Best Practice Rules for Safe Archery

Archery like any sport has rules, most of the rules are best practice rules that are used to keep archers and spectators safe. In general, it is good practice to observe these rules whether competing or just shooting for fun. I hope you find this article on best practice rules for safe archery to be of use.

Best Practice Rules for Safe Archery

1. Aim

Always shoot arrows at the target. Arrows can be dangerous weapons and should never be aimed at anything other than the target.

2. Inspect

Arrows must be carefully inspected before each shot to see that they have not been damaged. If the arrow shaft is damage it could cause the arrow to snap and injure the archer. A cracked arrow could also go off course and harm a spectator. The bottom line is damaged arrows are unpredictable and not safe to shoot.

Damaged nocks may result in an arrow leaving the bow unpredictably or result in a misdirected arrow. So always inspect arrows prior to shooting them.

3. Safety

Only when everyone has finished shooting should the signal be given, to move forward to collect the arrows. One person at a time should withdraw their arrows from the target. When withdrawing arrows from the target, make sure no-one is standing in front of the target or in the way of the withdrawn arrows.

4. Load

Never pull back and release a bowstring without an arrow attached. This could damage the bow or injure the archer. Additionally, a bow should not be loaded with an arrow unless standing on the “Shooting Line” and the signal to start shooting has been given.

5. Placement

Targets should be set up to ensure that no one can be accidentally hit by a stray arrow. All competitors must wait for the command to shoot and retrieve.

Archery is a fun sport, but one must not forget it can also be a dangerous sport. By following basic guidelines you are more apt to enjoy shooting.