Youth Archery Program
Safety Guide
Essential Safety Guidelines
Maintaining safety is our highest priority in the Youth Archery Skills Program. All activities are supervised by a responsible adult, and no prior archery expertise is required. Every participant must understand and follow these safety guidelines, which are organized into three key areas:
- Individual Safety
- Group Safety
- Equipment Safety
1. Individual Safety
Proper Attire
Archers should wear:
- Warm and protective clothing
- Close-fitting sleeves and upper-body wear
- Flat, non-slip shoes (such as sneakers)
Avoid wearing:
- Bulky clothing
- Long, loose collars
- Items in breast pockets
- Unbuttoned jackets or sweaters
- Glasses in pockets (they can become entangled with the string)
Equipment Requirements
Essential gear:
- Armguard and finger tab or release
- Arrows extending at least 2 inches beyond reach
- Appropriately sized bow with suitable draw weight
Pre-session equipment inspection:
- Examine arrows for damage, loose nocks, or damaged tips
- Check bows for cracks, loose sights, or rests
- Inspect strings and cables for wear or damage
Safe Shooting Practices
- Draw the bow only when aimed at targets
- Never release without an arrow (no dry-firing)
- Always point arrows downward while carrying
- Walk, don't run, during arrow retrieval
- Maintain safe distance when collecting arrows
2. Group Safety
Shooting Line Protocol
- Wait for permission before shooting
- Step back after completing your shot
- Approach targets only when instructed
Proper Positioning
- Left-eye dominant archers: stand on right side
- Right-eye dominant archers: stand on left side
Range Etiquette
- Maintain quiet on the shooting line
- Respect others' concentration
- Move back post-shooting
- Be mindful during arrow retrieval
- Follow club official instructions