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“To serve the archery community as we always have, we have decided upon careful consideration to forge ahead and do our best to host a safe version of the LAS Classic this year,” the company announced in a statement last week.
The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 21-24, 2021, at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, Pa. Qualification rounds will be Jan. 21 and 22, with elimination and finals matches Jan. 23 and 24.
Registration for the 2021 Lancaster Archery Classic will open on Monday, Nov. 9. Announcements with links will be posted on Lancaster Archery's social media channels.
In the interest of health safety, Lancaster Archery has a number of special measures planned for the Classic. They are:
- Leaving an empty lane between archers on the shooting line.
- Adding a qualification line on Jan. 21.
- Assigning only two archers per target matt.
- All seating will be spaced 6 feet apart.
- Entry to the LAS Classic/Fieldhouse side of Spooky Nook will be limited, with temperature checks and wrist bands issued.
- A mask and hand sanitizer will be provided to every archer.
- Mask wearing will be mandatory for all officials, staff, spectators and archers when not on the line shooting or eating/drinking.
- Plexi-glass shields, barriers and social distancing floor markings will be placed throughout the competition area.
- Practice ranges at Spooky Nook will be eliminated to avoid congestion, but official practice before qualification rounds will increase from two to three ends.
- The bow check area at Spooky Nook will be eliminated.
- There will be no shuttle to the LAS Pro Shop/Ranges.
- There will be no central area for picking up door prizes, which instead will all be shipped after the event.
- The photo booth, Pro Meet & Greet and T-shirt/hat sales booth all will be eliminated.
- The sponsor/vendor area will include tables or Plexi-glass in front of booths to promote distancing.
- Registration Fees will remain the same, but cash payouts will be slightly reduced due to account for a reduced field.
The 2021 Classic will not include the popular Youth & Collegiate Tournament on Saturday afternoon.
“This move is being made to avoid crowding with spectators/families, and to allow enough time for the LAS Classic elimination rounds,” Lancaster Archery announced.
“Plans are to hold a separate, virtual/remote youth event later in the winter/indoor season. Stay tuned after the Classic for information on that event.”
The LAS Classic Shoot-Up Finals will be broadcast live by Competition Archery Media via Facebook and YouTube on Jan. 23 and 24.
“This is our current plan of action based on current regulations set by the state of Pennsylvania,” Lancaster Archery stated.
“If state or local regulations change, we could have to modify our plans to meet those requirements.
“With half the number of archers competing at each shooting time, the density of people will be greatly reduced to provide the greatest safety possible for an indoor archery event. We look forward to hosting this year's LAS Classic safely, giving archers, sponsors and spectators the opportunity to enjoy the event while keeping everyone's safety as our priority.”