Protea Colours are awarded by the SA Colours board and done so on the recommendation of the SA National Archery Association.  A number of criteria must be met to be awarded the highest sporting honour that the country has to offer.  The criteria for recommendation for Protea Colours is done in accordance with the legislation and Colours Board regulations after the requirements of the SANAA Constitution Article 25 are met.  Beside the level of shooting, strict selection process and international participation, there are a number of other criteria which must be met.  SANAA may not award Protea Colours, but may only make the recommendation.  Hence there is no guarantee that Protea Colours would be awarded, even if the criteria are met.  For certain events, such as the Olympics, World Games and Commonwealth Games, archers form part of Team South Africa and are not normally awarded Protea Colours.  To amplify the high standard of Protea Colours, in the 2010/2011 season, only two members were newly capped.