So, you've decided to take up archery. Well done - it is an enjoyable and interesting sport. However, like netball, you have to wear a skirt.

Sorry, correction............

Like netball, there are rules to be followed.

LESSSON ONE - On The Field

Before you shoot make sure that you:

a) Have a bow plus a bow string. Note- the string needs to be attached to the bow, but that is a skill for your coach to have taught you and is not covered here.

B) Have arrows

c) Are at the right end of the field (Note - look at other archers to determine where this is)

d) If point c is difficult then you should also check that you are on an archery field and not a tennis court or golf course

When shooting

a) Ensure that the arrows are the right way round with the pointed end facing away from you. I am assuming that you know which way round the bow goes. If you don't then archery may not be the sport for you

b) Aim at the large, brightly coloured, object at the other end of the field. This is called a target. if you do not aim at the target there may soon be another brightly coloured thing on the field. This is called an ambulance.

c) Never try to tie your shoelaces with your tab on. It just doesn't work.

Scoring

Hitting the target is good, it means that you score points. Hitting people is bad, it means that you score nothing. Remember - POINTS not PEOPLE

When retrieving your arrows (yes you have to go and get them, however unfair this may seem), you will be asked to read out the points for each arrow in sets of 3. Simply repeat the number for the emergency services twice (british rather than american tends to get you a better handicap). I suggest that you do not do this on all ends, but occasionally look at which coloured ring the arrow has hit. Remember, if any part of the arrow touches a line then you score the points for the inner ring (reverse this rule for other peoples arrows)

Harriet Turner 2006