Yes it is. In this country, amateur clubs formed in Victorian times, (often using the names of former military companies of archers) to practice archery recreationally. They came together in 1861 at a meeting in the Adelphi hotel, in Liverpool, to found the Grand National Archery Society (G.N.A.S). Its purpose is to set standards for UK competitions and to coordinate information and regulation to the many clubs through a framework of nine regions.
Although each club governs itself, the G.N.A.S provides constitutional advice on all the aspects of running a club, including legal support. Internationally, the G.N.A.S joins with over a hundred countries in an organisation called the Fédération Internationale de Tir á l’Arc (F.I.T.A) which regulates the Olympic sport and international competitions.
The Bowmen of Skelmersdale is affiliated to the G.N.A.S through Lancashire County and the Northern Counties region. The club membership fee includes the G.N.A.S. membership charges for county, regional and national affiliation and gives each archer a unique membership number.
There is an organisation called the Archery Association formed from archers who wish to support the idea of a professional sport. Although smaller, it participates in coordinating some large events within Europe and America where competitions can include financial incentives.
Pure longbow shooting is represented by the British Longbow Society who regulates their own events.
Membership of any of these groups allows an archer to enter any respective competitions run by them; however you must be familiar with the relevant rules and etiquette for each event.
As coaches, Al, Colin and Emma are trained through the G.N.A.S. governed system.
