Bow safety - Revision history

Matt at 15:28, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T15:28:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 16 April 2026
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Where this page refers to bows or arrows, all the relevant information also applies to crossbows and bolts as well.		Bows and crossbows are one of the more dangerous weapons in LRP, if they are used inappropriately. If you are planning to play an archer at Empire then you must make sure that you follow all these safety rules. Where this page refers to bows or arrows, all the relevant information also applies to crossbows and bolts as well.
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	Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!		Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!


	==Shooting Safely==		==Shooting Safely==
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	You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.


	==Full Check==		==Full Check==

Harry: image alignment

2023-09-18T15:21:27Z

image alignment

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 18 September 2023
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	Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!		Nothing in this world is guaranteed. Bows and arrows are potentially dangerous and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Once you let that arrow fly it's out of your hands, and no matter how good you are at archery. Check your arrows before every shot!
	~~<div style="float: right; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Deadly Bow.jpg\|\|width=300}}</div>~~

	==Shooting Safely==		==Shooting Safely==
			<div style="float: right; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Deadly Bow.jpg\|\|width=300}}</div>
	* '''You must personally ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''		* '''You must personally ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''
	* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''		* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''
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	You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=It is big and clever to shoot safely.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=300}}~~

	==Full Check==		==Full Check==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=It is big and clever to shoot safely.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=300}}
	* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''		* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''
	* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover it'''		* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover it'''
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	The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.		The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.

			==Restrictions==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archers.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archers.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock.}}
	~~==Restrictions==~~
	* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''		* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''
	* '''Archery may be prohibited outside Anvil at other times due to adverse weather conditions'''		* '''Archery may be prohibited outside Anvil at other times due to adverse weather conditions'''

Harry: /* Essential Check */

2023-09-14T15:13:09Z

Essential Check

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 14 September 2023
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	You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=~~You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish~~.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=It is big and clever to shoot safely.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=300}}

	==Full Check==		==Full Check==

Harry at 15:10, 14 September 2023

2023-09-14T15:10:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 14 September 2023
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	You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.		You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archery.jpg\|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.\|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows\|align=right\|width=~~250~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archery.jpg\|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.\|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows\|align=right\|width=300}}
	When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.		When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.

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	You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=~~250~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=300}}

	==Full Check==		==Full Check==
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	The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.		The weapon check team will provide you with a copy of our archery safety rules which you must carry on your person at all times when using a bow or crossbow.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archers.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock it.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archers.jpg\|width=500\|align=right\|caption=Arrows must be checked every time they are used, immediately before you nock.}}
	==Restrictions==		==Restrictions==
	* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''		* '''Archery is not permitted during the hours of darkness'''

Harry at 15:09, 14 September 2023

2023-09-14T15:09:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 14 September 2023
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	You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.		You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archery.jpg\|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.\|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows\|align=right\|width=250}}
	When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.		When you use a bow or crossbow, you must not aim at the head. You may not fire a crossbow at any target less than 3m away from you. If you have a bow you must not draw the bow to normal extension when when firing at a target that is 10m or closer to you, you must reduce the draw proportionately. You must aim at the stomach or below when firing into a crowded melee or when aiming a bow at targets closer than 3m.

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	You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must check the essentials for every arrow or bolt each time you use them. You must perform this essential check by carrying out all the steps listed above immediately before you nock the arrow, even if you have already checked it earlier.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~Archery~~.~~jpg~~\|title=~~Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands~~ of a ~~skilled user~~.\|caption=~~Arenal of~~ the ~~Summer Crows~~\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Checking.jpeg\|title=You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish.\|caption=Flexing the shaft to ensure it is not cracked or split\|align=right\|width=250}}

	==Full Check==		==Full Check==
	* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''		* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''

Hailmur at 15:30, 3 September 2023

2023-09-03T15:30:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 3 September 2023
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	We may prohibit the use of archery outside Anvil in adverse weather conditions (such as high winds) if we believe conditions are not safe enough to allow it. If this happens, a member of the PD referee team will inform you that no bows or crossbows can be used before the skirmish or battle begins.		We may prohibit the use of archery outside Anvil in adverse weather conditions (such as high winds) if we believe conditions are not safe enough to allow it. If this happens, a member of the PD referee team will inform you that no bows or crossbows can be used before the skirmish or battle begins.
	{{Safety Links}}		{{Safety Links}}
			==Links==
			* A helpful [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcKZxfaO4ks video] by Nick Turner that goes through the steps of checking an arrow is safe to fire.

Graemej: /* Shooting Safely */

2023-08-20T18:08:04Z

Shooting Safely

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:08, 20 August 2023
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	* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''		* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''
	* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''		* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''
			* '''Participants under 18 years of age cannot use a crossbow'''

	Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. If you plan to use a bow or crossbow at the event you must attend weapon check in person so they can [[#Bow_Competency\|assess your competency]]. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.		Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. If you plan to use a bow or crossbow at the event you must attend weapon check in person so they can [[#Bow_Competency\|assess your competency]]. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.

Matt: /* Shooting Safely */

2023-08-08T12:58:48Z

Shooting Safely

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:58, 8 August 2023
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	==Shooting Safely==		==Shooting Safely==
	* '''You must ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''		* '''You must personally ensure your weapon and ammunition have all been checked by the weapon checking team at each event before you use it'''
	* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''		* '''The draw of a bow must be less than 30 lbs at 28” draw. Crossbows are also limited to 30lbs draw weight'''
	* '''You must perform an essential check of every arrow or bolt each time before you nock it'''		* '''You must perform an essential check of every arrow or bolt each time before you nock it'''
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	* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''		* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''

	Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.		Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. If you plan to use a bow or crossbow at the event you must attend weapon check in person so they can [[#Bow_Competency\|assess your competency]]. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.

	You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.		You must [[#Essential Check\|perform an essential check on any arrow or bolt]] ''immediately before you nock it, even if you have checked it earlier.'' You must perform a full check on any arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish and each time before you recover it.

Dre at 10:47, 1 July 2023

2023-07-01T10:47:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 1 July 2023
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	* '''You must never attack with a bow or crossbow or use it to parry'''		* '''You must never attack with a bow or crossbow or use it to parry'''
	* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''		* '''You must have both hands free when using a bow or crossbow'''
	* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with ~~bown~~ drawn'''		* '''You must be in full control of your weapon and aware of your aim while moving around with bow drawn'''

	Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.		Every bow, crossbow, arrow and quarrel must be checked by a member of our [[Weapon_checking\|weapon check team]] before it is used ''at each event you attend''. There are strict limits on the poundage of any bow or crossbow used at Empire events - as well as the construction and condition of the bow. Please read the [[Weapon_checking#Bows_and_Crossbows\|weapon checking]] guidelines to ensure that your bow or crossbow and your ammunition will be legal to use at our events.

Matt: /* Full Check */

2023-07-01T10:23:14Z

Full Check

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:23, 1 July 2023
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archery.jpg\|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.\|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Archery.jpg\|title=Bows (and crossbows) are lethal weapons in the hands of a skilled user.\|caption=Arenal of the Summer Crows\|align=right\|width=250}}
	==Full Check==		==Full Check==
	* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto ~~the battlefield~~'''		* '''You must conduct a full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish'''
	* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover ~~on the battlefield~~'''		* '''You must immediately conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover it'''
	* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''		* '''Feel the foam on face of the arrow to check it is free from debris and the foam not waterlogged'''
	* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''		* '''Feel the soft foam to check it is still firmly attached to the arrow head and that the head is securely attacked to the shaft'''
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	* '''Examine the nock to ensure it is not loose or split'''		* '''Examine the nock to ensure it is not loose or split'''

	You must carry out a more rigorous full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto ~~the battlefield~~. You must perform this full check by carrying out all the steps listed for all your ammunition. You must also conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover ~~on the battlefield~~, as you recover it, even if you have already checked it earlier.		You must carry out a more rigorous full check of every arrow or bolt before you bring it onto a battle or skirmish. You must perform this full check by carrying out all the steps listed for all your ammunition. You must also conduct a full check of any arrow that you recover, as you recover it, even if you have already checked it earlier.

	There is a useful video created by Nick Turner that shows [https://youtu.be/AcKZxfaO4ks?t=45 how to check an LRP arrow or bolt]. The "when to check" portion of the video is no longer up-to-date, but the rest of the video gives an excellent explanation of what to check and how.		There is a useful video created by Nick Turner that shows [https://youtu.be/AcKZxfaO4ks?t=45 how to check an LRP arrow or bolt]. The "when to check" portion of the video is no longer up-to-date, but the rest of the video gives an excellent explanation of what to check and how.