2027 Candy Cane Crunch

December 18–20, 2027

Tournament Format

• Qualifying round of 20 ends

• 2-minute ends of 3 arrows

• Elimination rounds using recurve set format

• Single elimination

• 18 meters

• Genders combined

• World Archery rules followed, except X is 11, and custom divisions

• 40 cm single spot or triangle will be used — the same target face must be used the entire tournament

• This is NOT a USAA- or WA-sanctioned tournament

• No belt buckle

Registration is open until December 14, 2027, 7:00 AM. DSA reserves the right to close registration if the tournament becomes full. No refunds after December 15, 2027.

Shooting Rules — Qualifying Round

1. Each end (the time period to shoot three arrows) shall be 2 minutes.

2. Archers will use alternate shooting. AB will go first on odd-numbered ends; CD will go first on even-numbered ends.

3. An archer shooting before the whistle signaling a 2-minute end, or after the time has lapsed, will lose their highest-scoring arrow or arrows equaling the number of errant arrows shot.

4. If more than 3 arrows are shot during an end, the highest arrow will be called a miss. With the 3-spot, one arrow per spot; if more than one arrow is in a spot on a 3-spot, the higher arrow value is a miss. If an archer shoots fewer than three arrows in one end and retires from the line, they may shoot the remaining arrows if the omission is discovered before the end is officially completed and the line has not been cleared; otherwise they shall be scored as misses.

5. An archer who purposely disfigures a target face to improve aiming, or for any other reason, may be disqualified. Arrow holes may be repaired, provided there is no delay to the round.

6. Archers may request a new target at any time. The judge has the right of refusal if the target face is barely used. The judge can require a target face change if the target is damaged enough to make arrow calls difficult.

7. Any archer conducting themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner will be immediately disqualified and removed from the site.

8. Peak compound bow draw weight shall not exceed 60 lbs.

9. Maximum arrow shaft diameter allowed is 9.3 mm, with a point diameter not to exceed 9.4 mm. The shaft diameter includes any wrap placed on the arrow and includes the size of the nock and the nock insert.

10. If the arrow wrap, nock, or nock adapter exceeds 9.3 mm and is embedded in the scoring area, the arrow shall be scored a miss.

11. Any equipment that impairs the hearing of the competitor — such as electronic voice communication devices, headsets, or noise reduction devices — will not be allowed on the shooting line.

12. Any archer who is hearing impaired must notify officials prior to shooting.

13. Arrow twirling is permitted as long as it is not disruptive or dangerous to other archers or the event. A warning may be given by a tournament official if the twirling or handling of an arrow is deemed disruptive or dangerous. Repeated violations may result in the removal of the archer from the competition at the tournament official’s discretion.

14. DSA-supplied target pins must be used.

15. No archer shall draw a bow in any manner that, if accidentally released, could fly beyond a safety zone or safety backstop. A warning will be given on the first instance. The second instance will require the removal of the archer from the event.

16. The maximum total width of the archer and their equipment may not extend into the adjacent shooting lanes.

Protests

Any incident requiring an immediate decision must be brought to the attention of a judge. All protests must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director within one hour of the conclusion of the round in which the incident occurred, accompanied by $50 USD (cash). The Tournament Rules Committee will convene approximately 1 hour after the last scoring end of each day to decide the outcome of each protest. All decisions of the Tournament Rules Committee are final. The $50 protest fee will be returned if the Committee rules in favor of the protest. No protests are allowed during shoot-offs — judges’ decisions are final. A judge’s arrow call cannot be protested. In the protest, the protestor must supply the tournament or World Archery rule in question.

Equipment Failure

In the event of equipment failure, step back from the shooting line and raise your bow above your head. A judge will come to your assistance. The archer will have 2 ends of repair time without holding up the tournament. No practice end is allowed. The archer shall be allowed to shoot any arrows missed during the 2 ends.

Shooting Rules — Elimination Round

1. Each end (the time period to shoot three arrows) shall be 2 minutes.

2. AB archers always shoot first; CD shoots second.

3. An archer shooting before the whistle signaling a 2-minute end, or after the time has lapsed, will lose their highest-scoring arrow or arrows equaling the number of errant arrows shot.

4. If more than 3 arrows are shot during an end, the highest arrow will be called a miss. With the 3-spot, one arrow per spot; if more than one arrow is in a spot on a 3-spot, the higher arrow value is a miss. If an archer shoots fewer than three arrows in one end and retires from the line, they may shoot the remaining arrows if the omission is discovered before the end is officially completed and the line has not been cleared; otherwise they shall be scored as misses.

5. An archer who purposely disfigures a target face to improve aiming, or for any other reason, may be disqualified. Arrow holes may be repaired, provided there is no delay to the round.

6. Archers may request a new target at any time. The judge has the right of refusal if the target face is barely used. The judge can require a target face change if the target is damaged enough to make arrow calls difficult.

7. Any archer conducting themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner will be immediately disqualified and removed from the site.

8. Peak compound bow draw weight shall not exceed 60 lbs.

9. Maximum arrow shaft diameter allowed is 9.3 mm, with a point diameter not to exceed 9.4 mm. The shaft diameter includes any wrap placed on the arrow and includes the size of the nock and the nock insert.

10. If the arrow wrap, nock, or nock adapter exceeds 9.3 mm and is embedded in the scoring area, the arrow shall be scored a miss.

11. Any equipment that impairs the hearing of the competitor — such as electronic voice communication devices, headsets, or noise reduction devices — will not be allowed on the shooting line.

12. Any archer who is hearing impaired must notify officials prior to shooting.

13. Arrow twirling is permitted as long as it is not disruptive or dangerous to other archers or the event. A warning may be given by a tournament official if the twirling or handling of an arrow is deemed disruptive or dangerous. Repeated violations may result in the removal of the archer from the competition at the tournament official’s discretion.

14. DSA-supplied target pins must be used.

15. No archer shall draw a bow in any manner that, if accidentally released, could fly beyond a safety zone or safety backstop. A warning will be given on the first instance. The second instance will require the removal of the archer from the event.

16. The maximum total width of the archer and their equipment may not extend into the adjacent shooting lanes.

Protests

Any incident requiring an immediate decision must be brought to the attention of a judge. All protests must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Director within one hour of the conclusion of the round in which the incident occurred, accompanied by $50 USD (cash). The Tournament Rules Committee will convene approximately 1 hour after the last scoring end of each day to decide the outcome of each protest. All decisions of the Tournament Rules Committee are final. The $50 protest fee will be returned if the Committee rules in favor of the protest. No protests are allowed during shoot-offs — judges’ decisions are final. A judge’s arrow call cannot be protested. In the protest, the protestor must supply the tournament or World Archery rule in question.

Equipment Failure

No make-up arrows are allowed during elimination rounds for any reason.

Special Candy Cane Crunch Rules

• The X ring scores 11.

Scoring Rules — Qualification

BetweenEnds.com is the official electronic scoring system. Archers will be assigned their shooting position — it is not first come, first served. Archers are responsible for understanding the scoring procedures and verifying their scores.

1. A judge will make all decisions on scoring questionable arrows; their decisions are final.

2. All arrows must remain in the target, untouched, until scoring is completed.

3. Any archer intentionally touching any questionable arrow or any part of the target assembly (including other arrows, faces, pins, mat, or stand) will result in the questionable arrow being scored in the lower scoring area. If it happens more than once, the archer will be disqualified.

4. The three-spot target face is scored on the gold (11, 10, 9) and the red (8, 7).

5. Arrows must touch the line to be in the next-highest scoring area.

6. Any arrow that passes beyond the shooting line a distance greater than the 3-meter line marked on the floor is a shot arrow.

7. If an arrow is embedded in the target beyond the nock, a judge must be called and the arrow should not be touched. If the arrow is touched before the judge arrives, the arrow is not scored. The judge will make the arrow call.

8. Arrow holes are marked. If a bounce-out occurs, the archer steps back and raises their hand to inform a judge. The judge will decide how to proceed.

9. Each competitor must complete and sign their own scorecard. Both scorers must also sign it. When there is a difference between the two cards, the lowest score must be taken. Scoring tablets and paper scorecards must be turned in at the scoring table, in your assigned arena or hall, immediately following shooting. To be considered valid, scorecards must be turned in within one hour of the final end.

10. All scoring on the official scorecard must be completed in ink. Any changes on the official scorecard must be agreed upon and initialed by all archers in the scoring group. Any archer turning in an incorrect scorecard will be subject to disqualification.

Scoring Rules — Elimination Round

BetweenEnds.com is the official electronic scoring system. Archers will be assigned their shooting position — it is not first come, first served. Archers are responsible for understanding the scoring procedures and verifying their scores.

1. A judge will make all decisions on scoring questionable arrows; their decisions are final.

2. All arrows must remain in the target, untouched, until scoring is completed.

3. Any archer intentionally touching any questionable arrow or any part of the target assembly (including other arrows, faces, pins, mat, or stand) will result in the questionable arrow being scored in the lower scoring area. If it happens more than once, the archer will be disqualified.

4. The three-spot target face is scored on the gold (11, 10, 9) and the red (8, 7).

5. Arrows must touch the line to be in the next-highest scoring area.

6. Any arrow that passes beyond the shooting line a distance greater than the 3-meter line marked on the floor is a shot arrow.

7. If an arrow is embedded in the target beyond the nock, a judge must be called and the arrow should not be touched. If the arrow is touched before the judge arrives, the arrow is not scored. The judge will make the arrow call.

8. Arrow holes are marked. If a bounce-out occurs, the archer steps back and raises their hand to inform a judge. The judge will decide how to proceed.

9. Each competitor must complete and sign their own scorecard. Both scorers must also sign it. When there is a difference between the two cards, the lowest score must be taken. Scoring tablets and paper scorecards must be turned in at the scoring table, in your assigned arena or hall, immediately following shooting. To be considered valid, scorecards must be turned in within one hour of the final end.

10. All scoring on the official scorecard must be completed in ink. Any changes on the official scorecard must be agreed upon and initialed by all archers in the scoring group. Any archer turning in an incorrect scorecard will be subject to disqualification.

11. The archer who wins an end collects two points. If the archers tie, each archer receives one point; if an archer loses the end, they get zero points. The first archer to six points wins the match and continues in the competition. The archer who loses the match is done — except during the Semifinal: losing archers of the Semifinal shoot in the Bronze Medal Match, and winners of the Semifinal shoot in the Gold Medal Match. If a match has a 5–5 tie, a one-arrow shoot-off decides the winner.

12. If a one-arrow shoot-off is needed to decide the winner, archers shoot on the target face style they are competing on. Triangle must shoot the top spot.

13. If an archer misses their first end of official practice or their first end of any match, they are disqualified.

DSA Dress Code Policy

Pay attention to the rule concerning shoes.

1. Attire must present a professional, athletic appearance (torn, ripped, or heavily soiled clothing is not allowed).

2. Shorts, skorts, and skirts must be professional in appearance and length.

3. Camouflage clothing is only disallowed for broadcast/live-streamed medal matches at national events and after the first cut at U.S. Team Trials events.

4. Denim is allowed but must not be torn, ripped, or have holes.

5. Leggings (tight-fitting / yoga-type stretch pants) are allowed but must not be transparent or translucent above the knee.

6. Upper garments must cover the front and back of the body, and the midriff when at full draw. They must also have sleeves.

7. Shoes must cover the entire foot unless pre-approved by USAA due to an injury or disability. Sports/athletic shoes are recommended.

8. At no time will any article bearing wording, insignia, innuendo, or images determined to be offensive or inappropriate be allowed. All hate symbols and hate speech on clothing, personal effects, and your person are strictly prohibited, whether worn on the person or not. The Event Organizer is responsible for enforcing this policy in conjunction with the Chair of Judges (COJ) or their designee.

Policy Enforcement

• DSA officials have final discretion on the implementation of the Dress Code Policy.

• Should there be an actual or suspected violation of this policy on the field of play during an event, it will be addressed by the Event Organizer and the Chair of Judges (COJ) or their designee immediately.

• Any violation of the Dress Code Policy may result in the archer’s allowance to shoot being suspended immediately.

Divisions

Divisions are divided by bow type and age. Genders are combined.

Bow Types

• Barebow Recurve

• Freestyle Bowhunter — Modern Bowhunter (combined)

• Freestyle Limited Recurve

• Freestyle

Age Divisions (two only)

• Youth — through the year of their 14th birthday

• Senior — any age

Schedule

Friday, December 18, 2027 — Session 1: Qualifying

• 5:30 PM — Check-in and equipment inspection

• 6:15 PM — Two ends of official practice, straight into scoring

Saturday, December 19, 2027 — Session 2: Qualifying

• 7:30 AM — Check-in and equipment inspection

• 8:15 AM — Two ends of official practice, straight into scoring

Saturday, December 19, 2027 — Session 3: Recurve & Fixed Pin

• 12:15 PM — Check-in and equipment inspection

• 12:45 PM — Two ends of official practice, straight into matches

Sunday, December 20, 2027 — Session 4: Compound

• 7:30 AM — Check-in and equipment inspection

• 8:00 AM — Two ends of official practice, straight into scoring

Sunday, December 20, 2027 — Session 5: Barebow Eliminations

• 12:15 PM — Check-in and equipment inspection

• 12:45 PM — Two ends of official practice, straight into matches

Awards immediately follow the completion of each gold medal match.

Awards

Festive plush awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Tournament Insurance Waiver

By shooting in the tournament, you agree to the NFAA Archery Waiver. You do not need to bring a copy.

Wi-Fi Access

Desert Sky Archers Wi-Fi. Desert Sky has excellent Wi-Fi, but it is very expensive. Many have asked for the password to log onto our system. We offer this for a modest fee of $5 per family. It must be purchased at the time of registration so we can set up passwords and partitions. Sharing this password with anyone outside your immediate family results in removal and loss of the fee.

Ben Avery does have public Wi-Fi to surf the internet and check email, but it cannot handle heavy loads.

Photography

Desert Sky Archers takes photographs during the tournament and posts them on social media. The tournament is considered a public activity. Being at the tournament gives DSA permission to take your picture, use it on social media, and post it on our SmugMug photo-hosting site. You are entitled, free of charge, to any watermarked photo you wish — tell us which photo you want and it will be emailed to you.

Reminder

Use the quantity selector to match the number of sessions you registered for. If they do not match, we will use the number you pay for and select a session for you.