Licenses

Licenses in Austria

The term "licenses" is a source of confusion for many archers in Austria. What are they, why do I need them, and, most importantly, how do I get one? This leaves many archers with questions. This article attempts to clear up these confusions and explain how to apply for one. Let's start with some frequently asked questions:

Do I need a license to shoot in tournaments?

This question can only be answered with a YES/NO. It depends on which tournaments I want to compete in. If I practice archery as a hobby and recreational sport (popular sport), I do NOT need a license to participate in tournaments. If I want to practice archery competitively (competitive tournaments) (shooting against squad limits, participating in major competitions), I do need a license.

WA, ÖBSV, IFAA, HDH-IAA, AAA-3D – is a license valid here?

No, the ÖBSV license is only valid for ÖBSV, WA, and IFAA tournaments. For HDH-IAA and AAA-3D competitive tournaments, I need a separate license.

Who can apply for a license?

In principle, any shooter 10 years and older can apply for a license. However, each shooter should consider whether they have the ability and maturity for these competitions. The chairperson generally decides on maturity and the application. (Possible proof of the Red-White-Red Arrow test and tournament readiness may be required for the ÖBSV license.) Shooters without a club cannot apply for an ÖBSV license—but they can apply for an AAA-3D license.

How much does a license cost?

A license from the ÖBSV costs €25 for the General Class, Seniors I, and Seniors II (i.e., all those born in 2000 or later). It costs €15 for Juniors (born 2001-2003), €5 for Cadets (born 2004-2006), and €0 for Students I and Students II (born 2011-2007). If you wish to print the license in credit card format, the license fee increases by €5.

The AAA-3D license costs €10 for adults (everyone 18 years and older), and is free for youth (ages 10 to 17). The HDH-IAA license costs €15 for everyone. If you want to purchase the AAA-3D and HDH-IAA licenses as a package, it costs €20 for adults and €15 for youth (ages 10 to 17).

When can I apply for a license?

ÖBSV licenses can be applied for for the following year starting November 1st. However, they will only be released once the club membership fee and license fee have been paid.

AAA-3D licenses must be applied for and paid for no later than March 31st of the year in which they are valid (or 8 days before the first cup tournament of the year).

How long is a license valid?

The ÖBSV license is always valid until January 31 of the following year. The AAA license is valid for the current year. Licenses issued through AAA-3D in 2020 remain valid in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Author:
Katrin Göltl is... an instinctive archer, youth leader, and secretary at BSV Zurndorf. She is a two-time European and HDH-IAA Junior World Champion and has achieved numerous national and international successes with the instinctive bow.