looking for information...

[BorderBows]

one of our club guys is struggling with arthritis in his index finger on his release hand. He shoots wood and aluminium arrows depending on the course, but from a recurve.

Are there any special considerations for people who have hand problems to allow them to shoot in the class they belong in with techneques like using a thumb ring?

for example barebow or hunting tackle?

[grimsby archer]

Originally Posted by BorderBows

one of our club guys is struggling with arthritis in his index finger on his release hand. He shoots wood and aluminium arrows depending on the course, but from a recurve.

Are there any special considerations for people who have hand problems to allow them to shoot in the class they belong in with techneques like using a thumb ring?

What about just not using the index finger? Just relax it. I have know several archers with various problems and injuries to various fingers who simply dont use that finger. Second and third finger under the arrow with index either tucked out of the way or laid on top of the arrow works quite well.

[BorderBows]

Arthritis is starting in the middle finger, so the question was... can he skip changing his form for a second time, in the next few years and just change to something different. The thumb ring would mean he would need a new riser, as thumb rings need a left hand riser for a conventional right handed shooter...
We did suggest not putting any pressure on that finger, and the question of changing the tiller was brought up, which isnt a problem.

edit: Just realised this should be in the 3d/field shooting section and not trad bows.. Can a Mod move it please

[Haywain]

Don't know if they shoot NFAS, but this is from the NFAS rules of shooting and might help:

Archers suffering from a prolonged disability may be allowed to use appropriate aids and/or methods on production of adequate medical evidence to the Executive. Point C in the section on accesories.

[Furface]

I don't have chapter and verse to hand, but I seem to recall that thumb rings are illegal under GNAS rules.

[Haywain]

How about this one from the GNAS policy on disabled archers (Section 11)


1100. Policy

A disabled archer who is unable to comply with any Rule of Shooting as a result of his disability will be allowed dispensation from the rule according to the following conditions:

(a) For automatic dispensation, the disability must be seen to make compliance with the rule impossible.
(b) In cases where the disability is not obvious, written dispensation must be obtained. Applications for such dispensation, together with supporting medical evidence, to be made to the GNAS office for forwarding to the Target sub-Committee/ GNAS Medical Advisor for approval. All medical documentation will be treated as confidential.
(c) Any variation from the rule must not give an advantage to the disabled archer over other archers.
(d) Any variation from the rule must not compromise the safety of others or of the disabled archer.
(e) Any variation from the rule must not cause inconvenience or interfere in any way with other archers.

[FlourPower]

I know a guy with similar. Ended up going to NFAS Unlimited.

He hates it. Everyone else finished and in the pub where as he and his party are still stood at the second peg twiddling with knobs and dials!

[jeves]

he could change hand e.g. if he is right handed he could try shooting left handed.

p.s. i am aware this may be a big jump