Welfare and Safeguarding for Adults and Young People in Archery
Archery is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. It is a fun, rewarding, and challenging activity that can help develop physical and mental skills, confidence, and social interaction. However, like any sport, archery also involves some risks and responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to ensure that everyone involved in archery is safe, respected, and protected from harm.
At our club, we are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for everyone who participates in our archery activities. We follow the policies and guidelines of Archery GB, the national governing body for archery in the UK, which aim to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk, and protect them from poor practice, abuse, grooming, and bullying.
We also adhere to the Archery GB Code of Conduct, which outlines the behaviour expected from all participants within the sport at every level. The Code of Conduct covers aspects such as respect, fair play, safety, confidentiality, and anti-discrimination. You can find the full Code of Conduct here.
Safeguarding is the preventative measures that Archery GB and our affiliated clubs and organisations take to keep children, young people, and adults at risk safe. Archery clubs and organisations should be safe and welcoming places for all.
Safeguarding is not only about protecting people from harm, but also about creating a culture of respect, trust, and inclusion, where everyone can enjoy archery without fear or discrimination.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a duty to report any concerns or incidents that may affect the safety or well-being of others.
We have a designated Safeguarding Officer who is responsible for the well-being and protection of our participants. Our Safeguarding Officer has completed the relevant training and checks, and is the first point of contact for any safeguarding or welfare issues.
We also have a clear reporting and referral procedure for any incidents or concerns, which follows the Archery GB guidelines and protocols. You can find more information on how to report a concern [here].
We ensure that all our coaches, volunteers, and staff have undergone the appropriate vetting and DBS checks, and have signed up to the Archery GB Code of Conduct and policies.
We provide regular training and education for our coaches, volunteers, and staff on safeguarding topics, such as child protection, anti-bullying, mental well-being, diversity and inclusion, etc.
We involve our participants and their parents/guardians in our safeguarding processes, and seek their feedback and suggestions on how to improve our practices.
We work closely with other organisations and agencies, such as Archery GB, the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, local authorities, schools, etc., to access support and guidance on safeguarding matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that parents/guardians may have about their children starting archery with our club, and our answers to them.
Archery is a sport that can offer many benefits for children and young people, such as:
- Improving physical fitness, coordination, balance, and strength
- Developing concentration, focus, discipline, and self-control
- Enhancing creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Fostering teamwork, communication, and social skills
- Building confidence, self-esteem, and resilience
- Providing opportunities for fun, enjoyment, and achievement
To join our club, you need to:
- Complete a beginners’ course with us or provide evidence of previous archery experience
- Fill in a membership form and pay the annual fee
- Agree to follow the club rules, policies, and code of conduct
- Have parental/guardian consent if you are under 18 years old
You do not need to buy any equipment to start archery with our club. We will provide you with all the necessary equipment, such as bows, arrows, targets, arm guards, finger tabs, and quivers. You will also receive instruction and guidance from our qualified and experienced coaches, who will help you learn the basics of archery and improve your skills.
However, if you wish to take up the sport, you will need your own kit, though we do allow members to use the beginner’s bow until they have their own equipment. We also expect members to get their kit as soon as they are able. If you want to buy your own equipment, we recommend that you consult with our coaches first, as they can advise you on the best type and size of equipment for you, and help you find reputable suppliers.
You should wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for archery. Here are some tips:
- Avoid loose or baggy clothing, as they may get caught in the bowstring or interfere with your shooting
- Wear layers that you can adjust according to the weather and temperature
- Wear closed-toe shoes that provide good grip and support
- Tie back long hair and remove any jewellery or accessories that may get in the way
- Wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun or rain
We take the safety of our participants very seriously, and we follow the Archery GB rules and regulations for safe shooting. Here are some of the measures we take to ensure the safety of the participants:
- We conduct regular risk assessments and inspections of our shooting range and equipment
- We have a designated Field Captain who oversees the shooting sessions and enforces the safety rules. The Field Captain has the final say on the field, and the safety of the shooters and visitors is paramount.
- We have a clear whistle system and commands to signal when it is safe or not to shoot or collect arrows
We welcome and support people with additional needs, such as autism, physical disabilities, hidden disabilities, etc. We believe that archery is an inclusive and adaptable sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Here are some of the ways we cater for people with additional needs:
- We offer individualised coaching and support, tailored to the needs and goals of each participant
- We use adaptive equipment and techniques, such as different types of bows, arrows, release aids, stands, etc.
- We provide a friendly, respectful, and supportive environment, where everyone is treated equally and valued for their contribution
- We work closely with the participants and their parents/guardians to understand their needs and preferences, and to address any issues or concerns
- We liaise with other organisations and agencies, such as Archery GB, Disability Sport, local schools, etc., to access resources and training
If you have any questions about Safeguarding or Welfare within our club, please contact us.