Safety Rules

Archery is one of the safest sports we can do, but there are some precautions that need to be considered before, during and after shooting.

1. A bow must not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the "Shooting Line" and the signal to start shooting has been given.

2. A loaded bow must only be pointed at the assigned target. It must not be pointed at another person, people can die just as easily from heart trouble or injury when jumping out of the way of anticipated arrow flight.

3. An arrow must not be shot straight up into the air. It can end up hitting another person.

4. Archery equipment must be used in places that are especially set up for target practice-such as indoor and outdoor target ranges. Targets should be set up to insure that no one can be accidentally hit by a stray arrow.

5. A cracked or bent arrow must never be shot.

6. A person must never stand in the shooting lane forward of an archer about to shoot.

7. While someone else is shooting other’s eyes and minds should be kept alert for possible danger.

8. Where possible danger exists, one must shoot fast.

9. If one has doubts of any nature, one must not shoot.

10. At least one member of a group should always remain standing in front of the target while others are searching for arrows.

11. When each student has finished shooting their arrows, they should stand back from the shooting line so the instructor or teacher can clearly see that they have finished.

12. One must always keep to the marked path from each target to the next shooting stand.

13. Only when everyone has finished shooting should the signal to move forward to collect the arrows be given.

14. If an arrow or part of equipment is dropped in front of the shooting line while shooting is in progress, it can only be picked up after shooting has stopped.

15. One must consider the paths to and from the shooting stands and targets and clearly mark them; ensure that possible lines of arrow flight will in no circumstances endanger contestants.

16. Where possible, one must not allow any path or other shooting stand to be visible from any one shooting stand, even if it is considered to be out of range.

17. Walk forward to collect the arrows, never run.

18. Always walk up to the side of the target butt, so as to not to accidentally walk into the rear of the arrows lodged in the target.

19. One person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target.

20. One must always use a bowstringer for longbows and recurve bows. This will reduce the possibility of damage to the bow and injury to the person.

21. One must check his/her bow for cracks or twisting, if in doubt have it checked by a professional before shooting it anymore.

22. When withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no-one is standing in front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows. Withdrawing the arrows may require some force and the arrows may come out suddenly from the target butt and the rear end of the arrow could hit someone standing in front of the target.

23. Everyone shooting should help to find any arrows that may have missed the target.

24. When carrying arrows, always hold them to the side and never run.

25. Everyone must return to the shooting line and the range checked to make sure no-one is behind the target butts or in the safety zone before the signal to commence shooting is given.

26. If any person or animal (i.e. dog) enters the safety zone while shooting is in progress, the emergency signal must be given (3 or more blasts of a whistle) and all shooting must stop immediately. Even if the bow is held at full draw and the signal is given, the arrow must not be released. The bow should be pointed at the ground and the bowstring let slowly forward. The arrow should be removed from the bow until the range is clear.

27. The instructor or teacher must keep a close watch not only on the students, but also on the archery range to ensure it remains clear of people. (In archery competitions, it is usual for one person to have the job of range safety. This person has the title of 'Field Captain' and controls the shooting on the range. They enforce the safety rules and can order an archer to comply with the safety rules or leave the archery range