Dig rules

1. Membership Requirement

2. Respect the Land & Landowner

  • Only detect on land that has been officially approved for the rally.

  • Leave gates as you find them and avoid damaging crops, fences, or boundaries.

  • Do not enter restricted areas or neighboring land.

  • If you find live ammunition or hazardous items, report them immediately to the rally organizer.

3. Dig Responsibly

  • Use the correct digging tools and fill all holes carefully – no exceptions.

  • Leave the site as you found it, with minimal trace of activity.

  • Remove and dispose of all rubbish or scrap found.

4. Report Your Finds

  • Show any significant or high-value items (coins, jewelry, artifacts) to the rally organizer before leaving.

  • Follow all Treasure Act and Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) guidelines.

  • Rally organizers may photograph or record significant finds for club records.

5. Respect Other Members

  • Maintain a reasonable distance from other detectorists – no crowding or poaching.

  • Share knowledge and help newcomers when possible.

  • No detecting before the official start time or after the rally has ended.

6. Follow Legal & Ethical Guidelines

  • All finds are subject to UK Treasure laws and landowner agreements.

  • Rally permissions are granted under trust – any breach could affect future events for the whole club.

  • Do not sell or remove items of archaeological interest without proper recording.

7. Safety First

  • Wear appropriate clothing and bring weather gear.

  • Carry water and a fully charged phone.

  • In case of emergency, contact the rally lead or designated first aider.

8. Photography & Social Media

  • Be mindful when posting finds or photos from rallies online.

  • Do not reveal land locations or landowner identities.

  • Respect any privacy requests made by the landowner or the rally organizer.

9. General Conduct

  • Be courteous and represent the club in a positive light.

  • Alcohol or drug use during rallies is strictly prohibited.

  • Any aggressive, dishonest, or disrespectful behavior may lead to a ban from future events.

10. Protection of Significant Areas

  • Authority to Restrict Access: Rally organisers and designated officials have the authority to cordon off or restrict access to specific areas deemed of archaeological or historical significance.

  • Respect for Finders: If a participant discovers something of interest, others in the vicinity must give the finder appropriate space and avoid crowding. This allows the finder to report the item calmly and ensures the discovery is handled respectfully and responsibly. Rally admins may also request that participants step back or temporarily leave the area to give the finder space and allow proper assessment of the find.