Junior Olympic Archery Development |
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June 2007
Chris, Shane, Hunter June 28-July 1, 2007 was a time to remember for the Santa Ynez Valley Bow Club Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program. Our JOAD archers competed in the 26th JOAD National Target Championships at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. The event was packed with plenty of excitement. Before one could compete, the archer's equipment was inspected to see if they met the JOAD standards. If that wasn't enough, dress codes were also strictly adhered to for over 200 young archers. The archery competition was fierce and concentration was the deciding point in winning medals. Even though archers did not bring home medals they did place in a respectful 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th in each of their divisions. A job well done for their first National competition and as representatives of a new JOAD Club established in September 2006. The Santa Ynez Bow Club began a new youth program called the Junior Olympic Archer Development program also known as JOAD. "Our most important asset in archery, just as in life, is our youth. The NAA's JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) program promotes the sport of archery with young people. It stresses getting a bow in hand quickly (instead of boring the kid with lectures), yet doing so safely, and focuses on the positive aspects of the sport. The USA's last Olympic Gold and Silver Medal archers started out as JOAD archers. While the Olympic effort IS important, JOAD recognizes that it is far more important that archery be a fun and positive experience such that the young archer will continue to enjoy the sport throughout life. The JOAD coach knows this and strives to promote success and a positive attitude. Archery is a sport for a lifetime." http://www.texasarchery.org/JOAD/JOAD.htm The JOAD program provides archery instruction and competitive events for young archers across the nation and around the world. Through the JOAD Olympian Awards program the young archers can earn badges as they progress and improve upon their scores. JOAD archers start at the rank of Yeoman and as they develop their skills can move through Jr. Bowman, Bowman, Jr. Archer, Archer, Master Archer, Expert Archer, Olympian, Silver Olympian, all the way to the top rank as a Gold Olympian. JOAD is part of the National Archery Association (NAA). The National Archery Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of archery in the United States. It establishes shooting regulations, conducts tournaments, maintains records and provides information to organize and support archery clubs. The NAA is member organization of the United States Olympic Committee. The age range for participation goes from the ability to safely handle a bow in a group setting up to 18 years old. The instructors for the classes are Lou Rovtar, Sam Newnhan, and Alex Karapetian. Please feel free to contact them for more information.
The fees for participation are $35.00 per year. That covers the cost of instruction, targets, badges, and other range-related fees. Archers must provide their own equipment. If you do not have equipment, we can assist you with "how and where" to purchase archery equipment (also known as archery tackle). JOAD is from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every Sunday unless otherwise noted. Students and their families should arrive prior to that time to set up their equipment and assist in the set up of targets. More Information and Resources on JOAD: http://www.usaarcheryjoad.org/ JOAD Age and Division Calculator
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