Hornchurch Archer Says He Feels “In Limbo” After 17 Month Suspension

A Hornchurch businessman says he has been left “in limbo” for more than 17 months after being suspended by Archery GB following a dispute with a coach.

Ramesh Lal, 61, a retired transport boss and amateur archer, was suspended in May 2024 pending investigation. He says the ongoing suspension has prevented him from training, competing or even attending any archery club affiliated with the governing body.

Mr Lal said: “I’ve been banned from everything and this is affecting my mental health. I’m not allowed to train, compete, or attend any archery club that is affiliated with the main body.

“It appears to me that the safeguarding team just keeps passing the buck between them; they have stopped me from doing what I love. I feel in limbo.”

The dispute arose after an argument between Mr Lal and archery coach Richard Burgess. A complaint made by Mr Lal in relation to that disagreement was considered by a Case Management Panel and was not upheld, with no further action taken.

Mr Lal says that following the disagreement a separate complaint was made against him. He received a disciplinary letter 17 months ago informing him that his Archery GB membership had been suspended with immediate effect.

The email stated that he was prohibited from entering any Archery GB club, county, regional or national activity or event and from taking part in or spectating at any activity organised under the auspices of Archery GB. It also stated that the suspension was to enable appropriate investigations and did not imply an assumption of guilt.

Mr Lal, a father of four, said the prolonged suspension has coincided with a difficult period in his personal life, including a divorce and loss of contact with his children.

Archery GB was approached for comment. A spokesperson said: “We are not in a position to comment on specific safeguarding or disciplinary cases. Such cases are dealt with using Archery GB’s policies, which are published on our website.

“Members have access to wellbeing support services via a provider Archery GB has partnered with.”

Archery GB is the national governing body for archery in the United Kingdom, representing more than 40,000 members across grassroots, club and elite levels.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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