Judge wants review of weapons law

[Grepless]

So was that Llandrindod Vasey you were driving into ......... I presume it was a "local" PC asking the question .......


Grep.

[Jerry Tee]

We all should carry our GNAS or other archery governing body card when we go to shoot or when we are actually shooting. The Police should be satisfied that these documents mean that the person with the bow is a safe practioner of the sport. If they are unsure then communication with a more knowledgeable officer should be available to clear the point up.
Those buying equipment for the first time could have a letter from their club stating that they have paid their fees. Those people that fall out side those circumstances then it should up to the officers to decide weather not the person is in posession an offensive weapon.

[Ceri Jones]

Originally Posted by Grepless

So was that Llandrindod Vasey you were driving into ......... I presume it was a "local" PC asking the question .......


Grep.

Its bow and arrow country up there anyway

Ive been followed and pulled by the Llandrindod Vasey lot before and asked "are you local" . Having watched The league of Gentlemen i wanted to floor it out of there.

I like being asked to switch on all my lights, theres one switch i dont touch unless asked as it controls a set of vehicle escort strobes )front and back) then have to explain what the vehicle is used for when i work at home (Static Caravan and lodge site).

The DP plod also dont like looking at DVLA rule changes either on things such as that under-car LED's are road legal (as long as the light is reflecting off the road and tubes are not in view). Ive also been pulled for having Orange side lights and had to explain that due to a DVLA rule change/typo governing side lights that it states (as stated by my MOT station when i asked them) "Car must be fitted with working side lights", rule used to state "Car side lights must be white only and in working order". (And ive passed 2 MOT's with them in 1 done by a DVLA official as well)
It has something to do with some new cars having orange side lights but as the DVLA failed to state what colors are legal, thats why you now see lots of cars with green and blue side lights as well.

Jerry: i always have them on me if im transporting stuff
Pinkone: Mine has a Solent plate on, but i dont plan to get a private or a Q plate (Q would probably get my pulled even more)

I was shooting in a practice field a few years ago when the police arrived as a passing motorist had compained about us.
i explained how the area was set up and gnas etc. he took our details and we never heard any more about it.

It might be an idea for clubs to contact their local police and ask for a friendly visit to show what happens and the safety that's in force.

I've set up another practice area for my new club and invited local police to have a look over it so that they knew all about what was happening there. Just in case they got another report

[Beardy]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

I was shooting in a practice field a few years ago when the police arrived as a passing motorist had compained about us.
i explained how the area was set up and gnas etc. he took our details and we never heard any more about it.

It might be an idea for clubs to contact their local police and ask for a friendly visit to show what happens and the safety that's in force.

I've set up another practice area for my new club and invited local police to have a look over it so that they knew all about what was happening there. Just in case they got another report

We shoot on the sports
field that belongs to Suffolk Police and they often bring their dogs for us to practise shooting moving objects (ok that last bit was a lie) Although the field is in the grounds of the Police county HQ I don't know if we have any members who are of the constabulary though.

[andrew.paterson]

Originally Posted by Jerry Tee

We all should carry our GNAS or other archery governing body card when we go to shoot or when we are actually shooting. The Police should be satisfied that these documents mean that the person with the bow is a safe practioner of the sport. If they are unsure then communication with a more knowledgeable officer should be available to clear the point up.

The problem with the design of the GNAS card is that it is next to useless to anyone outside of the sport. To be of any use it should contain:
1. An identity number \ name that cannot be modified (a paper label is NOT good enough for this)
2. The card doesn't state what activities we are covered for. e.g. Shooting Member status, non shooting member.
3. The card does not have any contact information either for the cardholder or someone trying to determine the cardholder's validity. e.g. GNAS telephone number, Insurance Companies telephone number etc.

The policeman in no way could be satisfied with this as any way forming a satifactory level of identification or membership of a sporting insitution that uses potentially leathal equipment.

[Perks]

Originally Posted by Jerry Tee

We all should carry our GNAS or other archery governing body card when we go to shoot or when we are actually shooting. The Police should be satisfied that these documents mean that the person with the bow is a safe practioner of the sport. If they are unsure then communication with a more knowledgeable officer should be available to clear the point up.
Those buying equipment for the first time could have a letter from their club stating that they have paid their fees. Those people that fall out side those circumstances then it should up to the officers to decide weather not the person is in posession an offensive weapon.

This is fine if you happen to be a member of an archery governing body, however there are many responsible archers who are not; re-enactors being the obvious example. Similarly restricting the responsible shops to only selling to paid up members is going to deprive our sport, as those who wish to try are forced to ebay and other less reputable dealers who will not direct the enthusiastic newbie to a local club.

As for carrying archery kit I work by the advice given by the local police during my larping (stop sniggering at the back) days, don't make it obvious what you are carrying. Make sure it is well wrapped and packaged with no references on the outside to its contents, hence the one badge saying archery on my bow case has been covered with one stating Gunn and Moore Cricket. Admittedly the one time the local police stopped me while carrying larp weaponry was worth it if only for the look on the passer bys face as the PC swung at me with a broadsword.

[Meddler]

Originally Posted by andrew.paterson

The problem with the design of the GNAS card is that it is next to useless to anyone outside of the sport. To be of any use it should contain:
1. An identity number \ name that cannot be modified (a paper label is NOT good enough for this)
2. The card doesn't state what activities we are covered for. e.g. Shooting Member status, non shooting member.
3. The card does not have any contact information either for the cardholder or someone trying to determine the cardholder's validity. e.g. GNAS telephone number, Insurance Companies telephone number etc.

The policeman in no way could be satisfied with this as any way forming a satifactory level of identification or membership of a sporting insitution that uses potentially leathal equipment.

I'm led to believe that the technology is now available for the office to print permanent GNAS cards.... the days of the paper label are limited.

Coaching licences will also have photos on them.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Meddler

I'm led to believe that the technology is now available for the office to print permanent GNAS cards.... the days of the paper label are limited.

Coaching licences will also have photos on them.

Kicking and screaming into the 21st Century... GNAS is getting with the times

[ThePinkOne]

Originally Posted by Meddler

I'm led to believe that the technology is now available for the office to print permanent GNAS cards.... the days of the paper label are limited.

Coaching licences will also have photos on them.

Ah yes, but even if the technology is up to it are the people part of the systems going to cope....?

I mean the technology isn't exactly that cutting edge, but let's face it, logistics through a highly devolved structure doesn't exactly seem to be GNAS's strong point...

P.