Rules of Shooting

Our club rules of shooting are generally those of traditional field archery. We have a minimum of rules, as the aim of the club is to enable people to enjoy a day’s archery using traditional equipment in good company, pleasant surroundings, and above all, in safety. 

We shoot with traditional and bare bows in woodlands, fields, and rough ground. This style of archery is extremely challenging and a lot of fun, relying only upon the techniques of barebow shooting developed by archers over the centuries. 

·                    No visual aids (such as binoculars, etc.) may be used.

·                    It is not allowed for distances to be measured  (either by pacing or using a measuring device) between targets and shooting pegs.

·                    No extras are allowed on bows (e.g. stabilisers, sights, etc.).

·                    No marks are allowed on a bow that may be used as a range finder or a sight.

·                    No compound bows (i.e. bows with pulleys or cams) are allowed.

·                    No release aids are allowed, apart from tabs or gloves for finger protection.

·                    All arrows must be wooden with feather fletching.

·                    Members and guests must agree to follow these rules and all safety rules and to follow the directions of coaches with regard to safety. 

The bows we use fall into 3 broad categories: 

1.    Longbow - Straight limbs, with a ‘D’ cross-section.

2.    Flatbow - Straight limbs, with an oval or rectangular cross-section

Last Updated: 12 April 2004