Jordan holds first national archery judging course

Jordan has taken an important step in developing its local officiating structure with the organisation of the country’s first national archery judging course.

Held from 22-29 August at the Jordan Paralympic Committee in Amman, the national initiative brought together 20 participants with an interest in archery and judging. Following the training and examination, 13 participants qualified as national judges.

The course was led by Dr Ahmed Koura, an experienced international judging instructor, who delivered practical and theoretical training throughout the week.

The national judges course course covered the fundamentals of judging, including venue layout, safety, equipment inspection, shooting procedures and time control, scoring and calling arrow values.

Koura said the participants showed “passion and commitment” throughout the course, while also praising the federation’s preparation and organisation.

“The participants had great passion into archery and judging,” Koura said, noting that most of the participants had a connection to the sport and demonstrated a good level of English, which was required for the examination.

The course came at an important time for archery in Jordan. Following the appointment of a new Executive Board at the Jordanian Archery Federation last year, and previous efforts to organise local archery tournaments, the federation identified the need to qualify judges who could oversee competitions in the country.

The newly qualified judges are expected to help raise the level of archery competitions in Jordan as they gain practical experience.

“The new judges team will raise the level of archery competitions in Jordan especially after gaining practical experience,” Koura said.

For Koura, however, the course represents only the beginning of the development of judging in the country.

“This is the first step and the judges will be developed by time,” he said.

The certificates were presented during the Archery Jordan Cup, giving the newly qualified judges an opportunity to mark the completion of their training within the country’s competition environment.

The judging course comes as Jordan continues to develop its structures and opportunities for athletes.

In 2024, World Archery accepted the federation’s request to transfer its membership from the Jordanian National Shooting Federation to the Jordanian Archery Federation, with the new federation’s name subsequently updated on the World Archery Extranet and website.

As part of World Archery’s Knowledge Sharing programme 2026, the federation is also working with expert Robert Turner on the development of its national athlete pathway.

The project runs from July to November 2026 and comprises eight online sessions focused on developing athletes from youth to senior level, including education, team and staff structures, selection processes, event structures and coach cooperation.

The federation is also set to receive beginner equipment through the second round of World Archery’s 2026 Equipment Support Programme, supporting its efforts to provide equipment for developing archers.

Jordan has also been active in international youth development this summer, with two athletes and a coach participating in the Olympic Solidarity Continental Youth Training Camp for Asia in Bangladesh from 29 July to 3 August.

The camp, organised by World Archery and World Archery Asia, combined specialised training and technical feedback with participation in the President’s Challenge Cup.

“This achievement marks a vital foundation for hosting high-caliber national events and ensuring our archers compete under the highest international standards right here at home,” said Hamza Al-Ma’ani, secretary general of the national archery federation.

Images courtesy of Jordanian Archery Federation.