1. sports
2. archery

Bowmen of Adel—Club Guide 2013
Club Guide 2013
Bowmen of Adel
Authored By:
Nick Beeson
Date: April 2013
Bowmen of Adel—ClubBowmen
Guide 2010
of Adel—Club Guide 2013
Welcome to the Bowmen of Adel. This is a large but friendly club with
over sixty archers shooting with longbow and modern bows. We welcome complete beginners and established archers, of all ages, whether
they wish to shoot for fun or to take part in serious competitions.
This guide will help you to know what's going on during the year and
who to contact for advice or perhaps to make suggestions about the
running of the Club
Section 1—The Bowmen of Adel
The Bowmen of Adel was founded in 1948 as one of the sports sections of the Adel War Memorial Association. A member of the Cricket section had noticed a
neighbour shooting, and suggested that archers could use the cricket field when it
was not required for matches. Since then the club has grown, with the usual ups
and downs, but has long established itself as one of the major clubs in Yorkshire.
Over the years we have provided Internationals and champions at National, Regional and County level. A brief history of the club can be found on our website,
www.bowmenofadel.org.uk.
Junior Club
The Bowmen of Adel have a junior club for all archers up to and including the age
of 17. Juniors and seniors shoot together but the advantage of a junior club is that
there is a block fee to GNAS to cover all junior members, however many. Juniors
are also represented on the senior club committee. Juniors are encouraged to
take part in all club competitions and to aim to join the county squad.
The club operates completely within the GNAS policy for Protection of Children and
Vulnerable adults. The club welfare statement is included at the end of this booklet.
AWMA
In 1928 Adel War Memorial Hall was built as a tribute to those who served in the Great
War. It is the home of the Adel War Memorial Association, the AWMA, which uses it as a
base for sports like Cricket and Snooker which have both been played in Adel since the
1870's. Additional buildings, land and sporting sections have been introduced since
that date.
The AWMA now has eleven sporting sections offering a range of sports for all ages and
abilities. The junior sections are particularly strong providing a good safe introduction
to organised sport. There is strong social membership with lounge bar facilities available to members. The AWMA also hosts groups like the Women's Institute, Bridge Clubs
and Painting Clubs.
The AWMA website is at www.adelclub.co.uk
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Membership fees
All members of the Bowmen of Adel have to be members of the Adel War Memorial
Association. This membership entitles you to use the facilities of the association and
join other sections. In addition all members must be fully insured through membership of the Grand National Archery Society (GNAS) and also members of the Yorkshire Archery Association and the Northern Counties Archery Society.
The membership year starts on 1 October. All fees must be paid before you can
shoot. After the year of joining, the AWMA/BoA fees are collected by the AWMA Secretary who will contact members by post. GNAS, NCAS, and YAA fees are collected by
the BoA secretary.
Club Officers
The Bowmen of Adel relies on all its members to run the Club. You can help by joining the committee, which is elected each year in November, or just by being ready to
volunteer your help. You don't need to be an expert archer to be on the committee!
More details of all the club officer posts can be found in the “Officers’ Handbook”
The Chairman of the club, ensures that the Club runs smoothly, in addition to
chairing committee meetings and the AGM.
The Secretary and is responsible for all membership queries. He receives details of competitions and changes to the rules of archery and ensures that
such notices are put on the club notice board. He also keeps all the records of
the club
The Treasurer, ensures that all money collected is banked and payments
made promptly. He also prepares the Club accounts at the end of the year.
The Coaching Organiser is responsible for organising all the coaching requirements at the club, from beginner to expert, as well as arranging beginners’
courses.
The Public Relations Officer produces and distributes information about the
club and its achievements to any interested parties.
The Social Secretary organises light-hearted events, club meals, and the allimportant tea breaks
The New Members Representative is elected from among the members who
have joined in the 12 months before the AGM, to represent their views.
The committee is completed by the President, the junior club representative,
and two other members
The Chairman is also our liaison point with the AWMA, so take any concerns in
that area to him.
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How can I help?
There is no need to wait to be asked to help! There is always something to be
done whether it be tidying up or helping beginners. Everyone is expected to help
set up the archery range at the beginning of a practice shoot. This means arriving
well before the official start time known as "sighters". If you really can't get there in
time you should stay to the end to help take down the range and put everything
away.
There is something you can do however strong or weak! In shooting sessions, it
helps things run smoothly if everyone helps in laying out the range—and there are
tasks well within the capacity of even the weakest archers!
There are some tasks which need an on-going commitment if they are to be done
well. The club has several “Teams” that carry out these tasks – if any interest you,
just volunteer to the leader
Equipment Team
This team ensures that all equipment is maintained and safe. This can involve anything from reconstructing target stands to straightening arrows. If you could help
out, or would like to learn how do carry out the multitude of archery maintenance
tasks, ask the Equipment officer.
First Aid
Several members have trained in First Aid, and an appropriate First Aid Kit is available. If you are a Fist Aider, or would like to train for the post, please let one of the
committee know.
Catering Team
The most important team in the club, ensures that there is a supply of drinks and
snacks for each club shoot., and fires up the barbecue when required The Social
Organiser masterminds this enterprise
Club badges and clothing
Enamel badges can be bought from the Secretary for £3.00.
Club clothing is also available in traditional GNAS Green, White, or our club colour
of Scarlet, (all of which are suitable wear for shooting at tournaments) There are
Polo shirts, sweatshirts, and Showerproof jackets available. Ask a committee
member
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Keeping in touch
The PRO is responsible for publicity for events and achievements. Anyone who has
any useful contacts, or can help in distributing publicity, should approach him.
We hope that all members will enjoy their archery as often as possible. Details of
the shooting programme, handicaps and other notices are posted on the boards in
the pavilion (or in the winter on the notice boards in the hall) and on the website.
We also have a newsletter The Addled Cryer which is published frequently. It aims to
bring all members up to date with what's going on at the Club and in competitions
entered by members.
In addition members will be notified of the Annual General Meeting by post.
It is most efficient (and cheaper) if the club can communicate with its members by
email. If you have an email address, please ensure that the Secretary knows it.
Members without email will receive notifications by post.
Where and when do we shoot?
During the summer season (April to September—exact dates at each end of the season can be affected by football matches, so please look out for notices and other
communications) we set up the archery range on the field furthest away from Church
Lane, beyond the pavilion. In the winter we shoot indoors in the hall at the back of
the Memorial Hall buildings in Church Lane, Adel. For those who do not mind the
cold or the weather, we also shoot on the outfield of the main cricket pitch .
In the summer organised practice shoots start at 6:30 on Weekday evenings and at
11:00 am and 2.00pm on Sundays. Summer Saturdays, and some Friday evenings
see the range given over to Cricket – unless a match has not been scheduled, and
we have been informed of this. Members can use the archery range at other times if
the field is not being used by another section or is not being maintained by the
groundsman. Always ask the groundsman where you can shoot without stopping his
work and be prepared to move if requested.
In the winter we have four sessions at 11:00 am, and 2.00, 5.00 and 7.00pm on most
Sundays, and 7pm on some Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Usual place for exact dates!)
We shoot indoors in the AWMA hall, where space limits us to 16 archers per session. Outdoor shooting can be at any time!
To comply with GNAS insurance requirements, you must shoot with a companion who can keep a look out. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult – either a parent or an archer who has explicitly agreed to be responsible for the
junior.
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Regular Club Activities
October – March
Monthly Postal Competitions – Portsmouth (Indoors) and
Frostbite (Outdoors)
December
Christmas Fun Shoot
January
Club Indoor Open Tournament (1st Sunday)
(No indoor shooting at Adel till the last Sunday– AWMA Play)
March
Club indoor championships
April
St George’s Longbow Tournament
April-Oct
Handicap challenge (monthly)
Monthly Postal Competitions (Short Metric)
May
Have-a-go (1st bank Holiday)
May
The Nock (Club handicap competition – 2nd Bank Holiday)
May-August
Beginners courses
July
Strawberry shoot (fun competition)
August
Club championships
September
BoA End of Season (open competition – 1st Sunday)
September
Bowmen of Wharfedale (open competition—longbow – 2nd
Sunday)
October
“Chip and Pin” competition for Beginners
“Icicle” frostbite competition
As you can see, there is usually something going on or just round the corner
throughout the year. Apart from the “Open” tournaments, where we host
competitions for archers from other clubs, all the club competitions are open to all
members, of whatever standard. No one should feel at all intimidated!
Details of each event are sent out at the appropriate time
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Club Awards and Trophies
The club has several running awards that anyone can compete for through the year.
The Icicle (Recurve),
“Snowflake” (Compound) and
“Iciclette” (Junior)
Competed for at the winter Frostbite shoots,
from October to March
The Key Chalice
For the highest score each month in the postal
competitions, winter or summer
Handicap trophy
Competed for in the monthly handicap shoots
Several shooting awards are presented at the AGM in November
Henderson Bracelet (Ladies’ Recurve) Awarded to the archer scoring the highest
total at the longest distance in the appropriHenderson Cigarette Box (Gents’ Re- ate York/Hereford or Bristol round)
curve)
Intangible Trophies (Ladies and Gents
Longbow and Compound)
Beeson Weights (Junior Recurve and
Compound)
Taxidermy Trophy
Awarded to the most improved archer over
the previous 12 months from among those
who joined in the previous year.
GNAS Handicap Improvement medals Awarded to the archers who have most im(Senior and Junior)
proved their handicap over the previous 12
months
There are also badges awarded for achieving scores in the Frostbite and Portsmouth
rounds through the winter. Not to mention a whole span of trophies awarded at the Indoor and Outdoor Championships, the “Chip and Pin” and “The Nock” In fact, including
the open tournaments, there are 87 trophies awarded by the club each year!
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Training and Coaching
The club has several members who are current holders of coaching certificates
County Coach
Jean Clarkson
Coach
Nick Beeson
Level 1
Darren Clarkson
Steve Clemmens
Guy Sansby
Those marked “*” are currently training to that level
Coaching is provided in two ways. We hold occasional “clinics” at which members
of the coaching staff can deal with any specific issues that you may have. Details
of these clinics will be issued in the usual ways.
Alternatively, you could arrange for one of the coaches to work with you in the
longer term on a programme to help you develop your archery.
To take advantage of either of these coaching opportunities, simply contact the
club Coaching Organiser
Beginners’ Courses and “Have A Go” days
Each year we have a “Have A Go” day for the general public in early May, followed
by a series of Beginners’ Courses. For these it is very helpful if club members could
help out. All that is required is to follow what the coach in charge is doing and assist
the attendees—so any member of the club can do it!
We also hold other HAG sessions, for various groups and schools, on request. Volunteers to help with those are always welcome
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In the Pavilion
Inner Sanctum
Gents Toilets
Outer
Sanctum
Store
Kitchen
The plain green door at the back of the pavilion leads to the rooms where the lighter bits of equipment are kept. Keys to this door can be obtained from Paul Winfield
for a £3 deposit.
In the “Outer Sanctum” we keep, scoresheets and scoreboards, and there are the
noticeboards, magazines and catalogues.
Through the door (that is usually locked – any member will show you where the
key is) is the “Inner Sanctum”, with the bow cupboard. tabs, bracers and club arrows. On the right hand wall is the cupboard with various keys to other areas, and
the bow cupboard itself
Next along from this (down the ramp) is the “Store”, where all the field equipment
is kept. The key for this is in the Inner Sanctum.
Next is the door to the Main Pavilion Kitchen (key in the usual place). This is important because a) it is where we can boil kettles to make tea, and b) it is where
the Gents’ toilets are (through into the changing rooms).
Remember – if you unlock a door, put the key back in the key cupboard. If
you leave while there are other archers about, please tell them which doors have
been left unlocked. And, if you are last to leave, check all doors are locked up.
The Ladies’ toilets are in the block by the tennis courts – keys in the usual place.
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Laying out the field
Cricket
Outfield
(Winter)
Private field
Distance markers
are in the ground
along these lines
Main
Range
(Summer)
Cricket pitch –
not in use when
we shoot!
Tennis
court
–
fenced
Distance markers
are in the ground
along these lines
Club shooting
line
These lines show where safety ropes should be put out.
1) The Main Range—Summer
First put up the safety rope between the pavilion and the path to the hockey
pitch. The rope and metal support poles are in the Store (on the left, just inside
the door). Tie one end of the rope to the lamp post by the path. Stick the poles
in the grass at suitable intervals. Then put up the two “Warning” signs.
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There should also be ropes across the exit points in the fence by the path, and
between the end of the fence and the all-weather pitch
From the store you will also need (for each target you set up): a boss; a stand; 2
thin pegs; one thick peg; two flags. Pile these on the flat trolley, and take them up
to the field.
At the far (South) end of the pitch, the shooting line is painted on the ground.
From each end of the line, at right-angles to it, there is a row of markers sunk in
the ground at the various distances used in rounds (those marked in white are in
Yards, those in yellow are in metres). At the distances at which you want to
shoot, stick a small flag next to the markers, on both sides of the pitch.
Now put up your stand, roughly where you want it, and put the boss onto it
(Remember, bosses are heavy, and you really need two people for this). Then,
while one of you checks the alignment by looking along the line between the distance flags, line the boss up so that its centre is on the distance line, and the front
legs are parallel with the line. Once everything is in line, peg the front legs down
with the thin pegs, and peg the rope attached to the boss to the ground behind
the stand with the thick peg.
If you are putting up more than one boss, the centres should be about 12 feet
apart. If they are at different distances, you should check that they don’t get in the
way of each other!
Once you have done this, return the trolley to the corner of the tennis courts, in
case anyone else needs another boss.
2) The Cricket Outfield—Winter
The shooting line is just in front of the pavilion “veranda”. Distance markers have
been set in the ground either side.
Safety rope should be set up alongside the path from the fence to the pavilion, in
front of the pavilion and up the side of the cricket square. One warning sign
should be hung to face the football pitch and one, near the pavilion, to face the
main car park.
A warning sign should also be placed at the end of the field nearest the churchyard wall, to warn drivers entering the overflow car park.
Remember – if you help in setting up the field then everyone can get to shooting quicker!
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3) The Indoor Range
The good news is that, once we have moved in to the hall, the bosses and stands
stay in place until we move out. The bad news is that there is still some heavy lifting
to do!
There is a protective barrier set up to protect arrows from hitting the stage. This consists of three stands, two poles, and a tarpaulin.
The stands are kept in the store. There are two outer ones, and a central one
with a detachable “cap”
The poles are kept on the stage
The tarpaulin is kept in the cupboard under the stage
First find the stands. They are heavy, and should be moved using the sack-truck also
to be found in the store. Thread the “cap” over the longer pole then assemble the two
poles. The pole will now hang on strings from the two outer stands, and rest on the
cap which is set on the central stand. The tarpaulin is now draped over the pole.
Chairs may be found in the store. These can be used up the side of the hall as
bowstands. If they are to be used for sitting on, they must be placed behind the red
line on the diagram, towards the shooting line, which is the dashed line in the diagram
Target faces, score boards and the all-important tea box can be found in the cupboard under the stage.
The bosses on the stage should be periodically rotated to spread the wear. A note
saying when this should be done next is generally attached to one of the end bosses.
A cupboard to contain club bows, arrows and other equipment is in the store. The
key to this cupboard is held behind the bar.
Before shooting commences, you should ensure that all the doors and the hatch are
Doors – keep locked
Stage
Safety barri-
Cupboard
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Store
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Using club bows (and arrows).
While you are still borrowing club equipment, it may happen that another archer has
already borrowed the bow you usually use before you. To find an alternative, you need
to have an idea of the bow’s dimensions. So make a note of your usual bow’s: length;
draw weight; right/left handedness. There is a list of bows with these details inside the
bow cupboard. If there is not an exactly matching alternative, choose a draw weight
that is closest, and, if necessary, a length that is greater. After a couple of weeks, it
might be worth checking if you can cope with a higher-poundage bow anyway – but do
not go up more than a couple of pounds at a time.
If there are no arrows to your size available, use longer ones!
In the indoor season, we can keep some equipment in a storeroom off the hall. This
does mean that we don’t have to trek to the pavilion each week – but it also means that
the equipment you are using is only available when the hall is open.
Your own equipment
One of the joys of archery is purchasing your own equipment, and it is understandable
that you want to do this as quickly as possible. However, you will save yourself a lot of
money—and pain—if you follow a few simple steps
Use club equipment as long as you can. Your muscles will be developing every time
you shoot, and what is feasible for you today will seem trivial in six months time. If you
purchase equipment too soon, you will probably feel the need to upgrade after a few
months anyway.
Know what you want—and try out other members’ equipment if you can. This is especially important if you are thinking of moving to compound or longbow. The weight of
the bow in the hand can say a lot to you about what you require, and that, in turn can
say how many of the “extras” you can cope with
When you are making your first purchase, go to a reputable shop. Do not feel tempted
by the internet, particularly not Ebay! A good shop—and members can all advise you
on which ones to use—will let you try different bows to make sure you get what is right
for you. And know what your budget is and tell them—they would rather have a satisfied customer than one who thinks he has been pressured into spending too much.
Getting your foot in the door
As a newcomer to the club, it can be intimidating coming shooting for the first time after
your course. Shooting indoors, the best session to start with is the 5 O’Clock on Sunday afternoons, which is set aside for coaching and development. If you feel you are
ready, then plunge in to the 2 O’Clock – there will be more members there, but they will
be shooting rounds. If you want, give a committee member a ring, and they will try to
ensure that someone will be there to greet you for your first visit or so
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Section 2—Getting down to some archery!
So the range is set up, you have a bow and some arrows in your hand, everything
is ready. So what is the first thing you think of?
Safety Rules
Safety is of prime importance in Archery
You must never shoot on your own—two people must be present at all times. Not all
archers should shoot at once, there must be at least one archer acting as safety lookout. This look-out may not be a junior.
When shooting, one archer is designated “Field Captain”, and is responsible for ensuring all safety rules are obeyed. However, all archers are equally responsible for all
safety aspects.
Only the Field Captain can give permission to shoot or collect arrows
All of the safety rules commands & designated areas detailed below are preventative
medicine, but basically they are common sense.
Waiting Area:
Waiting Line:
Equipment Area:
Shooting Line:
Nocking the arrow
Drawing the Bow
Only Go Forward:
“Come Down “
“FAST”
Whistle Commands:
Verbal Commands:
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is behind the waiting line and is where you wait until summoned to come
forward.
is the line, which separates the waiting area from the equipment Area.
is the area between the waiting line and the shooting line, where the
equipment (bows etc) is kept when not in use by the archer.
is the line from which the archers shoot their arrows. Do not move from
the waiting area to the shooting line until you are given permission by
the Field Captain
Always point the bow and arrow toward the target when loading
(nocking) an arrow to the bowstring!
Only draw the bow when you are on the shooting line and facing towards the target even without an arrow fitted to the string. NOWHERE
else.
of the shooting line with the permission of the Field Captain
means relax the bowstring tension without letting go of the string at any
time until the bow is at rest again.
means both ‘Hold Fast’ and ‘Stand Fast’. Stop whatever is being done
IMMEDIATELY and hold onto the string tightly. Do Not Shoot but come
down. Remove arrow from the string and replace it in your quiver or
similar. Wait for the next instruction from the Field Captain
“FAST” must be called by anyone if they think anything is unsafe. This is
the only instruction that can be called by anyone other than the Field
captain
are often used and must be obeyed. They are:
1. A single blast to start shooting.
2. Two blasts to collect arrows from the target.
3. A series of rapid blasts means ‘FAST’
These are used as an alternative to whistles and usually are:
“Commence Shooting,”
“Collect Arrows “
“FAST”
Bowmen of Adel—Club Guide 2013
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Never:
Dry Shoot a bow without an arrow attached to the string, this can
cause serious damage to the bow. Only loose when you have an
arrow on the string and you are aiming at the target.
Shoot upwards vertically in the air. “What goes up must come
down!! This could kill or seriously maim, as it is impossible to see
its return flight.
Only:
Load an arrow into the bow when you are on the shooting line and
intending to shoot, and only when the range is clear and it is safe
to shoot. Aim a bow at the target boss or the ground with or without an arrow in the bow. Not at anyone or anything else.
Arrow Retrieval .
When all have shot and the line is clear, before collecting the arrows, the Field Captain will give an instruction to approach the targets. Walk down the range towards the
target line, ever watchful of shortfall arrows protruding from the ground. Walk towards
the side of the targets Nobody runs.
Walk don’t run:
Always look:
Approach:
Stand back:
Ensuring:
Pulling arrows:
Beware:
when going to the target as falling on arrows damages them
and causes personal injury
for any arrow that could be hidden in the grass and could
cause injury to ankles and shins
the target boss from the side – not from the front Don’t touch
anything - wait for the next instruction. On arrival at the target
line, decide who will withdraw the arrows. Arrows in or on the
ground within the area underneath those in the boss are left until last.
from the target to allow “pullers” to work freely Do not tread on
arrows in or on the ground in front of the target. Approach them
from the side and retrieve them carefully so as not to stab yourself on the nocks of the arrows still in the target.
they do not tread on any arrows still in or on the ground, archers
wait their call to identify their arrows so the scorer can record
them (if this is being done).
out of the target. This is done by placing the back of one hand
against the target face with the other hand on top of the shaft.
Then grasping it as near to the pile end as possible lay the forearm along the shaft and maintain a straight line of pulling force
whilst withdrawing the arrow.
The Nock is now the most dangerous part of the arrow. So,
whilst looking backwards over the shoulder to check that nobody is too close or strayed into the path of the arrow to be
pulled, the nearest arrow is withdrawn without twisting at the
same angle as it entered the boss. The retrieved arrow is
placed pile downwards between the thumb and the palm of the
non-drawing hand. This process is repeated always pulling the
nearest arrows irrespective of whose they belong to – they will
be sorted out later, in the equipment area.
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Warming up
Archery is considered by some to be an 'easy' sport, so who needs exercise in preparation for Archery? YOU would not imagine trying to play rugby without training for it. It
is also true for Archery! There may not be the same overall physical exertion, but the
back muscles used for drawing the bow will still be stressed to a large degree. Consider a tournament of twelve dozen arrows. In a day the average man will walk 3.8km (2.4
miles), that is just walking to the target and back. Your back muscles will be drawing
upwards of 4880 pounds (98 bags of potatoes).
Don’t forget your legs! You use them to balance, to provide a stable platform for your
archery – and to do a lot of walking
THUS IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONDITION OURSELVES AND WARM UP FOR ARCHERY.
Before you start, you should jog on the spot or have a good, all-over “shake” just
enough to raise your heartbeat, and speed the supply of blood to your muscles. This
will get your muscles into the best condition to start exercise.
Most archers would then perform a number of “stretches” to further loosen their bodies.
Although this has been heavily recommended, there is a body of research that suggests that stretches can do more harm than good. As with all forms of exercise, the
benefit depends on the individual and what works for them.
The following are a few suggested exercises. Again, find what suits you. Each of the
following stretches should be held for slow count of 5. Perform each stretch three
times. Stretches should never be painful; if they are you possibly are stretching too far.
Neck Side Flexion
Muscles: Upper Trapezius and Scaleni.
Put left ear on left shoulder (still looking forward). Repeat on right side.
Neck Rotation
Muscles: Sternocleidomast.
Turn to look over your left shoulder. Repeat on right side. Never roll the head backwards.
Shoulders
Muscles: Latissimus Dorsi.
Link hands and reach up as far as you can over your head.
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Shoulder Depression
Muscles: Upper Trapezius.
Push your shoulders down towards the ground.
Side Flexion
Muscles: Lumbar side and Triceps.
Reach down your back with the right arm, hold with left hand and lean to your left
side. Repeat on the other side.
Pectorals
Link your hands behind you and, keeping your arms straight, push the arms backwards and upwards.
Pectorals
With hands on head, pull the elbows back bringing the shoulder blades together
and stretching the front of the chest.
Rhomboids
Muscles: Rhomboids.
Cross your arms across your chest and grab the opposite shoulders. Push the elbows forward to pull the shoulder blades apart.
Quadriceps
Muscles: Quadriceps.
Bring your heel up towards your bottom to stretch the front of the thigh. Repeat on
the opposite leg.
Hamstrings and calf
Muscles: Hamstrings and calf.
With the left leg forwards, straighten the knee and point the toes up to the ceiling.
Bend the right knee and lean forward over the front knee to stretch the back of the
thigh. Repeat on the other leg.
Lumbar Rotation
Muscles: Erector spinae, quadratus lumborum and abdominal obliques.
Bending the knees slightly turn the torso round and reach to the left. Repeat on
the other side.
Gluteus maximus
Muscles: Gluteus maximus.
With the left leg back and the right leg forward. Keep the left heel on the ground
and the knee straight, lean forward over the right leg to stretch the calf (the toes
need to point forwards to get a good stretch). Repeat on the right side.
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of Adel—Club Guide 2013
Etiquette
Here are a few simple rules generally observed:
1.
Always try to be prompt for the start of a session
2.
If a member arrives later than you, and needs a new boss setting up, please
help them – it gets done quicker that way.
3.
Never touch another archer's equipment without permission.
4.
5.
If you damage another archer's equipment you should offer to pay for the damage immediately and courteously.
Keep quiet on and behind the shooting line. No sudden loud noises.
6.
Do not talk to a fellow archer if they obviously wish to be left to concentrate
7.
Never leave someone shooting alone on the shooting line. If you are the next to
last one to finish shooting, wait on the line until the last one has finished.
8.
Do not wait for others to volunteer to score or pull arrows—though people will
understand if you feel you can do neither!.
9.
Do not pick up or draw another archer's arrows from the target without checking
that everyone is ready for them to be drawn. They may want to know where the
arrows went and will not thank you for destroying the evidence.
10. Wait until all scores are taken before retrieving arrows behind the target.
11. If you cannot find your arrows everyone should help you to find them. Lost arrows must be reported to the groundsman. Tell the Field Captain, and fill out a
“Lost Arrow” form (to be found in the “Outer Sanctum”)
12. When you have collected your arrows, return promptly to the shooting line. Do
not wait by the target to sort out arrows with your fellow archers.
13. Do not compare scores with fellow archers until the end of the round. Do not let
a fellow archer know his score if he does not want to be told!
14. When the shooting session has finished, thank your fellow archers for their help.
15. If you can, please wait till the end of a session and help put equipment away – it
gets done quicker that way!
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Shooting
Members are free to shoot what they want at the club. There are usually some
who are just practising, while others are shooting rounds. A round consists of a
set number of arrows shot at set distances – a full list of outdoor rounds is in the
Outer Sanctum. There are some that are appropriate to the various junior age
groups and to adults – but anyone can shoot any one of them.
Round
Dozen arrows at first
distance
Second
Third
Fourth
Two distances
Western-type rounds
4
4
St. Nicholas
4
3
National-type rounds
4
2
Warwick-type rounds
2
2
Long metric-type rounds
3
3
Short metric-type rounds
3
3
Three distances
York
6
4
2
Hereford
6
4
2
Bristol 1 - 5
6
4
2
St George
3
3
3
Albion
3
3
3
Windsor-type rounds
3
3
3
American
2.5
2.5
2.5
FITA 900
2.5
2.5
2.5
Four distances
FITA (Gentlemen)
3
3
3
3
FITA (Ladies)
3
3
3
3
Metric 1 - 5
3
3
3
3
Half FITA (Gentlemen)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
Half FITA (Ladies)
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
Half Metric 1 - 5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
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Indoor Shooting
Indoors, the usual round is a “Portsmouth”, 5 dozen arrows at 20 yards on a 60cm
face. We can also shoot FITA18 (5 dozen at 18 metres on a 40 cm face) or Worcester (5 dozen at 20 yards on a special face).
Scoresheets
Scoresheets have been provided for rounds with two, three, or four distances. (The
more distances involved, the more cramped the scoresheet!). They are in a clearly
marked folder on the bookshelves in the outer sanctum. Please use the appropriate
scoresheet if possible.
Please make sure all details are completed, particularly name, date, and bow type.
Please place completed scoresheets in the clearly marked container in the outer
sanctum.
If you think the supply of scoresheets for any particular group of rounds is running
low, please let the Secretary know.
Indoors, there are scoresheets available in the cupboard under the stage for all the
rounds we can shoot. Please leave completed ones in the folder, so that the Records Officer can collect them when he attends!
Handicaps
Most members want to know how they are progressing and enjoy the fun of taking
part in handicap events at the Club. To get a handicap you must shoot three recognised rounds and submit the scores to the Records Officer. Ask one of the training
team which rounds to shoot and then tell the Field Captain (whoever has taken
charge of shooting that day) so that bosses at the right distance can be put out. For
your first scored rounds you might choose one of the “Warwick” family of rounds – 2
dozen at one distance, then 2 dozen at a shorter one.
There is a similar system for indoor shooting, that is run entirely separately from the
outdoor scheme. So an active archer will have two handicaps, an outdoor and an
indoor one.
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Handicap shoots - a step by step guide
Each archer who has recorded three rounds (indoors or outdoors, but not mixing
the two) will have been given a handicap by the Records Officer. Your current
handicap is on the club noticeboard.
To find the handicap for a score, you should look in the "Handicap Tables" at the
back of the GNAS "Rules of Shooting" - these are kept in the key cupboard, and
several members have their own copies. There are several tables, headed "Score
for round", arranged by whether your round is GNAS (Imperial, with evocative
names) or FITA (Metric, with Metric names).
Having found the table you require, you find the score you have shot in the column
under the name of the round. If your exact score is not printed, then look for the
printed score next lower than your score. The handicap rating for your score is
given on the same line in the left-hand column of the page. (For instance, the
handicap for a score of 500 in a Bristol 3 is 71).
[If the handicap for your score is smaller than your own running handicap, then
your handicap will change. Add the two handicaps together and divide by two to
find your new handicap, rounding up if necessary. Or leave it to the records
officer]
Now for a "Handicap Shoot"! There are other tables, later in the rule book, headed
"Allowance for round". These are arranged in the same way as the handicap
tables. In these, though, you look first for your own handicap in the left hand
column, and then find the entry under the round you have shot on the same line
(For instance, the allowance for an archer with a handicap of 71 shooting a Bristol
3 is 963). Add this allowance to your score, and you have your handicap adjusted
score. This is used to compare archers of differing standards on a levelish playing
field! This system is used in the monthly club handicap shoots, and the Nock, as
well as at some tournaments.
[The allowance is calculated so that, if you shoot exactly to your handicap, the
combined score will be 1440, which is the maximum score achievable in any
round. If you shoot better than your handicap, the combined score will be above
1440, if worse, then below. Because it is always based on the same top limit of
1440, this means that the system can be used to compare archers shooting
different rounds. And it doesn't help a good archer to shoot a ridiculously simple
round - the allowance for a "Metric 5" is 0 right down to a handicap of 19]
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Classifications
Alongside the handicap scheme, GNAS also runs a classification system. As your
scores improve, you can move from Third, to Second and First classes –and
beyond.
Under the GNAS handicap scheme the Club has a Handicap Improvement medal.
This is awarded to the archer with the greatest improvement in handicap during
the year (shooting at least 8 outdoor rounds). There are also first, second and
third class badges to be achieved for outdoor shooting and indoor badges for the
Portsmouth round shot at twenty yards.
The Records Officer awards classification badges. The club gives members their
first badges. You can either exchange your badge when you gain the next award
or pay for the badge (about £2).
There is a similar classification scheme for indoor shooting. However, the titles of
the classes are simply “A” to “H”, and there are no badges available!
Junior Age groups
A junior archer in GNAS is one who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
There are age groups within that band: Under 18; Under 16; Under 14; and Under
12. Within those age groups, there are groups for Junior Ladies and Junior
gentlemen. Competitions are usually organized along these groups, so no one has
to compete against archers who are much bigger or stronger than they are—in
theory. There are also set rounds considered appropriate for each age group, so
young archers should never be expected to shoot at distances they cannot reach.
Awards for Juniors
There are several external award schemes that are run purely for archers under18. The GNAS JAWS scheme aims to reward participation and achievement in all
areas of archery – the Records Officer has the details of that. Also, the GNAS
“Progress” scheme offers badges for achieving certain score levels; once again,
ask the Records Officer.
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Postal Competitions – and others
The club enters postal leagues in both winter and summer. On a designated date
each month, a certain round will be shot and the records officer will collect the
scores. The top few scores become the ‘A-team’ and the next few the ‘B-team’.
We can enter separate teams for Compound, Longbow, and recurve archers
These are then submitted to the competition organisers and the results issued
shortly after.
All this allows any archer to compete outside the club, without having to go outside
the club. We usually do quite well – often with the “B“ teams winning their
divisions.
There are also a few national competitions, run by GNAS. For Juniors there is one
in July , based on the National type round, and one in November, based on the
Portsmouth (indoors, at 20 yards). Adults only have one in January, based on the
Portsmouth again.
Taking part in competitions
It can be great fun to take part in competitions organised by other clubs, especially
when other BoA members are taking part. We select a list of events that club
members are encouraged to enter. At most events there are team prizes. Very
often the membership of the team does not have to be declared until the end of
the event and so the four or five archers with the highest scores from each club
make up the team. You do not have to be an expert archer to take part. Some
events have awards specifically for novices.
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Various Organisations
There are various organisation involved in the running of archery in the UK. They
are usually known by their initials.
FITA (Federation Internationale de Tir a l’Arc)
This is the international governing body - called “FEETA”
GNAS (Grand National Archery Society) also known (confusingly) as Archery
GB
This is the national governing body for Archery in the UK. All club members are
members of GNAS, primarily for insurance purposes. GNAS also provides the
structure for coaching and competitions, and a quarterly magazine. It is also
responsible for the Rules of Shooting, that cover all aspects of archery in the UK
(a riveting read). Finally, there are several GNAS policies, covering areas such as
Child Protection that are essential to any current club or organisation.
EAF (English Archery Federation)
This is primarily intended to arrange for teams to attend the Commonwealth
Games, but also organizes various championships
NCAS (Northern Counties Archery Society)
This is our region, and embraces Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Isle
of Man and Durham and Northumberland. Mainly known for organising
championships and the annual inter-county match
YAA (Yorkshire Archery Association)
Our county organization, this provides the local coaching structure, as well as
organizing championships.
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Bowmen of Adel Welfare Statement
The club – and the whole sport of archery – takes its responsibilities for the
welfare of its members, particularly junior members, very seriously. The following
is the club’s official statement of its policy in this area. This statement has been
agreed by the BoA committee for the guidance of members and the discharge of
the responsibilities of the Child Protection Officer (CPO) and the Deputy Child
Protection Officer (hereafter “the designated officers”). This statement has been
drawn up to ensure that the club complies with the GNAS Protection of Children
and Vulnerable Adults Policy and in particular the good practice guidance. The
GNAS policy will be available for inspection in the clubhouse. Copies of the good
practice guidance shall be posted on the notice board.
Article 1. The club expects all members and visitors to co-operate with each other
to ensure that shooting can be undertaken in a safe and considerate manner.
Members should not act or behave in any way that makes another member or
visitor feel unwelcome or reluctant to shoot again at the club.
Article 2. A member who, in the opinion of the field captain (the person in overall
charge of shooting on that occasion), a committee member or a designated
officer, breaches any part of article 1 will be asked to leave the grounds and may
be subject to disciplinary procedures under clause 2.1 of the club constitution.
A member who refuses to leave the grounds in these circumstances will be
considered to have committed an act of misconduct.
Article 3. Any member who sees an action or behaviour that might be in breach of
article 1 should bring the matter to the attention of the field captain, a committee
member or designated officer as soon as possible. The telephone numbers of the
designated officers shall be available on the notice board.
Assisting training or coaching
Article 4. Members must follow the instructions of the coach during any organised
session. A member providing assistance to another archer must follow the
following guidelines:
Physical contact with the archer should be avoided – clear oral instructions
are the preferred method of giving help;
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Where contact is made to guide stance or movements, this should be limited to the
head, shoulders, arms and hands only. Always explain what you are going to
do
Never stand behind the archer when guiding their movements.
Avoid being alone with a child out of view of others.
Photography
Article 5. The taking of photographs as part of a hobby, for historical record or
coaching or to publicise the sport and the club is welcomed. Photographers are
asked to seek the permission of the field captain or tournament organiser, and to
also obtain the permission of the parent or guardian of any child being
photographed away from the shooting line. Photographers will be held responsible
by the club for the way photographs are used and they should not be made
available on the Internet other than the club’s site without specific permission of
the subject/s of the photograph. At open tournaments all photographers must
register and this information kept by the tournament organiser and this information
will be disclosed to police on request.
CRB checks
Article 6. The club has a duty of care to ensure the safety of all its members and in
particular its junior members. All members in a position of authority in the club
must apply for a CRB disclosure certificate. For the purposes of complying with
the GNAS policy the following are considered to be in a position of authority:
The designated officers
The President, Chairman, Secretary and Coaching Organiser.
Any member with a current GNAS coaching licence or leaders certificate
In addition, any member wishing to coach, instruct or otherwise assist junior
members of the club must either apply for a certificate when requested to do so by
a designated officer or coaching organiser or refrain from such activities.
Article 7. The designated officers, having consulted the Chairman, may require
any member of the club to apply for a disclosure certificate where they believe this
to be in the interests of the club. They will not be required to give any explanation
to the club member other than in general terms.
No information about the clearance or not of a member will made other than the
list of cleared members which shall be kept up to date and posted on the notice
board by the CPO.
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If a member’s application indicates that they should not work with children, the
CPO will ask the member to give a written undertaking not to have any contact
with junior members of the club without the express permission of the parent or
guardian
Responsibilities of parents
Article 8. Parents should always ensure that the field captain or coach knows if
another adult has temporary responsibility of their child. The club rule is that no
child may be left at the club without a parent or the adult that brought the child to
the club. No member has the authority to accept the responsibility for the care or
behaviour of a child other than their own. Parents are encouraged to watch their
child taking part in this sport and to take responsibility for first aid for their child.
Responsibilities of the designated officers
Article 9. The designated officers shall:
Review this statement and articles from time to time.
Take such actions as they consider reasonable to enforce articles 1-8.
Give copies of the GNAS good practice guidelines to parents and members
coaching or guiding young people.
Respond to reports of concerns swiftly and appropriately.
Refer cases to child protection experts to determine whether abuse has
occurred.
Where there are doubts about taking action under this statement or further
action, refer to the GNAS policy.
So there you are…
You now know as much about the Bowmen
of Adel as most of its members. Just come
along, shoot, and, most importantly, enjoy
yourself.
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