Club Rules & Range Etiquette

Like all clubs, our members come from all walks of life and have different backgrounds. Our common attribute is that we all want to do archery. To make sure that everyone enjoys their time at the club we have a few common-sense rules that we like to follow. We follow Archery Australia’s Code of Conduct which is committed to upholding the principles of fairness, respect, responsibility, and safety at all levels of archery. For the protection of all members and children who come to the club we also adhere to Archery Australia’s Member and Child Protection Policy.

General Code of Conduct Guidelines

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.

• Demonstrate an ethical, considerate, fair, and honest manner in all dealings with other people or organisations.

• Be professional in, and accept responsibility for your actions.

• Refrain from any form of abuse toward others.

• Refrain from any form of harassment towards others.

• Refrain from any form of discrimination toward others.

• Refrain from intimate relations with any person with whom you have a supervisory role or power over.

• Refrain from any form of victimisation towards others.

• Provide a safe environment for the conduct of activities in accordance with any relevant Archery Australia policy or rules.

• Show concern and caution toward others that may be sick or injured.

• Be a positive role model.

• Be aware of Archery Australia, Regional Governing Body, and Club Standards, rules and policies.

• Operate within the rules and spirit of the sport, including international, national rules and guidelines that govern Archery Australia.

• Understand the possible consequences of breaching Archery Australia’s Member Protection and Child Welfare Policies.

• Immediately report any breaches of the Archery Australia Member Protection and Child Welfare Policies to the appropriate authority.

• Conduct themselves  in a manner  fitting  of  an member  and  that their  behaviour  does  not  bring themselves,  Archery, Archery  Australia,  World  Archery,  RGB,  Club or  other member into disrepute contempt, controversy, scandal or ridicule or affect the performance of any other member.

• Make a commitment to providing quality service.

Safety

The safety of everyone at Centenary Archers Club, whether they are shooting or just watching, is of paramount importance. Archery safety is a matter of exercising common sense, good judgement and courtesy. All members are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. To make sure that everyone stays safe on and off the field we follow a few simple rules, some of which are outlined below. Our club’s Safety Policy follows that of archery’s national governing body in Australia (Archery Australia). Everyone who shoots at Centenary Archers is a member of Archery Australia, and so should read, understand, and abide by the full Safety Policy.

• There is no place on or off the shooting line for any form of horseplay. Never touch or strike other people, throw objects or distract other people while they are shooting.

• Any bow which is drawn (even without an arrow) must be pointed towards the target, and only then if it is intended to be shot.

• A bow must never be drawn and released without an arrow on the string (Dry Fire). To do so could result in damage to the bow limbs, a broken string and/or injury to the archer.

• Never shoot an arrow into the air or attempt to shoot an arrow over a distance. This is the most dangerous action an archer can do.

• Care must be exercised when drawing arrows out of the target to ensure there is no one standing behind the arrows.

• Exposed carbon fibre strands from broken carbon fibre arrows or limbs can penetrate the skin and cause health problems and therefore care must be taken to avoid touching the exposed fibres.

• Never run on an archery field, with or without arrows in hand; always carry arrows with the points held in the hand.

• Under no circumstance is shooting permitted if there is someone on the field near or behind the targets. Everyone must be behind the shooting line before the signal to start shooting is given.

• Always take care to avoid making physical contact with other archers when handling a bow and arrow. It is easy to touch a person with the bow tips or an arrow which can cause distraction to another person.

• Never distract other archers while they are shooting unless you notice a safety issue.

• If a bow or an arrow falls in front of the shooting line, never go forward to retrieve the arrow. Wait until all shooting has stopped and the signal to go forward has been given.

• Always step back behind the waiting line (situated at least 2 metres behind the shooting line) when finished shooting.

• Alcohol or drugs must never be consumed before or during shooting.

• Recurve bows should only ever be strung using a recommended method.

• Always approach targets from the side so as not to walk into arrows in the target or lodged in the ground.

• When approaching targets look for arrows lodged in the ground short of the target as nocks are very sharp and can injure legs.

• Always wear the appropriate protective equipment such as armguard, finger tab and if required, a chest guard.

• It is advisable to wear tight fitting clothes. Covered footwear, not sandals or thongs, is essential. Long hair should be tied back and bulky items should be removed from chest pockets.

• Camouflage clothing etc is not allowed due to the reduced likelihood of being seen.

For all Archery Australia official documents please visit their “Policies and Procedures” page on the Archery Australia website.