Norfolk Clout League (NCL) – Rules & Format Guide
The simplified version.
🎯 1. The Target & Scoring Area
In metric clout archery, competitors shoot long distance towards a central flag (the clout) set in the ground. Points are scored based on which concentric ring an arrow lands in:
Scoring Breakdown:
Note: Direct strikes on the flagpole or flag score 5 points (provided that the arrow point comes to rest within the 5 score ring). Arrows landing outside the 15m white boundary ring score 0.
🏹 2. The Shooting Round
Arrow Count: A standard single metric clout round consists of 6 practice (sighter) arrows, followed by 36 scoring arrows.
Format: Arrows are shot in ends of 6 arrows. All arrows are shot in one direction only.
📏 3. Distances by Bow Category
Archers shoot at metric distances based on gender, age, and bow style:
185 metres: Gents Compound
165 metres: Gents Recurve / Barebow / Longbow & Ladies Compound
125 metres: Ladies Recurve / Barebow / Longbow & Junior Gents (U18)
110m / 90m / 75m: Younger Junior age group.
⚠️ 4. Key Safety Rules
No Sky Drawing: Drawing a bow back at an upward angle ("sky drawing") before leveling out is strictly banned for Recurve, Barebow, and Compound archers, only Longbows are permitted high arcs for distance. Please see this document for a full explanation.
Whistle Commands: Always follow the whistle signals of the Field Captain. Never cross the shooting line until commanded.
🏆 5. NCL League Format
The league season offers 8 shooting dates hosted at Fakenham Racecourse, although other venues might follow.
An archer’s best 3 scores across the season count towards individual awards and their overall club total.
Open to all archers holding a valid Archery GB membership
For a more detailed look at AGB Clout rules, read this document. Or, if you've nothing better to do, or perhaps you are having trouble dropping off to sleep, you can read the full AGB rules here.
