MEMBERS HANDBOOK
ROMSEY ARCHERS
MEMBERS HANDBOOK (Revision 6)
CONTENTS
Page
Welcome to Romsey Archers
3
Club History
4
Starting Archery
5
Safety
6
Risk Assessment for Romsey Archers
9
Basic Technique
12
Etiquette
15
Completing a Score sheet
16
Glossary of Terms
16
Rounds Recognised by GNAS (Archery GB)
16
GNAS Rules of Shooting
16
Romsey Archers Constitution and Rules
18
Club Shield (Front Page) Designed by Barri Gibbs 2010
2
WELCOME TO ROMSEY ARCHERS
Welcome to Romsey Archers. We hope that you enjoy the benefits of
being a member and find us a friendly bunch!
Once you join the Club, remember that it is your Club so always lend
a hand with the work to be done, especially in setting up and putting
away equipment. If you are not sure of how you can help or how to
do a particular task then there are plenty of people who will willingly
show you if asked. You will be expected to help, when you can, at
Have-a-Go’s, as this is a showcase for the Club and a first point of
contact for many prospective new members. The Club Committee
works behind the scenes on behalf of all members and there are many
tasks that need to be done. Please consider standing for election for
one of the posts at the AGM. The maxim “many hands make light
work” is never truer than at an archery club.
Archery is the friendliest of sports, first names are always used, even
at tournaments organised by County, Region or Nationally. It is a
sport for the individual, a struggle between you, your bow and the
elements, you must endeavour to be the master of your bow and never
let it control you!
Good luck, good shooting and, above all, have fun!
3
CLUB HISTORY (From information provided by Barri Gibbs)
Although Romsey Archers was only established in April 1996 it is the
direct descendant of a number of clubs that had been established in
Romsey over many years.
The first of these was Timsbury Manor Bowmen, which started in
1958 shooting at Timsbury Manor, North of Romsey, where their
“field” was a cinder track! In 1970 they moved to Cupernham School
in the town. They shot on two evenings a week, May to September
only, as there were no indoor facilities although they did share the use
of Eastleigh Sports Centre with the Hursley (IBM) Archery Club for a
few years. The Club disbanded in 1985 as the premises costs became
too high to sustain.
The following year a few ex-members started shooting at the Green
Dragon pub in Brook, where they had to remove horses from the field
before shooting. At this time, they were known as the Brook Company
of Archers. After two years, they moved back to Romsey, changing
their name to the Romsey Bowmen, shooting at the Sandy Lane
Nursery where conditions were far from ideal. There was still no
indoor facility and the field distance was very short (60 yards
maximum). They wound up in 1990.
In 1996, some of the ex-members of the previous club tried again,
starting the Romsey Archers shooting at the Central Hall, Station
Road, Romsey. They soon moved to La Sagesse Convent School and
then to their current home at The Mountbatten School, Romsey in
1998.
4
STARTING ARCHERY
Most archers in the United Kingdom belong to the Grand National
Archery Society (GNAS), the sport’s governing body. They do this
by joining an affiliated club such as ours. In turn, the Club belongs to
a county association, in our case the Hampshire Archery Association
(HAA) and to a regional association, the Southern Counties Archery
Society (SCAS). Club membership of GNAS is necessary for
important items such as Public Liability Insurance. Beginners on our
recognised courses are automatically covered for the duration of the
course as are those taking part in Have-a-Go’s at fetes and the like.
At the end of a Beginners Course you will have been invited to join
the Club. As a new member, we will continue to provide you with
equipment for a while until you are able to obtain your own.
Coaching within the Club is free, you will have found out who the
Club’s coaches are during your Beginners Course.
This Handbook will give you not only more details about terms used
and rounds shot, but a copy of the Club Rules and rules you will need
to follow when shooting at competitions and at other official shoots,
and room to keep a record of your own progress. The annual
subscriptions are due on 1St April each year and GNAS fees on the 1st
October, juniors pay a reduced fee to the Club, GNAS, SCAS and
HAA. The Club’s AGM is held in April or May, and all members are
expected to attend. Orders for Club clothing may be given to the
Secretary at any time although purchase is normally made when a
batch of orders have been received.
The cost of archery equipment can be determined according to your
5
means. In addition, the equipment must be suitable for the individual
archer and we strongly recommend that you ask advice from the
coaches within the Club before you make a purchase, especially of a
bow and arrows. In some instances, it may be possible to obtain
second-hand equipment.
The following list will help identify the minimum requirements:
• a finger tab
• a bracer
• a quiver
• a bow and bow string
• a bow sight
• a set of arrows
• a bow stringer
There are a number of archery magazines that provide up to date
details of what equipment is available and at what price. The Club
web site, www.romseyarchers.hampshire.org.uk, has links to major
UK equipment suppliers, archery magazines, as well as other archery
interest sites. Current Club information, including a shooting diary,
also appears there.
SAFETY
A bow is a lethal weapon; never forget this. When shooting always
obey the commands of the Field Captain, usually given by a whistle.
Archery is a very safe sport because we make it so by strict adherence
to the safety rules.
6
Some of the equipment is heavy (full size bosses weigh around 44 Kg
- just under 100 lbs) so care in handling them is essential. Other
equipment is subject to wear so, take great care to avoid splinters from
wooden arrows or target stands and, even more worrying, fibres from
carbon arrows. Always use an arrow puller when removing arrows
from butts.
Some of the safety rules with which you must be thoroughly
conversant are:
• Never draw a bow, even without an arrow, except when
actually on the shooting line, facing the target.
• Never aim an arrow anywhere except at the target.
• Arrows belong in a quiver except when standing on the
Shooting Line preparing to shoot.
• Immediately comply with a call of “FAST”. It means, “Hold
fast to your string and come down”. Any archer who sees any
sign of danger can shout “Fast”. As soon as you hear the word
“FAST” stop shooting at once, lower your bow and return any
arrow on the string to the quiver. When shooting outdoors take
up the cry of “FAST” so that it passes down the line.
7
• Never go up to the shooting line to shoot until permitted by the
Field Captain, usually signalled by a single blow on a whistle.
• Never step across the shooting line until allowed by the Field
Captain, usually signalled by double blows on a whistle.
• Never run - always walk towards the target and always look at
the ground so as not to walk into, or tread on arrows, which
may have fallen short of the target.
• Do Not stand behind an archer who is withdrawing arrows
from a target - you might get the nock end of one in the face.
• Always check behind you as you pull each arrow.
• Always use an arrow puller for wood or carbon arrows to
protect your hands from splinters and carbon fibres.
• Junior archers should never lift bosses.
8
Romsey
Archers Risk
Assessment
For
Shooting
People
affected:
Members
of the club,
spectators,
members
of the
public
Activity
Risk/
Hazard
Persons
affected
Target shooting indoors
All archers
are required
to undergo,
and pass, a
course of
instruction
before
joining the
Club
Level of Risk
with control
measures in
place
Low
Walking
into
arrows in
target
Arrows
being
pulled out
of target
Fellow
archers
Fellow
archers
Low
Equipment
failures
and being
hit by
string
Individual
and fellow
archers
Low
The course is
of six weeks
duration,
during which
time they are
directly
supervised by
a GNAS
qualified
coach
The Club complies with the GNAS
“Rules of Shooting”. This document
has chapters on safety including
conduct on the range, range layout,
responsibilities of archers and
officials etc.
Control
Measures
Action by
Walk to side of
target;
observation by
all archers
Safety rules
demand archer
look over
shoulder before
pulling out
arrow
Archers are
required to take
responsibility for
checking their
own equipment
for worn strings,
damaged limbs,
arrows etc. This
also involves
them wearing
personal
In place
In place
In place
protection, I.e.
chest guards
and bracers
Target shooting outside
Overshoot
- danger
of arrow
striking a
by-stander
Spectators,
members of
the public
entering
area
Low
The same rules
apply as for
indoor shooting.
Only members
who have
satisfactorily
completed a
beginner’s
course are
allowed to shoot
outside. There
is a minimum of
50 yards beyond
the furthest
target to allow
for overshoot.
When shooting
longer distances
back netting to
be erected.
Warning signs
are located
around the
perimeter of the
shooting area.
These signs are
clearly marked
“Danger,
Archery in
progress”.
10
In place
Archers act as
spotters and
safety rules
apply. Field
captain carries
whistle to advise
archers that it is
safe to shoot
and also to warn
them of any
dangers.
Field Shoot
Walking
into
arrows
stuck into
ground
Targets
dotted
around the
field,
danger of
arrows
being
loosed
Archers
Low
Walk to side of
target,
observation by
all archers
In place
Fellow
archers
Low
To minimise risk,
targets are
placed well
apart and not in
the firing line of
each other.
Archers work in
teams to act as
spotters for each
other. Only one
archer shoots at
a time. GNAS
Rules of
Shooting always
apply.
In place
11
Overshoot
- danger
of arrow
striking a
member of
the public,
by-stander
Spectators,
members of
the public
entering
area
Low
As above.
Archers go
round in teams
so that all
archers not
shooting act as
spotters and
advise archer of
any imminent
danger. Targets
are much closer
to minimise the
likelihood of
arrows going
astray.
12
In place
AN OUTLINE OF THE BASIC TECHNIQUE
Standing
Stand with the body across the shooting line, feet approximately shoulder width apart,
facing along the shooting line.
Posture
Adopt an upright posture, with weight evenly on both feet.
Alignment
Line up the shoulder girdle with the bow arm shoulder pointing towards the centre of
the target.
Holding the Bow
Hold the bow lightly in the bow-hand, do not squeeze.
Nocking the Arrow
Pick up the arrow with the thumb and fingers, in front of the cock feather. Lay the
arrow across the arrow rest and click the nock onto the string.
Fingers on the String
Index finger touching, middle finger 5 mm (1/4”) away from the nock, with the string
in the first joint crease; the drawing hand should be relaxed.
Arrow shaft and forearm in line.
Turn the Head
Turn the head just far enough so that you can see all the target with the aiming eye.
Raise Bow-arm
Raise bow-arm to shoulder level; do not hunch shoulder.
Draw
Draw the bow, using the back muscles, to the anchor point, string to centre of the chin,
nose and lips, forefinger touching the underside of the chin. Draw the string without
moving the position of your head.
Holding
Maintain the tension in the back muscles.
Aiming
Make any necessary adjustments from the waist. Go through your mental check list to
ensure that all steps up to this point are correct.
Loose
By relaxing the fingers of the drawing hand, the loose should just happen. Keep the
pressure on; pulling the string back to the anchor point until the release is completed.
14
Follow through
The drawing-hand should move back to full extent, bow hand may move forward,
maintain this position, without dropping the bow-arm, until the arrow hits the target.
ETIQUETTE
The rules of etiquette are designed to help everyone enjoy their shooting. A few are
listed below. Remember the GNAS motto “Union, True heart and Courtesy”.
• Do Not join or leave the shooting line while a neighbouring archer is drawing
their bow or at full draw.
• Do Not talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting.
• Do Not leave another archer to be the last on the line, shooting alone.
• Do Not go behind the target to collect arrows that have missed until your scores
have been recorded.
• Do Not touch anyone else’s equipment without their permission.
• When calling out scores do so in groups of three, for example: “7-7-5” pause
“5-5-3”.
• If you break another archers arrow through your own carelessness you are
15
expected to pay for it.
• Archers should stand spaced at a minimum of 80cm (2ft 8ins) intervals on the
Shooting Line. Do not crowd the archer either side of you.
COMPLETING A SCORESHEET
Completing a score sheet correctly may, on first sight, appear complicated. With
practice it becomes very easy. For details on how to score the various “rounds” in
archery follow the link below.
www.harrogate-archery.co.uk/scoring.html
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Please refer to our website for a link to a Glossary of Archery Terms
www.romseyarchers.hampshire.org.uk/links.html
ROUNDS RECOGNISED BY GNAS
Please refer to our website for a link to rounds recognized by GNAS
www.romseyarchers.hampshire.org.uk/links.html
GNAS RULES OF SHOOTING
GNAS regularly update the Rules of Shooting so please refer to their web site
www.archerygb.org/ArcheryGB/ for the full rules
You can also purchase the full rules from GNAS who will then send you updates
Please note that as a Member of Romsey Archers you are expected to have read,
16
understood and to comply with the GNAS Rules of Shooting. The Club Secretary
maintains an updated copy for reference.
The foregoing notwithstanding please make particular note of the following:
a)
No archer may draw his/her bow, with or without an arrow, except on the
shooting line. He must satisfy himself that the range is clear.
b)
You must not use a high draw that may, if the arrow were accidently loosed,
result in the arrow flying beyond the safety zone.
c)
Any person present seeing any danger must call “FAST” whereon all archers
must stop shooting immediately
d)
Each member of the Society has a duty of care to ensure that his/her actions do
not compromise the safety of himself/herself or others
e)
“All carbon” arrows are not permitted outdoors under any circumstances.
Wooden, all aluminum or aluminum/carbon arrows are permitted both indoors
and outdoors. The aluminum/carbon arrows can be either aluminum inner with
carbon outer or vice versa. “All carbon” arrows can be used indoors
17
ROMSEY ARCHERS CONSTITUTION AND RULES
General Provisions
1.
The Club shall be called The Romsey Archers hereinafter referred to as the
Club.
2.
The funds and property of the Club shall be vested in the Chairman, Secretary
and Treasurer for the time being.
3.
All monies and sums received on behalf of the Club shall remain the property
of the Club and there will be no distribution of such funds among the
Members.
4.
The objects of the Club shall be the promotion and encouragement of Archery
in all its forms other than Bow Hunting.
5.
The Shooting Regulations as prescribed in the Grand National Archery
Society, hereinafter referred to as GNAS, Rules of Shooting shall be accepted
as governing the relevant branches of the Sport of Archery practiced by the
Club and its Members.
6.
Nothing will be included in this Constitution which conflicts with that of the
GNAS Constitution.
7.
The postal address of the Club shall be that of the Secretary for the time
being.
8.
The Constitution of the Club shall not be altered or amended except at the
Annual General Meeting, hereinafter referred to as AGM, or at an
18
Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club. Members wishing to move a
proposition designed to alter or amend the Constitution shall submit such
proposition to the Secretary 28 days before the General Meeting at which
such proposition is to be considered. Notice of such proposition, which it is
intended to move, shall be sent to all Members entitled to receive notice of
such meeting.
Club Committee
9.
The management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Club
Committee.
10.
The Club Committee shall, unless decided otherwise at an AGM, consist of:
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Competitions and Records Secretary
Equipment Secretary
11.
Committee members shall be appointed by Members at the AGM, unless an
Extraordinary General Meeting has been called for that purpose which shall
determine the terms of their appointment from time to time.
12.
At meetings of the Club Committee the Chairman, if it is necessary, is
entitled to an additional deciding vote.
13.
The Club Committee may appoint sub-committees and may delegate to such
committees powers within defined limits.
14.
The Committee can co-opt members to the Committee as required
19
15.
The Committee must have a quorum of 3 for Committee to be valid
Membership
16.
17.
There shall be the following classes of members:
(i)
Senior Members
(ii)
Junior Members
(iii)
Honorary Members
(iv)
Associate Members
Any person interested in Archery, having attained the age of 18, shall be
eligible for admittance as a Senior Member or under that age, as a Junior
Member.
18.
Any person whom the Club wish to honour for distinguished service to the
Club may be elected at a General Meeting of the Club as an Honorary
Member for life or for a specified period of time.
19.
Associate Members are those who are members of another Archery Club and
their GNAS Membership fee is paid through the other club or independently
20.
All Members are deemed to have read, understood and agree to abide by the
rules and regulations of the GNAS. Members can access such information
from the GNAS web site or by asking a committee member.
21.
All members shall accept the jurisdiction of the Club and shall conform to
such conditions, shooting rules and regulations as may be determined from
time to time.
20
22.
If, in the opinion of the Committee, any Member shall have been guilty of
conduct, which makes it undesirable that such Member should remain a
Member of the Club then an EGM, shall be called. The Club may expel such
a Member, after a hearing, without being called upon to state a reason to any
but the Member concerned. The Club’s decision, by majority vote, at an
EGM shall be final.
Subscriptions
23.
Romsey Archers is a non-profit making organisation
24.
All Members as defined in Clause 16 other than Honorary Members shall pay
an annual subscription to the Club at a rate to be determined from time to
time by Members in a General Meeting. These fees are set as to not “make a
profit” but merely to cover the costs of the hall hire and consumable items
such as equipment for use by the Club members. Committee members do not
receive any payments for their duties.
25.
All subscriptions to the Club shall become due on 1 st April and to GNAS
/Southern Counties Archery Society (SCAS)/Hampshire Archery Society
(HAA) on 1st October.
26.
A Member who has not paid his/her subscription within two months of the
due date in any one-year shall cease to be a Member of the Club unless the
Club Committee considers there are extenuating circumstances.
Auditors
21
27.
An Auditor, from within the Romsey Archer Membership, shall be appointed
annually by Members in a General Meeting.
Finance
28.
The Club shall cause to be prepared and shall present at the AGM a Balance
Sheet showing the financial position of the Club on 31st March of the
preceding year together with an Income and Expenditure Account for the
twelve months ending on that day.
29.
A copy of the Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure account, duly
certified by the Auditor, shall be sent with the notice convening the AGM to
each Club member.
30.
A bank account shall be maintained in the name of the Club. All cheques and
orders withdrawing monies from the account shall be signed by any two of
the Club Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer.
31.
In the event of the dissolution of the Club, after discharging all debts and
liabilities of the Club, the remaining assets shall not be paid or distributed
amongst the members of the Club, but shall be given or transferred to some
other voluntary organisation having objects similar to those of the Club by
the Committee.
General Meetings
32.
The AGM shall be held before the end of May at a place to be determined by
22
the Club Committee. Not less than 21 clear days’ notice shall be sent to each
Club Member.
33.
The Club Committee, or at the request of 10% or more Club Members, shall
call an EGM. Not less than 21 clear days’ notice shall be sent to the Club
Members. Notice of any proposition that it is intended to move shall be sent
to all Club Members entitled to receive notice of the meeting.
Voting and Quorum
34.
At all General Meetings:
(a)
25% of club members shall form a quorum
(b)
Each Senior and Junior Member shall be entitled to one vote
(c)
The Chairman shall, if required, be entitled to cast an additional
deciding vote
35.
In the case of emergency, the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer shall
together have full powers to act.
Child Protection
36.
The Club shall adopt the GNAS Protection of Children and Vulnerable
Adults (PCVA) Policy to which all members must adhere; parents, coaches
and members must follow the relevant guidelines contained therein. The
Club Committee shall appoint a Child Protection Officer and Deputy to
whom members are expected to report breaches of the PCVA Policy.
23
The Constitution was revised and agreed by Members at the AGM on the 30 th April
2008
24