victory Condition: The archer with the highest total score after 5 ends wins the match.
• If total scores are identical after 5 ends (e.g., 144 - 144), a one-arrow Shoot-Off determines the winner.

Compound archers often shoot near-perfect scores in elimination — a 150 is achievable with ten consecutive 10s or Xs. This makes every single arrow critical, as one miss can swing a match from a comfortable lead to a shoot-off situation.

4. Team Matchplay Formats

Team elimination matches follow adjusted arrow counts and target point thresholds:

• Recurve / Barebow Team (3 Archers): Up to 4 sets of 6 arrows (2 arrows per archer). Winning end = 2 pts, Tie = 1 pt. First team to 5 Set Points wins.
• Recurve Mixed Team (2 Archers): Up to 4 sets of 4 arrows (2 arrows per archer). First team to 5 Set Points wins.
• Compound Team (3 Archers): 4 ends of 6 arrows (24 arrows total, max 240 pts). Highest total score wins.
• Compound Mixed Team (2 Archers): 4 ends of 4 arrows (16 arrows total, max 160 pts). Highest total score wins.

Team and mixed team formats use fewer sets than individual matches — this keeps the competition moving quickly on finals day when multiple categories may be running simultaneously on adjacent targets.

5. Format Comparison Summary

When in doubt about which system applies to a category in your tournament, check the bow type — Recurve and Barebow always use Set System, Compound always uses Cumulative. Archeris enforces this automatically so there is no risk of misconfiguration when generating brackets.