Archery Range SOP


Effective January 21, 2021

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the procedures to be followed in the operation of the ranges and safety protocols to be followed by all shooters. The archery ranges consist of a five-bag target “Known Distance” range, a multiple 3D target “Unknown Distance” range, a cube target “Broadhead” range (co-located with the unknown distance range) and a fourteen-target 3D trail.

RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL COURSES

All courses are open to members, their guests (Members) and the public (Public).

Members and the Public must check in with the club manager prior to the use of the range and sign a waiver form, which is kept on file. There is a fee for members and the public to use the 3D course; the known and unknown distance course is free for Members, and there is a charge for the Public. Fees will be established from time to time by the Board of Directors.

The goal of the Archery Committee is to provide is to provide a safe and comfortable archery program for participants and spectators. General Rules are adopted from publications of the National Field Archery Association (NFAA). It is the responsibility of each archer to know the safety rules, handle equipment appropriately, and shoot in a safe manor.

Obey all signs and warnings. Never shoot any bow under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Any person on the range, shooter or spectator, seeing an unsafe situation can issue a “HOLD” command. All archers will immediately cease shooting until the unsafe situation is resolved.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Before shooting examine all equipment for damage or defect. After each shot examine the arrows. If damaged, do not use. Carbon fiber arrows especially can shatter if damaged upon release.

Never draw or shoot until you verify that no one is down range

When more than one archer is using the range, archers should only be forward of the shooting line or retrieving arrows, during a mutually agreed to cease fire.

When down range leave your boy hanging on the provided holders as a signal to others. Never shoot on a range with a bow hanging and no one visible.

Never point a bow at anyone, arrow nocked or not. Never shoot at the sky.

RANGE SPECIFIC RULES

KNOWN DISTANCE

The “Known Distance” range consists of five field target bags positioned from ten to fifty yards at ten-yard intervals. This range is for traditional, recurve, compound and crossbows. Arrow points are limited to target or field. No broadheads may be used at any time.

The range can be used by five shooters at a time. Shoot only on the target in your lane.

You may not shoot if someone is down range on the unknown distance range. The range is contiguous to the Unknown Distance range and the safety zones overlap. A ”HOLD” command issued on this course is also a “HOLD” for the Broadhead and Unknown Distance ranges.

UNKNOWN DISTANCE

The “Unknown Distance” range consist of several 3D targets placed at random  or unknown distances. One or two shooters may shoot on this range from the designated shooter positions. There are no designated lanes of fire. Any target may be engaged by either shooter. Equipment is limited by the quality of the target. This range is for traditional, recurve and compound bows. No crossbows are to be used. Arrow points are limited to target or field. No broadheads are to be used at any time.

You may not shoot if someone is down range on the known distance range. This range is contagious to the known distance range and their safety zones overlap. A “HOLD” command issued on this range is also a “HOLD” on the broadhead and known distance ranges.

BROADHEAD

The “Broadhead” range consists of two cube broadhead targets located at twenty and forty yards within the unknown distance course. This range may be shot with someone on the unknown distance range. This range is for traditional, recurve, compound and crossbows. Arrow points are limited to broadheads.

You may not shoot if someone is down range on the known distance course. A “HOLD” command issued on this range is also a”HOLD” on both the known and unknown ranges.

3D TRAIL

The 3D range consists of fourteen animal-like targets on a continuous trail arraignment. A high degree of vigilance is required because of the nature of the terrain. The range is to be shot with Traditional, Recurve, Compound and Cross bows. Arrow points are limited to target and field.

With multiple shooters on the course, you may not shoot on your target until the preceding party has left your shooting position. When you complete your shooting at a station, hang your bow on the rack provided. You may not shoot a station if an unknown bow is hanging from the rack. Anyone present, shooter or spectator may issue a “HOLD” command, which requires the shooter to immediately un-nock their arrow.

This course can be “back-tracked”. “Back-tracking” is the process of reversing direction on the course on the trail to allow shooters to leave the course and return to the starting point.  This course may also be used by non-shooters as a hiking trail. The use of ATVs and UTVs is allowed.

ADMINISTRATION

The Archery Committee (“Committee”) manages the general operation of the courses under the authority of the MGAC Board of Directors and implements the Board’s policies. The Committee is responsible for Maintenance of the courses in consultation with the MGAC Maintenance Committee. The MGAC Board sets the fee’s and policies. The Committee is responsible for the scheduling and administration of any competition.

The Club Manager has day to day supervision of the courses and is responsible for collection of fees and execution of waiver forms.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an injury on a course not requiring a 911 call, a first aid kit is available in the club office.

In the event of an emergency requiring assistance from emergency medical personnel, immediately call 911. A member should be dispatched to meet emergency responders at the intersection of Logue Road and SR-64 to guide them to the scene. The MGAC club manager must be immediately notified and the incident documented using the “MGAC Injury Report Form”.