What to Buy for an Archery Competition

An archery competition needs more than bows and targets. Plan equipment for every shooting group, plus spares for damaged arrows, missing finger protection and equipment changes during the day. You will also need safety barriers, scoring supplies, registration materials and a practical drinks and snack station. This shopping list covers the items that are easiest to overlook when preparing the range and the welcome area.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Recurve bowsqty 12
Spare bowsqty 2
Competition arrowsqty 72
Spare arrowsqty 24
Arrow quiversqty 12
Armguardsqty 12
Finger protectorsqty 12
Bow standsqty 12
Shooting targetsqty 6
Target facesqty 12
Goal standsqty 6
Safety netsqty 4
Arrow pullerqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 6
Starting bell
Bollardsqty 16
Barrier tapeqty 4

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Party tentqty 2
High tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Portetalkiesqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Calculatorsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 6
Prize ribbonsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one spare bow and several spare arrows for each shooting group, rather than relying on a single backup for the whole competition. Check that arrows match the bows before participants arrive.
Provide one armguard and finger protector per archer, with a few extra sets available. These small items are often forgotten until shooting starts, when sharing them causes delays.
Use enough safety netting, bollards and barrier tape to mark the complete shooting area, not just the firing line. Inspect the boundary before setup and leave a clear route for collecting arrows.
Prepare one scorecard and a working scoring board for each active group, plus extras for mistakes or rain damage. Keep the starting bell at the range so every group hears the same signal.
For a half-day competition, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 to 2 drinks per person for each following hour. Put coolers, reusable cups and serving supplies near the catering table, and keep coffee equipment separate from the shooting area.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an archery competition?: You need bows, competition arrows, quivers, armguards, finger protectors, bow stands, targets, target faces and target stands. Add spare bows and arrows, an arrow puller, safety netting and scoring equipment for a reliable setup.
How many arrows should I buy for an archery competition?: Plan enough competition arrows for every archer in one shooting group, plus at least 10% to 20% extra for lost or damaged arrows. For 20 archers using 3 arrows per end, start with at least 66 arrows if the format allows all 20 to shoot together.
How much safety equipment is needed for an archery range?: Use enough safety netting, bollards and barrier tape to close the full shooting area and its sides. Inspect the range at least 60 minutes before the first shot, including the space behind the targets and the route used to retrieve arrows.
What food and drink supplies do I need for an archery competition?: For a four-hour event, allow about 5 to 7 drinks per person in total, adjusting for weather and activity. Bring coolers, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters, snacks and any coffee equipment needed for the catering table.

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