An arbalist, also spelled arbelist, is one who shoots a

crossbow A crossbow is a ranged weapon using an elastic launching device consisting of a bow-like assembly called a ''prod'', mounted horizontally on a main frame called a ''tiller'', which is hand-held in a similar fashion to the stock of a long fir ...

Background

An extensive list of archaic words for medieval crossbowmen is given by Payne-Gallwey. Richardson, in his 1839 dictionary, did not make specific reference to the crossbow in his definition of arbalist: "One who casts or shoots from a bow." Hansard (1841) used the word ''arbalister'' for a cross-bowman (sic), the same usage as Webster and Johnson who reserved the word arbalist for the crossbow itself. Smith uses arbalist to describe a ''maker'' of crossbows.

Equipment and competition

Modern arbalists shoot crossbows markedly different from medieval artillerymen. Current-day target crossbows must conform to various limitations according to the governing body under which the shoot or

tournament A tournament is a competition involving at least three competitors, all participating in a sport or game. More specifically, the term may be used in either of two overlapping senses: # One or more competitions held at a single venue and concen ...

is taking place. Firstly, GNAS requires that arbalists shoot at targets separate from archers. Both the World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) and GNAS require that the draw weight maximum be 95 lbs and that the minimum bolt (arrow) length be 12 inches. These organizations differ, however, in allowable maximum bolt length, GNAS citing 15", WCSA 18". They also disagree as to whether metal prods can be used; GNAS says no, WCSA says yes (with restrictions). Both require that the bolts shall be fletched, GNAS imposing an additional constraint of the ''number'' of fletchings (three).

Classification

GNAS recognizes three grades of arbalist, ''Master Arbalist'' (scoring 780 or higher in three qualifying Crossbow Windsor Rounds) ''Arbalist 1st Class'' (scoring 630 or higher) and ''Arbalist 2nd Class'' (480). A Crossbow Windsor Round is shot on a 60 cm 10-zone face scoring 9,7,5,3,1; three ends at 40 yards, three at 50 yards and three at 60 yards.

Archery Australia Archery Australia (AA) is the governing body for the sport of archery in Australia. History The body was founded in Sydney on 17–18 January 1948 as the Archery Association of Australia. In 1993, the body took its current name of Archery Aust ...

recognizes five classifications: ''Grand Master Arbelist'' (GMA), ''Master Arbelist'' (MA), ''First Class Arbelist'' (A1), ''Second Class Arbelist'' (A2), and ''Third Class Arbelist'' (A3).

Awards

The World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) makes available four sets of Star Achievement Awards (badges) to encourage both participation in tournaments and to provide recognition for reaching certain scores: ''TC 900'' for outdoor target crossbow, ''SC 600'' for outdoor sport crossbow, ''Indoor 40'' for indoor 40 cm face for both target and sport crossbow, and ''Indoor 25'' for indoor 25 cm face for both target and sport crossbow.

References

External links