Following the announcement from the Prime Minister on Sunday 10 May, Archery GB has prepared guidelines for clubs, coaches and members on returning to archery safely in England, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
There is no change to the current position in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and archery activity remains on hold. We will continue to work with other Home Nations as the guidance changes in those territories.
The safety of the archery community remains our top priority, the effects of coronavirus will be felt across the archery community for a considerable time to come. As we return to archery we need to do so responsibly, and we all need to continue to play our part in controlling the virus and saving lives.
The guidelines relate to the first phase of returning to archery (restricted shooting). They have been produced in line with the government guidance on public spaces, outdoor activity and exercise published on 11 May 2020, which can be read on the Gov.uk website.
Archery is a sport where close contact with others can be avoided. Archery GB has developed a set of practical guidelines for clubs, members and coaches to follow so that restricted shooting can take place where the local environment allows.
The choice to return to archery at this time is one that needs to be made locally by clubs, after considering their own circumstances. There are many clubs who are keen to return to archery as soon as possible, but we appreciate there will be those that have genuine concerns, or their local environment will make shooting safely impossible at this stage. It is the responsibility of each club to make their own assessment based on their local environment and circumstances.
We therefore ask you to read and consider the guidelines carefully, before making a decision whether to return to archery during this current phase. Please do not feel pressured to open your club, attend your club, or coach until you are confident you can do so safely, by following both the Archery GB guidelines and the current government advice.
We have issued this advice to all Archery GB clubs, members and coaches regardless of which territory people reside, to ensure that everyone has access to the information at the same time. We will continue to work with our other Home Nations to support them in their preparations for returning to archery when they allowed to do so.
We have started to create a list of FAQs to help answer your questions and we will continue to add to them over the coming days and weeks. If you have any questions then please email membership@archerygb.org. Please be mindful that a number of the team have been furloughed and we are operating reduced office hours, so we may not be able to reply within the usual 72 hours.
You can keep updated with the latest information at www.archerygb.org/covid19
Please download the guidelines below.
