This section of Stanford Archery's site is intended to provide answers for questions frequently asked of Stanford Archery. It is divided into "General," "Campus," and "Community" sections. Please read through this FAQ before e-mailing us with questions.

1. How can I begin shooting?!
   Everyone, from absolute beginners to experts, can shoot! We offer a variety of programs open to everybody in the area. Please visit visit our programs page to see the many ways to shoot with Stanford Archery and which is appropriate for you.
   
   
   
2. Do I need to bring any equipment whatsoever?
   Not at all. We will provide the bow, arrows, safety equipment, and everything needed for archery. Just bring yourself in comfortable clothing (see below). If it is your first time on our range, you must bring the appropriate waiver forms. These will be given to you via email when you sign up.
3. How the do I get to the Stanford Archery Range? I can't find an entrance in the fence.
   You can find a map here. There is a gate at the intersection of Serra and El Camino. Please walk around the perimeter, delineated by the yellow line, before entering the range. Typically, team members hop over the fence, or duck under the ditch behind the range.
4. How should I dress when I come to the Stanford Archery Range?
   You will want to wear casual, comfortable clothing. You may also want to bring sunscreen, water, and a long-sleeved shirt in case it gets chilly. Please refrain from wearing baggy clothing, such as baggy or think long-sleeved shirts, as it will hinder your shooting by creating drag on the string. If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie to keep your hair back. Long and dangling earrings may also pose a risk. During the rainy season the range can be muddy, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
5. May I bring food to the Stanford Archery Range?
   Yes, you may. There is a garbage can on the range for proper disposal of trash.
6. What is the policy on cellphones? Can I keep my cellphone on?
   Please turn your cell phones off or to silent mode when you are shooting or watching others shoot on the range. Ringing phones can distract archers on the line.
7. To whom should I write checks?
   Please make checks payable to "Stanford Archery Program".
8. How safe is it out on the range? I thought archery was really dangerous?
   The Stanford Archery range is set up to meet the safety requirements established by FITA, archery's international governing body. All protective equipment is given and secured to all shooters (JOAD, Summer Camp, Private Lessons, recruits), and team members always keep an open eye for any potential mishaps. There has never been any injuries to date on the Stanford Archery range.
   
   
   
9. To become competitive in archery, what kind of time commitment is needed?
   To be proficient in archery, like many other sports, one needs precision as well as accuracy. Both are a result of hard work, training, and many, many hours of practice. The quality of one's shooting reflects the amount of quality practice time. Archery is all about consistency, and many hours are needed for the consistency needed for archery.
   

1. Does the Stanford Archery Team accept members who are not affiliated with Stanford?
   Team members must be enrolled at Stanford as undergraduate or graduate students.
2. Is the Stanford Archery Range an open range for shooting?
   The Stanford Archery Range is not a public range, meaning that shooting can only occur during team-affiliated events such as practice, and during any of our programs. This is due to liability concerns; team members must be present whenever there are archers on the field. If you are not a Stanford undergrad or graduate student, and wish to shoot regularly on our range, the best way is to sign up for JOAD and indicate in an email your circumstances.
3. What is the minimum age to start lessons with a private coach?
   The minimum age for participation in a private lesson or JOAD is 7.
   
   
   
4. Is there a minimum strength in order to shoot archery?
   Most of the force in shooting comes from the back, and the back is surprisingly strong. We have bows tailored for children as young as 7 years old. All that is needed is an interest in archery, and we will provide you with a bow that you will be able to pull.
   
   
5. What styles of archery does the Stanford Archery Program teach?
   Stanford Archery teaches beginning archers how to shoot recurve (Olympic style) and compound bows. Our programs are geared only towards shooting recurve bows. But because we have compound shooters as well, we do offer lessons if the student already owns a compound bow. In other words, we will provide a recurve bow, but we'll be glad to help you if you shoot compound.
6. I am planning a group event (e.g. birthday) and I wanted to know if the Stanford Archery Team offers large group lessons/shooting days.
   Yes, we do! Please visit the group and corporate events page for more details.
7. Does the Stanford Archery Team provide afterschool classes?
   Unfortunately, Stanford Archery is currently unable to offer afterschool classes.

1. What do I need to do to join the Stanford Archery Team?
   Team members must be enrolled at Stanford as undergraduate or graduate students. For details about our team recruiting program, visit our recruiting page.
2. Is the Stanford Archery Team a varsity or a club team? If it is varsity, do you recruit incoming students? Are you able to offer scholarships?
   The Stanford Archery Team is a club sport, meaning we are both a competitive and recreational team. We have no sway in admissions decisions for incoming freshmen or transfer students. Because we are not a varsity sport, we do not have the funds to offer scholarships. The best way to get involved in Stanford Archery is to apply to Stanford and attend our Beginner Practices after you have been admitted and have enrolled.
3. Does the Stanford Archery Team provide regular classes during the summer and the school year?
   Stanford Archery usually holds a Student Initiated Course once a year (usually Autumn Quarter). Please check the time schedule for dates and times. In addition, Stanford Archery provides Beginner Practices for those affiliated with Stanford (staff, students, and faculty).
4. Do I have to buy my own equipment to join the Stanford Archery Team?
   No, the team provides all the equipment necessary to train and compete.
5. If I am affiliated with Stanford, do I need to take a private lesson before coming to a Beginner Practice?
   No, Beginner Practices will teach you everything you need to know to begin shooting.
6. If I am affiliated with Stanford, and my child/spouse/other relation would like to shoot, can they attend Beginner Practices as well? Or can they take my place?
   Only Stanford affiliated persons can attend Beginner Practices. If your friends or family wish to participate, they should sign up for Beginner Practices themselves (if Stanford affiliated) or private lessons (if not directly Stanford affiliated).
7. Can I come shoot at any time?
   The Stanford Archery range is not a public range. Due to liability concerns, team members must be present during all practices and community programs.
8. Is there a fee to join Stanford Archery?
   There are no monthly or yearly fees required to join Stanford Archery. However, team members must pay to participate in some tournaments. See our recruiting page for more info.