In response to the Prime Minister's statement on 23 June and the subsequent guidance published by the Government on 30 June for the phased return of sport and recreation, Archery GB has updated our practical guidelines for clubs, coaches and archers.
These updates apply to England and Northern Ireland only, and have been developed to help clubs, coaches and archers operate in line with the Government guidance, while easing slowly out of lockdown. Unfortunately the updates announced today do not apply to those clubs, coaches and archers that reside in the area identified in the Leicester local lockdown. The full guidelines can be downloaded below. In Wales the 1m plus rule is not allowed, so coaching beginners must be done from 2m away if the coach is confident it can be done safely. All other Home Nations must apply their own government advice at all times.
We recognise that some clubs and organisations are ready to resume the delivery of archery experiences for beginners, our guidance has been developed to support instructors and coaches to deliver archery experiences safely. This is temporary guidance while government restrictions are in place.
Instructors and coaches are not under any pressure to provide sessions for beginners. We fully support instructors and coaches to only do what they feel comfortable with. This is the personal choice of the instructor or coach.
We also recognise that some clubs have experienced capacity challenges due to the restrictions around range layout. For clubs in England we have introduced a new option of 4m from each centre (depending on available space), and have introduced the ability for two archers from different households to share a target, as long as they are shooting in two single details and 2m social distancing is maintained. The decison whether to implement the new options should be made locally by clubs, after considering their own circumstances.
Please respect the club's decision - the majority of clubs are run by volunteers, and they are managing a complex situation whilst doing their best to allow you to shoot.
The changes announced mean we still remain in ‘Phase 1 - Restricted Shooting'. Archery clubs, archers and coaches please take the time to read and follow the latest guidelines and recommendations.
Clubs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should ensure that the guidance does not conflict with the relevant Government advice.
For the latest information please click below.
• Welsh Archery Association
• Scottish Archery
• Archery NI
To keep up to date with the latest announcements on Coronavirus please visit: www.archerygb.org/covid19
