Updated 03/05/2020 @ 18:00
Do I have to undertake a beginners' course?
If you have never completed a beginners' course (at least 6 hours) at an archery club, then you will need to complete a beginners' course before you can attend regular club sessions.
If you've shot before, then there'll be a chance to come and shoot before the beginners' course. You'll be joined on the shooting line for your first end by a coach who will carry out a quick assessment of your abilities.
If you clearly know what you're doing (and don't worry, we're not looking at what scores you hit!) then you won't need to take part in the beginners' course.
However, if the coach feels you need to undertake part or all of a beginners' course to refresh, then you'll be expected to do so before we allow you to shoot without constant coaching. You can also opt to join the course if you feel that you're a little rusty and would like some pointers (just bare in mind it will be at the pace of an absolute beginner).
If you've not notably shot before, then you'll be required to undertake a full beginners' course.
Note: if you have held Archery GB membership before September 1st of the academic year, then you will be counted as an 'experienced' archer in student archery. This applies even if you did not shoot for a full year.
If you've shot before, then there'll be a chance to come and shoot before the beginners' course. You'll be joined on the shooting line for your first end by a coach who will carry out a quick assessment of your abilities.
If you clearly know what you're doing (and don't worry, we're not looking at what scores you hit!) then you won't need to take part in the beginners' course.
However, if the coach feels you need to undertake part or all of a beginners' course to refresh, then you'll be expected to do so before we allow you to shoot without constant coaching. You can also opt to join the course if you feel that you're a little rusty and would like some pointers (just bare in mind it will be at the pace of an absolute beginner).
If you've not notably shot before, then you'll be required to undertake a full beginners' course.
Note: if you have held Archery GB membership before September 1st of the academic year, then you will be counted as an 'experienced' archer in student archery. This applies even if you did not shoot for a full year.
When are beginners' courses run?
Our primary beginners' courses are run in early October following the University's Freshers Fair
We also run a secondary beginner's course shortly after the winter break in January/February.
For all courses, you'll be asked to attend on a specific weekday and you will be expected to attend all four sessions (with the exception of extenuating circumstances). Please do not switch sessions unless you've contacted us in advance.
We also run a secondary beginner's course shortly after the winter break in January/February.
For all courses, you'll be asked to attend on a specific weekday and you will be expected to attend all four sessions (with the exception of extenuating circumstances). Please do not switch sessions unless you've contacted us in advance.
Who are the beginners' courses for?
Primarily they're designed for those who have never shot before; and are designed to take you from not know anything about archery, to being safe to shoot without 1-on-1 coaching. However, any new member who has previous experience of shooting will be watched the first time and we may suggest (or request) going on part or all of the beginners' course as a refresher.
How much do the courses cost?
The beginners' course for the 2019/20 year will cost £12. For the duration of the beginners' course regular session fees will be waived and completion of the course will allow you to shoot with us and at many other archery clubs.
To take the beginners' course all archers must have club membership (including having a sports pass for any sessions not within the University's grace period). Please see Membership for more info.
To take the beginners' course all archers must have club membership (including having a sports pass for any sessions not within the University's grace period). Please see Membership for more info.
How long does each session last and how many sessions are there?
Each session is 2.5 hours long and the courses run for four weeks.
What do the courses entail?
The point of the course is to teach you to shoot safely in a club setting and at a competition. By the end of the course, you should be able to shoot a competition-style round, fill out a score sheet, and know how to set up and pack down the equipment.
In the first session, you will learn the key safety information and learn to shoot your first arrows. This session can be quite slow as there's a lot of information to take on, and we'll need to make sure that everyone is kitted out correctly and safely. You'll be put into small groups where you'll take it in turns to get some one to one coaching.
In subsequent weeks, you will work with a coach to develop good basic technique and start to understand more about archery. You will also be taught how to set up and pack down the range so that you know how to help in a regular session (after the course). By the final session, you will be shooting on your own and ready to join the club!
If, at any point, you want something explained again (or you simply want more details on something) please don't hesitate to ask a coach; they'll be more than happy to go through it with you.
In the first session, you will learn the key safety information and learn to shoot your first arrows. This session can be quite slow as there's a lot of information to take on, and we'll need to make sure that everyone is kitted out correctly and safely. You'll be put into small groups where you'll take it in turns to get some one to one coaching.
In subsequent weeks, you will work with a coach to develop good basic technique and start to understand more about archery. You will also be taught how to set up and pack down the range so that you know how to help in a regular session (after the course). By the final session, you will be shooting on your own and ready to join the club!
If, at any point, you want something explained again (or you simply want more details on something) please don't hesitate to ask a coach; they'll be more than happy to go through it with you.
