Information No. 1-3 from FITA Judges and Coaches Committees

Information No. 1-3 from FITA Judges and Coaches Committees Lausanne - 12 July 2010   Information to Coaches In 2009 there were many competitions where archers were either confused or just did not know the rules or regulations currently in place. This resulted in many delays being encountered during competitions which caused frustration to the competitors and organisers alike. Because of this the FITA Judges and Coaches Committees have agreed it would be useful to introduce some  "drops" on issues concerning coaches, procedures and rules, and make judges procedures understandable to them, and not least, so the coaches know what to expect from the judges. Ken BEARMAN, FITA Coaches Committee Chairman   We hereby intend to start a series of small inputs in order to be helpful to coaches and enhance their knowledge on rules and procedures to avoid extraordinary stress on their archers. We are of course also open to questions that might be asked. Morten B. WILMANN, FITA Judges Committee Chairman   1. Cooperation between Coaches and Judges First of all we would like to give an appreciation to the fact that cooperation between coaches and judges has improved considerably during the latest decade, reducing confusion and stress on both parties, including the archers.   We would like to emphasise that the duties of the judges are to ensure that FITA Rules are followed in a smooth way ensuring fair competition for all participants. As such the judges are trained to secure the scores of each individual archer. In short, the judges are there to assist, if necessary, in running the event, to the benefit of the archers, and as such their main task is to prevent problems arising.   Therefore, we encourage the coaches (and archers if no coach is present) to ask judges for guidance on matters on the field if they do not feel confident on how to handle specific issues. The judges will give them proper attention in a pleasant and friendly manner.   At larger international events all teams will be provided with an information booklet up front at the team captains' meeting. It is important for them to study this booklet to avoid any mistakes, and it also gives them an opportunity to raise questions on issues before they become a problem. Rules and procedures are changing and it also gives everyone an opportunity to update oneself—to the benefit of the archers.   FITA is getting more and more professional and a continuous good cooperation between coaches and judges will enhance such professionalism.   2. Officials on the Field The issue of the number of officials each team may have on the field of play is another area where better cooperation with coaches and team captains would be appreciated. There have been incidents where some team officials do not follow judges’ advice or neglect the advice when received.  We do believe that this has happened due to lack of knowledge of the rules, or lack of knowledge of the various roles we all play at an event.   If there are two categories shooting (most often), a team may have four (4) officials on the field of play, although never more officials than the number of archers in action. (Be aware that archers not shooting at the time are not officials).   When a team has no official and one of the archers is acting as team captain, they should request an upgrade card or second accreditation as an official in order to be on the field when not shooting, but assisting their fellow archers. They will only be given access when having this second accreditation.   If there are more categories shooting, which may happen in junior events, or in the elimination stage of a competition (and sometimes in quarterfinals), a team may have one extra official per category, but again, no more officials than archers shooting at the time.   If the judges and the Local Organising Committee could eliminate this need to continuously approach the team officials in this respect, the atmosphere on the field would be much better—also teams that stick to the rules, often report or talk negatively about teams which does not.   Please see that archers and/or officials who are not entitled to be on the field of play take their seats in the spectator areas or in areas designed for them.  We all would like a tournament that runs smoothly and without mishap, and giving enjoyment to everyone.   3. Clothing Occasionally the archers clothing is not according to FITA Rules, and of course it is annoying for the archers (and even for the judges) having to point out that changes are necessary. When this happens coaches and team captains may have an important role to avoid frustration.   First of all, it is important that everyone understands the broader concept. In our struggle to remain an important Olympic sport our athletes need to look proper and as sporty as possible. This concept goes well along with the improving visibility on TV and media image our sport is striving for.   The following will be severely stressed:   Ø Team members shall have the same team uniform, with their names and country (or country code) on their back. Remind your archers to bring along their shooting shirts from the hotel, or they may not be allowed to shoot! Ø The coach may wear another style than the archers, but with the same colours and should be easily recognised as the official of the team. Ø As for skirts or shorts, they must not be shorter than the archers fingertips when extending their arms down along the side of their body. Please read Book 1, art. 3.22.1 of the FITA Rules for more details. Ø It is also important to understand that the rules are also valid during official practice!   Lately, there have been some changes making the uniform issue a bit easier. A recent interpretation regarding shoes would allow archers to individually use steady and practical shoes/boots/footwear. The only limit is that the archer’s toes or heels must not be visible; so slippers or sandals are not permissable.   Furthermore, archers may wear hats according to their own liking (although similar colours look good for a team).  Based on experience, though, it should be added that the rules require professional looking sport clothing, and that also goes for hats, so no "funny hats" comply with our rule concept.   World Archery Communication