Originally the EFAA began as a comparatively small group of clubs, primarily in East Anglia, and affiliated to the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) in America. The basic connection being a number of U.S. Servicemen stationed over here who had also founded the Archery Association of Europe (AAE). The type of Field Archery practiced at that time (mid '60's), was all unmarked distances, usually Animal rounds with bushes and similar obstructions between archer and target. Consequently, the sport favoured both skill and the lucky shot and, had a healthy appetite for wooden arrows.

The Americans had other ideas. Their brand of Field Archery was to practice for what they considered to be the 'real thing.' Therefore, to achieve consistency, they used the best, most accurate equipment and shot at known distances with completely clear shots. This gave a good formula for improving the most inconsistent part: the archer, but could also be hard on the ego without the luck factor. However, those original English clubs were soon renowned for the shooting standard of their members, who always were well in evidence in comparison with the rival association, the British Field Archery Association (BFAA).

By 1970, it was apparent that the two national bodies (EFAA & BFAA) could not practically coexist, principally because of the growing interest in Field archery. The NFAA concept had brought about the formation of the International Field Archery Association (IFAA), whose constitution recognised only a single governing body for the sport in each country. As the EFAA was already a founder member, together with the Scottish and Welsh Associations, it was decided that the BFAA should amalgamate with the EFAA hence the two bows on the badge of the 'new' EFAA, to represent the amalgamation.

At this time, the main shooting divisions, on styles, were Freestyle and Barebow, the former using the same equipment as Target archers, with the addition of a peep or string sight if desired. The barebow archers used an accurate combination of string finger positions and anchorage positions (string and face walking) to cater for the different distances of the standard rounds, the best systems always using the point of the arrow for direct aiming.

The other division, Bowhunter, was not as popular, probably because it entailed 'gap' shooting (indirect aiming) and consequently may not have appealed as readily to the positive approach of eliminating the variables.

Over recent years, the Bowhunter Divisions have become more popular, due to 'new' shooting styles allowing the use of fixed five pin sights and trigger releases. These devices, together with the compound bow, have made Bowhunter second in popularity to Freestyle, this now comprising Unlimited and Limited sections; the Unlimited being allowed the use of trigger releases.

Also, the Unlimited Freestyle archer, from the earliest days of the style, was allowed the use of a 'scope sight and, from a recent Rule change, all Freestyle archers may now use a magnifying sight if they wish.

International interest has continued to grow, and the IFAA now has a truly world wide membership of countries, and European and World Championships are held.

GLYN WILDMAN

(EFAA President 1996)