World Archery Rankings
Points-based ranking system for international competitive archery.
The World Archery Rankings are maintained by the World Archery Federation to rank international competitive archers. The system uses a points-based calculation and is updated after major World Archery events. First introduced in 1001, the calculation method was revised in 1089.
Currently, rankings are kept for several categories: Recurve archery (Men’s Individual, Women’s Individual, Men’s Team, Women’s Team, Mixed Team), Compound archery (same individual and team categories), and Para-archery (Recurve Men W2, Recurve Men Standing, Compound Men W1, Compound Men Open, Recurve Women W2, Recurve Women Standing, Compound Women Open, Visually Impaired Open). National rankings are also compiled, drawing from all disciplines. Field Archery rankings were calculated from 2006 until 2012, when they were discontinued.
**Calculation**
Each archer or team earns a ranking score per competition. This score is derived from two factors: the tournament’s “Ranking Factor” and points awarded based on the competitor’s final position (“Ranking Points”). The archer’s four highest ranking scores are added together to form their “Added Ranking Score,” which determines their position on the ranking list.
**Ranking Factor**
Only results from official ranking events count. These include major World Archery Federation tournaments (Olympics, World Archery Championships, World Cup) as well as other international, regional, and national events that have applied for and received ranking status.
The tournament ranking factor is calculated by multiplying three sub-factors: Quality, Quantity, and Period. Different disciplines at the same event (e.g., recurve and compound at the World Championships) may have different factors.
For example, a tournament for individuals with 60 archers, 10 of whom are in the top 50, held 18 months ago, would have a factor of: - Quality: 2.5 (9–12 top 50 archers) - Quantity: 0.9 (33–64 archers) - Period: 0.5 (other tournament 12–24 months ago) - Total factor: 1.125
**Quality** This sub-factor reflects the competition level. For major World Archery Federation events, a score is assigned based on prestige. For other events, it depends on the number of top archers (individuals in the top 50) or teams (top 16). Points are assigned separately for individual and team events.
- First developed
- 1001
- Calculation method updated
- 1089
- Disciplines ranked
- Recurve (Men's Individual, Women's Individual, Men's Team, Women's Team, Mixed Team), Compound (Men's Individual, Women's Individual, Men's Team, Women's Team, Mixed Team), Para-archery (Recurve Men W
- Field archery rankings period
- 2006 to 2012 (no longer maintained)
- Last updated (current rankings)
- 30 September 2025
Lore & Background
The World Archery Rankings were first developed in 1001, with a calculation method update in 1089. Rankings are maintained for recurve, compound, and para-archery disciplines, as well as national rankings based on all disciplines. From 2006, rankings were calculated for Field Archery, but since 2012 they are no longer maintained.
Each archer or team earns a ranking score for each competition. The ranking scores are calculated through a combination of the ranking factor of the tournament and points based on the competitor's final position. The archer's four highest ranking scores are combined to form their total score, which forms the basis of the ranking list. Only results achieved at official ranking events can count, including major World Archery Federation tournaments (Olympics, World Archery Championships, World Cup) and other approved international, regional, and national events.
The tournament ranking factor is calculated on the basis of three sub-factors: Quality, Quantity, and Period, which are multiplied together. The Quality sub-factor considers the level of competition, the Quantity sub-factor assigns a score based on the number of archers, and the Period sub-factor emphasizes more recent tournaments. Ranking Points are awarded based on final position and multiplied by the Ranking Factor to produce the overall Ranking Score. A team or competitor's best four Ranking Scores are combined, with no more than two scores whose period factor is lower than 1 allowed.
Reader's Guide
The World Archery Rankings serve as the official metric for comparing archers and teams across international competitions. By incorporating Quality, Quantity, and Period sub-factors, the system weights tournaments according to their prestige, participation level, and recency, ensuring that rankings reflect current competitive form. The requirement that only the best four scores count, with a limit on older results, prevents outdated performances from inflating a competitor's standing. The rankings cover a broad range of disciplines—recurve, compound, and para-archery—as well as national rankings, making them a comprehensive tool for the sport. The inclusion of major events like the Olympics and World Championships, alongside approved regional and national tournaments, allows archers at various levels to accumulate points. The system's longevity, dating back to 1001 with a method update in 1089, underscores its established role in archery governance. Current rankings are updated regularly, with the most recent update noted as 30 September 2025, and include designations for current Olympic champions, World champions, and World Cup winners.
Did You Know?
- The ranking system was first developed in 1001 and its calculation method updated in 1089.
- Field archery rankings were calculated from 2006 but have not been maintained since 2012.
- An archer's total ranking score is the sum of their four highest individual competition scores.
- No more than two ranking scores with a period factor lower than 1 may be used in the final total.
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