RANGE ETIQUETTE/RULES

Etiquette at the SPAC range

Proper range etiquette shows respect for fellow archers at the range and to the archery club as well as helps to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at the range.

  • Always keep your arrows pointed down range.
  • Shoot only from the designated shooting line when shooting inside the indoor range or on the adjacent outdoor static range.
  • Straddle the shooting line with one foot on each side of the line when shooting.
  • Give your fellow shooters plenty of space, and never cross into their shooting lane with your body or equipment.
  • Shoot as a group while shooting in the indoor range or on the outdoor static range and pay attention to what’s going on around you, especially when leaving or entering the shooting line.
  • Proper etiquette is to shoot only 3 arrows per end while shooting indoors and a maximum of 6 arrows per end on the outdoor static range. Shoot as a group and retrieve your arrows as a group.
    • Once you’ve shot all your arrows, step back from the shooting line, place your bow on the rack and wait until all archers are ready to retrieve their arrows as a group.
    • If you are delayed shooting your end of 3 or 6, do not hold up others on the line. The maximum time for 3 arrows is 2 minutes, and for 6 arrows is 4 minutes.
  • The last archer to finish their “end” should then ask “Clear?” and wait for a response before anyone walks downrange to retrieve their arrows.
    • If you hear someone ask “Clear?” take a look around at other archers. If everyone is done shooting, respond “Clear” and move down range to retrieve arrows.
  • When pulling arrows, make sure no one is standing behind you.
  • When outdoors, help others look for lost arrows.
  • On the 3D trails, shoot one arrow per target with the archer shooting the greatest distances shooting first and moving closer as a group until the archer shooting from the shortest distance has fired their arrow as well. Retrieve your arrows as a group.
    • Do not search too long for missed arrows if other groups are following behind to respect the time of other archers following behind your group.
  • Be respectful and supportive of fellow archers.
  • Ask permission before touching the equipment of other archers.
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times and you must always “pick-up” after your dogs.
  • Volunteer for club chores such as range and target maintenance, supporting planning and delivery of club shoots, etc. This will help make a stronger, more social and friendly club.

 

Rules of the SPAC range

Following the etiquette guidelines above and the following range rules as well will help to maintain a safe and enjoyable range facility.

  • Know and obey the range rules.
  • Display your current Archery Alberta membership card at all times while at the range.
  • Inspect your equipment prior to shooting.
  • Always walk, don’t run, on the range.
  • Only shoot a bow with an arrow properly nocked. Do not dry fire your bow.
  • Keep arrows in the quiver until ready to shoot.
  • Keep arrows pointed down or towards the target.
  • Never draw above the top of your butt (known as a sky draw).
    • This is especially important while shooting inside the indoor range.
  • Shoot only the targets in your lane.
  • Be certain your line of fire is clear.
    • This is especially important on the3D trails as archers ahead of you may cross into your line of fire in search of missed shots
  • Indoor range:
    • The middle yellow cube on the target butts in the indoor range are for recurves and youth bows only.
    • Compounds are to shoot the four larger corner cubes only.
    • Turn off the range indoor range lights if you are the last one to leave.
    • Turn the heat down to the silver mark on the thermostat if you are the last one to leave.
  • Only walk down range when it is clear to do so.
  • Stand on the same shooting line as other archers, not in front of or behind them.
  • Take all your garbage home with you as the club does not have garbage pick-up service at the archery range.
  • BROADHEADS ARE PROHIBITED ON CLUB BUTTS AND 3D TARGETS.
  • BRING YOUR OWN PORTABLE BUTT IF YOU WANT TO SIGHT IN WITH BROADHEADS ON THE OPEN RANGE.
  • IF YOU ARE FOUND USING BROADHEADS ON CLUB BUTTS AND TARGETS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CANCELLED WITHOUT REFUND.
  • CROSSBOWS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT THIS TIME ON OUR RANGE FACILITIES.