December 1944 – November 2025

Derrick Judging in the woods

(C) Unknown

It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the passing of Derrick Lovell MBE.

For so many of us, Derrick wasn’t just a colleague, a mentor, or a friend; he was a pillar of the archery world, a man whose passion and dedication helped shape the sport we love.

There are so many achievements of note in Derrick’s life, but still, I think Derrick’s greatest and proudest moments would be to see those he helped achieve their goals.

The Early Days: Passion and Dedication

Derrick’s journey into the heart of archery was a long and distinguished one. Even before he began his judging career in 1976, he was an experienced tournament organiser, already running the challenging Kent County tournaments with up to 72 targets.

He embarked on the demanding path to become a judge, a process that in those days took many years. His hard work paid off when he achieved the title of National Judge in 1986.

Derrick’s true heart lay in Field Archery. His passion was so great that he pursued and achieved National status in both Field and Target judging, this was in the days when Field judging required a separate set of qualifications from target archery judging, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to every facet of the sport.

The International Stage: A Respected Figure

Derrick’s expertise could not be contained within national borders. His career reached its pinnacle in 1993 when he travelled to Cyprus, passed the rigorous exam, and became an International Judge.

He quickly became a well-known and respected figure, officiating at prestigious tournaments around the world. His legacy on the global stage is remarkable. It includes:

• Chair of Judges at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
• Chair of Judges at the World Field Champs in 1996.
• Officiating at the World Games in 1997, 2001, and 2009, and the Target World Champs in 1999.

He didn’t just apply the rules; he helped write them, serving for many years on the World Archery Field and 3D Committee, and continuing his work on the Rules and Constitution Committee. 

When the age limit required him to retire from his international role in 2009, he was rightly honored with the title of Judge Emeritus. Even after his retirement from judging for World Archery, when World Archery needed someone to help on the Constitution and Rules committee, who did they call, Derrick Lovell.

Nurturing the Sport at Home: Mentorship and Leadership

Derrick’s work within the UK was equally transformative, demonstrating his profound dedication at local, regional, and national levels. His passion for archery was evident not only through his tireless efforts with officials but also in his significant contributions to the sport’s governance.

A true leader, Derrick served with distinction as President of Archery GB, the highest honouree office in our national governing body. His tenure at the helm saw him guide the sport through crucial periods, leaving an indelible mark on its direction and development across the nation.

Before and during his national roles, Derrick was also a bedrock of support for grassroots archery in Kent. He dedicated many years to the Kent Archery Association, serving as both its President and its longest serving Chairman. Through these pivotal roles, he fostered local talent, strengthened the county’s clubs, and ensured the healthy growth of archery within the region he called home.

Beyond these high-profile positions, Derrick’s commitment to fair play and professionalism shone brightly through his long service as the SCAS Judge Liaison Officer (JLO).

For many years, he was fundamental in moving judging forward across the country, building a strong, professional body of officials that upheld the integrity of the sport.

He dedicated decades to governance, serving on the National Judge Committee (as it was called then) from 1986 until 2015. Even after retiring as JLO, he was a constant source of support, running training sessions and conducting countless judge assessments. His expertise in Field Archery training was invaluable to the SCAS judges, ensuring a high standard of officiating.

Recognition outside of the sport.

In Queen Elizabeths 2011 birthday honours list, Derrick was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire).  The citation read “For voluntary service to Archery.”  When you read all that he has achieved and given to the sport you can understand why such an honour was bestowed. He never sought out such accolades but was deeply touched by it.

His true legacy

Derrick’s true legacy, however, lies in his role as a mentor. He helped and encouraged so many judges throughout his career; his impact is truly incalculable. His dedication created a lasting dynasty of excellence. We see this brilliantly reflected in the career of one of his protégés, World Archery Judge Hannah Brown, who followed in his footsteps to become a respected international judge, chairperson of the World Archery Field and 3D committee, she has recently been elected to the Constitution and Rules committee. Hannah also achieved the distinction of being the first female Chair of Judges at an Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020). As Hannah recently shared, “If he hadn’t have told me I could do this judging malarky, I would never have started.”.

The Heart of the Matter: Field Archery

We must always remember that Field Archery was Derrick’s passion. He was instrumental in developing this challenging, beautiful side of the sport, truly making it what it is today. His amazing knowledge and experience in Field and 3D are still fondly remembered by judges worldwide. 

There are a few judges in the UK who have a similar passion for field archery as Derrick did, why is that, well Dericks’s passion was infectious, when he retired from judging in the UK he said, “I can retire now as I believe we have a team that will carry on with the standards I set”.  The last time we saw him at a field event, he was Lord Patron at Fort Purbrook Bowmen where further accolades from SCAS and World Archery were bestowed amongst those he held highest, one of those judges, Paul Clark, delivered a touching speech, thanking Derrick from his archery children, the judges that he mentored in Field Archery, for all the guidance and support he gave to bring us to that point. He received a long, standing ovation from all present. This was the only time I saw Derrick unable to hold back a few tears.

The year after Derrick retired from judging, this photo shopped image of Derrick giving an assembly speech at Pentref Bowmen appeared around the course at the Fort Purbrooks annual field shoot, a shoot that Derrick chaired for many years. The inscription reads: “Don’t think I’m not still watching all of you…” An inscription that today is probably truer than ever. © Fort Purbrook Bowman & Steve Vallis

Derrick, your integrity, your wisdom, your tireless service, and your deep love for archery have left an indelible mark on all of us and on the sport itself.

We owe you a huge debt for all you have done for judges, for judging, and for Archery as a whole. Your work is done, but your legacy lives on in every judge you trained, every rule you refined, and every arrow that flies true on a field course.

Thank you, Derrick. Rest in peace.

Funeral details will follow when we have the information. His family have requested no flowers instead donations should be to the Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance via the Just giving link. https://www.justgiving.com/page/derrick-lovell-1944