Archery Safety

Tracey Kobayashi

50 Phelan Ave, NGYM
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415)452-7311
tkobayas@ccsf.edu

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[ General Info ] [ Safety ] [ Terminology]

Every archer should understand these safety factors. Keep in mind that you are handling a lethal weapon. Accidents happen because people stop thinking and don't pay attention. ALWAYS shoot with safety in mind.

In General

• Use tackle that is correctly fit to you.
• Don't use shortcuts - brace and unbrace your bow correctly.
• Learn an accurate anchor point and draw to that point every time, using only arrows that have been properly measured to your draw.
• Learn correct bow grip and bow arm position to avoid injury to the inner border of the bow arm.
• Learn a smooth string release so the string hand doesn't jerk the bow into an overdrawn position.
• The responsibility for injuring another rests with the one who shot the arrow.

Before Shooting

• Inspect your bow for frayed strings, broken or cracked limbs.
• Check your string and serving for fraying.
• Check arrows for splinters or cracks, damaged fletchings or broken nocks -- do this after every end, too.
• Remove jewelry and pens from shirt pockets. Avoid baggy or bulky clothing or chest pockets with buttons which the bowstring might catch. Tie back long hair.

While Shooting

• All shooters must straddle the shooting line.
• Nock first arrow after the shoot signal is given. Don't nock or draw until you are on the shooting line. Point nocked arrows at the ground. Never point an arrow at anyone.
• Arrows dropped during nocking, drawing or letting can be reshot if retrieved without leaving the line. If equipment falls forward of the line, rake it gently to you or leave it until the clear signal. DON'T step forward of the line to pick up anything during shooting.
• Never shoot arrows aimlessly into the air.
• Never release a bow without an arrow in it.
• Watch for people entering the shooting or adjacent areas. Stop shooting immediately.
• DO NOT over draw your shot.

After Shooting

• Put down your equipment and back away from the shooting line.
• WAIT FOR THE CLEAR SIGNAL to cross the shooting line to retrieve you arrows.
• WALK, don't run to the target and retrieve arrows from the ground as you reach them.
• Be sure there is no one behind you as you pull your arrows from the target.
• Use caution when picking something up below the target to avoid eye and head injuries.
• When retrieving arrows behind a target, leave your bow or quiver in front or have someone remain in front so we know you're there.
• Carry arrows carefully keeping the arrow tips in one hand, and the shafts between your fingers.

[ General Info ] [ Safety ] [ Terminology]