The following are not rules for shooting, but are generally accepted as good manners.
A polite archer:
- Helps setup and dismantle target bosses and faces before setting up or dismantling their own kit and ensures they are available to help setup.
- Speaks only quietly while other archers are shooting and respects their fellow competitor who will usually prefer to remain silent. The “archers bubble” is something you will learn as you progress.
- Remains quiet on the shooting line out of respect and good sportsmanship toward fellow archers in the act of shooting.
- Waits until scores have been recorded before retrieving arrows from behind the target.
- Does not touch the target boss, target face or any arrows until scoring is completed.
- Keeps their score to themself and respects others’ choice to do so.
- Treats others’ equirment with respect, asking permission to examine it first.
- Leaves only footprints on the field when they leave.
- Calls their scores in groups of three, in order of the highest to lowest e.g. “9-8-7” pause “6-5-4”.
- Takes great care to avoid arrows in the field when approaching the target.
- Having broken another’s arrow through their own carelessness, will offer to pay for it immediately.
- Thanks the target captain at the end of the round.
- Is attentive to nearby archers on the line at full draw, moving onto or from the line only when they have released.
- Remains on the line rather than leave a lone archer shooting.