Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Range Safety Protocols
Archery ranges are controlled environments where strict safety protocols are enforced at all times. The Director of Shooting has absolute authority over range safety, and all archers and officials must comply with their signals immediately.
- No nocking without permission: Archers must not place an arrow on the bowstring until they are on the shooting line and the start signal has been given.
- Never aim at anything other than the target: Drawing a bow and pointing it in any direction other than toward the targets is strictly prohibited.
- Range closed during scoring: When archers are forward of the shooting line to score and retrieve arrows, the range is closed. No one may remain on or approach the shooting line.
8.2 Whistle Signal System
The whistle (or audible signal) system is the primary safety communication tool:
- 2 blasts: Archers may approach the shooting line.
- 1 blast: Shooting may commence.
- 3 blasts: Shooting stops; archers move forward to score and collect arrows.
- 5 or more rapid blasts: EMERGENCY STOP. All activity ceases. Archers un-nock arrows, step back, set bows down, and await instructions. This signal may indicate a person on the range, a medical emergency, or any other immediate hazard.
8.3 Red Flag and Safety Zones
When a red flag is raised at the target line, no person may approach the targets. This indicates that the range is active and arrows may be in flight. The red flag is lowered only when the 3-blast stop signal has been given and all shooting has ceased. Safety zones behind targets (minimum 110 m) and to the sides (minimum 25 m) must be kept clear of all personnel and spectators at all times during shooting.
8.4 Medical and Emergency Preparedness
- A qualified medical team must be present on-site at all WA-sanctioned events, with first aid equipment and emergency transport capability.
- Arrow removal from targets: Archers must pull arrows straight out of the buttress to avoid injury. One hand is placed flat on the target face beside the arrow while the other grips the shaft close to the face and pulls directly backward.
- Damaged arrows: Bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged arrows must be removed from competition immediately. Shooting a damaged arrow risks the shaft breaking at release, which can cause serious injury to the archer.
- Weather: Competition may be suspended in lightning, high winds, or other dangerous weather. The DOS or Technical Delegate makes this determination.
8.5 Spectator Safety
Spectators must remain behind the designated spectator line at all times. At major events, physical barriers, fencing, or netting separate the public from the field of play. Mobile phones must be set to silent mode, and flash photography is prohibited during shooting as it may distract archers.