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 at a competition. The guidance below summarises the basic etiquette, rules and safety of archery.

Prior to and During Shooting

• Always help to put out targets and faces before setting up your own equipment, and put away any equipment you have used when finished.
• Don’t start shooting until instructed. If you don’t know the local commands (verbal, whistles, etc.), ask.
• Always shout FAST if you spot any danger during shooting.
• Never talk loudly while others are shooting.
• Wait on the shooting line while a neighbour is at full draw, only leaving once they have released their arrow.
• Do not move forward of the shooting line for any reason until instructed by the Field Captain.
• Never draw your bow or nock an arrow except on the shooting line.
• Never shoot if anyone is within the safety areas.
• Don’t touch another archer’s equipment without permission.
• If you damage another person’s equipment, arrange repair or replacement immediately.
• Do not walk the shooting line comparing others’ scores.
• Only shoot distances within your capability.
• Always know how many arrows you have shot and how many remain in your quiver.
• Keep mobile phones switched off or on silent.
• Do not smoke on the shooting or waiting line.
• Take all litter home with you.
• Do not pack away your equipment until the last archer has finished.
• At competitions wear appropriate clothing. Camouflage and denim are not permitted.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes or trainers.

When Scoring

• Wait until scores have been taken before searching for missed arrows.
• Call scores in groups of three, in descending order (e.g. X-10-9, then 9-8-7).
• Point to each arrow while calling scores without touching the arrow or target face.
• Do not touch arrows or the target face until all values have been recorded and checked.
• Only remove another archer’s arrows if agreed.
• Thank the Target Captain at the end of the round.
• Call for a judge if you are unsure of an arrow’s value.
• If in doubt about anything, ask a fellow club member – they will be happy to help.