\[vc\_row]\[vc\_column]\[vc\_custom\_heading text=”Safety Rules in Archery for the Archer, Their Equipment, and Facilities” font\_container=”tag\:h1|text\_align\:left”]\[vc\_column\_text]To practice archery, certain safety rules must be followed to protect the archer and the facilities used for archery practice. Additionally, guidelines for the use and maintenance of equipment must be adhered to. Archery is a very safe sport, but it is MANDATORY to follow basic rules.
Only individuals with a permit or a federative license from a club or the RFETA (Royal Spanish Archery Federation) are allowed to practice archery. Otherwise, archery can only be practiced under the supervision of a federated instructor. Once an archery course is completed, the license can be processed through the club (for regional practice) or directly through the RFETA (for national and international archery practice).
To possess and transport a bow, one must have a transportation and ownership card, which can typically be obtained at archery stores and issued by the RFETA.\[/vc\_column\_text]\[/vc\_column]\[/vc\_row]\[vc\_row]\[vc\_column]\[vc\_custom\_heading text=”Safety Rules at the Archery Range”]\[/vc\_column]\[/vc\_row]\[vc\_row]\[vc\_column]\[vc\_column\_text]
- Shooting with the area clear of people: It is very important that no one is collecting arrows from the targets or walking in the area where the arrows are likely to land.
- Never shoot upward: An arrow can travel a long distance and potentially cause serious injury to a person.
- Be careful when collecting arrows: There may be arrows stuck in the ground that can cause injury. Also, when retrieving arrows from the backstop, avoid bending over too much, as you could hit your face with arrows embedded in the target.
- Do not remove arrows from the backstop with someone behind you: When removing arrows, ensure no one is standing behind you, as you might injure them during the process.
- Make sure no one is in view: The shooting range must be clear in a 150º arc from your shooting position. If there is anyone within that area, you should not nock an arrow.
- Clear the shooting line when finished: After shooting, leave the shooting line without disturbing other archers.
- When drawing or opening the bow, aim at the target: Always aim at the target when loading an arrow and drawing the bow. Do not aim at the ground or into the air.
- Do not leave broken arrows or debris: When an arrow breaks, collect all parts and dispose of them properly in designated containers.
- Maintain and clean the archery range: It is mandatory to keep the range clean of trash such as papers, cans, and plastics. Also, check that the materials and equipment in the range are in good condition.
- Prohibited to shoot at animals: If an animal crosses the shooting area, do not shoot at it, as it is both dangerous and illegal.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Regulations for Archery Range Facilities”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To ensure an archery range is safe and complies with regulations, the RFETA manual and instructions must be followed.
Archery ranges can be classified into three types: fixed, temporary, and event-based installations.
Fixed installations are those where the safety elements and other parts of the range are permanent. These are used regularly for archery practice. Temporary installations deploy elements only during archery practice and are adjusted according to an approved project. These spaces may also be used for other activities. Lastly, event-based installations are set up specifically for a single event.
How an Archery Range Should Be Set Up
The archery range should be squarely marked, and distances should be accurately measured from the center of each target’s yellow bullseye.
An archery range is structured as follows:
Range Front: The safety area behind the shooting line for athletes.
Side Areas: Areas beside the range for added safety.
Back Area: Consists of a line of targets and a safety zone behind it.
Competition or Training Area: The area where the competition or training takes place.\[/vc\_column\_text]\[/vc\_column]\[/vc\_row]\[vc\_row]\[vc\_column]\[vc\_custom\_heading text=”Warm-Up Before Shooting with a Bow”]\[vc\_column\_text]Before training or practicing archery, it’s important to warm up to avoid possible injuries or muscle strains. Be sure to warm up and stretch your neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, back, waist, fingers, and legs.
Warming up before any physical activity helps prevent injuries such as tears, sprains, and twists. It also helps to increase joint mobility and raises heart rate and respiratory rate.
Warm-up exercises prepare the body for physical exertion and improve muscle dynamics, making the body ready for more intense exercise.
One of the most important parts of the training is warming up, as it is essential for muscles to reach their full potential. Warming up gradually prepares your body to perform physical activities at the highest level of performance.
When training the muscles, the body produces lactic acid, which causes fatigue and soreness. Therefore, stretching is important to eliminate accumulated lactic acid and relax the muscles.
Warm-Up Exercises Without Elastic Bands
Neck Exercises
- Neck movement towards shoulders
- Neck forward-backward movement
- Neck rotation left to right
- Neck rotation forward, left, back, right
Shoulder Exercises
- Arm circles, fully extended forward
- Arm circles, fully extended backward
- Arm lifts up, down, cross, and down
Elbow Exercises
- Bend elbows to horizontal
- Bend elbows from horizontal to chest
- Bend elbows from below to chest
Wrist Exercises
- Up and down movements
- Lateral movements
- Right to left rotations
- Open and close both hands with force
Finger Exercises
- Open and close both hands with force
- Grip with fingers on both hands
- Finger pressure between both hands
Waist Exercises
- Trunk tilts to both sides
- Trunk forward bending to touch toes
- Trunk backward bending to touch toes with opposite hand
Warm-Up Exercises With Elastic Bands
- Grab each end, lifting one arm above your head and the other at shoulder level. Pull the lower arm down and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 6 times. Switch arm positions.
- Grab each end, raise the arms to shoulder height, stretch the arms outward, and squeeze the shoulder blades. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 6 times.
- Looped on its end, imitate the shooting position. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 6 times. Alternate hands for balance.
- Grip each end behind your back, hold arms at shoulder height, then swing arms forward. Hold the band’s stretch for 10 seconds. Return to start and repeat 6 times.
Stretching Exercises
- Interlace fingers with palms outward. Raise arms over your head while keeping fingers locked. Stretch upwards and hold for 10 seconds.
- Cross arms in front of the chest, each hand around the opposite shoulder. Slowly pull hands toward the center of the back. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Clasp hands behind your back, bending one arm over the shoulder and the other underneath. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch hands. Keep the spine straight.
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