Archery:Briefing

The military and emergency services often use a particular format for giving briefings. Here is an example of how it could be applied to an archery event.

A briefing should be given to everyone participating and watching

Ground

• Describe the range - where the targets are (particularly important for roving or novelty shoots), which areas are out of bounds or hazardous etc

Situation

• What is the shoot?
• Is it a competition, a practice, just for fun?
• How long the shoot is expected to run for
• If the shoot is happening at a time when people may have been drinking (eg afternoon or after dinner, remind people that if they aren't fit to drive, they aren't fit to shoot.

Mission

• What is the point of the game/competition/practice?
• What does someone need to do to win?

Execution

• What equipment can be used in this competition?
  • Period? Is modern equipment allowed?
  • How many arrows are needed for this competition?
• What to do if the archer drops an arrow
• How much time is allowed, or can archers shoot at their own pace, or is it in volleys?
• Toeing or straddling the line (choose one and be consistent)
• How many to the line to shoot at once
• Don’t nock or loose an arrow or bolt, or throw a weapon while anyone is forward of the shooting lineWhen you have finished, lower your bow or any weapons in hand, step back from the line, and wait for further instructions.
• You must not go forward of the shooting line while others are shooting, and you must wait until you are told to go and collect your arrows or thrown weapons.
• Put your bow down somewhere safe before going to collect your arrows.
• Anything else participants need to know about how the game is played

Administration

• Scoring
  • Who is tallying the scores (the marshal, list keeper or archer)?
  • How points are counted (if relevant)
  • How to deal with arrows that bounce out of the target
  • How to count arrows that cut the line
• Collecting arrows
  • Remind people about collecting arrows safely, asking permission before touching other people's equipment
• Do you have a list keeper collecting scores? - identify them
• What happens if you are eliminated from the competition (if relevant)

Control and communication

• Identify the Target Archery Marshal in charge, and any assisting.
• Explain that if people don't follow instructions from the marshals about safety or the competition they will be asked to leave
• Range commands
  • Wait for instructions before aproaching the line, otherwise stay well back
  • Wait until you are given the all clear to shoot
• Holds
  • If you see a safety problem on the range, call "hold".
  • If anyone calls “hold,” lower your bow or weapon, carefully remove your arrows or bolt from your weapon, and wait for the Target Archery Marshal to tell you what to do.

Questions

• Are there any questions?