President's Address

22 December 06

Hi Archers,

We are almost at the wire for the year end competition and I am sure most of you have been practicing very hard. That is great. Over 20 clubs have responded and the field will be one of great quality.

Questions & Answers

I have been asked a number of questions and I thought it would be good to put it all together here for all to know:

1. Are we allowed to mix gender in the team events?
No, you can't as FITA rules does not allow mix gender teams or even teams with members from different categories.

2. After shooting "Standard Class" can I go back to shoot "C" Class?
The only restriction to Standard Class, besides those on equipment, is that archers must not have scored 1000 points or more in another class. Also, you are allowed to earn only 1 badge within the Standard Class. "C" Class? There is no such class as "C" class. The divisions are Recurve, Compound and Standard Bow. As such, please refrain from using the term "C" class as it does not exist.

3. My birthday falls on 30 December and I was born in 1987. Do I qualify for the Junior Category?
It does not matter on what date or month you are born in. It is the year that is important. As you were born in 1987, you will be 19 in 2006 and as such you cannot be in the Junior Category which is for those born in the year 1988 and after. So, remember, it is the year you were born.

4. Are plastic handles and foam limbs allowed for the "Standard Bow" Division?
Plastic handles are ok but no foam limbs are allowed.

5. Are carbon arrows allowed?
At the last coaches' meeting, it was agreed that arrows up to XX75 and equivalent including Carbon Flash arrows will be allowed for the Standard Bow Division. Finger tabs must not have any bracer but finger separators are ok.

6. Are jeans allowed? How should one dress for the competition?
Given the wet weather I strongly advise boots. No, jean are not allowed, also cargo pants or 3/4 pants with bulging pockets. Correctly, you should be decently dressed in your team uniforms with shoes and proper pants. No shorts shorter than the extended finger tips by its side please.

7. Is there a team reserve and will he be given a prize if the team wins?
No, there are only 3 to a team and prizes are given as such.

8. How do I get to the competition ground at Flaming Arrows?
Please see attached map.

9. I am trying to get into the National Squad as I did not make it the last time round. What must I score to make the National Squads?
To make the squads (any squad) you will need to score at least 70% of the maximum for the category of event you are participating in. For example, if you are in the Standard Bow category, you will need to do 720 x 0.7 or 504 points or if you are in the Fita 900 category, you will need to do 900 x 0.7 or 630 points.

10. At what distances are the Olympic Rounds?
For the Olympic Rounds, which include the Elimination and the Team events, the distances to be used are: FITA - 70m, FITA900 - 60m, Standard - 50m. If the event is a single distance, then it will be held at that single distance.

11. What happens if it rains?
We get wet.

Bangkok - 1st Asian Grand Prix 2007

This event will take place in Bangkok from 01 February 2007 to 06 February 2007. All National Squad members are invited to try for this event. All you need to do is be the top 3 archers in the RM, RW, CM and CW categories in the Full Fita event that is to be conducted on 30 December 2006. If any of the winners are unable to go, then the first reserve (4th) place winner will be invited to attend, etc.

As the organizers of the AGP has agreed to unlimited qualifying entries, AAS would like to try out a scheme this time only whereby any archers from the National squads who wishes to take part in the AGP (double 70 m event) but who failed to make the cut, may still go with the team but they have to bear all their own expenses. It is estimated to cost about $800 to $1000 each. If you find yourself in this predicament and would like to participate, please submit your name and best score early for the committee's consideration.

There will, however, be only 1 team per country per category so non sponsored archers are only allowed to participate in the qualifying and elimination rounds only.

NTS Briefing

All National Squad members and those wishing to be NTS squad members are reminded to attend this discussion briefing that will be chaired by Dr. Wong, Vice President, AAS. Coach Choi will also be there to elaborate more on the training for 2007 as well as to present the selection process and commitment required for the 2007 SEA Games Archery team. Those of you who can make it should make it a point to attend and get first hand information on the subject. Those who cannot for one reason or another please find out from your friends.

All coaches, club officials and parents of squad members are cordially invited to attend the briefing which will be held at the Zhenghua Community Club (Bukit Panjang), 7 pm, on 27 December 2006. Light refreshment will be served but for the 'big eaters' like myself, there is a food court in the building. The nearest LRT is Segar Station which is about 150 meters away.

That is about it for now, Happy Holidays and have a great Christmas break.

George Loh
President
Archery Association of Singapore
22 December 2006