Archery Etiquette and Safety Rules

Always:
-help to put out the equipment and put it away,
-ask if you may join the archers on a target before shooting,
-pay for a replacement if you break someone else's arrow through your carelessness.

Do Not:
-talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting.
-talk to another archer who prefers to be silent.
-talk on the shooting line, either in joy or disgust.
-walk on or off the shooting line while a neighbour is at full draw.
-touch another archer's equipment without their permission
-walk up and down the line comparing scores.
-go behind the target to retrieve your arrows before your score has been recorded.
-disturb people by using your mobile phone or speak on the phone on or around the shooting line.

Safety Rules
Never point a drawn bow at anyone, even without an arrow.
Arrows should only be nocked on the shooting line and pointed in the direction of the targets.
Obey the target captain’s whistles. One whistle blast to start shooting, two to stop shooting.
When pulling arrows out of a target, stand to one side and ensure that no one is directly behind you.
Always walk to the target keeping a lookout for arrows on the floor.
Do not enter an indoor hall while archers are shooting.

Checking your bow before shooting
Check the bow limbs are not cracked and there is no loose fibre-glass or carbon.
(Check visually not by rubbing your fingers along them)
Check the riser for cracks (yes, they do sometimes break!)
Before and during shooting check that your bow string is in good condition and the nocking point is correct.
When stringing your bow, make sure the string is properly fitted in the notches at the tips of the bow.
(Inspect from the string side of the limbs)
Do not shoot your bow without an arrow. (This is called 'dry firing’).
This can cause shock which can damage your bow.

Check your arrows before each end.
Do not shoot an arrow that has :-
A damaged nock.
A shaft that is bent, fractured or split.
Has a vane that is not glued firmly.