Pennington Archers

BEGINNERS COURSE

Beginners Courses are run by NFAS qualified archery coaches from Pennington Archers for people, 10 years of age and over, who have a genuine interest in learning about archery and how to shoot safely. They are open to those who are new to the sport or for individuals who may have shot before but need a refresher course.
Each course will be held outdoors on set dates and times over 3 two hour-long sessions regardless of weather. We will not turn anyone into an expert archer in this time but the content of the sessions should give prospective archers enough basic knowledge to shoot safely and to have a good idea of archery in the broadest terms.
Archery is potentially very dangerous. Despite this, there are very few archery shooting accidents - This is due in no small part to the emphasis we put on SAFETY. Safety has to be taught as a good habit from the very start.
Beginners will also become familiar with the Pennington Archers club format and in the final session a mini competition will be held and individuals assessed on their competence.

The format of the Beginners Course will generally be as follows:

Session 1 (2 hours)

·Introduction to Archery and explanation of the Beginners Course
·Safety Rules
·Clothing
·Introducing Equipment
·Setting up and taking down procedures
·First steps to shooting
·Shooting Etiquette
·Shooting Practice

Session 2 (2 hours)

·Safety Rules refresher
·Setting up
·Shooting Practice
·Archery Governing bodies
·Pennington Archers Club structure
·Shooting Styles and Disciplines
·Inspection of different bows
·Taking down

Session 3 (2 hours)

·Safety Rules refresher
·Setting up
·Mini Competition
·Assessment of Competence
·Taking down
·Results
·What’s next?

Those who fail to reach an acceptable safe standard by the end of Session 3 will fail the course and their training will end.
Also for safety reasons, anyone acting in an irresponsible manner at any time during the course will be asked to leave immediately and forfeit their fee.

Beginners who are deemed to be proficient and act in a responsible manner will be invited to a further one hour long session held indoors covering equipment making, repair and care. They will receive a Certificate of Proficiency to certify that they have completed the basic training course for beginners in archery.

If you wish to continue shooting you may be invited to join Pennington Archers being made aware of your personal responsibilities to the club and to other members and have membership and insurance fees explained to you. Club fees must be paid before you shoot as a club member.

Cost of the Beginners Course is £35.00 per person.
When the dates, times and venue for each session are known, a confirmation of attendance form will be sent to you. The above fee will become payable with the completed confirmation of attendance form.

This cost covers training by NFAS qualified coaches, the use of club equipment and all necessary insurance for the duration of the course.

Clothing and weather.
Please wear clothing which allows you to move easily and comfortably, but no loose baggy sleeves or fronts which will catch in the bow string. Comfortable flat stout shoes (no open toes) or boots suitable for use on grass and in the prevailing weather conditions should also be worn.

Pennington Archers Child Protection Policy - At all events organised under the auspices of the club or the National Field Archery Society (N.F.A.S.), all children up to the age of sixteen should be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian.
If a parent or legal guardian cannot accompany their child at any event, it will be their responsibility to inform the organisers of the event in writing that they have nominated another person to act on their behalf as a temporary guardian for their child.
It will be the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to vet the person they nominate to act as temporary guardian and also inform that person of their duties and liabilities whilst acting as temporary guardian. Coaching of a child must only be done in the presence of and with the consent of the parent or legal guardian.

If you would like to put your name on the waiting list for the Beginners Course please complete and return the attached form. The waiting time varies considerably; generally a Beginners Course is run when there are four or more names on the list. You will be contacted by Pennington Archers when there are enough people taking the course and given dates, times and venue for each of the sessions.

Further Information.
If further information is required please contact our Beginners Course Co-ordinator: -
Mike Smith
“Bank Terrace”, Main Street, Greenodd, Ulverston, Cumbria. LA12 7RB
Tel: - 01229 861033
or e-mail: - mike.smith@penningtonarchers.com

Download the Beginners Course Application Form