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Rules of Shooting and Etiquette

 

Health and Safety

 

Most of these rules were extracted from the Archery GB Rules of Shooting.

 

 

  • The shooting line is indicated by a clearly marked line on the floor. No one will cross this line during shooting.

  • Sound signals will be used to indicate when arrows can be shot or collected. One (1) sound signal means shooting is in progress, no one will cross the shooting line. Three (3) sound signals means arrows may be collected, no one is to shoot.

  • If shooting must be halted for safety reasons, that person must call "FAST". On hearing this call, all archers must immediately stop shooting, returning all unshot arows to the quiver and step back from the shooting line to wait for further instruction. If necessary, "FAST" should be repearted by other archers to ensure everyone has heard and stopped shooting.

  • An archer may only draw his bow, with an arrow, standing at the shooting line, pointing at the target.

  • When drawing back the string of the bow an archer shall not use any technique which could, if accidentally loosed, allow the arrow to fly beyond a safety zone or safety arrangements (overshoot area, net, wall, etc).

  • Listen to your coaches and do not experiment. They may tell you to 'come down' which means do not shoot as your coach wants to give you some advice.

  • If an arrow falls off your rest, come down and restart the shot. Never try to reset the arrow while drawing.

  • If an arrow or any other equipment falls in front of the shooting line, do not try to retrieve it until you hear the three sound signals at it is safe to collect.

  • Do not draw and fire a bow without an arrow nocked. This is called a "dry-fire" and is damaging to the equipment.

  • Do not experiment. Before trying something new or changing bow styles, approach a senior archer to ensure you are shooting safely.

  • Do not run on the shooting range. Be aware of arrow on the ground infront of the targets, and approach the targets from the side, not straight on.

  • Ensure the area behind you is clear before pulling your arrows to prevent injury to other archers. 

 

 

Etiquette

 

Extracted from the Archery GB Rules of Shooting

 

 

  • Does not talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting.

  • Does not talk to another competitor who obviously prefers to be silent.

  • Does not make any exclamation the shooting line that might disconcert a neighbour in the act of shooting.

  • Does not go behind the target to retrieve his arrows before his score has been recorded.

  • Does not walk up and down the shooting line comparing scores.

  • Does not touch anyone else's equipment without permission.

  • Does not leave litter.

  • When calling scores does so in groups of three, for example '7 - 7 - 5' pause '5 - 5 - 3'.

  • If he breaks another's arrow through his own carelessness, pays for it in cash on the spot.

  • Thanks the Target Captain at the end of each round for work on his behalf.

 

 

The following etiquettes below are not in the rule book but many archers in the UK follow them:

 

  • Some may prefer you to only approach/leave the shooting line when neighbouring archers are not at full draw.

  • Some may prefer you remain on the shooting line to keep company with another archer still shooting.

 

 

Offsite Protocol

 

ULAC uses various off site venues for archery practice and competition - the 'character' and the rules of those sites may vary. At all venues it is important to remember that we represent ULAC and our behaviour should be exemplary. Below are a few points to keep in mind when shooting offsite.

 

  • Arrive on time. Start times will be given for each event. Note that these are start times, not arrival times. If you are making your own way please aim to arrive, ideally, 30 minutes before start time.

 

  • Help to set up. Our regular venues don't have 'field teams' and everyone is expected to help set up and take down. There is usually an area outside the actual range where you can set up before the range opens. Have your bow assembled and help set up as soon as the doors open.

 

  • Help pack up the range once shooting is over. Once you have done your bit then pack your bow away.

 

  • Listen for the whistles. You will have learned about them at the beginners' sessions.

 

  • When you have finished shooting stand back from the shooting line - this helps the field captain to control the session.

 

  • Don't chat at the target. Score, pull your arrows and walk back.

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