These notes are issued as Guidance only and are intended to supplement but not replace the Rules contained in the Society's Records.

1. The competition is open to Gentlemen Archers of not less than 21 years of age, shooting the longbow, recurve bow or other traditional bow. At the Captain's discretion non-residents of the British Isles may compete, but any Trophy won by them must remain in the hands of the Trustees until the next Meeting.

2. The competitors are expected to assemble on the Ground at 10.00am. Shooting commences at 10.30am and will be for two hours before lunch and two hours after lunch. Places to be drawn by lot.

3. Shooting is at 100 yards. Range (Targets 102 to 105 yards apart) in two directions, two arrows only at each end. Standard 4ft dia. Targets at standard height. Target faces to be marked with a 3" dia. Inner gold, coloured black.

4. The Captain and Lieutenant have the privilege of shooting first in order that they may be given the opportunity of retaining their titles.

5. The Archer to make the first hit in the inner gold becomes Winner of the Ancient Scorton Arrow and acts as Captain for the ensuing year and becomes Captain Designate.

6. Should there be two or more arrows in the inner gold at the same end, that nearest the centre is adjudged the Winner.

7. The Archer to make the first hit in the Red becomes holder of the Silver Bugle and acts as Lieutenant for the ensuing year.

8. Likewise should there be two or more Arrows in the Red at the same end, that nearest the centre is adjudged the winner.

9. Should the Captaincy be won by an Archer who has already won the Lieutenancy, the Lieutenancy is then awarded to the Archer who obtained the Second Red.

10. On the winning of the Captaincy and the Lieutenancy , the present Captain and Lieutenant should proceed to the Winners Targets to witness, confirm, and congratulate the Winners.

11. The Ancient Horn Spoon is awarded to the Archer making the Worst White at the last end.

12. The Following 'subscriptions' Prizes are also for competition;-
(a) 'Premier' Gold Medal For Most Hits.
(b) Gold Medal For Highest Score.
(c) Phillips Silver Cup For Best Gold.

13. All of the Trophies, presented at the end of the Meeting are, and remain, the sole property of The Society of Archers, and are placed in the trust and safe keeping of the Trophy winner until the following meeting at which they should be returned, to be competed for again. All Prizes are transferable except the Phillips Silver Cup, which is transferable until won by the same Archer for three successive years.

14. Competitors may not take more than one "Scorton" Trophy and one "Subscription" Trophy.

15. It is obligatory for each competitor, Captain and Lieutenant excepted, to subscribe 10/- to a Pool, from which he receives back or adds to the following scale:-
First hit in the Inner Gold (Captain Designate) 10/-
First hit in the Red (Lieutenant Designate) 5/-

For each subsequent hit in the gold the archer receives 2/- and 1/- for each Red, Blue or Black, but pays 1/- forfeit to the Pool for each hit in the White.

16. The Captain is entitled to receive 10/- from the Pool on returning the Arrow the following year, but be it noted there is no record of any Captain having claimed this money since the inception of the Competition. The Lieutenant receives 5/- for the Bugle.

17. If the Pool runs out, the Captain calls for another contribution from each competitor.

18. Any balance remaining in the Pool at the end of the Competition is awarded to the Winner of the Ancient Horn Spoon.

19. Sweepstake:- It is usual for Competitors to contribute a VOLUNTARY subscription of 10/- each towards a Sweepstake for the 'Best Gold' and 5/- each towards a Sweepstake for the 'Most Golds' but this is not compulsory.
The Sweepstake prizes are as follows for both sweeps:-
First Prize 50% of Sweepstake
Second Prize 30% of Sweepstake
Third Prize 20% of Sweepstake

20. Captains and Lieutenants are allowed to provide themselves with Commemorative Badges at their own expense from the Clerk. The winner of the 'Bugle' should add a sliver link with his name and year engraved upon it.

21. Only Archers born or resident in Yorkshire are eligible to compete for the 'Thirsk Insignia', as follows:-
The Silver Arrow and Gold Embroidered Belt For the Highest Score
The Silver Bugle For the Greatest Number of Hits
The Silver Medal For the Best Gold
No person to take more than one Prize in this group.

22. Should any dispute arise during the Shooting in respect of the Prizes the same to be determined by the majority of Archers present. It shall be the Judge's duty to determine any such majority.

23. Any competitor proved cursing or swearing during the Meeting shall be fined 1/-, or such penalty as the Captain shall decide, to be collected by the Judge, for the use of the poor of the Parish.

24. An Archer obtaining two inner golds at one end shall receive one shilling from each competitor, to be collected by the Judge.

25. It is compulsory for all Competitors to dine with the Captain and Lieutenant during the interval, and if anyone shall refuse or neglect to do so shall be excluded from the Meeting and Prize List and Records. They shall pay their share of the expenses of the Meeting and shall lose and forfeit the privilege of shooting in the round next following after Luncheon.

26. All Gentlemen taking Luncheon with the Captain and Lieutenant shall wear a Jacket or Blazer and Tie or Cravat.

27. The Annual Meeting is held after the Luncheon, the Captain acts as Chairman and it is usual for the Lieutenant to read the Minutes of the last Meeting which are signed by the Captain. The Clerk shall make notes of the meeting to assist the Captain.

28. The total expenses of the Meeting shall be borne equally by the Competitors.

29. The immediate past Captain, Captain, Captain-Designate and Clerk are Trustees responsible for the safe custody of the Arrow and the Trophies.

30. The Rules of Shooting, etc., can be altered as laid down in Rule 6 of 1823, Vol. 1 page 63.

31. At the end of the Meeting the Captain-Designate becomes Captain for the ensuing year and is responsible for selecting the date and venue, which must be within the Ridings of Yorkshire, for the next meeting and, assisted by the Lieutenant, must make all arrangements.

These include:-
(a) Printing and issue of Notices of Meeting: These must be forwarded to Members of the Society (all those who entered the previous contest) at least four weeks before the date of the Meeting.
(b) Advertising: The Meeting must be advertised in the "Dates to Remember" section of the "Archery UK" at least two months before the date of the Meeting by the Clerk.
(c) Collection of Entry Fee: An entry fee of £20.00 is payable by intending Competitors on application for entry, towards part of the expenses of Meeting, Luncheon, etc, this shall count as part of the costs of the Meeting.
(d) Arrange for supply of Targets, field layout, tents, etc.
(e) Collect Subscriptions and pay all expenses incurred.
(f) Collect Sweepstakes, "Pool" monies and arrange for division of Prize monies.
(g) Arrange for and instruct Scorers.
(h) Make provisions for Luncheon and Tea.
(i) Act as Chairman of the Meeting following Luncheon, and write the description of the Competition, Minutes of the A.G.M., results, etc., for entry in the Record Book.
(j) Appoint a Judge to assist in the control and running of the Meeting.
(k) Pay Insurance Premiums (for Insurance of Trophies and cover against 3rd party risk at Meeting).
(l) All meals for Guests must be paid for with the Competitors entry. (See entry forms)

The Clerk to the Captain will advise and assist in all the above matters.

Revised May 2003