Madi Rhinevault, April – Have you checked your boxes? Both literally and metaphorically? While shooting for NASP, there are many rules tofollow to ensure the sport’s overall efficiency. But, archery should also be an extreme amount of fun and a prime source of enjoyment. Here’s how you can check your boxes, both on the scorecard and in terms of satisfaction.
If you look up “NASP rule book” you will find 12 sections and 13 pages of regulations for archers to follow. Why? One reason for so many rules is to ensure that all archers stay safe.
From the prohibition of open-toe shoes to picking up our dropped arrows, the guidelines have been set to eliminate the possibility of getting hurt. By minimizing possible archery-related injuries, the program inversely minimizes the margin of errors resulting in the organization’s termination, which preserves future archers’ ability to enjoy the benefits of shooting.
Another reason we have so many rules is to sustain the essence of the program and maintain equality. “NASP® is an activity that doesn’t discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability.” In otherwords, NASP has evened the playing field. From arrows, bows, ranges, and scorecards, to the nitty gritty like nocks, rests, and fletches, everything is the same. The organization has many rules about our equipment and what is considered, “regulation” to make sure that all archers have an equal shot. Pun intended.
There are also very distinct divisions embedded in the organization. The reason that ranks are set up this way is to yet again, ensure equality. I’m all for girl power and pushing my limits but even I can admit that most boys are just straight-up stronger. A senior boy, for instance, is probably taller, has more shooting experience, and can pull more weight which would give him a significant advantage over per se, a 4th-grade girl. That’s why ranks are split between males and females and the age categories.
Scoring guidelines are another way in which NASP® looks out for their archers. By requiring that we check the box after each scoring end we can verify scores are correct. Per NASP® rules, archers can check or initial the box which is a great way to maintain credibility. Personally, I always initial my box but it is also more than okay to check the box.
NASP® rules are a wonderful tool for the fact that they were designed and continuously modified with us in mind.From equipment to the competition format, every rule helps to prevent injury, avoid cheating, level opportunities, and promote success through good sportsmanship. But beyond the realm of adhering to rules, archers must also find a way to make archery enjoyable.
The reason that I came to love archery is because it helped me to compete in a sport without worrying about my disability. Others like it because of the many travel opportunities. Because of NASP®, I have had some pretty amazing vacations and the chance to explore Disney World in Orlando, listen to aspiring artists on Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville, and swim in the gorgeous waters of Myrtle Beach. The travel is a huge bonus because it gives archers like me the chance to experience different demographics and explore the food, customs, and culture of each new location. Plus, there are always new friends to make and people to meet. I have friends that I’ve known since 5th grade and others that I met while on the podium and all of them qualify as the type to send last-minute good luck messages or even show up to support mid-flight. The archery community is a great place to make new friends that you can relate to and they’re almost always good-natured people just as NASP® promotes.For those who are less social, NASP® facilitates the calming of nerves and a smooth break from reality in the quelling.