All new members of Aquarius Archery Club complete a minimum three-month probationary period, whether you are brand new to archery or already experienced. This page explains why we have a probation period and how you can shoot while you do not yet have keys to the club.
1. Why do we have a probationary period?
Safety is always our highest priority. Archery is a weapon sport, so the club has a responsibility to our members, neighbours, and landlords to ensure anyone given independent access to the grounds will act safely, responsibly, and respectfully.
As an affiliated club, all members are also expected to follow Archery GB’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Shooting. Your Archery GB insurance depends on following these rules, so it is important that all members understand them.
Our club is unusual in offering members extended access to the grounds, rather than only operating at fixed session times. Because of this, we need to be confident that members are ready to use the facilities independently.
2. What happens during probation?
During your probation period, you’ll be asked to attend when other full members are present and complete a set of probation rounds. These rounds should be comfortably achievable for new archers and are designed to help you build confidence, consistency, and familiarity with club procedures.
You’ll also be asked to score your rounds accurately and submit them to the Records Officer.
Most importantly, probation gives you time to:
- Get to know other members
- Meet our coaches
- Build confidence on the shooting line
- Learn how the club operates
- Show that you can shoot safely and responsibly
If you ever need help, please speak to one of the coaches. Asking questions and seeking support is always encouraged.
3. What are we looking for?
We are not expecting anyone to become an elite archer in three months. We simply want to see that you are:
- Safe
- Responsible
- Courteous
- Comfortable using the range
- Ready for independent access to the club
4. Can probation be extended?
In some cases, additional coaching or time may be helpful before keys are issued. If needed, the probation period may be extended at the discretion of the coaches and committee.
5. When can I shoot during my probationary period?
While you are on probation, you are very welcome to shoot whenever a full member / keyholder is present. There are plenty of regular opportunities throughout the year to help you complete your rounds, improve your shooting, and get involved with club life.
5.1 Summer Season
During the summer months, access is usually straightforward thanks to longer evenings and busy club activity.
Wednesdays from 6.00 pm – Club Night
Our midweek social shooting session. The ground will be open and all members are welcome.
Saturdays from 11.00 am – Improver Sessions
Ideal for newer members, but open to all levels. A great chance to get coaching support and shoot with others.
Sundays from 11.00 am – Sunday Shoot
A general club session open to all members.
Other times
You may also shoot whenever another keyholder is present. Many members arrange informal sessions using the club WhatsApp group, or by pairing up with another member.
Saturdays are often especially busy during good weather.
We also publish a regular social and shooting calendar, plus monthly and weekly updates.
5.2 Winter Season
During winter, access can be a little more limited once the clocks go back and evening daylight disappears. However, there are still plenty of ways to keep shooting.
Saturdays & Sundays
Weekend shooting continues throughout winter whenever conditions allow.
Frostbite League
A fun, beginner-friendly winter round, usually shot on Sundays.
Floodlight Shooting
We often run weekday evening floodlight sessions during winter. Details are shared through club announcements.
Indoor Shooting
The club also runs Thursday evening indoor sessions from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm at our Barnet indoor venue.
These sessions are open to all Aquarius members, as well as visiting Archery GB members from other clubs.
A £10 fee applies to cover venue hire. Spaces are booked in advance.
Additional Indoor Option
Our friends at Experience Archery in Archway also run regular indoor sessions year-round, which can be a useful extra option during winter.
Other Times
As in summer, you can use the WhatsApp group to ask if any keyholders are planning to be at the club, or arrange to shoot with another member.
Important Note
Winter probation periods can sometimes take longer than the minimum three months, simply because weather and daylight can reduce opportunities to shoot. Please don’t worry about this — just stay involved, keep attending when you can, and speak to the coaches if you need help.
Quick Note
Aquarius Archery Club is run entirely by volunteers. Our committee, coaches, and event organisers all give their time, effort, and expertise to keep the club running. Nobody is paid.
Very occasionally, a volunteer may be unable to open the club at an advertised time due to unforeseen circumstances. Where possible, we will always try to let members know in advance, but this may not always be possible.
We ask members to be understanding if this happens, and where possible to make alternative arrangements with another keyholder.