Frequently Asked Questions about Beginners’ Courses
How long is the course?
You book and pay for five lessons, each lesson is one hour long. There is a spare week at the end of each course to allow for “missed” lessons, so the course runs over five or six weeks. You must complete five of the sessions to qualify.
Where do the lessons take place?
All beginner courses are run at the RLSAS Archery Field, Old Leamingtonians Rugby Football Club, Bericote Road – see map. Please park in the car park, walk through onto the Rugby field and across it on to the second field where you will see the Archery club.
When do the lessons take place?
Wednesday evening sessions run from 6.30 until 7.30pm. Participants are expected to turn up sufficiently before the session starts in order to sort out their equipment.
What time should I arrive?
For the first session you should arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the session start to allow time to walk across to the archery field, get your kit assembled and warm up before the lesson. For subsequent sessions 15 minutes should be adequate. Please do not be late.
Is there an age limit?
There is an advisory minimum age limit of 10 years but no maximum age limit. Children under 10 are occasionally allowed on the course by special arrangement.
Are the lessons indoors or outdoors?
All lessons take place outdoors.
What should I wear?
Clothing should be well fitting tops, not loose sleeves or baggy jumpers, comfortable flat shoes or trainers (NOT open toes), possibly a hat if you wish. Enough to keep you warm and dry should it rain; remember this is an outdoor activity. In the early part of the season the field can be a bit wet and muddy, please bear this in mind when choosing footwear.
Will I be able to buy food and drink at the venue?
No, you will have to bring your own should you need it.
Will I need to bring any archery equipment of my own?
No, it is all provided by the Archery club.
What sort of bow will I be shooting?
We only teach beginners using the “Recurve” style of bow. This will give you the “basics” of shooting and enable you to shoot other styles such as longbow, flatbow or compound later.
Is it strenuous?
The training bows are light weight, but yes it is a “physical” sport. Should you feel any pain or muscle ache please tell your trainer immediately. If you have a disability which you think may affect your training, please inform the course organiser when you book onto the course.
How big a group will I be trained in?
There are usually 20 students booked onto each of the evening courses.
Does RLSAS have a Child Protection policy?
RLSAS has signed an agreement to abide by the rules as laid out by the Child and Vulnerable Persons Protection Act, a copy of which is available for inspection in the club house. RLSAS has a child protection officer; if you have any CP or VP issues please ask to speak with them.
Persons under the age of 18 are classed as “Juniors”. Parents/guardians must accompany ALL juniors to and from the shooting ground and must remain with any junior 12 years of age or under for the duration of the lesson. Juniors of 13 years and over may be left with the permission of the course organiser, but it is recommended that parents / guardians stay for the lesson.
Can I join the RLSAS on completion of the course?
At the end of the course you may wish to apply for membership of RLSAS, details and advice will be available from the Membership Secretary.
New members from RLSAS beginners courses will be able to use club equipment for a few weeks until they are able to purchase their own. They can also take advantage of free extra tuition given in the clubs “Improvers” sessions, run on Wednesday straight after beginners lessons have finished.
This covers all of the major questions you may have. If you do want any more information about the course, please do not hesitate to contact the course organiser.