An arbalist, also spelled arbelist, is one who shoots a crossbow

Crossbow

A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, often called bolts or quarrels. The medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of which derived from the word ballista, a torsion engine resembling a crossbow in appearance.Historically, crossbows played a...

.

Equipment and Competition

Arbalists shoot crossbows markedly different from medieval artillerymen. Current-day target crossbows must conform to various limitations according to the governing body under which the shoot or tournament

Tournament

A tournament is a competition involving a relatively large number of competitors, all participating in a sport or game. More specifically, the term may be used in either of two overlapping senses:...

 is taking place. Firstly, GNAS

Grand National Archery Society

The Grand National Archery Society is the governing body for the sport of archery in the United Kingdom. Under this main body are 8 Regional Societies and then many different county societies. It is affiliated to FITA, the Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc and is a member of the British...

 requires that arbalists shoot at targets separate from archers. Both the World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) and GNAS require that the draw weight maximum be 95 lbs and that the minimum bolt (arrow) length be 12 inches. These organizations differ, however, in allowable maximum bolt length, GNAS citing 15", WCSA 18". They also disagree as to whether metal prods can be used; GNAS says no, WCSA says yes (with restrictions). Both require that the bolts shall be fletched

Fletching

Fletching is the aerodynamic stabilization of arrows or darts with materials such as feathers, each piece of which is referred to as a fletch. The word is related to the French word flèche, meaning "arrow," via Old French; the ultimate root is Frankish fliukka...

, GNAS imposing an additional constraint of the number of fletchings (three).

Classification

GNAS

Grand National Archery Society

The Grand National Archery Society is the governing body for the sport of archery in the United Kingdom. Under this main body are 8 Regional Societies and then many different county societies. It is affiliated to FITA, the Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc and is a member of the British...

 recognizes three grades of arbalist, Master Arbalist (scoring 780 or higher in three qualifying Crossbow Windsor Rounds

Target archery

Modern competitive archery is governed by the World Archery Federation, abbreviated WA . Olympic rules are derived from WA rules. WA is the International Olympic Committee's recognized governing body for all of archery.Currently 142 nations are represented by WA archery governing bodies...

) Arbalist 1st Class (scoring 630 or higher) and Arbalist 2nd Class (480). A Crossbow Windsor Round is shot on a 60 cm 10-zone face scoring 9,7,5,3,1; three ends at 40 yards, three at 50 yards and three at 60 yards.

Archery Australia recognizes five classifications: Grand Master Arbelist (GMA), Master Arbelist (MA), First Class Arbelist (A1), Second Class Arbelist (A2), and Third Class Arbelist (A3).

Awards

The World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) makes available four sets of Star Achievement Awards (badges) to encourage both participation in tournaments and to provide recognition for reaching certain scores: TC 900 for outdoor target crossbow, SC 600 for outdoor sport crossbow, Indoor 40 for indoor 40 cm face for both target and sport crossbow, and Indoor 25 for indoor 25 cm face for both target and sport crossbow.

External links

• Grand National Archery Society GNAS official website
• Archery Australia Official website
• World Crossbow Shooting Association WCSA official website
• International Crossbow Shooting Union IUA official website
• The National Crossbowmen of the USA TNC official website

See also

• Archery
  Archery
  Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
  
  
• Laws on crossbows
  Laws on crossbows
  The crossbow often has a complicated legal status due to its lethality and its similarities with both firearms and other archery weapons.-Australia:Pistol crossbows are strictly controlled in all Australian states due to their concealable nature...
  
  
• Crossbow
  Crossbow
  A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, often called bolts or quarrels. The medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of which derived from the word ballista, a torsion engine resembling a crossbow in appearance.Historically, crossbows played a...