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Teacher Training

How to become a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI)

Included in your NASP equipment purchase, up to 5 teachers will be trained on how to successfully and safely run this archery program as part of a class. During the training session, teachers will learn how to setup a safe archery range, how to teach the students proper shooting form, and how to maintain the equipment. (Note: If a school would like to train more than 5 instructors, additional training manuals will need to be purchased.)

Instructor training was developed so teachers in every participating school could be certified to present NASP lessons that are safe for students, instructors, bystanders, and the facility. To date, NASP has certified more than 25,000 instructors – including 600 in Ontario!

During the training, teachers learn how to set up and operate a safe archery range in their gymnasium. They are taught whistle signals used to move students to various taped lines on the range floor. These whistles indicate to students when to “get bows,” “shoot” and “go get arrows.” Instructors learn how to determine a student’s dominant eye and make a string bow training aid to teach archer form, shot execution, and follow-through using NASP’s Eleven Steps to Archery Success.

Teachers are provided extensive advice on how to provide positive coaching and sessions are conducted to explain inspection, maintenance, and operation of the equipment.

The OFAH will continue to introduce Ontario’s youth to skills and character development through target shooting, and with support from our partners and sponsors, will continue building this program throughout the province.

TRAINING SESSIONS FAQ

Is there an additional cost for the teacher training session?

The teacher training session is included with the purchase of the equipment. However, for remote and fly-in schools, we will need to add a surcharge that covers the increased trainer travel costs and shipment of the equipment.

How many teachers can be trained?

There is no limit to the number of teachers being trained. Five (5) training manuals are included when the equipment is purchased. Every teacher must have their own manual, so if more than five teachers are trained, each additional manual will cost $65 + HST.

How long is the teacher training session?

The teacher training session is very thorough to ensure a safe and meaningful program. It will take a minimum of 6 hours to complete.

If we have teacher turnover, can we have more teachers trained?

Absolutely! It is encouraged to do so. Another training session can be done at your school. The cost is $65 + HST for each teacher training manual plus trainer costs (mileage, food, hotel, etc). A quote can be given to the school before a date is set for the training. As applicable, we encourage nearby NASP schools to send teachers to get trained at the same time to help offset the cost.

Do teachers have to recertify in the future?

Teacher certification is for a lifetime, provided they teach NASP® archery at least 10 hours and report each year. If you have not taught NASP in the last 12 months, you will be required to take a refresher course. With NASP being run in gym class, your teachers should have no trouble remaining active every year and not require re-certification.

Can people who are not school staff, take the training?

Anyone can take the NASP training. You do not have to be school staff. However, with NASP being a curriculum-based archery program, any non-staff trainer (parent, volunteer) would need to be able to teach NASP during school hours.

TRAINING SESSIONS FAQ

Is there an additional cost for the teacher training session?

The teacher training session is included with the purchase of the equipment. However, for remote and fly-in schools, we will need to add a surcharge that covers the increased trainer travel costs and shipment of the equipment.

How many teachers can be trained?

There is no limit to the number of teachers being trained. Five (5) training manuals are included when the equipment is purchased. Every teacher must have their own manual, so if more than five teachers are trained, each additional manual will cost $65 + HST.

How long is the teacher training session?

The teacher training session is very thorough to ensure a safe and meaningful program. It will take a minimum of 6 hours to complete.

If we have teacher turnover, can we have more teachers trained?

Absolutely! It is encouraged to do so. Another training session can be done at your school. The cost is $65 + HST for each teacher training manual plus trainer costs (mileage, food, hotel, etc). A quote can be given to the school before a date is set for the training. As applicable, we encourage nearby NASP schools to send teachers to get trained at the same time to help offset the cost.

Do teachers have to recertify in the future?

Teacher certification is for a lifetime, provided they teach NASP® archery at least 10 hours and report each year. If you have not taught NASP in the last 12 months, you will be required to take a refresher course. With NASP being run in gym class, your teachers should have no trouble remaining active every year and not require re-certification.

Can people who are not school staff, take the training?

Anyone can take the NASP training. You do not have to be school staff. However, with NASP being a curriculum-based archery program, any non-staff trainer (parent, volunteer) would need to be able to teach NASP during school hours.

"It is so much fun and engages everyone. This is an inclusive activity and it helps to build everyone's level of confidence."

Julie Cyr, Teacher
École secondaire Cité-Supérieure, Marathon

"Instruction in NASP reaches every student. Each student form grade 3/4 to grade 7/8 participated without barriers. This includes students on the Autism spectrum, A student with below the waist paralysis using a walker, and students formally identified with other learning disabilities. Three grade 8 girls who NEVER participate in gym class did participate in the NASP program, and after the first two days did not even need to have extra encouragement to do so."

Cathy Mask, Teacher
St. John Bosco Catholic School, Barry's Bay

"NASP is a great program from many points of view. It is enjoyable as a sport. Both students who are athletically inclined and students who don't usually excel at team sports can find great success with archery. As well, it helps students develop self-discipline and self-confidence. From a mental health point of view, archery promotes mindfulness and inner focus. Many of our students who struggle with anxiety and/or stress find archery relaxing and to a certain degree, therapeutic. Finally, archery has become a great vehicle for parent engagement. During our evening archery club sessions, many parents attend and an increasing number of parents are starting to participate as shooters. All in all, NASP is a great program that benefits our school community in many ways."

Dan Russell, Principal
Alexandra Community School, Owen Sound

"A comprehensive and student-centred program which allows learners to actively engage in target games to improve and widen their skill set."

Sherry Fernandes, Teacher
Courtice Secondary School

"We have one young gentleman, who is on a behaviour IEP who made the archery team. This is a young man who doesn't see a lot of success at school. When asked to write about something he was proud of, he wrote to his teacher about the being able to go to the tournament."

Kari Shufflebotham, Teacher
Hillcrest Elementary School, Owen Sound

"NASP has been a huge success at our school. We have a 100% participation rate with our students from grades 5 to 8. In 2019 our school team did extremely well at the Eastern Ontario Tournament, which gave our students a great feeling of school pride. Unfortunately our schools were closed this year for Covid 19 and the tournament was subsequently canceled. This was disappointing for our students, but we plan to be back next year for the competition!"

Martin Matthews, Teacher
Percy Centennial Public School, Warkworth

"The NASP program lets Archery be taught in a professional manner, instilling confidence, self control and allowing the participating students to feel success while allowing a connection to tradition Aboriginal Activities."

Dave Stepanik, Numeracy Coordinator
Bimose Tribal Council, Kenora

"The NASP program is not only beneficial by including students less inclined with traditional sports but it administers discipline. With potential safety concerns, students are better behaved and more aware of the rules and whistle commands."

Derek Munroe, PE Teacher
Tilbury Area Public School

"Students have a chance to compete with themselves, and shine amongst their peers. Archery frequently is done well by the quiet and reflective person who shies away from team or one on one sports, and in some cases, this is the only sport they enjoyed."

John Artymko, Teacher
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Petawawa

"In a community where hunting, particularly bow hunting is part of the traditional local culture, our students have been very excited to participate in this sport. Even our non-hunting students fully engage in sessions. It is a highlight of our Physical Education programming for the year."

Anne Marie Landon, Principal
George Vanier Catholic School, Combermere

Special thanks to leaders in the industry that are also eager to lend their support to this program.

Contact Us

1-800-263-OFAH (6324) ext. 235

OFAH Conservation Centre

PO Box 2800
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 8L5

Email

nasp@ofah.org

Hours

Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm
Weekends: Closed

Holiday Hours

August 3 - Closed
September 7 - Closed
October 12 - Closed
November 11 - Closed
December 24 to January 2 - Closed

Outside of Ontario?

For all inquiries outside of Ontario, please CLICK HERE to find your provincial/state NASP coordinator.