The 2016 Alabama Recreation and Parks State Archery was held August 6 at Dothan’s Eastgate Archery Range. This was the 5th time this tournament was held and Dothan has been proud to host it every time. There was a total of 72 archers from Ozark, Hoover, Tallassee, Andalusia, Daleville, Cullman and Dothan participating.
The age divisions are 10-12 (Cubs); 13-14 (Youth); 15-18 (Juniors); and Therapeutic I, II, and III divisions.
The age groups are further broken down into two types of bows that were used. The Bare bow divisions are based on the NASP school model. Bows must be less than 30 pounds draw weight and no sights or release aids are allowed. The Open bow divisions may use any equipment but, there are arrow speed limits for each participant. The Cubs speed limit is 230 feet per second. The Youth speed limit is 240 feet per second and the Juniors limit is 260 feet per second. Every Open bow shooter must verify their speed by shooting through a chronograph right before competing.
This event is unique because of the integration of the therapeutics participants. They shoot in the same venue, right in the middle of the tournament. They are included in every aspect and often shoot right beside a “normal” shooter. There are three divisions two accommodate their personal skill levels.
The 2017 ARPA State tournament will again be held in Dothan next August at the Eastgate Archery range.