Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD), a flagship program of USA Archery, offers a dynamic and structured pathway for youth archers to discover, enjoy, and progress in the sport of archery. Designed for archers aged 8 to 20, JOAD welcomes participants at all experience levels—whether they’re exploring archery recreationally or aiming to enter the competitive arena.
Under the guidance of USA‑certified coaches, JOAD teaches essential range safety and proper shooting technique, while also promoting personal development—building confidence, focus, and teamwork in a supportive environment. The program includes a flexible Achievement Award system: archers advance through skill-based scoring benchmarks at their own pace, fostering goal-setting and continuous improvement.
Beyond in-person instruction, JOAD provides opportunities to participate in Virtual Tournaments—enabling youth to compete from their home club’s range and connect with archers nationwide year-round. As archers mature, they can seamlessly transition into higher-tier avenues offered by USA Archery, such as the Regional Elite Development (RED) program, collegiate or adult programs, and eventually national-level competitions.
JOAD is committed to fostering a fun, safe, and growth-oriented experience. Youth develop foundational archery skills and life-enhancing qualities—focus, perseverance, and self-confidence—whether their journey leads to local scoring or international aspiration.