Venue:                       On site indoor (all) or outdoor range (archery only)

Instructor Qualification:

Archery:         Archery GB Leader or Instructor Award

Crossbow      NSRA YPS Tutor – Sports crossbow

Rifles:             NSRA YPS Tutor Diploma

                                    Rifle shooting to be run in accordance with NSRA guidelines.

Ratio:                         1 Instructor to 8 Participants

Equipment:

  • Equipment must be kept in a good state of repair           
  • Logged monthly checks will be carried out

Pre Session:

  • Instructor to inspect equipment at the beginning of the session:

                        Bows, arrows, armguards, target faces, bosses

                        Crossbows, bolts, target faces, bosses

                        Rifles, goggles, etc, targets, backstop

  • Tape barrier in position – separating the shooting and waiting areas.
  • Doors in front of the firing line to be made safe to prevent entry, other exits kept clear. It must not be possible for any person to enter the range other than from behind the waiting line. If the doors are open due to heat in hall, barrier tape to be in place, other exits clear

Archery/Crossbow

  • Range clear of obstructions, net fully extended but not tight.
  • Bosses correctly seated

Rifles:

  • Rifle shooting curtain to be fully extended to provide protection to other ranges
  • The targets must be at least 6 metres from the firing line.
  • The range must have a solid back stop.
  • Ear defenders are available should the participant require them.
  • Goggles/eye protection should be worn by everyone at the firing line. For those with a phobia of wearing items such as goggles the instructor may allow them to shoot without following an explanation of the risks associated with the carer, parent etc.

Session:

Give safety briefing, directed at visiting staff and participants, taking into account group comprehension ability, highlighting:   

  • Need for common sense and safety while participating in target sports
  • Behaviour of those shooting, and those waiting their turn
  • Visiting staff instructed to assume responsibility for preventing students from entering shooting area
  • Position of fire exits
  • Explain and demonstrate good practice while taking part in the activity
  • Ensure rules of the range are followed

THE INSTRUCTOR MUST BE ABLE TO SEE AND CONTROL ALL PERSONS ON THE SHOOTING LINE AT ALL TIMES

Rules of the Range

Those awaiting their turn must remain behind the rope barrier.

  • No-one may move across the shooting line without the permission of the instructor.

Wait for the instructor to say it is safe to proceed

  • Bows/crossbows must not be loaded or drawn except when participant is standing on the shooting line and facing the target
  • Rifles must not be picked up until the instructor has said it is safe to shoot.

At the instructor’s command participants must stop shooting immediately.

  • Arrows/bolts should be removed from bow/crossbow
  • Rifle must be put down, in whatever state it is in.

Shooting line

  • Up to two participants may shoot from the same shooting line at one time

Archery/Crossbow

  • Distance from archery/crossbow shooting line to target may be reduced if appropriate, but no-one is to shoot at the same time from any other shooting line

Rifle shooting

  • Shooters may adopt a standing, sitting or prone (laying down) position for shooting and the targets placed accordingly.

Participants should not cross the shooting line until all shooting is completed and the instructor has given permission

  • When on the range to collect arrows, bolts or change targets, participants must walk, not run, down the side of the range. Look out for arrows or spent pellets on the floor
  • Care must be taken when removing arrows/bolts from target

THE INSTRUCTOR MUST BE ABLE TO SEE AND CONTROL ALL PERSONS ON THE SHOOTING LINE AT ALL TIMES

End of Session: 

  • Instructor to advise participants to wash their hands after the session.
  • Bows and arrows, crossbows and bolts must be locked away when not in use
  • Ammunition and rifles must be stored separately and securely.
  • Faulty equipment should be labelled and removed from service. Any faults should be logged (staffroom whiteboard / safety check sheet) and made good as soon as possible

THE INSTRUCTOR HAS FINAL SAY IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT A SESSION TAKES PLACE AND IN WHAT MANNER IT IS CARRIED OUT

Note:

Charging of Rifles

  • Only to be carried out by qualified instructor following training, and assessment by Activity Manager
  • Charge to a maximum of 200bar.  
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions displayed in the equipment store.