Archery as a sport has an excellent safety record and we would like to keep it that way! Our club is very strict about observing the rules of safety and anyone found deliberately flouting these rules may not be allowed to shoot for the remainder of that day and could be expelled from the club altogether.
- Wear close-fitting clothing and secure jewellery as it may get caught up in the bowstring.
- Anyone not actually shooting must stay behind the waiting line. The only people on the shooting line should be archers who are actually shooting and coaches.
- Only nock an arrow when standing on the shooting line. Arrows must never be pointed anywhere other that at the target.
- Wait for the command from the person controlling the shooting before knocking an arrow.
- NEVER shoot a bow without an arrow in it. Always come down gently and under control.
- When you have finished shooting, retire behind the waiting line.
- DO NOT walk towards the targets until all shooting has been completed and the signal to retrieve arrows is given.
- Never run, ALWAYS WALK. Approach the targets to either side, NOT to the centre, being aware that arrows do fall short and may be in your path.
- Always stand and draw arrows from the side, checking as you pull that no one is standing in the way of the arrow being pulled.
- Always pull arrows from the target first before retrieving any arrows on the ground at the foot of the target.
- Do not stand in front of the arrows being pulled from the target.
- Replace retrieved arrows in a quiver, or carry them back to the shooting line holding them an inch or two above the pile (point) of the arrow, with fletchings behind your elbow and upper arm.
- If you hear "FAST" called, stop shooting immediately. Come down and replace your arrow back in the quiver. Note that anyone can call "FAST" at any time they see a potential accident occurring.
SAFE AND HAPPY SHOOTING