Highlights from the International Combat Archery Tournament 2023 at Archers Arena Toronto!
Hey all you archery aficionados from coast to coast! 🏹 If you missed out on the action last weekend, let us fill you in! On August 26, 2023, Archers Arena hosted its International Combat Archery Tournament, and oh boy, did it set the city on fire!
A Smackdown Like No Other🏹
Teams from Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, and, of course, our very own Toronto, took to the battlefield in a show of archery mastery that had us all at the edge of our seats! And the winners? Drum roll, please! 🥁
🥇 1st Place: "Casual Tease" from Ottawa
🥈2nd Place: “Tri-City Originals” from Montreal
🥉 3rd Place: "Untouchabows" from Toronto
Big props to the champs and all the teams who battled it out for glory! 🎯
Kudos to Our Coaches and Game Masters!👏
Could this event have been so smooth without our amazing coaches? We think not! Hats off to our refs Manny, Arian, Aravindan, Kelvin, and let's not forget our hype-man and games master Arshia. These guys were the oil in the machine, keeping everything flowing seamlessly. 🔥 👌🏻
One Big Archery Family ❤
What warmed our hearts the most was the archery community coming together. We had participants from all across Canada and the US, united by the love of hitting bullseyes and dodging arrows. Shoutout to all the teams for showing up and making it a memorable day! 🎉
The Excitement Continues...
Can't get enough? Neither can we! The excitement's only going to ramp up, folks. Stay tuned for the next epic showdown—we promise it's going to be even bigger, bolder, and more arrow-tastic! 🏆
So, Toronto and all you die-hard combat archers, are you ready for the next challenge? Keep those bows at the ready and quivers full; we're just getting started!
Till then, keep practicing those shots and may your arrows always find their mark! 🏹
Archers Assemble: Toronto's Epic Return to Combat Archery Tournament This August
We’re backkk… Ready for an archery showdown? Toronto's hosting the next Combat Archery Tournament this August, and it's going to be nothing short of epic. Yeah, you heard it right - the arrows will fly again from 7 pm until 11:30 pm, right here in The Six.
This time, the combat gets tougher, the battlefield more intense - the stakes? Well, they've never been higher. We've got four fierce teams ready to compete: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and for the first time ever, Boston! Yep, this isn't your run-of-the-mill Tri-City Tournament anymore - we're making room for our neighbors down south.
And for those of you who've been following us, you know it's been a hot minute since we had a tournament in Toronto due to COVID. But now, we're back in the game, and we're not just playing to participate; we're playing to bring that shiny cup back home!
Toronto team captain Josh had some choice words about the upcoming tournament.
“Hosting our first tournament since 2019 means a lot to us. After going to Ottawa this past May and winning, the energy in our community has spiked and the drive to defend our title for the first time since 2017 is alive and well. I think the recent impression our players made on the other cities is that for the first time since the pandemic, Toronto is a real threat and we want to make sure we show up in full force to meet the expectations our opponents have of us and the ones we have of ourselves”
Referencing their latest 1st place win during the Golden Acres Tournament in Ottawa as The Untouchabows last May 2023. But the anticipation doesn't stop there - did we mention that Toronto's own Team Captain Josh is not only a strategic mastermind on the field, but also a seasoned coach at Archers Arena? He's honed his skills through countless hours of training, not just for his own performance but also to help others unlock their potential in this adrenaline-pumping sport. So if you've ever thought about taking a shot at combat archery, remember, you might just be learning from a champ.
The Untouchabows and Captain/Coach Josh in action! 😱🔥
There's fighting spirit for you! Be sure to check out this highlight reel from last year's tournament that showcases the high-stakes action we've come to expect.
So, to the Montreal Originals, who won the last tournament back in 2019 by beating our pride and joy, The Untouchabows, with a 21-16 victory, we've got one thing to say: we've been counting down the days until our rematch. And Olivier, Montreal's team captain, we're especially looking forward to seeing you on the battlefield again. It's time to renew old rivalries and let the arrows do the talking.
Oh, and Boston, we haven't forgotten about you. We're eager to see what your A-team brings to the table. We're already training to face your best shot!
Now let's talk about the game format. We're gearing up for 5v5, a dynamic and thrilling style that brings out the best in each archer and amplifies team strategy.
As for the prizes? Hold onto your bows, folks - we're still working out the specifics. But we'll let you in on a little secret: we're talking about including Arena Bows in the prize pool. So, if you've been eyeing those sleek, swift bows we've got around here, this could be your chance to claim one.
As always, the rules of engagement will be announced closer to the tournament date, but you can expect the same exciting, adrenaline-pumping action that Combat Archery is known for.
And if you're one of our loyal fans, we invite you, with all the formality we can muster, to join us this August. Come cheer us on as we reclaim our title, right here in Toronto. Got any questions? Don't hesitate to hit us up at info@archersarena.com or call us at (647)-992-7362. We'll be posting updates, tournament rules, and venue details soon, so keep an eye on our social media channels - Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
"We're coming for the cup. We're bringing our best team, and we're ready to win," says Sam Lai, founder – CEO of Archers Arena. "So Montreal, Ottawa, and Boston teams, better watch out for us."
Toronto, it's time to bring it on. August, we're ready for you!
Montreal wins yet again, but which Toronto team will show up next?
Before we dive-in to the blog, we at Archers Arena would like to thank everyone for coming to the tournament and making it a big success. Special thanks to the teams, friends and family that travelled across from Montreal and Ottawa. We’d also like to thank the people behind the court, without their support wouldn’t have been possible.
Montreal Originals (OG) beat The Untoucha-bows to win the 4th Edition of the Tri-City Combat Archery Tournament on Friday, November 23 in Toronto.
From left to right - Members of Team Untoucha-bows and Montreal OG after the final match of the Tri-City Combat Archery Tournament held at Archers Arena, Toronto.
This was the third tournament, Montreal OG have won under Olivier’s leadership. This time around too, it wasn’t a cake-walk for the Montreal team - here are the highlights.
The 7-hour long event saw back-to-back matches between teams from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. The round-robin games saw each team compete against everyone and in the end the top four competed for guts and glory. Here is the round-robin points table from the game-day.
The points-table from the 4th Tri-City Combat Archery Tournament hosted by Archers Arena in Toronto.
Unstable Unicorns, the Ottawa team, took the third place while another Toronto Team – The Lollipops- came in fourth.
The Tri-city Combat Archery tournament is not only - a great way to promote the sport we all love across borders and beyond - but also a healthy way to keep the top-performing players and seasoned veterans in that competitive spirit.
The teams could go head-to-head next in Vegas tentatively on February 19th. If this doesn’t materialize the 5th Edition of the Tri-City Combat Archery Tournament is being planned alongside which will be held in Ottawa. The Archery Games Ottawa will be hosting the tournament sometime in February 2020. The organizers have decided that the tournament this time around will have a giant-ass Tri-City trophy and take-home team-plaques.
This February, Archers Arena will be travelling to Ottawa to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. And if you’re one of the beloved fans, members of the Archers Arena community from ‘The Six’ – you are all cordially (we can’ be more formal than this) to come and cheer for us in Ottawa.
The tournament will be held over the weekend, so you have even more reasons to join us. Feel free to email us at info@archersarena.com if you have any questions. You can even call at (647)-992-7362. We’ll be posting updates, tournament rules and venue details soon. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more.
While the Montreal has been consistently playing with their ‘A-team’, Toronto experimented by shuffling its players across different teams. This time however, Toronto is expected to stack its best players together.
“We’re coming for the throne. We’re going to be sending out our best team this time,” said Sam Lai, founder – CEO of Archers Arena. “So Ottawa and Montreal teams, better watch out for us.”
Ashley one of the crowd-favourite this year, struck the gong the maximum number of times during the tournament often saving her team entire matches. And coach Josh, the team-captain for The Untoucha-bows caught 3 arrows in magical Super Saiyan god level like mode. Here is the footage.
Who makes the final roster is a mystery as of now, but do comment below or share the names of your favourite coaches and/or players that you’d want to represent Toronto.
Tri-city Combat Archery Tournament comes to Toronto this Saturday
The 4th Edition of the Tri-City Combat Archery Tournament is going to be held on 23 Nov. 2019 in Toronto.
The event will be held at Archers Arena, also where the first edition of the tournament took place about 3 years ago. Archers Arena is located at 1140 Sheppard Ave West, Suite 3, Toronto.
The Tri-City tournament began as an initiative to promote the sport of Combat Archery not just in Toronto but all over eastern Canada.
“Three years ago, we reached out to five other Combat Archery locations in Canada. Since only three accepted, we’re called tri-city,” said Sam Lai, founder – CEO of Archers Arena.
Archers Arena hosted the first edition in October 2017, where Combat d'Archers from Montréal beat Archery Games and Archers Arena.
The Archers Arena team avenged the home-defeat 10 months later when Combat d'Archers hosted the second edition of the tournament in Montréal.
The third and latest edition of the tournament was hosted by Archery Games in Ottawa, where Combat d'Archers came out the winners yet again.
“This year we’ve all gotten better – we know new tricks, we’re all shooting faster, we’re more accurate, everyone is more experienced,” he said.
Since Archers Arena beat Combat d’Archers in Montreal, “this is now going to be a grudge match,” he said.
“We have to watch-out for Combat d'Archers Montréal’s A Team, headed by Olivier,” said Lai.
He said that Archery Games Ottawa, the underdogs, can’t be neglected as the number 2 guy works twice as hard.
Montreal has won two out of the three tri-city tournaments and will be looking to defend their title.
The participation/entrance fee per person is $35.
There are more standard rules this time around. Rules can be found here.
The Tri-city tournament is a great way to test your skills and strength in a safe and competitive environment. Regular players and top-performing amateurs could use this opportunity to rub shoulders with the professionals.
Torontonians are welcome to come and cheer for the home team.
If you have any questions, you are requested to email Archers Arena at info@archersarena.com or call at (647)-992-7362. The public can follow the tournament and keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too.
Archers Arena Toronto Tournament Format
Format consists of round robin matches, with the top 4 teams advancing to playoffs.
Teams
Each team roster have a minimum of 6 players and can have a maximum of 8 players.
Each team can have a maximum of 6 players on the field at any time. Up to 2 additional players (substitutes) can start on the sideline and rotate in as revivals occur.
Each Team must include 1 youth or opposite gender player. This player may start on the sideline, but as the revivals occur, this player must rotate in before any of the starting lineup players.
Equipment
Teams must use equipment supplied by Arches Arena.. No personal bows are permitted.
Personal masks and arm guards may be permitted but must be approved by Archers Arena staff.
Archers Arena bows specs:
22lb
110 fps at full draw
Available with and without finger tabs that can slide on the string.
Available with and without hand protection.
Players can pick any bow of their preference at the start and keep it for the whole tournament.
Hand Guard shown in picture
Round Robin Format.
Each team will play every other team at least once.
Each match consists of 4 games. Each game runs until full elimination. If elimination is not achieved by 2:30 minutes, the game goes into INVADER mode.
The Home team has priority to select bows and choose their starting side of the arena.
Teams will switch sides after the second game of the match.
Each winning game is worth 1 point. Each match has a maximum value of 4 points.
The top 4 teams are determined by the most wins during the round robin.
If there is a tie for number of wins, the teams will face off with a best of 3 where the winner of the round-robin match when those teams faced each other will decide start with arrows or run and losing team of the match will choose court side.
Match Format
Rules
Starting Whistle
Players must start with their whole body behind the red line
Neutral Zone
At the start of each match, arrows are placed in the neutral zone are in mirror setup with foams facing each other.. Referees will ensure all arrows are within the lines.
Players can be tagged while standing in the neutral zone, but are not permitted to shoot.
Players will be called OUT for:
Shooting or throwing from within the Neutral Zone or with a foot on or over the line.
Jumping shots that finish with a foot on or over the line. Jumping is 2 feet off the ground at the same time.
At any time during a game, more than one player is allowed to cross to the enemy court to retrieve a single arrow at a time. Each player must clear that single arrow by carrying it back completely over to their own side of the neutral zone before being allowed to return to the enemy court to retrieve another arrow. Players are valid targets and may be shot and eliminated during this process..
Sideline Zone
The sideline area is out-of-bounds between the sniper towers. Players are not allowed to hide in or shoot from the sideline.
If a player dodges into the sideline, they must quickly return to the playing area.
If a player lingers in the sideline, any shots are invalid and the player will be called out
Arrows
A player may have more than one arrow in their possession at any time.
There will be 20 arrows in play
A player may retrieve an arrow from the opposing side but they will be vulnerable to elimination by their opponents.
If a player catches an arrow while crossed over on the opposing side, that catch will count as a revival for their team, but the player must proceed to ‘clear’ that arrow by carrying to across the neutral zone to their side - remaining vulnerable to elimination the entire time.
A player is OUT if an arrow hits their body, anything on their body (clothing, hair), or anything they are carrying/holding (bow, arrow)..
Ricochets are not valid kills. Maximum of one kill per shot - double kills are not permitted.
A player can catch an incoming arrow, if they catch the arrow that hit them before that arrow contacts anything else, they are safe, and they get 1 revive for their team up to 6 players in play
If the arrow makes contact with any person, object or thing such as including wall, bunker, other player before the catch the arrow is dead and the player is out.
If hit while in possession of an arrow, a player must either drop the arrow in place, pass it to a teammate within an arm's length, or toss it towards the back wall before entering the sideline.
A player can “steal” any arrow facing any direction from the ground in the neutral zone. If there is a dispute between two players who grab the same arrow from the neutral zone, the player with the head gets possession.
Players are not allowed to grab arrows out of another players hand.
Arrows count as an extension of the body. If the arrow a player is holding is hit directly by an enemy arrow, or if it redirects the enemy arrow, it counts as a hit.
Bow
Each player must keep their bow in their possession at all times. You are not permitted to deliberately drop the bow on ground.
The bow counts as an extension of a player’s body, If the bow is hit or otherwise redirects an enemy arrow, it counts as a hit.
Targets and Gong
Each fully knocked out target revives a single player from the sideline.
A gong will be placed 7 ft high on the red line. Directly hitting the gong with the head or shaft of the arrow (no ricochets or indirect hits) will jailbreak/revive the whole team. You can use the gong at any point in the game but only ONCE per game.
Players are NOT ALLOWED TO BLOCK the targets or gong. a player who temporarily blocks the target while moving is forgivable, but crouching, sitting, or kneeling in front of the target or jumping to block the gong is not permitted and will be called out..
You will be called out if the referee judges that you are blocking the targets beyond reasonable play (i.e. standing with multiple players in front). This is solely at the referee’s discretion. Calls from other players are not accepted.
The first incident of blocking results in being called out. Any subsequent incidents will result in a yellow card.
Hitting players in front of the target is not viewed as a “wasted shot” as you have still removed a player from the other team AND the shooter will be granted a revive.
Revivals
Only a player who is standing in the sideline area can be revived. If a player is hit and has not reached the sideline when a revival occurs, they cannot be revived. *This rule aims to prevent players from lingering on the field. The referee has the discretion to allow a revival if they see an honest effort to reach the sideline.
Players are revived in the order they reach the sideline. A player who deliberately jumps the line will be called out and the team will waste one revival. Any subsequent line jumping by any player on that team will result in a yellow card.
When revivals occur, all players, including sidelined youth or opposite-gender players, must rotate back into play in the order in which they were knocked out. As long as the starting lineup included the youth/opposite gender player, they do not need to jump the line for revivals, but also cannot be permanently sidelined.
If revived by a target or a catch, a player has 5 seconds to touch the back wall on their side before rejoining play.
Hits to a player before they touch the back wall do not count.
Any player who grabs an arrow or interferes with game play before touching the Revival Zone will be called out and may be penalized (carded).
INVADER
If a game exceeds 2 minute 30 seconds, players will be able to shoot from the neutral zone, but not past the opponent Neutral Zone line. A player’s foot must be completely behind line.
Mercy
The last person remaining on a team may raise their hand and call themselves out. Also, after 20 seconds of inactivity (hiding, not moving, not attempting to fire/catch or hit a target), the referee may call the player out.
Stoppages of play
Due to safety issues (dislodged mask, fallen player) or game issues (target knocked over), the referee may need to stop play mid-game. When the referee whistles, players are to return to their fence and drop their arrow. Play resumes when the referee next whistles. Players will be penalized if they attempt to gain an unfair advantage during these periods (gathering or moving arrows).
Any player can call for stoppage of play by yelling “STOP! STOP! STOP!” if they notice a safety concern, such as a broken/unpadded arrow, dislodged mask, or injured player. All players are to repeat the stop call to bring it to the notice of the referee who can blow the whistle. If stoppage is called, all players should freeze until the reason for stoppage is addressed. Any hits, catches or targets hit after stop is called are not counted. Targets and arrows will be reset if needed.
Discussion During the Match:
If at any point during the match, a team has an issue or concern they may have one representative from the team (preferably the team captain) speak to either the referee or tournament organizer or tournament supervisor. Please try to discuss with the referee or supervisor only between games in a calm tone.
Noise & Safety
Noise levels during tournament play must be kept at a reasonable volume so players can hear each other and the referee’s whistle. At any pause in play, the Referee can inform players and spectators that the Noise rule is in effect.
Noise Rule:
This rule ensures that each team will have two players who are allowed to call directions to their team. These players will be the team captain and the first player eligible for revival. If the referee deems that a team is being too loud they will receive a warning. If they do not correct their volume they will receive a team yellow card and will start the next game with one player on the sideline.
Spectators will be asked to leave the area if they are unable to keep noise within appropriate levels this is determined by the referee, organizer, or supervisor.
Infractions
Verbal Warnings Issued for accidental/disputable rule infractions or smaller offences that do not have a major impact on game play..These are issued at the referee’s discretion.
Note: Verbal warnings are NOT REQUIRED before being issued a card for below infractions.
Yellow Card = Out for the rest of current game and sidelined for subsequent game**
A referee will issue a Yellow Cards for the following offences:
Retrieving more than one arrow from the Neutral Zone, or swiping multiple arrows onto your side. Players must clear the arrow by stepping out of the neutral zone onto their side.
Repeated or similar infraction despite receiving a previous verbal warning
Unsportsmanlike behavior. (not leaving the field after being hit)
Affecting play while tagged out (Firing an arrow, blocking targets or players, walking too slowly, etc)
Continued complaining or arguing with referees; yelling at the opposing team
Knocking over the targets on your side that the opposing team is shooting for revivals, or causing a major shift to the targets that affects play
Blocking the gong for Jail Break.
Crossing over to retrieve and arrow and deliberately obstructing an opponent’s view of incoming shots.
Two false starts
Excessive or unnecessary noise, including yelling, cheering, coaching, complaining, arguing, or heckling at other players or the ref.
Any play deemed by the referee to be unsafe
** For the game subsequent to the receipt of a Yellow Card, the yellow-carded player must start on the sideline, but can play the remainder of the match. As a result, the team must start the game with a 5-player lineup, but can use a revival to bring the team back to 6 players.
Red Card = Out for the match
A referee will issue a Red Card for the following offences:
A second Yellow Card offence in the same match results in an automatic red card
Aggressive behavior towards other players, the referee, or staff
Any violent or physical contact with another player, the referee, or staff
Continued complaining/arguing with refs; yelling over the field of play at the opposition
A player who receives a Red Card is immediately dismissed from play for the remainder of the match. As a result, regardless of the number of subs, the team must play with a 5 - player lineup for the remainder of the match. 2 red carded players means team must play with 4 - player lineup.
Cumulative Penalties
A player who receives 2 Red Cards or 5 Yellow Cards through the course of the tournament will be dismissed from play for rest of tournament. This dismissal takes effect immediately upon receipt of the final card. The dismissed player’s team must play short by the number of dismissed players for the remainder of the tournament. (i.e. 2 dismissals means 4 on field rather than 6.) Dismissed players are not eligible for a refund.
Note: Any player under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who is behaving in a manner that is disruptive or dangerous to play will receive 2 red cards, and will be dismissed from the tournament. The affected team will have to start with minus 1 player on the field for remainder of tournament.
Playoff Details: TBA
Changes and Additional Updates will be Posted Below:
If your bow unstrings during a game, exchange your bow with one of the extra bows available at the back of each court. Game play continues without interruption. If you are shot while your bow is unstrung, you are still out.
A player can only steal an enemy arrow Off the ground during run for arrows. You cannot take arrow off another player's hand.
When crossing to enemy side to take arrow, you cannot block, or screen an opponent. Screening will result in yellow card.
When you are crossing, you cannot throw arrows back to your side, you must clear it by stepping back to your side past the neutral zone, then you can go in again.
If you catch an enemy arrow on their side, you get a revive for your team but you must go back to clear that extra arrow before you go in to grab another.
If you catch an arrow on your own side when multiple arrows hit you simultaneously, you are eliminated, but you will still get a revive for your team.Refs call if it is clearly one arrow after another.
Arrows are lined up with nock on the line and head facing directly towards the opponent.
Start of Game will be READY …. GO (go will be within 1-3)
False start/Early start will result in a warning, 2 early starts for the same game will result in a yellow card.
Accidentally or Intentionally swiping an opponent arrow in the neutral zone will result in a yellow card.