Games Rules
Players
Arrow Tag consists of teams of five players on opposing sides, separated by a Safe Zone. Teams must begin the game with the same number of players.
The Game
The object of the game is to eliminate all opposing players by getting them "out" or scoring the most points in a timed game.
Bounderies
During play, all players must remain within the boundary lines. Players may leave the boundaries through their end-line only to retrieve stray arrows. They must also return through their end-line.
Player Conduct
Players are to respect and adhere to the decisions of the referee at all times. Masks must be worn during game-play. Respect all players. Bows and arrows are to be used only as intended in the context of playing Arrow Tag. Under no circumstance are bows or arrows to used as clubs to knock arrows out of the air or assault other players. Violent or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Obscene language and/or gestures will not be tolerated.
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The Opening Rush
Each game begins by placing bows along the end lines and arrows in the center of the safe zone. Player then take a position on their end line. Following a signal by the referee, players rush into the safe zone to gather as many arrows as possible. Then players return to their attack zone to start shooting.
Zone Rules
Players are "live" only when in their attack zone. They can only shoot or be shot when in their attack zone.
Players in the safe zone (middle of the field) cannot shoot or be shot.
Players in the safe zone are only permitted to retrieve arrows and return immediately to their attack zone. Players may not stop in the safe zone. Players must be moving at all times. Any player who stops in the safe zone has 5 seconds before a warning will be issued by the referee. A second infraction will result in a 1 point deduction (League Points style) or elimination from the game (Classic Elimination style) at the discretion of the referee.
Substitutions
If teams have more than 5 players, the additional players must stay in a designated area on the sideline. Substitutions are "live" (no stoppage in play). The player leaving the field must hand their bow to the incoming player.
Stoppages (Timeouts)
The only timeouts are for equipment safety issues and injured players. On the rare occasion of an injury, immediately notify the referee to stop play and attend to the injured player.
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League Style (Points)This style of game play makes a great spectator sport because it is fast paced with many lead changes, and is more beneficial to newer players or those who are "paying per game." When a player is hit with an arrow, they remain in the game and continue to play.
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Timing
A time limit is established for each game (typically 5 to 10 minutes, or two halves of 5 minutes each).
Winning the Game
At the end of the time limit, the team with the greater number of points will be declared the winner.
If the game is tied at the end of regulation play, the game will continue in sudden death overtime. Each player must have at least one arrow when overtime begins. The referee signals the beginning of overtime. The first team with a legal hit will be declared the winner.
Points are scored in the following manner:
- 1 point: Shooting an opponent player with an arrow in one of the following areas:
- Players body (including the head)
- Any and all clothing (Uniform)
- Any Equipment ( Bows, arrows, masks, ect.)
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-2 Points: Knocking a spot completely out of the opposing teams target
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3 Points: Catching an opponent's arrow in mid-flight
Elimination Style (classic)
This option appeals to the more experienced players, or those who like more risk in the game. When a player is hit with an arrow, they are out of the game until one of their teammates catches an arrow or knocks out one of the spots from the opposing team's 5-spot target.
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Basic Rules
The object of this style of play is to have the most players and target spots remaining at the end of a timed game (typically 5 to 10 minutes depending on scheduling and number of players). The first team to legally eliminate all opposing players will be declared the winner. A time limit is established for each game (typically 5 to 10 minutes, or two halves of 5 minutes each). If neither team has been eliminated at the end of the time limit, the team with the greater number of players will be declared the winner.
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Timing
A time limit is established for each game (typically 5 to 10 minutes, or two halves of 5 minutes each).
Winning the Game
At the end of the time limit, the team with the greater number of players and target spots remaining will be declared the winner.
If the game is tied at the end of regulation play, the game will continue in sudden death overtime. Each player must have at least one arrow when overtime begins. The referee signals the beginning of overtime. The first team with a legal hit will be declared the winner
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Elimination
A player is considered out and must leave the field if:
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a. Player is shot anywhere on the body (including the head).
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b. Player is shot on any clothing (uniform)
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c. An arrow strikes any player equipment (bow, arrows, mask)
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d. A player shoots an arrow that is caught by the opposing team.
Recall
A player may return to the game if:
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a. A teammate knocks out one of the spots from the opposing team's 5-spot target.
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b. A teammate catches an opponent's arrow in mid-air.