Alcohol - should there be an explicit rule?

[LobbyMuncher]

A ban would be yet another unwelcome concession to the nanny state.
We don't want "drunk in possession of a bow" to become law because the safety record indicates that it's unnecessary and also because we fear that the next step would be "in possession of a bow" - let's face it, with this government they could miss out the middle step altogether!
In my opinion as an enthusiastic and experienced drinker and inexperienced archer, nothing much should change at all, it should remain self-regulating as it is because it's a safety-conscious sport with an excellent record. Individuals will crop up from time to time who will mock the wishes and safety of the majority in favour of their own agenda - I'm NOT pointing the finger, this is in the most general of terms - and these individuals should be dealt with by the archery community in an appropriate manner which should strongly discourage a repeat offence and also emphasise the message to others.
"The wishes and safety of the majority" are key here, and the word "public" is important too. If a group of friends wish to shoot and drink together, they're complicit - they've collectively agreed to accept the perceived risk and if an individual feels uncomfortable with the risk at any time then they can retire. Forcing the risk - even perceived risk - upon others is not acceptable.
Need beer now

[simon m]

In my opinion(god I hate that phrase) Archery is dangerous enough to warrant a limit like driving.

I saw three guys get breath tested randomly on the start line for the Isle of Man TT few years back, in fact I believe some very well thought of irish road racers have been caught out at Road races in Ireland in the last few years.

Although random breath testing might be a bit extreme at an archery event I think an outright ban wouldn't be unacceptable.

I have shot good scores with a hangover, but thats another story

[worthipa]

I would have thought there was a condition in the GNAS Insurance covering this eventuality. Anyone know?

[Little Miss Purple]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

I don't mind anyone having a drink (so long as they don't shoot me, start singing or want to shake everyone's hand) I can just imagine what some of the 'wrong green judges' would do with that rule.

They'd probably all have wee gnas breathalyser kits....

Having shot a few hangovers away myself, leave it as it is is my vote

Oh dear... we don't need alcohol to set some of our Yorkshire archers off singing at a shoot!!!

[Mistake]

Originally Posted by Little Miss Purple

Oh dear... we don't need alcohol to set some of our Yorkshire archers off singing at a shoot!!!

Not to mention people dancing at some competitions (me and kellog)


There is nothing wrong with drinking the night before, so long as you are in a fit state to shoot the next morning. LMP has seen how much i can drink before a competition/ on the Saturday of a 2 day-fita, and i broke my pb on both days (and i saw stone-cold sober before i started shooting).

I do (however) object to people drinking just before they shoot, and whilst shooting, and have seen some well known (in certain circles) archers drinking whilst shooting in the evening before on the practise targets. But making a rule out of it would definatly make the 'wrong green' judges have a new field day when it comes to archery competitions (i've even come across a 'wrong white' judge before)

[Tony_zelah]

I've been offered a "celebratory" (a lone with all the other archers) glass of sherry at county shoots, i always have the Orange juice option. For two reasons firstly I don't archery and alcohol mix and secondly I prefer OJ to sherry hands down. So I voted ban it at shoots.

[moo-mop]

I know a number of (yes, they are longbow only) shoots where alcohol, in the form of sherry, is served by the organising committee to all the adult archers prior to the shoot. I think it's a bit of tradition, I must say they all drive to the shoot and it's a very moderate amount so I suppose it doesn't do any harm, but it also perhaps doesn't help their image?

I have no issues with alcohol after shooting. If I'm doing the next day I personally don't drink (although I can think of a one very small glass of wine celebration exception, and in that particular case a fair few of the other archers seemed to disappear the next day).

[not dead yet]

Originally Posted by Furface

In another (somewhat contentious) thread, a discussion about being drunk at tournaments threw up the comment that there is no rule explicitly banning the consumption of alcohol. Should there be? Should it be across the board, or do we allow mulled wine at Christmas club does? (A thread about this was around in 2006).
My personal feeling is that it should be explicitly banned, as alcohol consumption could compromise safety and hence insurance.

OMG. how many sports clubs dont have a bar.

how many archers have you seen drunk.

tell you what....

we'll ban drink, children so as to not have to worry about takin photies. burgers, coz they not good for you. all carbon arrows. large amounts of cheese coz it can give some migrain. smiling coz you may be enjoying your archery. students for obvious reasons. (ceri ) lol. we'll all shoot longbows once a week to irrigate the grass.

i love Archery interchange

he he he he

pete

[Little Miss Purple]

Originally Posted by not dead yet

OMG. how many sports clubs dont have a bar.

how many archers have you seen drunk.

tell you what....

we'll ban drink, children so as to not have to worry about takin photies. burgers, coz they not good for you. all carbon arrows. large amounts of cheese coz it can give some migrain. smiling coz you may be enjoying your archery. students for obvious reasons. (ceri ) lol. we'll all shoot longbows once a week to irrigate the grass.

i love Archery interchange

he he he he

pete

welcome back NDY... we've missed you

[Deadeye Doc]

Someone mentioned other shootin' sports. I have looked on the web at the NRA and a variety of clubs in the USA, where, Lord knows there are enough problems with guns, and at gun clubs here. This snippet sums up the Rules for most of them. "No alcohol or illicit drugs are allowed on the range. Alcohol is only permitted during special activities which have been approved by the RCRC Board. Anyone appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on club property."
Last year I shot at two tournaments at which two individuals were shooting more than "half seas over". One of the two individuals was what can be characterised as an "angry drunk" and very definitely spoiled what had been, until lunchtime, a great day out, not just for me but for the wheelchair archer on the boss with us and for other archers nearby. The second archer was a "happy drunk" and was inoffensive, but was plied with alcohol throughout the shoot.
National Shooting Week in the UK is not far off and on the website advertising this
National Shooting Week - Welcome to shooting!
it is stated that "alcohol and shooting do not mix, and that alcoholic drinks may not be consumed until after you have finished shooting". This I feel is reasonable. While we have a weapon in our hand archers should act responsibly. I don't like "shoulds and oughts" but use of a potentially dangerous weapon carries with it responsibilities.

P83 of the FITA rulebook states:
5. All accredited persons will refrain from smoking, using or being on the influence of intoxicating substances (alcohol, cannabinoids, etc.) while being on the field of play and other designated zones. Breach of this rule will result in loss of accreditation as decided by the Coordination Committee or the highest authority present at the event.

In the appendices:

FITA CONSTITUTION AND RULES
APPENDIX 5 - DOPING CONTROL PROCEDURES April 1st, 2008
112
SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN PARTICULAR SPORTS
P.1 ALCOHOL
Archery (FITA) (0.10 g/L)