Safety First #
-= Safety Rules =-
NEVER point a drawn bow at anyone, even in fun.
A bow shall NEVER be drawn, with or without an arrow, in any direction other than towards the target.
A bow shall only be drawn with the arrow parallel to the ground or pointing towards the ground.
NEVER “dry fire” a bow without an arrow in place or overdraw an arrow into the belly of the bow. This will damage the bow, the arrow and most probably the archer too.
NO PERSON will move forward from the shooting line until all arrows have been shot and only at the signal from the field captain.
When approaching the boss, do so on the left-hand side, WALK – keeping a watch out for arrows that may have fallen short of the target and also for those arrows sticking out from the target. All arrows are potentially dangerous wherever they are in the range!
When drawing arrows out of the boss, always CHECK BEHIND YOU for other people. An arrow nock to the eye is dangerous & could cause serious injury!
If, when shooting, the words “FAST!” or “STAND DOWN!” are heard you must stop shooting immediately, lower the bow and take the arrow off the string. The Field Captain will indicate when it is safe to resume.
REMEMBER, a bow is a potentially lethal weapon and as such should be handled and used with care and respect at all times.
General Rules #
Colwyn Bowmen is affiliated with Archery GB. As such we abide by the following “Rules of Shooting”:
- All archers are expected to assist with setting up the target bosses before shooting and/or putting the target bosses away on completion of shooting.
- Archers will shoot from a common shooting line, with the targets positioned at the distances required.
- Archers must stand behind the waiting line when not shooting.
- Archer’s equipment must be placed behind the equipment line to avoid creating a trip hazard.
- An archer should shoot no more than three arrows per end unless they can comfortably shoot more without holding up other archers shooting three arrows.
- An archer should only shoot their arrows when it is safe to do so and on command from the Field Captain or by the sound of one blow from a whistle.
- An archer should only collect their arrows when it is safe to do so and on command from the Field Captain or by the sound of two blows from a whistle.
- An archer should never draw his/her bow unless standing on the shooting line facing the targets.
- If the word “FAST” or “STAND DOWN” is called at any time the archer should stop shooting immediately and remove the arrow from the bow.
- Please keep the store cupboard in a clean and tidy state. Only Club equipment can be kept in the store cupboards.
Certainly. Below is a more detailed and formally worded version of the Club Communication and Announcements section for inclusion in the Colwyn Bowmen Club Rules. This version maintains the club’s tone and clearly outlines the rationale and operational protocols for communication, especially relating to safeguarding:
Club Communication and Announcements #
Effective communication is essential to the safe, organised, and inclusive operation of Colwyn Bowmen. To ensure that all members receive timely and accurate information, the club utilises a combination of digital and in-person communication methods. These are intended to keep members informed about club activities, safety updates, event scheduling, changes to venue or timings, and other important matters relevant to their participation in the club.
1. Website Announcements – #
The club’s official website serves as the central repository for all formal communications. Members are encouraged to check the website regularly, where they will find:
- Details of upcoming events and competitions
- Range access updates (e.g. indoor/outdoor availability)
- News and notices from the committee
- Safety bulletins and rule amendments
- Policies and guidance, including accessibility, safeguarding, and membership matters
All significant club-wide announcements will be published on the website to ensure they are publicly accessible and archived for future reference.
2. WhatsApp Group – Informal and Instant Messaging #
In addition to website updates, Colwyn Bowmen operates a members-only WhatsApp group. This platform is used for:
- Immediate communication, such as short-notice changes due to weather or venue access
- Informal discussion and reminders from coaches and committee members
- Queries, sharing information, and community engagement between members
While WhatsApp is considered an informal channel, it is treated with the same standards of respect, inclusion, and courtesy as expected in all other club settings. Participation in the group is voluntary but strongly encouraged, as it provides real-time awareness of updates that may affect scheduled shoots or events.
3. Verbal Announcements at Club Sessions #
Club officials, coaches, or designated field captains will make verbal announcements at the beginning or end of shooting sessions when necessary. These may relate to:
- Range etiquette reminders
- Safety notices
- Immediate changes to session structure
- Recognition of achievements or contributions
- Invitations to upcoming events or volunteer opportunities
Members are asked to give these announcements their full attention and to raise any questions afterwards to ensure clarity.
Safeguarding and the Use of WhatsApp #
Colwyn Bowmen is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection. In accordance with national guidance and best practice from Archery GB, the club has adopted a strict policy regarding participation in digital communication platforms.
To that end, individuals under the age of 16 are not permitted to join the club’s WhatsApp group under any circumstances. This restriction is in place to:
- Prevent potential breaches of safeguarding legislation or good practice
- Ensure that minors are not exposed to adult discussions or unmoderated content
- Protect both the young person and the club’s volunteers from any risk of inappropriate digital communication
In recognition of the importance of communication for all members, parents or legal guardians of junior members under 16 are encouraged and permitted to join the WhatsApp group on their child’s behalf. This ensures that:
- Families are kept up-to-date with session details, changes, and safety notifications
- Clear lines of communication exist between the club and those responsible for junior members
- Parental involvement in the young person’s archery journey is supported and enabled
Parents and guardians joining the group are reminded that the platform is intended for club-related matters only and should not be used for off-topic discussion or personal messaging.
Member Responsibilities #
It is the responsibility of all members to ensure that they remain informed of relevant club communications. While the committee endeavours to communicate clearly and consistently, members are asked to:
- Check the website regularly
- Monitor the WhatsApp group (if participating)
- Listen attentively to verbal announcements at club sessions
- Seek clarification where needed
By following these principles, Colwyn Bowmen can maintain a cohesive, well-informed, and supportive community for all its members.
Range Etiquette #
A good Archer:
- Does not talk in a loud voice while others are shooting.
- Does not talk to another competitor who may prefer to be silent.
- Does not make any exclamations on the shooting line which may disconcert a neighbour in the act of shooting.
- Does not walk off the shooting line while a neighbour is at full draw.
- Does not walk along the line and compare scores.
- Does not touch anyone else’s archery equipment without permission.
- Does not leave litter lying around.
- Does not disturb people with loud mobile phone ringtones or speaking on the phone, on or around the shooting line.
Failure to take proper care on the range may result in injury to yourself or others. It is every archers responsibility to observe the Rules of Shooting, Range Assessment Restrictions/Dispensations and Health & Safety Instructions. All these are available.
Failure to observe the above may result in banishment from the club, legal action and Archery GB Insurance cover being withdrawn.
| Version | Date | Changes | Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| v1.1 | 17/07/2022 | Converted to digital document | IFT |
| v1.2 | 4/08/2024 | Edited | JAH |
| v1.3 | 12/04/2025 | Addition of communication strategy to ensure clarity for club members. | IFT |
