You do not have equipment of your own yet but you turn up at the field hoping that the particular club bow you that you like is not being used by someone else. You also hope that someone will give you a hand settling in and the advice that you have become used to.
First of all - ARRIVE EARLY! Few club archers have patience with the person who arrives just as shooting is about to start and expects them to chase round finding bows and arrows etc. and even set up a target at a different distance to the others. On Club days most people are shooting set rounds and starting on time means finishing on time. This can be especially important in the Winter when daylight fades fast.
We want you to join in as soon as possible but early on you will not be able to cope with the longer distances. Don’t worry as a target can be set up closer to the line for you, but you will still shoot with the rest. If there are enough people shooting try to be in the centre of the group, then you will not feel left out and the others can help you out more readily if you ask. Don't try to shoot on your own.
As a beginner you will miss the target regularly. Don’t let it upset you and don’t be surprised if one of your arrows goes to ground. Members will help you to search but you may be asked to let shooting continue and to shoot a spare until later, when the search can continue. Be prepared by having at least one spare arrow with you. You will not be able to borrow.
ORGANISATION OF SHOOTING
Unlike some clubs our shooting is fairly formal on Club days. A Field Captain is in charge of shooting and whatever else needs to be organised, including safety, target positions, meeting any visitors, making tea (a welcome break in the Winter) and locking up. This duty is shared by all Senior members and a rota is drawn up by the Club Captain. Your turn will come and the routine will be explained by the other members, so don’t worry about it. Your own whistle might be useful though, and matches for the stove.
GETTING HELP
Although you must expect to miss the target sometimes do not plod on getting worse and more and more disheartened. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask one of the more experienced archers. They may be able to point out an obvious fault that will help you back on track. We all have occasions when things do not go right and one of the reasons we shoot together is so that we can talk archery as we wander up and down.
Most clubs have qualified Coaches but it is an accepted rule that people do not go around offering advice unasked. Some people would rather sort things out themselves and may not welcome another pointing out their faults. If someone asks if you mind whether they point out something let them know if you welcome the help. They may only be pointing out that the bow limbs are upside down. Fairly soon you will be able to make up your own mind whether you need help. Remember - everyone has their own pet theory and taking everyone’s advice could be disastrous.
It is often a good thing to consult with someone the same shape or size. If someone is 5ft 2in with a stiff back and short neck, they have no idea of the problems confronting someone 6ft tall who may have one leg shorter than the other.
BUYING EQUIPMENT
An archery supplier can help you to select what equipment you need but talk to other members who can advise as well.
SAFETY
Another word of Caution: Don’t leave your equipment lying around on the ground. You pay for what you break in archery and it is a bit hard if the break is a result of someone’s own negligence.
THE WELL DRESSED ARCHER
To begin with you will probably wear what you feel comfortable in for shooting, but if you decide that competitive archery is for you then you will need dark green and white clothing.
There is much discussion about this "uniform" but you will find that most TARGET tournaments require green and/or white outfits. This is more important at top tournaments where you could be asked to leave the line if you are not wearing it. The combination is generally left to you but the norm is usually green trousers/skirt and white top, or all white for Summer. As the seasons and years go by it is amazing how much green and white will appear in the wardrobe.
For FIELD events apart from the bright sparks who insist on camouflage, safety is far better observed with bright colours.
If it rains it is every man (or woman) for himself as far as colour goes!
AND FINALLY……
Just a few hints on how not to upset other archers:
A Good Archer -