DAMAI Grading Examinations

The DAMAI Grading Examination provides a standardized method for assessing an archer's practical skill across the full Dynamic Archery Speed Trial (DAST) distance pathway. While DAST Trials and competitions are designed to measure performance at individual distances, the grading examination evaluates the archer's ability to perform consistently across multiple distances, shooting directions, and dynamic scenarios within a single assessment.

To be eligible for a grading examination, an archer must first achieve the minimum Personal Best (PB) DAST scores required for the grade being sought, as specified in the DAMAI Qualification Chart. These qualifying scores may be achieved through DAST Trials or recognized competition performances and serve as the prerequisite for examination.

The grading examination may only be administered by a DAMAI Instructor. All examinations must be conducted under direct supervision and in accordance with DAMAI standards.

Unlike a standard DAST Trial, the examination follows a fixed sequence of nine rounds, each consisting of twenty seconds of shooting time. The rounds are completed in the following order:

45 metres – Forward Shots
36 metres – Forward Shots
27 metres – Forward Shots
18 metres – Side Shots
9 metres – Side Shots
18 metres – Side Shots
27 metres – Backward Shots
36 metres – Backward Shots
45 metres – Backward Shots

This sequence is designed to assess not only accuracy, but also adaptability, composure, and technical proficiency across the spectrum of DAST shooting challenges.

The score achieved in each round is recorded, and the points from all nine rounds are combined to produce the final examination result.

The grade awarded is determined by comparing the final examination score to the qualification standards published in the DAMAI Qualification Chart. For grading purposes, the score required for a particular grade is equal to the 27-metre qualification requirement associated with that grade. For example, if a grade requires a qualifying DAST score of 120 points at 27 metres, then a total examination score of 120 points is required to achieve that grade during the grading examination.

The DAMAI Grading Examination therefore serves as the practical confirmation that an archer can consistently demonstrate the level of skill represented by their qualification scores under a structured and comprehensive assessment environment.