Safety
Be sure the draw weight is correct for the archer.
Check brace height and overall condition of bow (limbs and riser free from cracks, de-lamination, missing clips, etc.), and all screws and nuts are tight EVERY TIME you shoot.
Check components and equipment for safety including:
Bowstring and cable are in good condition, not frayed, no loose servings, no broken strands, the proper size for the bow, and seated properly in the string notches.
Each bow is equipped with an arrow rest to hold the arrow on the bow.
Each bowstring is equipped with a nock locator, which is in the correct position and is securely attached.
Nocks on arrows are the correct size and in the proper position.
Nock are not cracked or damaged.
Arrows are not cracked, bent or damaged.
Point of the arrow is in good condition and is not jammed into the shaft or missing.
Any equipment not meeting safety standards will not be allowed on the line.
Bows should never be laid on the ground or floor. Bow racks are provided.
Be certain arrows are the proper length for the person shooting. Arrow tips must extend beyond the back of the bow (side away from the shooter) to be legal.
Check each arrow after shooting each end.
Sleeved shirts are required. Shirts should fit snugly and everything removed from the front of the archer’s body to avoid getting caught in the bowstring. (For safety reasons, girls of appropriate age must wear a bra of some type.)
Hair should be restrained to prevent it from being caught in the bowstring.
Fully enclosed sturdy shoes or boots are REQUIRED. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed. Parents, please follow this rule as well.
Archers are REQUIRED to wear arm guards.
Archers will wear finger tabs or shooting gloves unless a release or rollers are used.
Protective eyewear is not required but is not prohibited.
Targets will be set at different distances; archers will always shoot from the same line.
Archers must keep arrows in their quivers until the signal to commence shooting has been given.
When nocking an arrow, the archer must always point the arrow down range (towards the target).
Make certain the arrow nock is seated on the string before drawing the string back.
Draw the bow only when straddling the shooting line while aiming at the target when the line is open.
Arrows that are misfired or dropped at the shooting line must be left lying where they fall. The arrow may be pulled back by dragging with the bow if no part of the body crosses the shooting line and the archer does not interfere with other shooters.
After shooting the arrows, archers return their bows to the bow rack and remain behind the waiting line until the signal to retrieve arrows is given.
When walking to the target to retrieve arrows, pick up all arrows on the ground to avoid personal injury and/or damage to the arrow.
Pulling arrows:
Stand to the side of the arrows.
Place one hand flat on the target with the arrow between the thumb and index finger.
Grasp the arrow with the opposite hand next to the target with the thumb and index finger.
Make sure no one is standing behind the arrow when it is pulled.
Place the pulled arrow into the quiver worn by the archer before pulling another arrow.
Running and horseplay at any shooting sports event is prohibited.
Dress Code
Fully-enclosed sturdy shoes or boots required. No sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or Keens allowed on the range. Parents included!
Jewelry, clothing, and long hair that may interfere with the shooting equipment must be removed or secured.
Observe the 4-H Dress Code as listed in the Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports Policies and Procedures.
Contract for Archery
Attendance at any Larimer County 4-H Archery event requires that members, parents, and guardians agree to abide by the 4-H Code of Conduct as follows:
Conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful manner; Use appropriate language; Exhibit honesty and good sportsmanship; and act as a positive role model;
Learn and live by the principles of the 4-H pledge, 4-H Motto, and 4-H Slogan;
Abstain from the use of illegal drugs, alcoholic substances, or tobacco products (These are NOT allowed at any 4-H sponsored program, event, and/or activity.);
Respect the rights and authority of Members, Leaders, Parents, and Extension Agents;
Respect the property owner by refraining from purposely damaging the property;
Adhere to individual program rules, policies, and guidelines;
Fully participate in scheduled activities;
No physical or verbal abuse;
Apply rules of safety to individuals, groups, and property.
Dress in a team shirt for state and activities as a member of the archery program is preferred but under no circumstances may an individual wear a shirt promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, sex, profanity, or anything else not conforming to the 4-H Code of Conduct (Pants, jeans, or short may be of any color but must NOT be “worn or holey” unless coming from work);
On the shooting line, no jewelry may be worn except stud earrings without dangles; hair should be tied back;
Fully enclosed sturdy shoes or boots are required by all;
Accept personal responsibility for behavior.
Conduct not in keeping with high 4-H standards will not be tolerated. Safety rules and appropriate behaviors must be observed at all times. Consequences may range from being removed from the line and sitting out two end to being removed from the program completely, depending on the severity of the violation and include immediate expulsion from the activity including the state fair and forfeiture of any awards. Issues, concerns, or feedback about the archery leadership should be reported to the key leaders. Issues, concerns, or feedback about the key leaders should be reported to a CSU Extension agent.
Parents or guardians are responsible for the transportation of their child or children and must remain at the activity site as long as the child or children is/are on site.