Bowmen of the Tors.
Beginner’s Course. Learning Modules.
Module 1-The Range
Range Layout. Ranges can be indoors or outdoors and need to be set out and managed to ensure safety at all times. It is also essential strict rules and behaviours are adhered to. Full guidance can be found at : www.archerygb.org
Basic Rules. To ensure safety the following basic rules must be followed at all times.
1
During shooting the range must free all of all people and obstacles.
Archers should only load and draw their bows whilst standing on the shooting line and the bows pointing down the range.
A loaded or drawn bow should never be pointed at anyone.
Archers may not shoot until the all clear is given.
Archers should only shoot at the target designated to them.
Arrows should always be loosed at a target and never in the air.
Ensure you are using arrows of the correct length for you and the bow.
Do not step forwards from the shooting line until you are told you can do so.
Always walk to the target to retrieve you arrows and never run.
Always approach the boss from the side, never walk straight towards it.
Make certain nobody is standing behind you when you remove arrows from the target.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 1-The Range
Range Terminology. Overshoot area: Indoors - Area behind the backstop netting. Outdoors - An area behind the targets that is cordoned of for safety. Side safety area: Outdoors – an area down the side of the targets that is cordoned of for safety. Target Line: An identified distance at which targets are set down and secured. Shooting Line: A visible line on the ground from which archers shoot. Waiting Line: A visible line on the ground behind which the archers must wait before shooting. Spectator Line: An area behind the shooting line for spectators. Indoor Range Do • Obey field captains commands. • Always point bow down the range. • Stay behind shooting line. • Always walk.
Don’t • Release the string without an arrow in place. • Shoot upwards into the air. • Point the bow at anybody.
• Run on the range.
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Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 1-The Range
Range Commands. Shooting is controlled by the field captain/Target Captain whose commands must be obeyed to ensure the range stays safe at all times. The range is controlled by verbal command or whistle as in the table below:
Command.
What it means.
When it is used.
Go or commence shooting
This permits archers to move from the waiting line to the shooting line and commence shooting.
This is the main means of safety control on the range and is used at every end of arrows.
One whistle bast
Collect Three whistle blasts
This permits the archer to move This command is used at every end of arrows. over the shooting line and collect their arrows.
Stop or Fast
This means stop immediately.
1 long sharp whistle blow
Archers must come down if at full draw and take the arrow off For example: the bow. They must then return A person or animal on the range. to the waiting line and await A hanging arrow in a target. further instruction.
Come down
This command is for individual Coaches use this when working with an archarchers. The archer needs to er, for example to: bring the bow down to a relaxed Start the shot again. position. Make an adjustment to technique or equipment.
Two whistle lasts
This command is used to indicate which group will be shooting.
3
Anyone can use this command when there is a perceived hazard.
This will be used: If the number of archers exceeds number of
targets.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 1-The Range
Check your knowledge.
Name three parts of an archery range.
What is name for the person who controls shooting?
What should you do when you here the word Fast?
List 3 thing you should never do on the archery range.
How many whistle blasts tell you to collect your arrows?
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Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
As with any sport it is important to understand the basics technique. Although archers develop there own style over time, the basics of technique give a solid foundation. In this module we will be looking at the fundamentals of shot execution, including stance and posture, the correct way to load an arrow and to hold the bow, and how to execute the shot.
The shot Sequence 1.
Stance Posture
2.
Nock Arrow
3.
Set Hand
4.
Prepare
5.
Raise
6.
Draw
7.
Anchor Aim
8.
Release
1. Stance Posture Place feet about shoulder width apart and feet parallel to the target with relaxed knees. Stand straight with relaxed shoulders.
2. Nock Arrow The arrow is clipped onto the string between the two brass nocks with the odd colour fletch towards the archer. 1
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
3. Set hand Hook fingers of draw hand on to the string in the first groove of fingers: Barebow - three fingers under arrow. Freestyle—one finger above and two under the arrow. Position your bow hand on the handle do not grip tightly.
4. Prepare To prepare for the shot turn head towards target and focus on the target whilst keeping shoulders relaxed.
5. Raise Raise both arms to the height of your nose, push bow towards target and pull string a little to add some pre draw.
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Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
6. Draw Pull the string back in a straight line towards the face until string touches your nose and chin hand reaches anchor. Barebow - index finger at side of mouth. Freestyle - index finger under the jaw.
7. Anchor and Aim Barebow -Anchor index finger at corner of the mouth. Use the point of the arrow to aim.
Freestyle -Anchor index finger under the jaw. Use the sight to aim the arrow.
8. Release Relax the draw hand to release the string. Keep focus on the target and maintain posture.
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Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
T Draw Technique 1. Stance
Relax and take a breath.
2. Nock the arrow
3. Set hands and prepare
Load the arrow onto the bow.
Hook your fingers of your drawing hand on to the string.
Line up your feet.
Position your bow hand on the handle.
Prepare your stance.
Focus on the target.
4. Raise
5. Draw
6. Anchor and aim
7. Release
Focus on the target.
Focus on the target.
Relax your draw hand.
Raise your arms to the height of your nose.
Draw the bow.
Anchor your draw hand under the jaw with the string touching your chin and nose.
Balance ‘push and pull’
4
Hold at full draw.
Aim the arrow using the sight. .
Beginners Handbook 2022
Focus on the target. Maintain your posture and keep your head still.
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
Posture.
Cause
Effect
Action
Good Posture
Bad Posture
Feet, hips and shoulders aligned.
Hips forward, shoulders leaning back.
Vertical spine.
Curved spine.
Strong foundation:
Weak foundation:
Shoulders naturally level.
Shoulders rise up.
T Shape easy to achieve.
T shape impossible to achieve.
Shot is steady.
Shot is unsteady.
You can master T draw shooting tech- Work with a coach to develop posture at nique. each stage of shooting. You can achieve consistent shooting. Your shooting will progress and improve.
Check if you find your bow to heavy in your bow hand. This could make you lean away from the target.
Bad posture:
Learning back.
5
Over arched spine.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Hunched shoulders.
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
Arrow Collection 1.Always walk to the target and approach the target from the side. Check the ground for loose arrows and collect these as you move towards the target. 2. Any arrows directly in front off the target or behind the target should be removed after collecting arrows from the target.
4. Slide the other hand down the arrow shaft until hands touch.
3. Place hand palm down on target with arrow between first and middle finger.
5. Grasp the arrow whilst checking behind to make sure no one is standing close and pull the arrow out of the target in the line of entry. Do not twist the arrow.
6. Pull one arrow at a time. 7. Return arrows to your quiver.
Hazards. You can hurt yourself or others by:
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•
Walking into the end of an arrow that’s still in the target.
•
Pulling the arrow from a target or the ground. Always check behind you to make sure there is nobody standing close enough to be hurt when you pull the arrow out.
•
Falling over while carrying the arrows.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 2-Shooting Techniques
Check your knowledge.
Why is it important to check behind when drawing arrows?
Which way should the index fletching face when loading the arrow?
Where should your feet be in relation to the target?
When drawing your arrow where would your index finger be in freestyle?
What needs to be aligned to achieve good posture?
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Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 3: Glossary of terms.
Glossary of terms. •
Anchor Point/Reference Point: Fixed position on body where draw hand is brought at full draw.
•
Arrow Rest: A device on which the arrow rests during draw.
•
Archers Paradox: The initial stages of flexing of the arrow from the loose as it accelerates past the bow.
•
Back (of Bow): The face of the bow that is on the opposite side to string.
•
Bare Bow: Bow without sights or other fittings.
•
Belly (of Bow): The face of the bow which is on the same side as string.
•
Bouncer: An arrow which strikes the target face and rebounds.
•
Bow Hand: The hand that grasps the bow.
•
Bow Sling: Strap attached to bow handle and wrist to prevent bow falling.
•
Bow Stringer: Cord used to tension bow limbs whilst stringing it.
•
Bow Tuning: Adjusting the bow set-up to archer and arrows.
•
Bow Window: The section of the riser just above the handle which is removed to allow the arrow rest to be placed on the centre line of the bow.
•
Bracer: A guard on the arm to protect it from the slap of the bowstring.
•
Bracing Height: Distance between bow and string after it has been braced.
•
Cast: Distance arrow travels when released from the bow.
•
Classification: Grouping of archers by best scores in any year.
•
Clicker: Spring fitted to bow window to check archer’s draw length.
•
Cock Feather: Feather or fletching which is at right angles to the nock.
•
Creeping: Allowing the arrow to move forward from full-draw before being let loose.
•
Compound Bow: Bow using pulleys to multiply the poundage.
•
Dacron: Material used for making bow strings.
•
Dead Loose: Gradual relaxation of fingers at loose.
•
Dominant Eye: The eye that is preferred by he archer for aiming when both eyes are open.
•
Double Round: Shooting two single rounds consecutively.
•
Draw Hand: The hand that draws the arrow and string back.
•
Draw Weight: Pressure needed on string to bring arrow to full draw.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 3: Glossary of terms. •
End: Number of arrows allowed to be shot by archer before retrieved or collection.
•
Fast: Command to stop shooting and remove arrows from bows.
•
Fast Flight: Material for making bow strings.
•
Field Captain: Official responsible for control and safety of a shoot.
•
Fletching Jig: A device to assist in fletching arrows.
•
Fletching: Feathers or vanes fitted to an arrow shaft.
•
Foot Markers: Small discs, of restricted dimensions, used to mark an archer’s foot position.
•
Gold: The central scoring zone of the target, coloured yellow.
•
Grip: The section of the bow that is held by the bow hand.
•
Handle: The part of the bow that is held in the hand.
•
Handicap: System of score adjustment to allow archers of various abilities to compete equally.
•
Kisser: Attachment fitted to string to enable correct location of anchor point.
•
Lady Paramount: Patroness of an archery tournament who presents the prizes.
•
Limbs: The upper and lower working parts of the bow.
•
Long Bow: One piece traditional wooden bow.
•
Loose: The result of releasing the string.
•
Nock: The rear end of the arrow where it fits onto the string.
•
Nocking Point: Place on the bowstring that takes the nock when the arrow is fitted to the bow.
•
Over-Bowed: This term is used to indicate the instance where the draw weight of the bow is more than the individual archer can draw and shoot with any degree of comfort and efficiency.
•
Over Draw: When pile is draw back inside the bow handle.
•
Over-Braced: The bow being braced to a greater height than that which is efficient.
•
Pile: Point fitted to the head of the arrow.
•
Pressure Button: Spring loaded device used to absorb pressure from shaft during discharge.
•
Recurve Bow: Bow with end of limbs bent forward.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 3: Glossary of terms.
•
Release Aid: This is a device that is as old as archery, but recently has been re-introduced in sundry forms. It is used to draw and release the bowstring without fingers actually doing the work. Mainly used with compound bows in the unlimited class.
•
Riser: The rigid centre section of a bow onto which the working limbs are joined.
•
Rounds: A specific number of arrows shot at specified distances.
•
Serving: The binding of the bowstring to prevent wear and abrasion.
•
Sighters: Those arrows that are allowed to be shot at the very start of a Competition for the benefit of sight adjustment, prior to the commencement of scoring.
•
Spine: The bending quality of an arrow that allows it to spring out as it passes the bow on being shot, then return to its original straightness when in free flight.
•
Stabilisers: Weights attached to the bow to dampen the effect of torque.
•
Tab: Device to protect the fingers of the release hand.
•
Take down Bow: One where the limbs can be detached.
•
Target Captain: Responsible for the control of archers on his target at a tournament.
•
Target Lieutenant: Assists Target Captain with the scoring.
•
T.F.C. Torque Flight Compensator: To absorb vibration of stabilisers.
•
Tiller: A comparison of the measurements taken from the fade-out to the string at each end of the riser. It is normal for the bottom one of these measurements to be smaller by approximately 3 mm.
•
Torque: A turning force applied to the bow at full draw.
•
Tournament: Gathering where archers compete shooting various rounds.
•
Trajectory: The curved flight of the arrow caused by the effect of gravity whilst the arrow is in flight.
•
Under-Bowed: The situation where an archer has a bow that is too light in draw weight.
•
Under-draw: Not to draw sufficient arrow length.
•
Unit Aiming: Maintaining the relationship of the arms, head and shoulders by adjusting the aiming from the waist.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
The Bow. There are four main types of bow used in modern archery •
The Longbow
•
The Recurve Freestyle bow
•
The Recurve barebow
•
The Compound bow
The Traditional Longbow is a one piece wooden bow made in yew wood or other exotic woods spliced together. It is shot without sights using wooden shaft arrows and can be made in several lengths with a range of draw weights.
The Recurve bow is shorter with the tips of the limbs bent away from the archer when the bow is unstrung. This makes it more efficient and in its more modern form comes in a take down design . This means that the two limbs can be separated from the riser. It is there for easier to transport and to change limbs if a different draw weight is required. This is the most common bow in modern target archery.
Recurve barebow-is essentially the same as recurve but with sights and other accessories removed.
The compound bow uses a system of off set pulleys or cams mounted at each limb tip. This has the effect or reducing the holding weight reducing the amount of force needed to bring the bow to full draw. When used in unlimited class sights with magnification can be added and mechanical release aids can be used.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
The Arrow. Arrows are made from various materials. Wood, fibreglass, aluminium, and carbon fibre. Wooden arrows are used with a longbow and are fitted with a pile made of steel or brass and are fletched with feathers. Being made of wood it is difficult to get a set with a matched spine or weight. Fibreglass arrows can be better matched than wood and made to a range of sizes lengths and draw weights . Aluminium arrows can be manufactured precisely to a wide range of sizes. Piles can be varied to match the bow. They are more expansive than wooden or fibreglass bow but are very durable and probably the best arrows to buy for a first purchase. Carbon fibre arrows come in to forms, hollow carbon fibre on its own or carbon fibre wound onto a thin aluminium tube. The former are cheaper than the latter but both are more expensive than other types of arrow. They are smaller in diameter and lighter than those made from other materials and so fly faster and are better suited to the longer distances i.e. Outdoors. Being made of carbon fibre they are susceptible to damage when struck by other arrows and this is more likely indoors where target groups tend to be tighter.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
Bracers.
The bracer keeps clothes from fouling the string and arrows, and also protects the arm when the bow arm and shoulder have not correctly been positioned.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
Quivers. Quivers are for holding arrows whilst shooting.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
Tabs. Next to the bow and arrows the tab and the bracer are the most important pieces of equipment. The tab protects the fingers and facilitates a smooth release.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
How to string a Bow.
Make sure top and bottom limb in the correct pockets and string the correct way up.
Slide big loop over top limb.
Place foot on stringer and slide loop towards end of limb and pull bow up.
locate the other end on to the limb tip.
With tension on bow slide string loop and locate on to limb tip.
Slide the loop of the stringer over top limb.
Place pocket of stringer over bottom limb keeping string in place.
Slowly relax the tension on bow and check sting attached correctly.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 4-Equipment.
Check your knowledge.
Name the parts of an arrow
Name 3 parts of a recurve bow
What is the difference between a recurve and barebow?
How would you determine which way up a string should go?
Why would you wear a bracer?
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 5-Scoring
Scoring. Arrows are always shot in threes. Indoors the score is taken after three arrows which constitutes an “end”. Outdoors, at longer distances the score is taken after six arrows have been shot, in two groups of three and this too constitutes an “end”.
The scores are called with the highest one first and then in descending order. The scorer then repeats the score as they write it down, this will confirm that the scorer has heard correctly.
Once the arrows have been removed from the target the score can not be altered.
How to fill in a score sheet.
Number of Gold’s (10s) scored Number of hits
Total for 6 arrows
Score for 1 dozen
Beginners Handbook 2022
Running Total
Module 5-Scoring
Target Archery. Rounds. Target archery rounds provide a standardised method for archers to compare scores. There are many different rounds each with its own name and consisting of a set number of arrowsat one or more distances and target sizes. Rounds shot in the UK are defined by either Archery GB or World Archery (WA). There are two basic round types, imperial and metric. Imperial rounds are all defined by Archery GB. Some metric rounds are defined by Archery GB and some by World Archery. All rounds use four main face sizes, they have a diameter of 122cm, 80cm, 60cm and 40cm. The 122cm face fills a boss, one 80cm face fits on a boss, two 60cm faces fit on a boss, finally four 40cm faces can be fitted on a boss.
Outdoor Scoring. Imperial Rounds (Five Zone Scoring) For Imperial rounds, five zone scoring is used, and is illustrated opposite. The gold scores 9, red 7, blue 5, black 3, and the white 1.
Metric Rounds (Ten Zone Scoring) For metric rounds, ten zone scoring and is illustrated opposite. The inner gold scores 10, outer gold 9, inner red 8, outer red 7, inner blue 6, outer blue 5, inner black 4, outer black 3, inner white 2 and the outer white 1. Within the 10 ring (inner gold) there is another ring which scores 10 but for WA records is recorded as an 'X'.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 5-Scoring
Indoor Scoring. Scoring is similar to outdoor metric scoring, However archers shooting a compound only score 10 if they hit the inner 10 ring, and the inner gold only scores 9 points.
Samples of target faces used indoors.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 5-Scoring
Imperial Outdoor. Rounds. All imperial outdoor rounds are measured in yards, and use a 122cm diagram face (they fill an entire boss) at all distances. The following table lists all the recognised imperial outdoor rounds. It shows the number of dozen at each distance. For example a Western round is 4 dozen at 60yds and 4 dozen at 50yds both distances shot at a 122cm face. The Gents and Ladies columns shows the age at which the round is usually shot. ROUND
100y
YORK HEREFORD / BRISTOL I BRISTOL II BRISTOL III BRISTOL IV BRISTOL V1 St. GEORGE ALBION WINDSOR SHORT WINDSOR JUNIOR WINDSOR SHORT JUNIOR WINDSOR NEW WESTERN LONG WESTERN WESTERN SHORT WESTERN JUNIOR WESTERN SHORT JUNIOR WESTERN AMERICAN St. NICHOLAS NEW NATIONAL LONG NATIONAL NATIONAL SHORT NATIONAL JUNIOR NATIONAL SHORT JUNIOR NATIONAL NEW WARWICK LONG WARWICK WARWICK SHORT WARWICK JUNIOR WARWICK SHORT JUNIOR WARWICK
6
3
4
4
2
80y 60y 50y 40y 30y 20y 10y tal 4 2 6 4 2 6 4 2 6 4 2 6 4 2 6 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2½ 2½ 2½ 4 3 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Beginners Handbook 2022
To-
Gents
Ladies
12 12 12 12 12 12 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 7½ 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 4 4 4
Adult U18 U16 U14 U12 Adult Adult Adult U16 U14 U12 Adult Adult Adult U16 U14 U12 Adult U14 Adult Adult Adult U16 U14 U12 Adult Adult Adult U16 U14 U12
Adult Adult U18 U16 U14 U12 Adult Adult Adult U18 U16 U14 Adult Adult Adult U18 U16 U14 Adult U16 Adult Adult Adult U18 U16 U14 Adult Adult Adult U18 U16 U14
Module 5-Scoring
Metric Outdoor. Rounds. All metric outdoor rounds are measured in metres and use 122cm and 80cm faces. The following table lists all the recognised metric outdoor rounds. It shows the number of dozen at each distance and face size. The Gents and Ladies columns shows the age at which the round is usually shot. Dozen at eachdistance ROUND
122cm Face 90 m
70 m
WA 1440 (Gents) 3 WA 1440 (ladies) / METRIC I WA 1440 (Cadet Ladies) / METRIC II METRIC III METRIC IV METRIC V LONG METRIC 3 (Gents) LONG METRIC (Ladies) / LONG METRIC I LONG METRIC II LONG METRIC III LONG METRIC IV LONG METRIC V SHORT METRIC / SHORT METRIC I SHORT METRIC II SHORT METRIC III SHORT METRIC IV SHORT METRIC V WA Standard Bow Olympic Round Olympic Round (Cadet) Compound Match WA 900 WA 70m WA 60m WA 50m Metric 122-50 Metric 122-40 Metric 122-30 Metric 80-40 Metric 80-30
3 3
60 m
50 m
40 m
80cm Face 30 m
20 m
3 3
50 m
15 10 Total m m 12
Adult
Adult
3
3
12
U18
Adult
3
12
U16
U18
12 12 12
U14 U12 -
U16 U14 U12
6
Adult
Adult
6
U18
Adult
6 6 6 6
U16 U14 U12 -
U18 U16 U14 U12
6
Adult
Adult
6 6 6 6 6
U16 U14 U12 Adult
U18 U16 U14 U12 Adult
1¼ 7½ 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Adult Adult Adult U18 Adult U16 U14 U12 U14 N/A
Adult Adult Adult U18 Adult U16 U14 U12 N/A U14
3 3 3
20 m
3
3 3 3
30 m
3
3 3
40 m
Gents Ladies
3 3
3
3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3
3 3 3
3
3
3 3
sets sets 1¼ 2½ 2½ 2½ 6 6 6 6 6 6
6 6
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 5-Scoring
Indoor. Rounds. Again there are metric and imperial rounds when shooting indoors but there are far fewer rounds when compared to outdoors. The following table lists all the recognised indoor rounds. It shows the number of dozen at each distance and face size. There are a variety of different faces but the most common are the 60cm and 40cm faces.
Dozen at each distance Distance 18m Face Size 40cm
18m
25m
30m
20y
20y
25y
20y
40cm 60cm 80cm 60cm 40cm 60cm 16in Additional Rules special special
Archery GB Rounds Bray I
2½
Bray II
Full size or triple face 2½
Stafford
Full size or triple face
6
Portsmouth
Full size face only 5
Worcester
Full face, 5 zone or triple face 5
Vegas
Full face or 5 centre face. Five arrows per end, one end of sighters
5
WA Rounds WA 18
5
WA 25
Combined WA
5
Full size or triple face 5
Full size or triple face
5
Full size or triple face
Recurve Match
Sets
Triple face only
Compound Match
1¼
Triple face only
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 5-Scoring
Check your knowledge.
In what order should you call your arrows when scoring?
How many arrows do you shoot in an end?
What is the maximum distance that can be shot outdoors?
Can a score be altered once the arrows have been pulled?
If an arrow is breaking a line on the target how would you score it?
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 6: Etiquette
Etiquette.
At Bowmen of the Tors, we want everyone to enjoy the sport safely and confidently, regardless of whether you have just completed your beginners’ course or are an experienced archer. When attending a practice session or competition, it is important that everyone understands the etiquette, rules and safety procedures involved with archery. The following rules should be read in conjunction with Archery GB’s Rules of Shooting and Codes of Conduct which are available in full from their website. If you are unsure about any of the points below, please ask a Committee member or experienced club member for help and advice.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 6: Etiquette
General Club Etiquette •
•
•
• • •
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• • • •
Always help to set up and take down the range including targets, faces, lighting etc before setting up or taking down your own equipment. Sessions start at 7pm during the week and 9am on Sundays. Members are not allowed on site prior to these times. If you need to leave before the end of the session, out of courtesy, please make the field captain aware. At all times ensure all entrances and exits are unobstructed in case of emergency. Do not touch other archer’s equipment unless they have given you permission. Should you damage another person’s equipment, you should immediately make arrangements to pay for repair or replacement as appropriate. Refrain from walking up and down the shooting line comparing others scores. Before pulling arrows check with fellow archers on your target that they are not scoring arrows. Always seek permission to pull another archers arrows before doing so. When shooting outside, be confident at shooting the shorter distances before challenging yourself with the longer distances. This will enable you to build your confidence and also prevent lost arrows and time delays. Always know how many arrows you have in your quiver and how many you have shot. All arrows must be accounted for and any missing arrows MUST be found before leaving the field. In the unlikely event an arrow cannot be found it must be immediately reported to a member of the committee who will file a report with Notre Dame. Please turn off mobile phones or put them on silent as not to disturb other archers when shooting. Be mindful of the presence of Junior members at all times and conduct yourself accordingly. Always have the best interests of fellow archers at heart. Never engage in or tolerate public criticism of fellow archers, parents/carers, coaches, guests or officials - adhering to Archery GBs Codes of Conduct at all times. Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each archer above everything including standards of performance. Never engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. Do not smoke on the shooting line or waiting line (smoking is prohibited on Notre Dame’s grounds). Always take any litter home with you at the end of the session and ensure the premises are left clean and tidy. Always thank the Field Captain for the work done by them at the end of the session.
Beginners Handbook 2022
Module 6: Etiquette
Rules of Shooting Each club may have slight variations on these rules. If visiting another club make sure you check their rules prior to shooting. • • • • • • • • • • •
Don’t start to shoot until given the appropriate instruction. Always shout “FAST” if you spot any danger during shooting. Never talk in a loud voice whilst others are shooting or make any exclamation on the shooting line that might disconcert a neighbour in the act of shooting. Whilst shooting outside, please wait on the shooting line while a neighbour is at full draw only leaving when they have shot their arrow. Due to the confined space in the hall at our club when shooting indoors, do not leave the shooting line until the whistle has blown. Between details please enter and exit the hall as quickly as possible in order to prevent delays. 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. Always wear closed toed shoes or trainers. Open toed or flip flops are not acceptable. Ensure your choice of clothing is appropriate – no loose fitting/low cut tops. Please do not wear logos/motifs that could cause offence or upset.
Competition Etiquette In addition to the above, in a competition or scoring situation the following rules should be observed: •
• • • • • • • •
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. Please refer to Archery GB’s Rules of Shooting, Rule 307. 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. In World Archery competitions, arrow holes must be marked prior to removal. Only remove the arrows of others if this has been agreed by them. Call for a judge if in doubt as to any arrows scoring value.
Beginners Handbook 2022