Outdoor Range Rules

Full policy: Range Operations Policy, Club Rules.

In most cases (eg Club Days or events), the range will be under the control of a single Range Officer who has ultimate authority of all activities on the range at that time. 

Before You Shoot

  • Wait for the range to be declared open — flags up, targets secured, waiting line clear.
  • Closed-toe shoes, hair tied back, no loose clothing that could catch the string.
  • Only shoot on the shooting line, when told to.

Whistle Commands

  • 2 whistles — Approach the shooting line.
  • 1 whistle — Commence shooting.
  • 3 whistles — Cease shooting, collect arrows.
  • 4+ whistles, or continuous — EMERGENCY STOP. Stop everything immediately and return to the waiting line.

If you’re ever unsure what a signal means, stop, look around, and follow what everyone else is doing — then check with the Range Officer.

Groups Sharing the Range

This applies when there are multiple groups using the range at the same time. Normally during mid week independent shooting times or when limited people are on the range. 

  • If more than one group is shooting, there must be at least 4 empty target spaces between groups.
  • Everyone shoots from the same shooting line. Coaches have a few exceptions to this under certain conditions. 
  • Short-distance shooters (up to and including 25m) can’t go past the 40m mark while anyone is still shooting anywhere on the range. 
  • If the gap can’t be kept, everyone shoots as one group under one Range Officer.

On the Line

  • No dry-firing, no sky-drawing.
  • Compound bows: 60lb max, no exceptions.
  • Crossbows: never allowed.
  • If in doubt about someone’s equipment or behaviour, talk to the Range Officer or senior archer/coach/executive present — don’t sort it out yourself.

Collecting Arrows

  • Only on the whistle command.
  • Everyone’s bow down and behind the waiting line first.
  • Walk, don’t run.

If Something Goes Wrong

  • Stop shooting immediately and tell the Range Officer.
  • See the Emergency — What To Do page if it’s serious.
  • See the Report a Concern page for anything else worth noting.