Archery Etiquette

As a new archer you may have lots of questions about what you should or shouldn’t do either at your club training session or maybe at a competition. Below is a list of basic points that will help you to understand general etiquette, rules and safety of archery.. 

Prior to and During Shooting the following should be noted.

• Always help to put out targets and faces etc.  before setting up your own equipment and also put away any equipment you have used when finished.
• Don’t start to shoot until given the appropriate instruction. If you don’t know the local methods of giving commands (verbal, whistles etc) then ASK!
• Always shout “FAST” if you spot any danger during shooting.
• Never talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting.
• Wait on the shooting line while a neighbour is at full draw only leaving when they have shot their arrow.
• Do not move forward of the shooting line for any reason (not even to collect a dropped arrow), until the appropriate command is given by the field captain.
• Never draw your bow or knock an arrow, except when on the shooting line.
• Never shoot when you see anyone within the safety areas
• Don’t touch other archers equipment unless they have given you permission.
• Should you damage another person’s equipment, you should make immediate arrangements to pay for repair or replacement as appropriate.
• Refrain from walking up and down the shooting line comparing others scores.
• Don’t try to shoot distances beyond your capability causing delays whilst looking for arrows. (Start with shorter distances and work up to the longer distances).
• Always know how many arrows you have shot and how many are in your quiver.
• Turn off mobile phones or put on silent as not to disturb other archers when shooting.
• Do not smoke of the shooting line or waiting line.
• Always take any litter home with you at the end of the session or competition.
• Refrain from packing up your equipment until the last archer has finished as not to disturb their concentration.
• Always wear appropriate clothing at competitions. Camouflage or denim are not acceptable and you may be told you are unable to shoot in the competition.
• Always wear closed toe shoes or trainers. Open toe or flip flops are not acceptable.

When scoring the following points should be noted.

• Wait until scores have been taken before you search for any missed arrows.
• When calling scores, do so in groups of three, and in descending order, for example, ‘X-10-9’ pause ‘9-8-7’
• While calling scores, point to each arrow as it is called, without touching the arrow or target face
• Do not touch any arrow or the target face until all arrow values have been recorded and checked.
• Only remove the arrows of others if this has been agreed by them.
• Always thank the Target Captain for the work done by them at the end of the round.
• Call for a judge if in doubt as to an arrows scoring value.

If in any doubt about something always ask a fellow club member and you will always be given any help and advice you need…