PART 1 - GENERAL. Erina Archery Club has a Duty of Care to its members and visitors during archery events and other activities conducted by the club.

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PART 1 - GENERAL Policy: Erina Archery Club has a Duty of Care to its members and visitors during archery events and other activities conducted by the club.

1 PART 1 - GENERAL Policy: Erina Archery Club has a Duty of Care to its members and visitors during archery events and other activities conducted by the club. Archery safety is a matter of exercising common sense, good judgement and courtesy. The aim of this document is to provide a set of minimum safety standards that allows the sport of Archery to be practised in a safe and professional manner. All members are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. All members shall read, understand and abide by these Safety Procedures. Contents: Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Terms and Definitions Procedures Personal Equipment Safety Individual Practice Club Shoots Cancellation or Postponement of Shoots Working Bees and General Club Maintenance

2 Section 1: Field of Play Member Visitor Bow Arrow Bolt Release Aid Target Target Butt Target Faces Clout FITA AA RGB WA Terms and Definitions The areas designated as the venue where archery is conducted. It may also be referred to as the range(s). Any financial member, Temporary member, or Life member. Any member of the public who visits Erina Archery Club. Visitors intending to undertake any shooting must be recorded as a Temporary member. Generic term which refers to any type of archery bow used; Recurve, Compound, Longbow, Barebow (Recurve or Compound) or Crossbow. Refers to a shaft (constructed primarily of wood, fibreglass, carbon, or aluminium), consisting of a nock on one end to attach the shaft to the string and a metal point on the other end. This covers both bare shafts and fletched shafts. Name given to any projectile shot from a crossbow. Bolts will be referred to as arrows in this policy. Any device used (other than the fingers on the hand of the archer) to hold the string and draw the bow and which can then release the string after some type of triggering system is activated. Name of the piece of equipment comprising of a butt, stand and target face/s. The part of a target designed to stop and hold the arrows. The coloured paper attached to the front of a butt. Style of shooting where arrows are shot over long distances at a triangular marker on the ground that is known as the Clout. Depending upon equipment, age and gender distances shot are from 100 metres to 180 metres. Federation Internationale De Tir an L'Arc, (International Archery Federation) the governing body for international archery events as adopted by the Club. Archery Australia, the governing body of archery in Australia. The state or recognised governing body. Clubs are registered to Archery Australia through an RGB. World Archery

3 Section 2: Procedures Risk Assessment: Erina Archery Club undertakes regular Risk Analysis of their facilities and activities to identify any potential risks and hazards. Should however a member become aware of a potential risk then it is to be brought to the attention of the DOS or any committee member present. The risk analysis will be conducted in line with the Archery Australia Risk Management Policy and follow the Archery Australia Risk Management Procedure. If there is an identified risk the club will develop an action plan to manage the identified risk. A copy of the Archery Australia Risk Management resource for clubs is attached to this document. Public Access to Field of Play: As there is the possibility that members of the General Public could gain access to the Field of Play through the surrounding bush the CAUTION ARCHERY IN PROGRESS signs must be placed in the appropriate areas before any shooting takes place. Shooting must cease immediately if a member of the public enters the Field of Play (FOP). Shooting may not recommence until all members of the public have reached a safe area. Be courteous to members of the public at all times. Public Liability Insurance: In accordance with the Archery Australia Constitution and Shooting Rules and the Archery Australia Public Liability Insurance policy only members (affiliates) of a club registered to Archery Australia through their RGB are permitted to shoot or undertake archery activities that are registered RGB or Archery Australia events. Erina Archery Club maintains a separate Public Liability Insurance policy for those members who are not registered affiliates or for registered affiliates who shoot at Erina Club events. A visitor or non-member to the club who undertakes any shooting activity must be registered as a Temporary Member of Erina Archery Club. Erina Archery Club has an Attendance Book, which must be signed by all members, temporary members, and visitors attending the Club in order to validate attendance and insurance coverage. Members who invite guests to the Club must ensure their guests comply with all safety rules.

4 Personal Health and Safety Requirements: Covered footwear must be worn at all times while engaging in the sport of archery. Sandals or open toed shoes are not permitted while shooting or on the Field of Play. This does not include the designated spectator areas. Appropriate head protection should be worn by all members participating in events or activities organised by Erina Archery Club. Appropriate head wear is compulsory at all beginners activities. Members should use sun screen and wear appropriate clothing to minimise the risk of sunburn. On very hot or humid days, members are advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water is available from the Club canteen. No member is permitted to shoot whilst under the influence of alcohol or mindaltering drugs. Alcohol and drugs must not be consumed by anyone prior to or while shooting. The smoking of tobacco products is not permitted in any area where members or visitors could be exposed to the risk of passive smoking. Passive smoking describes the inhalation by non-smokers of other people's tobacco smoke in the form of either mainstream smoke inhaled and exhaled by the smoker or side stream smoke " emitted directly from the burning tobacco. All members and visitors are to be advised of the smoking restrictions during their initial induction into Erina Archery club. Headphones or ear coverings must not be worn while shooting on the Field of Play, as this may prevent an archer hearing any warning signals. Armguards, chest protectors and tight-fitting clothes are recommended for personal safety. Range Safety: All shooting shall be under the control of a Director of Shooting, Field Captain or other suitably qualified and experienced club member appointed to act in this role. All shooting will be conducted under either AA or WA/FITA rules as appropriate. All archers should be aware of both the AA and WA/FITA shooting rules.

5 All organised shooting shall be controlled by sound signals (whistle or siren blasts) Two Blasts: Come to the Shooting line One Blast: Commence shooting Three Blasts: Stop shooting, retrieve & score arrows Multiple Blasts: Danger, stop shooting immediately. (5 blasts) Bows must never be drawn back with an arrow fitted unless the bow is pointed toward the targets and the field of play is clear of archers and officials. The practice of drawing a bow or adopting a shooting technique that allows the bow to be drawn back and raised higher than the top of a target butt is considered to be unsafe and should not be used. Never aim a bow, loaded or otherwise, at another person. Be careful not to disturb neighbouring archers when shooting or leaving the shooting line. Archers and their equipment must remain solely with their designated shooting area. Avoid poking other archers with bow limbs or stabilisers. Never run on the Field of Play -walking pace only particularly while carrying arrows. When crossing the Field of Play always walk behind all archers on the shooting line. Do not ask a fellow archer to cease shooting so you may cross in front. Never move forward to collect your arrows before directed to do so by the Director of Shooting, Field Captain or other suitably qualified and experienced club member appointed to act in this role. When approaching a target, look for arrows that may be lodged in the ground. Approach the target from the sides to avoid arrows in the target. Whilst recording the results of the end, ensure that only the recorder and the scorer are at the target face. When double score sheets are required, both recorders act as scorers also. A maximum of two archers are to remove the arrows at a time, one from each side (one person removes from the left side, one from the right). When pulling arrows from the target, ensure there is no one standing in front of the target butt. Never pull an arrow from the target butt toward your own face.

6 Always use two hands when removing arrows from the target using the method prescribed in the Archery Australia Instruction to Archery Manual. If an arrow misses the target butt and lands in or adjacent to the safety barrier members shall proceed to either side of the target line to gain access. Members should not attempt to gain access by climbing up the slope between the butts. If an arrow misses the target butt and lands in the bush area behind the safety barrier the member must advise the Director of Shooting, Field Captain or other suitably qualified and experienced club member appointed to conduct the shoot. If permission is granted to go behind the safety barrier to search for an arrow, one member must remain visible at the point of access to warn other archers that personnel are behind the barrier. The DOS must be informed when those behind the safety barrier have returned. At no time is shooting to take place while personnel are behind the safety barrier. At no time is shooting to take place when the large red safety flag has been placed on the target in the centre of the field. Section 3: Personal Equipment Safety It is the responsibility of the individual archer to ensure that their equipment is correctly set up, and maintained in good working order. Any archer using equipment that is in the opinion of the DOS unsafe, will be stood down from the shoot. Arrows: Arrows should be inspected for damage regularly, preferably after each end. This applies particularly to carbon arrows. Arrows should be matched - being the same type, size, and length, fitted with the same points, nocks and fletches (vanes). Only arrows designed for target shooting should be used. Hunting arrows must never be used at Erina Archery Club. Wooden target arrows may be used for longbow after they have been inspected by one of the club judges. Arrow points must be securely attached to the shafts.

7 Recurve Bow: The bow must be inspected each time you shoot for damage; such as cracks or faults. The bow should be strung only in an approved and safe manner. The bowstring should be checked for damage, wear, or faults prior to shooting. Arrow rests should be checked for damage or wear prior to shooting. Compound Bow: The bow must be inspected for damage, cracks or faults prior to shooting. The bowstring and cables should be checked for damage, wear or faults prior to shooting. Arrow rests and accessories should be checked for damage, wear or faults prior to shooting. Only experienced and trained members should carry out maintenance on compound bow strings and cables when using Club equipment. A list of members authorised to use the Club equipment is posted in the workshop. Crossbow: Only crossbows, which confirm with Archery Australia and WCSA rules, may be used on the Erina Archery Club range. Any member shooting a crossbow must be able to provide if requested, any permits required by law within the State of New South Wales. A loaded crossbow must never be placed on the ground. Release Aid: Release aids must be of sound design, inspected regularly and be in good working order. If the release aid uses a rope to hold the string or a loop attached to the string the rope or loop must be inspected by the archer prior to commencing and on a regular basis and changed when any signs of excessive wear are found.

8 Section 4: Individual Practice Target Practice: Members wishing to practice or make adjustments to sights prior to or on completion of Club archery events must comply with the target range safety requirements. Section 5: Club Shoots Target and Clout Events: Archery events must be held under the direction and supervision of the Director of Shooting (DOS). The DOS will be either a judge, the Field Captain or other suitably qualified and experienced club member appointed to conduct the shoot. If present the field captain or their nominee, will take the position of DOS All Club events must, as a minimum, be controlled using an aural signal. Archers must only remove an arrow from their quiver and load the arrow on the bow when on the shooting line. If an arrow falls forward of the shooting line, the archer must wait until all shooting has finished to retrieve an arrow. When archers have completed shooting their end, they must step back from the shooting line (behind the waiting line if provided) so that the Director of Shooting has an unobstructed view. If a Waiting Line is not provided, archers should step back a minimum of 5 metres behind the Shooting Line when they have completed shooting. When shooting Clout, care should be taken when approaching the Clout. Look for arrows that have fallen short. Non-scoring arrows should be stood up and stuck in the ground by the first person encountering them. If a staggered shooting line is being used in Clout, ensure a safe distance is allowed between the multiple clout shooting lines.

9 Section 6: Shoots Cancellation or Postponement of Club This Section details the course of action that must be taken in the case of excessive, inclement or dangerous weather conditions or an emergency. These weather condition could include heat, rain, wind and lightning. As archery is largely an outdoor sport care must be taken and appropriate action undertaken to ensure the safety of competitors and spectators in extreme weather conditions. Heat: Archery being an outdoor sport the risk of heat exposure is ever present. Archers are responsible for their own safety and should take precautions such as wearing appropriate clothing, hats and long sleeve shirts, use sun screen and drink water on a regular basis. It is strongly recommended in summer that temperatures are checked often and when the air temperature becomes in excess of 38, shooting should be halted, archers and spectators moved to a shaded area until the temperature drops. Shelter should be provided behind the Waiting Line at Club events when it is forecast that the day will be excessively hot. The Club has portable shelters in the workshop available for use by members. Rain: It is commonly accepted that rain should not cause a cancellation or postponement of a shoot however, the Director of Shooting should consider the general safety and welfare of competitors and spectators when deciding whether to continue with the shoot. Consideration should also be given to slip hazards and damage to personal equipment. In cold and wet conditions consideration should also be given to hypothermia, especially with children and seniors taking part in the event. Wind: As archery is generally an outdoor sport, wind is ever present and generally an unavoidable part of the sport.

10 Strong gusty winds create hazards in archery, such as dislodging arrows from arrow rests, blowing over telescopes, umbrellas, portable shelters and can cause objects to become air borne. Air borne objects create a major hazard with people being struck. As a general rule when wind gusts reach the maximum recommended threshold of 60 kmph shooting should stop and archers and spectators should leave the Field of Play. Lightning: Lightning poses a major risk to archers holding a metal riser in the air. At the first sign of lightning, even in the distance, all shooting should immediate cease and the Field of Play should be evacuated until the threat has passed. Emergency Procedures: Any member suffering an injury at the Erina Archery Club grounds is to report the incident to the Director of Shooting, Field Captain or other suitably qualified and experienced club member appointed to conduct the shoot. Depending on the nature of the injury, the Club will either arrange for the injured person to be transported to the Gosford Hospital Emergency Section or call an ambulance. All incidents requiring medical attention must be investigated so that if necessary, safety procedures can be developed to prevent further incidents. A First Aid Kit is always available and a trained and experienced First Aider is usually in attendance. A list of items used from the first aid kit must be given to the person responsible for replenishment. Section 7: Working Bees and Club Maintenance All shooting will be stopped during working bees and club maintenance. When general maintenance has been completed, shooting may take place at the discretion of the Field Captain or suitably trained and experienced Club member.. Only experienced and authorised persons should operate lawn mowers and whipper snippers. Correct footwear and eye protection should be worn when using this equipment.

11 While using electrical or other power equipment during working bees and general maintenance, those using the equipment are responsible for their personal safety and the safety of those in proximity to the work being undertaken. Particular attention should be paid to the risk of eye injury caused by sparks from angle grinders. Both the operator and persons in the vicinity are at risk. Safety goggles which completely cover the eyes should be used. When welding or metal cutting is carried out where there is a risk of fire, a fire extinguisher must be kept nearby. Always carry out heavy work with the assistance of other members and use safe lifting techniques to prevent back injury. Power tools and electrical equipment must be checked regularly to ensure they are in safe working order. Electrical equipment should be tested and tagged. Members involved in trimming the lantana at the side of the range should wear hand protection and long sleeved shirts to avoid injury.

Archery Australia Safety Policy. Contents

Archery Australia Safety Policy Purpose The aim of this document is to provide a set of minimum safety standards that allows the sport of Archery to be practised in a safe and professional manner by Regional