Congress delegates accepted with a strong majority some important changes, including the
introduction of the mixed team event, a new format of competitions with set plays and the hit-miss scoring for compound!

A list of approved changes will be listed on the FITA website early September that will show all accepted motions.

The world of archery took again some major steps forward at the occasion of the 48th FITA Congress. As of 1 April 2010, the mixed team competitions that were introduced as exhibitions in 2009 will be official! The mixed team event consists of one man and one woman from the same team shooting four ends of four arrows in a match.

As of 1 April 2010, archers will have to win three sets to win their matches. Each end of three arrows will count as a set. Of course, tie-breaks, as they occur, may still be required!

Congress also sent a clear message to give more identity to compound and differentiate their competitions. Compound means, ultimate accuracy and athletes will be able to prove it with the hit-miss scoring system. Compound archers will shoot at 50 metres with a very challenging hit zone target! The new set system, that was voted in will also apply. In order to give teams and archers time to adapt, to the hit-miss system, there will be first introduced at the medal
finals at the World Cup stages next year but will only be made official for World Championships, major games, etc. as of 1 April 2011.

World archery has also given more time for young archers to develop. Cadets will now be able to shoot in their category through the year of their 17th birthday and juniors through the year of their 20th birthday. This will help the transition to true elite level. For practical reasons, this new rule will be applied as of 1 January 2010.

FITA had the pleasure to confirm eight new Member Associations Algeria, Afghanistan, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Guinea, Montenegro and Tunisia.

Last but not least, the new World Archery logo has been officially presented in style to Congress!

Prof Dr Ugur Erdener was brilliantly re-elected as FITA President during the second day of the 48th FITA Congress in Ulsan, Korea. A very appreciative Prof Dr Erdener proposed to re-appoint Mr Tom Dielen as Secretary General, who was warmly applauded by the congress delegates.

IOC Member Prof Dr Erdener TUR and Tom Dielen BEL will carry their second 4-year mandate with one goal in mind continue the successful World Archery Plan.

The World Archery Plan is a long-term strategic plan that intends to make archery an
internationally recognised important Olympic Sport. Since 2007, the world of archery is working on five targets Identity, Events, Promotion, Partnerships and Expansion. Focus groups have been tackling the various aspects of the plans with concrete actions, for example