COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Archery has announced a series of important updates to the United States Archery Team (USAT) athlete selection procedures, international team athlete selection procedures and competition rules for 2026.
These mark a significant step forward in the organization’s continued effort to strengthen athlete pathways, enhance competitive experiences, and align with recent World Archery (WA) rule changes. Updates will impact youth, senior, and para divisions, reflecting a comprehensive approach to long-term athlete development.
Beginning in 2026, all USAT events will adopt WA’s latest tie-breaking procedures, with ties now decided first by total X-count and then by the total number of 10s. This change promotes consistency across domestic and international competition and ensures that U.S. athletes are fully prepared for global standards.
USA Archery continues to elevate opportunities for young athletes, investing in pathway expansion and event accessibility. A key update is the addition of the U15 category at all USAT Qualifier Series Events, beginning next season.
U15 athletes must attend a minimum of three USAT events in 2026 (versus two USAT events in 2025), creating a clearer and more structured path to national-level competition. These changes are designed to provide consistent exposure to high-quality competition and increased developmental support for the next generation of archers.
The Senior division will see one of the most significant updates with the introduction of Qualification Round Bonus Points. These bonus points are tied directly to achieving designated 72-Arrow Minimum Qualification Scores (MQS), rewarding exceptional performance with negative points that reduce an athlete’s overall ranking score.
Importantly, there is no cap on the number of qualification round bonus points an athlete may earn, and both 72-Arrow rounds at Target Nationals will offer bonus opportunities. All bonus points will be removed one calendar year after they are earned, or when the same event occurs the following year, ensuring that rankings reflect current competitive form.
Para athletes will benefit from a series of updates designed to align with recent WA rule modifications and further support long-term development. Beginning in 2026, the W1 division will transition to the Set System for elimination rounds, bringing the format in line with revised World Archery rules. When applicable, W1 athletes will participate in W1 only combined gender elimination rounds when applicable, with participation criteria determined by category size.
Additionally, Para athletes will no longer be permitted to drop USAT ranking points from the required event Target Nationals or the U.S. Open, emphasizing the importance of performance at premier national events.
Youth Para development is another area of focused growth. USA Archery has further clarified how to make Youth Para USAT beginning in 2027, with the introduction of new Para U21, U18 and U15 MQS standards. To provide meaningful competitive experience in the interim, para youth athletes will be combined with non-para categories for eliminations at USAT events. The top three athletes per category will be named to U21, U18 and U15 Para USAT.
Athletes, coaches, and parents are encouraged to review the updated USAT Selection Procedures and international team selection procedures prior to the 2026 event season. Update athlete and staff selection procedures include:
USA Archery has also announced updates to the Athlete Stipend and Support documents for 2026, to include information on athlete stipends, Elite Athlete Health Insurance and international event athlete funding, and more.
For more information contact [email protected].
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