Lichfield Archers recently decided that their Annual ‘Blossom Shoot’ would change and become a UK Record Status (UKRS) competition for the first time.
After working on several key areas of club development, they went through an enormous amount of preparation and learning, and then organisation on the day. From the start, the club committee were at pains to ensure that they did not lose the friendly and inclusive environment previously associated with all of their club shoots, despite the additional steps required to run a record status event.
One of the key development actions for the club was that the newly appointed Tournament Officer, Tom Richardson, had to gain firsthand experience of a UKRS shoot in order to take on the responsibility. With Archery GB’s help, Tom linked up with the Tournament Officer at Redhill Archers, who kindly allowed Tom to act as joint TO at one of their UKRS competitions, to gain experience.
The novice archers within the club and from the local area were actively encouraged to register. The club organised briefing sessions where experienced archers outlined what to expect and how to prepare for a record status shoot, which helped alleviate some of the fear and trepidation for members not used to shooting in record status competitions. This was also the case with juniors, so Young Persons Officer Tara Hughes spoke directly to parents and guardians to ensure the competition was welcoming and accessible to all.
Left to right: Dave Bermingham, chair of Lichfield Archers, Tournament Organiser Tom, Kathy Glover, and Carol Shirley, Lady Paramount.
The club found the key difference in the shoot becoming UKRS was the time and effort involved in preparing the range, ensuring the layout was strictly compliant. Also, the challenge of accommodating the expected number of cars, which was achieved by moving the shooting line to the normal 20 yards line to create the necessary space. An unexpected difference was the perceived 'loss of control', with the competition on the day being organised by outside people, i.e. the judges.
Chair David Bermingham reflects: “We are proud of what we achieved, going by the numerous comments from competitors on the day and afterwards, expressing how friendly and relaxed the shoot was. The shoot was a great success. It was full, with 60 archers coming from 13 different clubs as far afield as Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire. We had eight on the shorter distances, two wheelchair users, and a VI archer.
“I would recommend any club with the facilities available to consider hosting a record status shoot. We found the experience pulled the club together and the pride and excitement on the day was palpable, seeing the coming together of 60 archers, organisers and helpers on the field. There remains a common feeling across our members that together we have put 'the club on the map'. All the effort was worth it, and Lichfield Archers will now register the annual Blossom Shoot as UKRS going forward.”
If you need want to find out more about what it takes to run a UKRS shoot, check out our Competition Organisers Guide.
