Olympic archery was first practiced in the 1900 Games in Paris. This was then continued in the Games of 1904, 1908 and 1920. As the international rules were not established, the host countries used their own format. In 1931, the international governing body of the sport was founded. This was called as the Federation International de Tir a l'Arc or FITA. This body established standardized rules for the competition.
Equipment
In Olympic archery, the bow to be used is the recurve bow. This has limbs that curve away from the archer to raise power. The bows are made from wood, fiberglass and graphite or carbon composites. The arrows are made of aluminum or carbon graphite. These are propelled at a minimum speed of 150 miles per hour. The bows are provided with sights to help in aiming. There are also arrow rests to assist to align the shot. After release of the arrows, the twisting developed in the bow is decreased by stabilizers.
Scoring
The scoring system is dependent on a ten ring target. The target is located at a distance of 70 meters (229 feet and 8 inches) from the shooting line. The center gold of the target is fixed at 130 centimeters (4 feet and 3 inches) above the ground. The target has a diameter of 122 centimeters (4 feet) and is generally constructed of paper. There are five colored rings and every ring is divided in half. The thickness of every color zone is 12.2 centimeters (4.8 inches). The thickness of every scoring zone is 6.1 centimeters (2.4 inches). If the arrows pass through or bounce off the target, they are counted. Those arrows which reach the dividing lines are given the higher score. The point values are as follows – Gold inner is given 10 points, Gold outer is given 9 points, Red inner is given 8 points, Red outer is given 7 points, Blue inner is given 6 points, Blue outer is given 5 points, Black inner is given 4 points, Black outer is given 3 points, White inner is given 2 points and White outer is given 1 point.
Competition
The first round consists of sixteen teams which shoot in eight matches. In the second round or quarterfinals, there are eight winning teams. In the semi finals, four winning teams from the second round meet. Losers of the semi finals compete for the bronze medal. The winners of the semi finals compete for the gold medal.