The Big Weekend is nearly here! It's time to put on covid safe have a go sessions, and here are some hints and tips about how to do this.
The Big Week and Big Weekend are just a week away, so it's time to make sure you have done everything to ensure your event is as safe as possible. Covid has changed the way we do things meaning there are many more things to think about. That's why we've put together this guide to the simple steps to take to help more people experience archery safely.
Have you registered your clubs' have a go event on the Members' Portal? Simply log on to the Members' Portal, and register under the Have a Go and Course Registration tab. If it is an event for the Big Week or Big Weekend, please register the events here.
NHS Track and Trace registration might also be required at some venues, so please check.
Have you done a risk assessment for your venue? This must be undertaken on the site location and event. If you are using a new venue, you need to have done a risk assessment ahead of the event. Is there a risk assessment we can link to?
Having Covid signage in place is a strong recommendation. Posters saying if you are feeling unwell in any way, please do not take part in this have a go event' are a good idea, alternatively you can ask participants if they have any of the symptoms of Covid. If you want to display the Archery GB Return to Archery infographic, please download it below.
To reduce the risk of crowding, it is advised that clubs use a booking system with allocated time slots. There should also be enough space for those that are waiting to socially distance themselves.
Archery GB will be providing a Big Weekend QR Code on handout cards that contain a link to a form to enable you to record all participants and collect marketing consent. Visitors can register themselves so there's no need to queue up. As an added incentive anyone registering will receive a 15% discount code from Cotswold Outdoor for use this summer. One beginner can register up to 10 people in their group.
The participant could wear a face mask if it makes them feel more confident. If they want to wear one on the shooting line, try and be accommodating to this and work around the situation.
As coaches and work party will be within close proximity to different people and age groups, it is advised that a rapid lateral flow test is taken up to 48 hours prior. You can order rapid lateral flow tests for free here. Sanitising hands and equipment between each participant is a must.
Whilst coaching, be aware of the space between yourself and other participants. The coach should wear a face covering and stay at least 1 metre away.
Equipment should be sanitised/cleaned between each participant/household, so try and get double the equipment to participants. The coach and work party should try and limit the amount they touch the equipment before giving it to the participant.
These guidelines are in place to help keep everyone safe during covid.
Have a go sessions are for the intention of having a go at archery. There will be an allotted time to shoot arrows and try. Beginner sessions will be more in-depth and explaining about the sport a lot more. The hope with beginner sessions is for the participant to continue with the sport and join the club and Archery GB.
There's still time to sign your club up for the Big Weekend. This year archery's Big Weekend runs from 9-11 July (2-4 July in Northern Ireland) with the new addition of the Big Week 5-9 July.
