Wrexham bowmen are dedicated to the enjoyment and development of archery and would like to welcome all newly qualified archers.

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1 WELCOME TO Wrexham Bowmen Wrexham bowmen are dedicated to the enjoyment and development of archery and would like to welcome all newly qualified archers. This small document is designed to help you integrate into the club and also help you progress. It will give you some useful information and should help you understand this new sport you have taken up. It is by no means a definitive guide and the best way to get the most from this sport and to become a part of the club is to get to know the members. We pride ourselves on being a friendly club and I hope that this has come across during your beginners course. We want to continue that friendly approach into the future with all members, both new and current. We are sure you will enjoy being a member of Wrexham Bowmen and we look forward to many years on the shooting line in your company. CLUB OFFICIALS Chairman Secretary Treasurer Coaching Officer Equipment Officer Records Officer Child Safety Officer Tournaments Field Course Officer First Aiders Coaches Jan Harding Ken Davies Vacant Paul Jones Oliver Keane Vacant Lee Price/Rachel Price Alan Harding Andy Wilkinson Ken Davies Oliver Keane Lee Price Ken Davies Karl Staffer Audrey Roberts Paul Jones Jan Harding Alan Harding Mark Barraclough Social Secretary Vacant Web Master Ken Davies wrexhambowmen.com Facebook Group Paul We have a closed group so please ask Paul Jonesl to add you Key Holders Oliver Keane Ken Davies Gareth Jarvis

2 WHERE WE SHOOT Target Archery We are able to shoot both indoors at St Christopher s school and outdoors on the school field. The shooting day is normally 9am to 3pm, but we can essentially stay as long as we want. On the school field we can shoot up to 100 yards, which is the maximum distance for any recognised archery round. (More on rounds later in the document). Setting up the field outdoors The members set up the field for each session and targets are set out at various distances up to 100 yards. For new members we always set up some targets at 20 yards as this is the distance you will first shoot when going outside to shoot. Setting up the field takes around 30 mins as does putting all the equipment away at the end of the day. Because of this we ask that archers either arrive early, at 9am and help set up the course, or stay until the end of the day and help put the equipment away. Of course you can come early and stay all day and help set up and put away. There is another advantage in being there for the set up as it mens you can have a target set up to the distance you want right from the off. Targets can be set up in imperial distances (yards) or in metric (meters) depending on the round you are shooting. Setting up the gym indoors We use the indoor facilities during the winter months, normally November to April and indoors we can shoot up to 20 yards. The gym can hold a maximum of 22 people in one shooting session, so during the winter we have archers that shoot in the morning session and then archers who shoot in the afternoon session. The morning sessions runs from 9am until 12.30pm and the afternoon sessions runs from 12.30pm until 3pm. During the winter we run a first come first served system at both 9am and 12.30pm, with the first 22 archers who turn up, get to shoot. Like outside, the targets need setting up indoors too, so as with the school field we ask that the morning session people get their prompt at 9am to help set up and the afternoon session people stay until the end to help put away. Of course, there will be times when you want to shoot, but for some reason, can t help set up or put away, due to other commitments, time restraints, or injury. Don t worry and don t feel that if you can t help you can t shoot, this is not the case. We also don t expect ladies or juniors to do any heavy lifting. If you want advice on how to set up the targets either indoors or outdoors safely and correctly, please speak to a coach or the equipment officer Our Field Archery Course We also have a Field Archery Course on Hope Mountain, just outside Wrexham. The course has 42 targets, with target faces, similar to the ones we use for target archery, already set up and spread around a small forest. We also have a number of foam 3D animal targets on the course. We have almost unlimited access to this course, allowing people to shoot as often as they want, making this a very attractive option for members who want to shoot a lot. Although we want to encourage everyone to try the field course. Shooting on the course is included in your membership fee and allows you to use the course as often as you like, 7 days a week. For more details, contact one of the committee. Field Archery Committee Ken Davies, Paul Jones, Gareth Jarvis Alan Harding, Jan Harding

3 MEMBERSHIP AND SHOOTING FEES Club & Archery GB Membership Membership runs from 1st October to 30th September and is mandatory. Senior annual membership fees are 126 and Junior annual membership fees are If you join the club at different times of the year the fee is adjusted accordingly. Please see the table below. This fee is broken down into parts with some coming to the club but most going to the various governing bodies. The fees that go to Archery GB in part pay for Civil Liability Insurance for the archer. You will get a plastic card with your name, club and Archery GB number on, sent directly to your home address. You will need this card if you want to enter any competitions or if you want to shoot as a guest at another Archery GB affiliated club. You also get a quarterly magazine from Archery GB. Hiring a club bow To hire a club bow for a shooting session costs 2 for adults and juniors You can t take club equipment to the field course unless you are accompanied by a coach or member of the field committee. Membership fees run from October 1st 2016 to September 30th 2017 The fees will incorporate your Archery GB fee, the fees to both WAA and NWAS, all shooting fees for shooting at the School or at the Field Course. One fee, paid by September 31st and then nothing to pay for 12 months, allowing you so shoot at the school each week and at the field course as often as you like. Additional fees for competitions will apply as before. There are new fee structure from AGB and WAA and these have been incorporated in the figures below. AGB have introduced an age group that pays the same as a junior, we have introduced a Cadet Junior age group to accommodate new club age changes. The figures below are for the full year. AGB have scrapped the 4 period prorate in favour of a 2 period system, with the break point in April. This will be a 50% reduction across the full range of fees, except NWAS as they don t use a prorate system. 126 for adults for adults for juniors for cadet juniors In addition to this the club operates a reduced fee system for students, disable and over 65 s. 96 for adults for 25+ students for students for disabled adults for disables juniors How the fees are broken down? AGB adult Junior under Disability archer all ages WAA adult , Junior under 18 5 NWAS senior 16+ 6, Junior under 16 3 Fees can be paid in cash, in a cheque made out to Wrexham Bowmen or online. Competitions Occasionally the club will run competitions. The entry fee for these is typically more than a standard shooting fee, but not much more expensive. Most archery competitions are less than 10 to enter with the majority being around 7. Members don t need to enter competitions, but should be aware that during any club competition, normal shooting will be suspended for that day. There is more information on competition archery later in this guide. The Frostbite Competition in December

4 YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT Despite the temptation to run out and buy equipment the week you finish the beginners course, please talk to the coaches and read this document first to make sure you don t make a mistake. Equipment falls into two general areas. Your shooting equipment, such as bow and arrows and your personal equipment such as tab and quiver. Shooting equipment It can seem very daunting buying your first bow. First you have to decide what style of bow you want to shoot, recurve, compound, longbow or one of the many different styles of wooden bows. However there are many in the club who are willing to give you advice on what will suit you and the club has different bows you can try. Recurve Bow This is the type of bow you used on your beginners course. It is usually made up of a riser, upper and lower limbs, a bow string and sights. The length of the bow is calculated based on what arrow length you will use. There are several different ways to measure this, the best way being an arrow measuring rod which is available from the club. If you go to a good archery shop they will also do this for you. This measurement is known as your draw length. The table on this page gives an indication of the bow length based on your arrow length. Once you have the right length of bow, you will need to decide on what draw weight of bow you want. The draw weight is the amount of strength required to draw the bow string to 28 inches, and this is measured in pounds. Remember if your draw length is more than 28 inches then the poundage will increase approximately 2 pounds per inch. If you pull the bow less than 28 the poundage will decrease approximately 2 pounds per inch. The right draw weight depends on the individual archer, but as a guide an experienced female archer would be using a draw weight of around 30lb-36lb and a male archer would use 34lb-46lb. As beginners we recommend a draw weight lower than this at first, to stop you from being overbowed. Once you have a bow you will also need arrows that suit the bow. Arrows come in several different types. They can be made from wood, aluminium, carbon fiber or a mix of carbon and aluminium. If you buy your bow from a reputable shop they will match arrows to the bow and the archer. If you need advice ask one of the members of the club. Most people when starting out would use aluminium arrows with a recurve bow. Draw Length Bow Length Up to Equipment Checklist of Recurve Archery Riser. Metal or Carbon Fiber construction. Must be International Limb Fitting (ILF) to allow the changing of limbs*. Risers come in 3 different lengths 23, 25 and 27 Limbs. Wood or Carbon Fiber construction. Again must be ILF fitting*. Limbs come in 3 different lengths, short, medium and long. Arrows. Can be cut to length. Most arrows max length is 32. We suggest getting a minimum of 8 arrows, 12 is better. Sight. Better sights have stronger construction and micro adjustment. Other items you will need. String, arrow rest, pressure button, equipment bag, quiver, tab or glove, arm guard, bow stand, bow stringer, t-gauge and arrow tube, if not part of the bag. *Hoyt recently introduced their own limb fitting system for some of their high end risers and limbs and these are not compatible with the ILF system

5 YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT Longbow/Flatbow/Barebow Longbows are one piece wooden bows without a cut out for the arrow. There is a very wide variety of longbows and they comes in a very wide price range. Longbows tend to be a heavier draw weight than recurve bows as you shoot them in a different way. You will loose the arrow on a longbow almost as soon as you reach full draw. This quick release means you are not holding the bow at full draw for any length of time and therefore can use a bow with heavier draw weight. If you are interested in longbows we would recommend you talk to the many longbow archers at the club. There is an excellent Longbow shop on the Wirral with a wide selection and experienced staff who are happy to let you try out bows and will give you good advice. There are other types of wooden bows, flatbows, one piece recurve bows, horse bows, field bows and other specialised bows. Most of these can be seen at the Longbow shop and many of the club archers will be happy to show you examples that they may have. Most wooden bows will be shot with wooden arrows. These tend to be less expensive than other arrows and are traditional fletched with feathers rather than plastic fletchings. People using longbows also tend to use larger more traditional arm guards and quivers. Equipment Checklist of Longbow Archery Bow. Made from two types of wood normally, laminated together. They come in different lengths but most are around 70 inches Arrows. Wood with metal points and feather fletchings Other items you will need. String, bow bag, quiver, arm guard, tab or glove, bow stringer (these are not the same as recurve stringers) and arrow tube. There are longbow stands you can buy, but many people make their own. Compound Compound archery is very different to the other forms of shooting and as such it is very important to try a compound bow before you decide if this is the type of bow you want to use and shoot with. Establishing your draw length is very important with a compound bow as the draw length is set on the bow before you use it. Compound bows are traditionally more expensive than other forms of bow, so you will need to allow for this in your bow budget. It is also very important to get the correct type of compound bow. There are many bows in shops and on ebay calling themselves compound bows, but they are not the real deal. Please don t buy a compound bow without talking to one of the compound shooters at the club. Compounds will be a heaviest draw weight of any bow as when the cams on the limbs turn, the majority of the weight comes off the string. Most male archers will use a bow with a max draw weight of 60lb and ladies anything up to 50lb. Most compounds have a draw weight range and can be adjusted on the bow. Some ranges are as big as 20lb - 60lb, which means you can up the poundage as you become more confident. Most have around a 10lb range. Compounds can be used with Aluminium, or carbon fiber arrows. Equipment Checklist of Compound Archery Bow. Metal or Carbon Fiber riser. Needs a peep sight on the string and an arrow rest, sometimes called a launcher. Arrows. Cut to your draw length. Most arrows max length is 32. Sight. Compound sights also need a scope Release Aid. Vital piece of equipment it is used to draw the bow and release the arrows. There are three main types. Trigger, wrist, and back tension. Other items you will need. Equipment bag/ case, quiver, arm guard, bow stand and arrow tube, if not part of bag/case.

6 ON THE SHOOTING LINE Basic Safety Remember what you learned on your beginner s course. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing with nothing that will get caught in the bowstring. Appropriate footwear must be worn, no sandals. Check that long hair is tied back and any jewelery that may get caught is removed. The Field Captain is in charge of the archery range, you must follow their instructions at all times. One whistle indicates is safe to begin shooting, three whistles indicates it s safe to collect arrows. All archers or others present are responsible for their own and others safety. If you see anything that could cause danger in any way it is up to YOU to shout FAST the warning signal for archers. If you hear the word FAST you come down and replace your arrow into your quiver and repeat the shout of FAST Don t be shy or embarrassed to shout FAST it could be that you are the only one to see the problem and if you hesitate an injury may occur. Only commence shooting once the first shouter of FAST has declared it safe to proceed. All members are asked to act in a responsible manner at all times. There must always be at least two adults present when shooting. Junior members must be accompanied by a parent or designated adult at all times Basic Etiquette Never talk to another archer when on the line if they prefer to be silent. Never offer advice unless asked. Never touch another archer s equipment without their permission. Never drop litter always respect the environment. When possible help to put up or take down the equipment. Always help to look for others arrows. Score your arrows before retrieving ones on the ground or look for lost arrows. Always be courteous to other archers. If you break another archer s arrow you should offer to pay for it. If you have an arrow broken you should accept a reasonable fee to replace it and not expect a full set of new arrows. Shooting as a member Bosses are set out to the distances that the archers who are present on the day request. If you want a target at a distance that is not there ask the Field Captain. Archers shoot 6 arrows at each end when outdoors. You do this by shooting 3 arrows then allowing anyone else on the same boss to shoot 3 of their arrows, then you shoot your final 3 arrows. The next end the other archer shoots first. It is normal for several archers to shoot at the same time at one boss. This means that up to 6 archers could potentially be shooting at one boss. However there is never normally more than 4 shooting at a boss. If you are at all worried or unsure about what you are doing please ask any archer as they are normally happy to help. Moving up a distance. All new members must become proficient at each distance before they move up to a new one. This is not just to save on arrow hunting but it gives the new archer time to perfect their technique New members will start at 20 yards. They will have to score 200 with three dozen arrows, three times before they can move to a longer distance. This scoring must be done on a club score sheet and be properly witnessed. You can do more than one score sheet in a session. Wrexham 252 badge scheme. There is a series of badges that you can achieve by scoring 252 with three dozen arrows, using 5 zone scoring, at set distances 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 yards. Each distance has it s own coloured badge and to get a badge you have to submit a special 252 score sheet and badges cost 2. This applies to Recurve archery with a sight. For other bow types the amount of arrows differs. 30 arrows (2.5 doz) for compound, 60 arrows (5 dozen) for recurve barebow or 72 arrows (6 dozen) for longbow, flatbow and traditional recurve.

7 COMPETITIONS Shooting at an archery competition at another club may seem a daunting, but it is something everyone should try. There are competitions at other clubs that you may like to attend. These are always friendly events that many from Wrexham Bowmen attend. Some are aimed at particular archers like longbow archers but most incorporate all bow types. There are some that are handicap shoots which means that all archers despite their abilities have a chance at winning. To gain a handicap you have to shoot three official Archery GB rounds (rounds are shown later in the guide) and submit the score sheets. Other shoots have fun themes like the Witches and Warlocks shoot that is fancy dress and happens around Halloween time at Corus in Deeside. Information on these events can be obtained from our Competitions Officer. We would encourage everyone to shoot at a competition and don t worry that everyone else there will be Olympic standard. This isn t the case and in pretty much every competition that we would attend locally there will be first timers just like you. Everyone you will meet from other clubs will be more than happy to see you on the shooting line with them and will most likely also offer up some helpful advice. If you do shoot at a competition, there is a dress code. This has been relaxed a bit in the last few years but when you are representing our club, we d prefer it if you wore our club colours/uniform. Our club uniform, is a club shirt, with club badge and black trousers. CLUB CLOTHING There is a range of items you can order and they are all on the website, along with an order form. Please note we can t order a single item, so your order may be delayed until we have a few to order. You can order shirts with just the logo on the front or with the logo front and back. Some items such as fleeces can t have the large logo on the back. Most of the items listed on the website are in adult mens sizes and pricing, but most items have a womens and youth versions and are priced differently. If you see an item and want it in a smaller size than listed, just put this in the comments box on the order form. You can find details of all items including women s and youth version at our suppliers website JamiQs. You can also order anything they sell on that site with the club logo, as long as the base colour is black. To order a product not listed on our site, just contact someone on the club committee. Some of the items have a contrasting design using red on the base black shirt. We also intend to have a supply of embroidered club badges that can be added to your own black items

8 ARCHERY ROUNDS An archery Round a set number of arrows at specified distances, at a specified size of target face. Rounds are what most members of the club shoot when we shoot outdoors and indoors. Full details of all the Rounds, distances, number of arrows and face size can be found later in the guide. There are a great number of different rounds, of varying distances and number of arrows. This can be a little confusing to begin with, but you will soon get used to them. Our club coaches or fellow members will help you choose a round suitable for you. The types of rounds are split into GNAS and World Archery Rounds. GNAS Rounds (imperial) are traditional British rounds and tend to use 5 Zone scoring and are governed by the GNAS Rules of Shooting. Most people find these more relaxed and are often the first tournaments that archers enter. This means that you can choose the round that best suits your ability, age and gender. You can choose whichever round you prefer and it doesn t matter if you shoot a round that is for a different age group, gender or if as an adult you want to shoot a junior round (although you may not be eligible for any competition awards). Arrows are shot in groups of three. World Archery Rounds (metric) are rounds shot using the World Archery Rules of Shooting, and use 10 Zone scoring. These rounds are shot all over the world and some are used at the Olympics and World Championships. In metric rounds archers generally shoot arrows in groups of six. Indoor Rounds: At this type of shoot, everyone shoots the same distance, either: 30 metres, 25 metres, 18 metres, 30 yards, 25 yards, or 20 yards. Scoring Methods In target archery there are two scoring methods, 5 Zone ( GNAS ) and 10 Zone ( World Archery ). Both methods use the same target face but have different scoring zones. In both scoring methods an arrow that is touching a line separating zones (a line cutter ), scores the value of the higher scoring zone. 5 Zone: GNAS (imperial) Scoring by colours The target is divided into 5 coloured scoring zones and points (9, 7, 5, 3, 1) are allocated depending on which colour the arrow lands in. This method is used for GNAS rounds using imperial distances, i.e. distances measured in yards. 10 Zone: World Archery (metric) Scoring by colours on the inner and outer rings The target is divided into 10 scoring zones, whereby each coloured area is split into two parts, the inner and outer ring. This method is used for World Archery rounds using metric distances, i.e. distances measured in metres. Archers Name: Jim Smith Round: Practice Bow Type : Recurve Date: 15th June 2015 Half Doz Half Doz Score 10 s X s R/T m Archers Signature Scorers Signature Jim Smith Mike Jones Grand Total 148 Completed score sheets should be handed to the Records Officer or left in the Competed Score Sheet box at the club. All score sheets must be countersigned by a Scorer - someone shooting on the target with you. Scores are recorded on a score sheet with the highest scoring arrow recorded first, for example An arrow that does not score is called a miss and is marked M on the score sheet. Outdoor arrows are shot in ends of six or three arrows (depending on the round or distance being shot). Once all arrows have been scored they can be removed from the target face. Once the arrows have been removed, no alterations to the score sheet may be made. Indoor arrows are generally shot in groups of three with every six arrows shot being called an end.

9 ARCHERY ROUNDS Imperial rounds (Yards) shot outdoors Numbers in the yardage columns represent a dozen arrows. EG. York is 12 dozen arrows, 6 and 100 yards, 4 at 80 yards and 2 at 60 yards. 5 Zone 122 cm targets ROUND 100 YARDS 80 YARDS 60 YARDS 50 YARDS 40 YARDS 30 YARDS 20 YARDS 10 YARDS York Hereford/Bristol I Bristol II Bristol III Bristol IV Bristol V St.George Albion Windsor Short Windsor Junior Windsor New Western 4 4 Long Western 4 4 Western 4 4 Short Western 4 4 Junior Western 4 4 Short Junior Western 4 4 American St. Nicholas 4 3 New National 4 2 Long National 4 2 National 4 2 Short National 4 2 Junior National 4 2 Short Junior National 4 2 New Warwick 2 2 Long Warwick 2 2 Warwick 2 2 Short Warwick 2 2 Junior Warwick 2 2 Short Junior Warwick Zone Scoring All of the rounds above must be reached using 5 zone scoring on a full size (122cm) target face. 5 zone scoring is as follows. Gold 9 Red 7 Blue 5 Black 3 White 1

10 ARCHERY ROUNDS Metric rounds (Metres) shot outdoors Numbers in the metres columns represent a dozen arrows. EG. Long Metric 1 is 6 dozen arrows, 3 a 70 metres and 3 at 60 metres. 10 Zone 122 cm targets 10 Zone 80 cm targets ROUND 90m 70m 60m 50m 40m 30m 20m 50m 40m 30m 20m 15m 10m Metric I Metric II Metric III Metric IV Metric V Long Metric (Gents) 3 3 Long Metric (Ladies) 3 3 Long Metric I 3 3 Long Metric II 3 3 Long Metric III 3 3 Long Metric IV 3 3 Long Metric V 3 3 Short Metric 3 3 Short Metric I 3 3 Short Metric II 3 3 Short Metric III 3 3 Short Metric IV 3 3 Short Metric V Zone 122 cm targets 10 Zone 80 cm targets Round / Distance 90m 70m 60m 50m 40m 30m 20m 50m 40m 30m 20m 15m 10m WA 1440 (Gents) WA 1440 (Ladies) WA 1440 (Cadet Ladies) WA WA 70m 6 WA 60m 6 WA 50m 6 WA Standard 3 3 Olympic Round Sets Olympic Round (Cadet) Sets Compound Match 1-1/4 10 Zone Scoring All of the rounds above must be reached using 10 zone scoring on a full size (122cm) target face or a 80cm target face. 10 zone scoring is as follows. Inner Gold 10 Outer Gold 9 Inner Red 8 Outer Red 7 Inner Blue 6 Outer Blue 5 Inner Black 2 Outer Black 3 Inner White 2 Outer Black 1

11 ARCHERY ROUNDS Indoor rounds Numbers in the yardage/meters columns represent a dozen arrows. EG. Portsmouth is 5 dozen arrows, at a 60cm face at 20 yards. Round / Distance 18m 25m 30m 20yds 20yds 25yds 20yds 18m Face Size 40cm 60cm 80cm 60cm 40cm 60cm 16in 40cm ArcheryGB Rounds Bray I 2.5 Bray II 2.5 Stafford 6 Portsmouth 5 Worcester 5 Vegas 5 WA Rounds WA 18m 5 WA 25m 5 WA Combined 5 5 Recurve Match Sets Compound Match 1-1/4 10 Zone Scoring All of the rounds above must be reached using 10 zone scoring. 10 zone scoring is as follows. Inner Gold 10 Outer Gold 9 Inner Red 8 Outer Red 7 Inner Blue 6 Outer Blue 5 Inner Black 2 Outer Black 3 Inner White 2 Outer Black 1 For compound archers only the centre inner ring counts as a 10 Other types of indoor target face There are three other types of target face you may see us shooting indoors. These are the three spot faces and the Worcester face. The two standard coloured faces are scored as a normal indoor round using 10 zone scoring. The Worcester is scored differently. The white centre is 5 points, next ring is 4, next 3, next 2 and outer ring is 1 point. You also only shoot 5 arrows an end during a Worcester round and they are also shot in groups of 5 arrows On the 3 spots faces there is no black or white rings. The outer blue scores as a 6 and anything outside this is scored as a miss. 3 spot Vegas 3 spot Vertical Worcester

12 ARCHERY CLASSIFICATIONS If you are shooting recognised rounds and you submit signed score sheets, these can be used to try and gain archery classifications. Archery classifications are an internationally recognised standard by which archers are ranked. Each round has a predetermined score that has to be achieve in order to count towards your classification. To gain a classification you have to submit three signed score sheets where you have achieved the required score for that round. Your classifications are for each bow type as the scores that need to be achieved. Once you have achieved the required score three times you will be awarded a classification badge. The classifications are: (3rd) Third Class (2nd) Second Class (1st) First Class (B) Bowman Class (MB) Master Bowman Class (GMB) Grand Master Bowman Class Archery Classification Badges Examples of rounds and the classifications As a new archer, your first target will be to achieve your Third Class ranking, so below are a list of suggested rounds that new archers could use to try and achieve your Third Class Badge. You cannot attempt to shoot any of these rounds until you have been moved up to the distances needed to shoot these rounds, by achieving the 200 score with three dozen arrows as described earlier in this guide. A full list of the classifications can be found on our website. ROUND 3rd Gentlemen Recurve 3rd Ladies Recurve 3rd Gentlemen Compound 3rd Ladies Compound 3rd Gentlemen Longbow 3rd Ladies Longbow Bristol III Windsor Short Windsor Western Short Western American National Short National Warwick Short Warwick Indoor classifications A new system for indoor classifications has recently been introduced. The system operates in a similar way to outdoor classifications and also uses a badge system. Your scores will be ranked from A to H class based on the score achieved. For more information on indoor classifications please speak to the records officer.