Brian Dean describes the objectives of a new organisation exclusively for traditional archers

TASA stands for Traditional Archers of South Africa. It is a new organisation that focuses on all aspects of traditional archery – including 3D competitions, bowhunting, and the crafting of bows, arrows, quivers and related articles.

Why start another bow organisation? An organisation that is focused exclusively on this discipline will have a stronger voice than one representing all archers and will be able to more effectively represent and promote traditional archery and bowhunting. History has shown that to gather a decent number of traditional archers consistently, the event needs to be exclusively traditional. Not only does the traditional fraternity get ‘lost’ in the crowds of compound archers at some shoots and target archers at others, but traditional shoots, such as Bowbenders and the SA Traditional Championships, certainly have a very different “feel” to them.

At present there are a few traditional events around the country, but TASA aims to structure a programme of regular events throughout the year.

In defining the objectives of TASA, we took a leaf from the constitution of probably the largest gathering of traditional archers in the world, the Compton Traditional Bowhunters in the USA : “The promotion of traditional archery, its equipment and its ideals. This would be accomplished by educating, preserving, and advancing the public’s awareness of traditional archery, as well as by putting forth the positive aspects and enjoyment of using traditional archery equipment – in the field, in games, and in bowhunting. The focus is on promoting traditional archery, rather than on opposing modern equipment.”

Why become a member? Firstly, the stronger the organisation, the louder its voice. The future of traditional archery and bowhunting needs to looked after by those most passionate about it. Secondly, training and guidance – especially for those new to the sport – is very hard to come by. TASA will provide such training and guidance in conjunction with shoots and competitions as well as via its website. Thirdly, running an organisation like TASA costs money. Membership fees will be used in part. More importantly, we want to ensure that prizes are of a decent quality and that the cubs are included in receiving prizes. We also want to reward archers for their dedication to the sport and are therefore offering a substantial drawcard.
Upon joining, members’ names automatically go into the year-end draw for a custom-made Black Widow bow. In addition, TASA members finishing in the top 50% at competitions, have their names added to the draw. After the South African traditional championships in September, we’ll draw one name out of a hat. The winner will receive the Black Widow bow.

The traditional championships consist of two rounds – presenting the potential for two additional tickets in the proverbial hat!

At all TASA competitions, medals will awarded to the top three in the senior and junior categories. All cubs receive medals for participation in an effort to encourage youngsters to continue shooting.
There are also many lucky draws for prizes – for all participants.

Each year, at the SA traditional championships, TASA national colours will be awarded to archers who shoot a predetermined score, in his/her category, at the championships. The exact score required will be determined during the course of the year as our unique three-peg choice system may need some tweaking during the earlier shoots. The scores (out of a possible 800), are: senior male – 550; senior female – 450; junior male – 450; junior female – 350.

Three-peg choice scoring
Every archer, regardless of age or category, has a choice of three pegs at each target. The shot from peg 1 is the easiest and the possible score is therefore lowest. The shot from peg 2 is more difficult, but the possible score higher – and so on to peg 3. Both arrows are shot from the same peg.
For more information, visit our website at www.traditionalarchers.co.za

Updated: Monday, February 15, 2010 2:49 PM