NCAS county squad selection method (Updated 16th January 2026)
As the county competitions are arranged the details will be posted at the top of this page and will include, round shot, dates, squad size, location etc.
Mission statement for the NCAS squad:
‘To field the highest performing team in the NCAS region based on ability, teamwork and reliability, encouraging archers to shoot and experience competitions at a county level.’
The selection process is to be fair, transparent, and in the interests of the NCAS community.
Short version:
Submit your scores through the online form:
Embrace the team spirit of the event and be reliable.
Any questions please contact Neil Bowden or Martin Ross via squad@ncasarchery.org.uk
Longer version:
All archers are assessed under 3 criteria.
1. Ability
2. Team spirit – this includes wearing the NCAS shirt – no exceptions!
3. Reliability
1. Ability
a. The last 5 competition/registered club day scores are to be submitted via the online submission form.
- Of those 5 scores, the lowest will be removed and an average of the handicaps taken.
- Do not let long distance shoots put you off! For county shoots that do not contain 70m/ 80 yds+ rounds, Barebow and Compound submissions for long distance (those including 70m/ 80 yds+) will only be used if it benefits the archer’s average score. We recognize all long distance shoots are inherently more difficult and this should not be of detriment should the competitive shoot be at a shorter distance. For Recurve and Longbow this will be those shoots with a 90m 100yd round.
- Do not let bad days put you off! We also recognise having a bad day could affect both shoots in the case of a double round shoot. When we select the scores to remove, both scores from a double will be removed if that is of benefit to the archer, just don’t worry about a bad day!
b. Scores for those selected will be visible on the NCAS website. While these scores will change over time depending on everyone’s form, it gives a target to aim for! However please do not be put off by these scores and continue to submit your own as quite frequently squad spaces are flowed down! So get them in there!
How the team is selected:
The shoot will specify the disciplines to be shot, the team sizes, and additional criteria such as minimum male, female, junior participants etc.
Archers will be selected under the ‘ability’ criteria based on their most recent scores using the AGB handicap system to enable comparisons to be made across different rounds. The highest scores (lowest handicaps) will be considered whilst conforming to any further rule requirements as male female junior minima.
Should the competition offer all junior categories (ie. age appropriate distances), but a limited team size meaning not all categories can be represented then each age group will be assessed on its own merit and highest scoring relative to their discipline considered.
How are scores used for selection:
Example of using scoring for selection:
A male senior barebow submits his last 5 scores:
• WA720- score 601- handicap is 42
• WA720- score 598- handicap is 42
• WA720- score 605- handicap is 41
• Albion- score 796- handicap is 42
• WA720- score 580- handicap is 45
The Albion although being considered a ‘long distance’ shoot is of benefit to the archer and so will be used. The WA720- score 580 being the lower of the 5 scores will be dropped. Therefore the handicap average is (42+42+41+42)/4 = 41.75 and will be compared to the handicap of other archers and the best (lowest handicap number) will be taken to fulfill the selection criteria item 1- Ability.
The Senior Male handicap table will be used for translating the majority of scores into a handicap. The handicap value itself is irrelevant, the value in reference to others is what’s important, and hence why we will use the same handicap table for all scores so a fair comparison can be made. This is particularly important to compare junior scores to adults in the event a junior surpasses an adult for selection of a senior team. For events consider all junior categories, the individual tables will be used.
The NCAS team will keep track of the scores you submit. The only action for you is to submit you score via the online form:
Your most recent scores must be submitted. Scores must not be cherry picked, doing so will impact on your selection eligibility. If you have not shot a long distance shoot (York/ Hereford, Albion etc) in the current season by the selection deadline, you can issue a score from last year as its important for the long shoots that we know the archer is capable of that distance. High WA720 scores for example is not always an indication of high long distance scores, and so previous long distance shoot experience will be a determining factor for these shoots.
What rounds are accepted:
The online form indicates which shoots are valid.
Indoor rounds accepted are those with 60+ arrows shot. A Vegas 300 or Bray will be accepted if it is a double, meeting the 60+ arrows criteria.
Barebow & Compound: Outdoor rounds accepted are all those with 72+ arrows shot, excluding a Windsor or Warwick- essentially you are typically shooting 50m as standard, therefore distances at 50-60yrds are representative bar long range shoots.
Longbow & Recurve: Outdoor rounds accepted are all those with 72+ arrows shot, excluding a Windsor or Warwick. You may submit a Western & American however they will be weighted and those shooting distances of approx 70m may be given preference- essentially you are shooting 70m as standard and to use a lower distance will not provide an accurate representation of performance at a more typical shoot.
Juniors: The rounds shoot are age dependent and so the limitations above will not apply.
As we move from the indoor to the outdoor season and vice versa you may have a limited number of seasonal shoots under your belt. Therefore we will use a combination of your submissions from the new season and the previous relative season. Note the first county shoot for outdoors is typically in May. Precedence may be given to those submitting from the new season as they are providing an indication of current form.
2. Team spirit
This is a team effort, and you are representing the NCAS county, not only in ability but more importantly in our ethos of how we engage with others both within the NCAS team itself and our competitors. You are expected to support both and display good sportsmanship. We are there to have fun winning, emphasis on the fun! Wear that shirt with pride- no exceptions!
2. Reliability
Those asked to compete on behalf of NCAS must confirm their attendance prior to the cut-off date provided. If you are unable to attend a shoot you must confirm non acceptance prior to this date to enable others to be contacted and a team to be fielded in time. Confirmation of non-attendance prior to the cut-off will not affect future selections.
General comments- Q&A:
1. Will you use national rankings?
No, the national rankings will not be used for the NCAS squad selection.
2. How will para-archers be selected?
The shoot will dictate the disciplines. Consideration will be based on the highest scores using the Senior Male handicap table.
3. How will the ratio of males/ females be selected?
The shoot will dictate the criteria. If male and female are scored as one team, so long as the minimum for criteria is met, those with the highest scores will be selected/ lowest handicap will be considered.
4. Will there be a tiered system for WRS, UKRS, non UKRS scores?
No, all competition/ registered club day scores will be treated equally.
5. What if I do not have 5 competitive scores?
To compete for county, you are expected to have competition experience. Submitting less than 5 scores would indicate further competition experience is required prior to selection, however, submit scores as you progress as frequently squad positions are rolled through and the 5 value criteria may be waivered.
6. Can I submit outdoor scores for indoor season and vice-versa?
Outdoor scores will be used for outdoor selection, indoor for indoor selection.
If you have any questions please contact: squad@ncasarchery.org.uk
