Frequently Asked
Questions
I’ve never done
archery before, can I still join?
Of course! We welcome all new members, experienced or beginners. We
run a
course for all new beginners which comprises of 3 or 4 training
sessions
over 3-4
weeks. Each session lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours. This course
will give each candidate all the basic
skills they
require and most importantly all the safety training necessary to enjoy
archery. A training course of this type is often compulsory if you wish
to join an
archery club
but taking this course with Fenland Archery will enable you to join any
club
around the country. This course costs £50.00 for adults and £30.00 for
juniors
(under 18 years of age). If you join the club within 4 weeks of
completion of
the course then part of the course fee (£10 – seniors, £5 – juniors)
will be deducted
from the membership fee.
These courses are run several times a year according to demand. Unlike some other clubs, these courses are run by our Archery GB qualified coaches. Whether you choose to learn archery at our club or not, it is always advisable to ensure that you are being instructed by qualified coaches. Your safety is paramount - ask to see their certificates if necessary.
Within two months of completion of any beginners’ course, new archers are normally expected to have purchased their own equipment. If you decide to join Fenland Archery Club one of our more experienced archers and coaches will assist you in purchasing your first bow from a reputable archery supplier. Please do not be tempted to buy equipment from the internet.
Fenland Archery Club have a comprehensive range of training
bows
of
all
types
which
are
maintained to ensure
suitability for these courses. These bows may typically be used for up
to two
months after any of the beginners courses are completed free of charge.
I’m not sure if
archery is for me, can I try it first?
The club is happy for you to have a go at archery before committing
to our course.
We will give you a supervised session by arrangement through a
committee
member. Due to the popularity of these sessions a small nominal fee may
be
charged. These will nornally be run outdoors at noon on a Saturday.
Other 'Have-a-Go' sessions are run throughout the year on an
ad-hoc
basis. It is important that you attend any session arranged and confirm
your attendance 24 hours ahead of the scheduled activity. You
will receive advice on appropriate clothing, footwear, jewellery and
piercings etc ahead of your
session. .
Groups interested in arranging a 'Have-a-Go' session should contact
the club
chairman or secretary.
What do I need to
do to join?
In the first instance, you should contact the club secretary to discuss a trial session or access to the beginners course. You will be required to provide some personal information when applying to join the club/course and must declare any conditions that may impact upon your ability to safely participate in archery.
How much does the
beginners course cost?
£50 for adults & £30 for juniors (under 18 years old)
- see above for more details.
Will I need my own
bow to join?
Not at all. Archery equipment is generally specifically tailored to
the
archer and it is important to understand your archery style before you
purchase
your first bow. We therefore provide all the equipment you require to
get
started. Once you’ve completed your beginners course you may continue
to utilise
the club’s kit for up to 2 months while you decide upon the best bow
for your
needs. We have recurve, compound and longbows that you can try.
Is there an age
restriction when joining the club?
None at all. We accept juniors from 8 years old as long as they are
accompanied by an adult at all times and can safely cope with the
physical aspects of shooting a bow . There is no upper age limit,
however you will require a basic degree of physical fitness.
Under no
circumstances will unaccompanied juniors (under 18) be permitted to
attend club
sessions.
What happens once I join the club?
You will be given a temporary membership card (valid for 6 months) while your permanent membership is processed by Archery GB. You will be free to shoot at any of our club sessions and compete at competitions within the UK on presentation of your membership card. Our club coaches are available to help you develop your shooting ability and we encourage you to approach them for any assistance you may require.
Are your coaches CRB cleared?
Yes, all our club coaches and key members of our committee hold enhanced CRB clearance certificates. The club complies with Archery GB policy on the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults.
Are you able to assist people with disabilities who
have an interest in archery?
Yes, Disability is rarely a barrier to participation in archery. The club makes all reasonable efforts to encourage & assist members with disabilities. Our range at Sir Harry Smiths Community College has disabled access and toilet facilities. Our coaches have received training in assisting individuals with a wide variety of disabilities and have access to specialist advice if required. We encourage you to contact the committee in advance if you wish to discuss any aspect of how a disability may impact on your ability to participate in archery.
How much does it
cost to join?
Adult membership is currently £72 per annum including insurance and
affiliation fees to the county, regional and national archery bodies.
Membership fees renewals are payable during the first week in September.