COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Earlier this year, USA Archery announced changes that would be initiated in 2014 to bring the organization into compliance related to the United States Olympic Committee's Safe Sport initiatives, and to foster a healthy and safe environment for our sport. After announcing the proposed changes, we received great feedback from members, and would now like to provide additional updates related to the rollout.
Summary of Changes Effective January 1, 2014:
Helpful Information/Links:
USA Archery CEO Denise Parker's initial blog addressing the driving forces behind these changes - Originally released June 5, 2013; updated November 27
Updated FAQ related to these changes - Originally released June 14, 2013; updated November 27
NOTE: UPDATED MEMBERSHIP FORMS and ONLINE ACCESS to new memberships and Range Pass will go live on DECEMBER 9, 2013!
Membership
Starting January 1st, 2014, USA Archery will require membership to compete at all club, state, regional and national events, and for archers who participate in Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) and Adult Archery Program clubs. The enforcement of membership in all USA Archery programs and activities will ensure all members have agreed to abide by USA Archery terms and conditions, including the Code of Conduct and will be covered under the USA Archery insurance policy.
New Temporary Membership - The temporary membership allows an individual who is not currently a USA Archery member to be eligible for participation at club and state level tournaments under the new membership requirement. The cost of the membership is $15 per event. This membership can be purchased online through our membership software, and it will be connected to a specific event. The individual will be able to print this temporary membership card and bring it to the event for confirmation purposes. USA Archery will also have a printed application form that can be used by clubs at the event if they would like to offer on-site memberships to participants. The new membership application form and online sign up capability will be available beginning December 9, 2013.
NFAA Membership Tournament Reciprocity - National Field Archery Association (NFAA) membership WILL BE recognized for participation purposes only, at all USA Archery sanctioned competitions, so long as the individual has obtained a temporary membership for that event, for which the $15 temporary membership fee will be waived for NFAA members. The only exception to this tournament reciprocity will be selection to international teams, and any tournament that requires JOAD club membership, i.e. JOAD National Indoor Championships and Easton JOAD Nationals. Please see the membership chartfor all memberships and related benefits.
New Recreational Membership - The recreational membership is a discounted membership for those individuals who simply want to shoot as part of a club, but are not looking to compete in tournaments or earn achievements under USA Archery club programs such as JOAD. The cost of the Recreational Membership is $15. The new membership application form and online sign up capability will be available beginning December 9, 2013.
USA Archery is aware that the new membership requirements can be difficult to enforce during the initial introductory phase or when a potential club member is not sure yet whether they want to join. Therefore, new participants will only be required to obtain a USA Archery membership after they attend a maximum of three USA Archery club activities OR when a participant becomes an official member of that club. However, during this time, the club needs to obtain a release of liability form from these individuals. These can be stored with the club and accessed by USA Archery as needed or requested.
We are aware that clubs may have archery events that are outside of their club activities or sanctioned archery tournaments, where the event is aimed at participants who are NOT members of the club AND NOT members of USA Archery. At this time, USA Archery's club insurance does not cover these types of events. We are working with the insurance underwriter to bring some options to clubs, but currently this coverage is not offered. There is specific coverage offered to the coach only, depending on the nature of the event, if they are Level 2 or higher and members of the organization, but the coverage does not extend to the event as a whole or the participants who are not members.
Safe Sport Compliance
As part of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Safe Sport initiative, background screens and Safe Sport training will be mandated for any person who has routine access with minors. In addition, USA Archery is requiring that these individuals also be USA Archery members in order to be covered by our insurance policy. Currently, all instructors who are Level 2 or higher, are required to complete a background screen, and now in addition, will be required to complete the free online 90-minute Safe Sport training. Current instructors and coaches will be asked to complete the Safe Sport training requirement upon renewal, or no later than December 31, 2014. Those who fail to complete the Safe Sport training program prior to Jan. 1, 2015 will have their instructor or coach certification suspended until they are in compliance.
Range Pass - A Range Pass will be required for any Level 1 Instructor or volunteer who will have routine access to minors to be compliant with our Safe Sport Code of Conduct Policy. In addition, due to the added risk, USA Archery is also requiring that this individual become a USA Archery member in order to be covered under USA Archery's insurance policy. Any USA Archery membership, other than a temporary membership, will suffice this requirement. There is no fee for the Range Pass, but there will be the fee related to the background screen and membership requirement. This Range Pass designation will show up on the member's membership card and can be printed off and presented to the club administrator as verification of requirements.
USA Archery Clubs
As of Jan 1. 2014 USA Archery clubs will be required to have at least one Level 2 Instructor assigned to their club. Requirement of a Level 2 Instructor will ensure that a certain level of instruction and club safety have been completed by the club. Current clubs will be asked for the name of this individual during the renewal of the club's membership process, or no later than December 31, 2014. Those who fail to be able to meet this minimum standard will have their club membership suspended until they are in compliance.
As noted above, many of the new changes will significantly affect local clubs. Therefore, the USA Archery club terms and conditions have been revised to reflect all the new requirements and becomes effective January1, 2014.
USA Archery understands change can be difficult, but we hope that we will have your full support in our effort to meet the standards set forth by our partners in order to maintain a healthy environment for athletes and all participants within our clubs, teams and events. USA Archery would like to thank you in advance for your support of these new initiatives and the continued effort you continue to put forth to help grow the sport of archery across the country.
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