Range Setup Guidelines

Target Spacing, Shooting Line & Safety Protocols

General Guidelines

• Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All users of the range are strongly encouraged to be proactive in evaluating risks.
   
• Safety always comes first. All users are encouraged to voice concerns. Concerns should not be dismissed. If it feels dangerous, it is. It doesn’t hurt to play it safe.
   
• Safety is not about skill. All users must follow safety guidelines.

Range Setup
 

• One shooting line. At no point should an archer take a shooting position in front of the designated shooting line.
   
• Targets should generally be set up with close distance on the left side and long distance on the right (see diagram).
   
• When setting up targets, users must notify other users of where they intend to place the target.
   
• If a user intends to change a target distance, they must inform adjacent users.
   
• Targets can only be moved when all shooting has ceased.
   

Individual Practice (Up to 4 Targets)

The Club recognises that the field may be vacant at many times during allocated shooting sessions. For this reason, the Club permits free use of the field for individual practice without direct supervision. It is the responsibility of users to be vigilant in observing safe practice for themselves and for others.

• Targets can be spread out across the field
   
• With sufficient spacing, archers may shoot and retrieve arrows while others are shooting.
   
• Identify the “cone” – the error margin left and right of the target that may endanger anyone in that area.
   
• Further targets will have a greater “cone” and will require more spacing for safe individual use.
   
• Individuals must alert all other users of the range in the event of a safety hazard (e.g. a pedestrian entering the field of play)

Controlled Shooting Lines (5+ Targets)

During peak times, such as during scheduled events (e.g. club shoots, Come ‘n’ Try), the range may be filled to capacity. In these circumstances, shooting must be supervised and coordinated under strict guidelines.

These guidelines will apply when more than 5 targets are in use, and should also be observed even if fewer targets are used but are clustered together.

• Targets must be set so that the closest targets are on the left (10-20m), mid-range targets are in the middle (up to 40m) and long-distance targets on the right (up to 70m).
  • If targets are staggered from a previous setup, they must be rearranged
  • Users should set target distances in the correct area of the field even if there are no other users. This is to provide space for later users to set up targets in the appropriate areas.
     
• Users who intend to shoot the same distance are encouraged to use or share a target already set up before moving a new target out.
   
• A director of shooting must be nominated. It is the responsibility of the director to control the shooting line. This includes:
  • Identifying that the range (including the backstop area) is clear
  • Ensuring that all users are behind the shooting line before commencing shooting
  • Signalling the commencement and cessation of shooting
  • Ensuring all users have returned to the shooting line
     
• If the director of shooting must leave (temporarily or otherwise), another director must be nominated to assume the responsibility of controlling the line.
   
• Users must inform the director that they are joining or leaving the shooting line. The director must be able to account for users to ensure that no one is on the field.
   
• Users sharing a line must agree on the number of arrows to be shot (e.g. 6 arrows)
   
• Users must make it clear that they have finished shooting by stepping away from the shooting line before the director can signal all clear.

Etiquette

• Shoot the agreed number of arrows per end. This can be flexible depending on the style and needs of users, but avoid holding up others who are waiting.
   
• Don’t rush other users who have not finished shooting their arrows.
   
• If you are delayed (e.g., receiving instruction, adjusting equipment), let other users retrieve arrows.
   
• Minimise time spent downrange. Fetch arrows and perform other necessary tasks (e.g. searching for arrows, scoring). Avoid socialising and distractions at the targets.
   
• If you are unable to locate a lost arrow in an adequate amount of time, return to the shooting line to allow others to continue shooting and continue the search later.