Safety on the Archery Range
The “Fast” Warning
Anyone present at the shoot (even those not shooting) must call “Fast” if they witness unsafe behavior. All archers must stop shooting immediately and come down. Remove the arrow from the string and place it back into their quiver. If necessary, the call of “FAST” should be repeated by other archers to ensure that everyone has heard and stopped shooting. Shooting will recommence only on the instruction of the Judge or Field Captain.
Bows
Arrows
Arrows must ONLY be shot at the target. NEVER shoot an arrow vertically into the air. Arrows should only be nocked on the shooting line and pointed in the direction of the targets.
Shooting Line
Waiting Line
ALWAYS return to the waiting line once you have shot your arrows.
Collecting Arrows
ALWAYS wait for the signal to proceed forward to collect arrows (generally two blows of a whistle. You will be informed at the start of the shoot if procedures for the present shoot are different). NEVER run. Keep looking for arrows that may have fallen short of the target (this is especially important when shooting outdoors).
Withdrawing Arrows
Arrow Length
Scoring
Reference Point
Always draw the string of the bow to the reference (or anchor point) and NEVER beyond. If you are not sure what this is - ask.
Bows - Warning
NEVER, EVER DRY FIRE A BOW (do not draw the bow up and let the string go without an arrow attached to it). NEVER let anyone draw or shoot your bow if their draw length is longer than yours. Over drawing of the bow can cause damage to the bow.
Cease Shooting
Field Layout (Johnson Park) Open to see layout of field.
ALWAYS follow the instructions given by the Field Captain
Remember: Safety is of prime importance in Archery; DO NOT mess around with a bow.
As well as safety issues, archery etiquette is also important at a shoot.
Please Note:
G.N.A.S. do NOT insure shooting at home.
Archery Etiquette
Talk to another archer who prefers to be silent.
Talk in a loud voice or make an exclamation when others are on the shooting line.
Offer advice unless asked.
Exclaim on the shooting line for themselves or others, either in joy or disgust.
Touch another archer’s equipment without their permission.
Walk up and down the line comparing scores.
Go behind the target to retrieve his arrows before their score has been recorded.
Drop any litter.
Carry a Mobile phone on the shooting line.
A good archer always:
Offers to pay to replace someone’s arrow (or any other piece of equipment) if they break it through their own carelessness. (He / She Pays on the spot)
Helps to put out the equipment and put it away.
Helps to look for someone else’s missing arrows
Calls his score in groups of 3, e.g. 7-7-5 pause 5-5-3.
Pays cash on the spot if he breaks another's arrow.
Thanks the target captain (scorer) at the end of the round.
Shooting Commands
ONE BLAST of the Field Captain’s whistle signifies that the range is clear and it is safe for you to start shooting.
TWO BLASTS of the whistle signifies that you must stop shooting and that it is safe to collect your arrows.
“Come down” means relax from a full draw position without shooting the arrow.
THREE BLASTS of the whistle signifies the end of the shoot. You must stop shooting and collect your arrows for the last time.
Archery Prayer.
May your arms stay strong
Your eyes stay keen,
You hit the Gold
and not the green.
Anon.