The first archery competitions were held in the 1900s and designed to test the ability and skill levels of each archer. Eventually, the archery competitions expanded to include different divisions and categories to match the different levels and equipment. "Freestyle" is one of these divisions. These competitions are organized and regulated by various organizations, such as the International Field Archery Association (IFAA) and the National Field Archery Association (NFAA).
Divisions
The freestyle division at archery competitions has several subdivisions determined by the various types of equipment and accessories. For example, Freestyle Limited Compound includes compound bows, while the Freestyle Limited Recurve Division is for traditional archers using recurve bows. Other freestyle subdivisions include the Bowhunter Freestyle and Freestyle. Each subdivision has a "limited" or "unlimited" tag that refers to the different types of equipment that are allowed.
Unlimited
The unlimited division of freestyle archery includes specific rules and regulations that each archer must follow. You may use any type of sight, including fixed-pin or adjustable sights. You may also use any type of release aid, but it must be hand-operated. If you use a rear stabilizer, it is not allowed to touch your body.
Limited
Similar to the unlimited division, the limited division includes specific rules that each archer must follow to compete within that division. You may use any type of sight, similar to the unlimited division, but there are more restrictions regarding release aids. The release aid is limited to gloves, tabs or fingers, making the limited division ideal for traditional archers.
Youth
Most archery competitions include a youth division within the freestyle divisions. The age group may range among the competitions, but they typically include 18 or 16 and under. This additional freestyle division allows young archers to compete against each other instead of the adult shooters.
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