Rules and regulations surrounding Archery on squadron

Everyone General Training
1

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would know if there are any requirements from the MOD as to what archery equipment must be used, or if my squadron can purchase any equipment within reason. I’m a cadet and have been doing archery for the last 6 or 7 years, and I was having a conversation with staff, who said that they are not sure if the MOD requires specific equipment, as it is usually the case, and I have noticed that in a lot of posts on social media, everyone seems to be using a similar takedown wooden riser bow.

Is there an ACP or other doccument that specifically mentions archery and if so where can I find a copy of it?

I was also curious if cadets with the relevent coaching quallifications and safety training would be permitted to help out in any way, under CFAV supervision of course.

2

I would assume they’re would be a ACPETI for archery in key documents given it’s a sport?

3

A cane and a strong piece of para cord :roll_eyes:

4

The only real nod to Archery i routinely see is buried in ACP300 (finance manual) under the “indemnified activities” list - which states it is cover provided it’s carried out “i.a.w Archery GB guidelines. Qualified instructors only to act as conducting officer”

So. You’d either need to find a local club willing to host a few sessions (and then raise the appropriate SMS and associated paperwork) - and potentially pay for it accordingly.

OR

Get somebody qualified, then buy all the required equipment, then find an appropriate place to do it, then raise the SMS and associated paperwork to make it happen! You then need to factor in the ongoing maintenance costs etc.

OR

Find a local Squadron or Wing who already have the kit and location, then either get one of their qualified staff to host, OR in the case of the Wing approach, get somebody qualified so they can utilise the kit. (and then raise the appropriate SMS and associated paperwork)

The course you need - as a baseline - is the ArcheryGB Instructor Award - Instructor Award Courses & Qualifications | Archery GB - and ArcheryGB stipulate that you must be 17 years old.

MANY years ago we managed to secure a £3000 grant for archery as a Squadron. This covered course costs to get qualified AND sufficient equipment to set us up for a few years. We’ve then topped it with replacement stuff as necessary, plus running repairs.

Most of our sessions are now intro sessions on take down recurve bows doing target archery - learn the basics, develop principles, a few engaging games etc. We will very occasionally do a progressive training thing to improve skills and knowledge - but it needs a suitably committed cohort (and free instructor!) to make it viable.

We - locally - only use Recurves. The additional faff of compound or long bows - both in terms of expense, maintenance, storage but also physical ability of some of our smaller cadets - make these a less viable option. Recurves are simple, largely bombproof and great for intros.

Nor do we really touch field archery, flight or clout - purely as we don’t feel we could safely or comfortable run these disciplines.

My advice to anybody who wants to take it further is the same as things like Paddlesport, MTBing or (sadly now) gliding. If you want to really specialise and immerse yourself in the activity, go and join a specialist club that delivers it. We make for a great intro and entry point - but we cannot be specialists in everything, and we can’t really do it justice either!

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