When you first join an archery club, shooting 3 dozen arrows at 20 yards and hitting the middle feels like it's all there needs to be. Archery has so much more to offer and we want you to discover it.
Whether you are highly competitive or just shoot for fun, improvement and satisfaction in your archery is unlikely to happen just by chance. Getting regular coaching helps you develop your technique and avoid developing bad habits that may hinder you later on. Like most things, it's practice that makes perfect, and lots of it. Practising on your own shooting the same round repeatedly may help you to cement what you have learned in controlled conditions, but what you really ought to do is learn to shoot your best archery, whatever the format, whatever the occasion.
At Sway Bowmen we encourage you to join in with our club tournaments, leagues and challenges. These are designed to help you get used to shooting alongside other people, shooting a variety of recognised rounds, pushing out to different distances and learning to shoot according to the 'rules of shooting' that govern our sport.
However grown up you think you are, most of us like a reward for our efforts. At Sway Bowmen we love a badge. You can earn some personal awards that are recognised throughout the whole Archery community (find out more in the all about scores section of the website). We also have some trophies and awards that are specific to our club. You can earn these by participating in our tournaments, summer challenges and winter league. More information can be found below.
Tournaments
Our tournaments run every year and are an opportunity to earn prizes, medals and trophies. Some of our tournaments are purely for fun, but we still take them seriously. Some of our tournaments are designed to test your archery ability, but we still have fun.
Sway Bowmen Tournament Calendar 2026
More information about our 'open' shoots The Red King (Easter) and The Mushroom (August) can be found on a dedicated page here
Summer Challenges
In 2023 we introduced the idea of a Summer Challenge. A short series of rounds with a reward at the end. Shooting at your own pace across the outdoor season, either in pairs or larger groups. There are now three challenges available and each can be completed at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. That's nine to choose from and if you can't decide, well why not do them all. (Visitors to our site are welcome to download and use the challenges, please note, challenge rewards are only available to members of Sway Bowmen.)
Summer Challenges - Introduction and information sheet
The Aussie Adventure (Round details - reverse side of the card)
Winter League
In the winter we offer indoor shooting once a week (Tuesday evening) at Brockenhurst College. Open to all members. To add a little spiciness we run an indoor league with Divisional Shields being awarded at our club AGM in March.
Indoor Shooting and Winter League 2025/26 (Explanatory Notes)
Winter League 2025/26 (Shooting Schedule)
Winter League 2025-26 Current Standings (19/03/2026)
If you need any further information please contact your Tournament Organisers (Jem Mason and Hannah Diffey)
Classification refers to the level of archery you have achieved.
The classification levels are:
- Archer Third Class
- Second Class
- First Class
- Bowman (1st, 2nd and 3rd class)
- Master Bowmen
- Grand Master Bowmen
- Elite Master Bowmen
To improve your classification you need to submit rounds which reach the required score and enough of them to meet the criteria for each classification. If you are not sure what this is, go back to the Home page and go to 'All about scores' then hit the 'Rounds' button and click on 'Recording and submitting scores'.
The scores which qualify for a classification must be shot in the same year but don’t all have to be the same round, just to have reached the threshold for the classification being claimed. The Records Officer will then award you a badge to put on your quiver.
To find the score you need for each level you need to look at the table relevant to you as it varies by gender, age and distance shot. (Rounds)
The highest classifications, Master Bowman, Grand Master Bowman and Elite Master Bowman, can only be achieved with scores achieved at record status competitions. Once you achieve a classification you cannot go back and claim a lower one.
Safeguarding Policy
Sway Bowmen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. At all times, our members, coaches, administrators and parents should show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns that they may have about any aspect of the club with the Club Welfare Officer. Our club should offer a positive experience where members can take part and develop their skills in a safe and positive environment. All members of this club are expected to abide by the Codes of Conduct. Archery should be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Archery GB is committed to the safeguarding of Children, Young People and Adults at Risk. All concerns will be taken seriously and only the professionals who need to know will be informed.
Our Safeguarding Officer: Jem Mason 07957-837159
In an emergency dial 999 or contact the
Local Police: 101
Help for Children and Young People
ChildLine: 0800 1111
Help for adults concerned about a child: 0808 800 5000