Chicago Bow Hunters, Inc.

What is JOAD?

Junior Olympic Archery Development, or JOAD, is an educational archery program administered by USA Archery, the national governing body for the sport of archery. USA Archery is sanctioned by the US Olympic Committee to oversee US Olympic Archery. USA Archery is a member of the World Archery Federation. JOAD activities range from beginner instruction and outreach to world championship competition. JOAD missions range from character development to international championship competition.

What happens at a JOAD program?

Depending upon the club, youth are taught the basic safe steps to use a bow and arrow for target archery by trained and certified instructors. Many clubs are managed by an advanced coach who can take the archers beyond the basic skills and help them become top tournament performers.

 

Where and when are the sessions?

Many programs are offered once a week at a club, recreation agency or archery pro-shop. Contact the "Club" for the schedule. Some clubs are located at a local coach's training academy. Many of them are conducted after school, evenings or during weekends.

 

How much does it cost?

Most formal programs charge by the session. Contact the "Club" for the cost. The cost typically includes instruction, range fee and equipment use fee for beginners. Advanced JOAD archers often own their own equipment.

 

What should I expect? 

After several introductory sessions, a potential archer should have enough of an idea whether archery is something they would like to pursue. Some will take the experience and move on. Others will want to take the next step further in archery development.

 

What is the next step?

Equipment, coaching and training.

 

Step 1. Purchasing equipment so that the archer can practice throughout the week is typical. Purchase equipment that fits right now. It is the only way to develop proper form now. Without proper form now, there will be no later.

 

Step 2. Coaching is available from the club instructors or from higher level USA Archery Level 3 and 4 certified coaches. Check out the Instructors and Coaches page for more information. A typical coaching schedule ranges from weekly to monthly. Costs vary.

 

Step 3. Training needs to be fun and that often means social. JOAD club sessions provide the fun and social element. Individual practice can take place at an indoor at outdoor archery range or at home.