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Sports & Recreation

Archery Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for archery clubs, ranges, and activity centres. Protect your archers and meet safety standards.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

What's in this guide

01 Benefits of Archery 02 Who Needs a Risk Assessment? 03 Legal & Regulatory Requirements 04 Key Hazards & Controls 05 Qualified Instruction 06 Equipment Safety 07 Pre-Session Checklist 08 Frequently Asked Questions 09 Related Guides

The essential guide to archery safety

Archery is one of the oldest sports in history, combining precision, focus, and discipline. From recreational shooting to competitive tournaments, archery offers unique physical and mental benefits while requiring careful attention to safety.

A comprehensive risk assessment is essential for any archery club, range, or activity centre running archery sessions. It demonstrates your commitment to participant safety, helps prevent accidents, and ensures compliance with health and safety legislation.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough archery risk assessment—from identifying range-specific hazards to implementing practical control measures that keep your archers safe.

Archery target with arrows
Sport & Fitness
Activity Benefits

Why archery is worth the investment

Understanding the benefits helps you communicate value to participants while creating a balanced risk assessment.

Mental Focus

Enhances mental focus and concentration essential for accurate aiming and shooting.

Upper Body Strength

Improves upper body strength and endurance with repetitive drawing and holding of the bow.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Develops hand-eye coordination and precision required for consistent shooting.

Patience & Discipline

Boosts patience and discipline through focused training and skill development.

Stability & Balance

Increases stability and balance necessary for maintaining proper shooting stance.

Stress Relief

Supports stress relief and mental well-being through engaging and meditative practice.

Who needs an archery risk assessment?

If you're involved in organising or delivering archery activities, you need a documented risk assessment. This applies to:

Archery Clubs & Ranges

Clubs and ranges have a duty of care to all members and visitors. Risk assessments should cover all shooting activities from beginners to advanced competitors.

Schools & Youth Groups

Schools and organisations running archery programs must conduct comprehensive risk assessments with additional safeguarding considerations for young participants.

Activity Centres & Events

Commercial providers and event organisers offering archery experiences need thorough risk assessments covering all aspects of their operations.

Corporate & Team Building

Organisations using archery for team building or corporate events should ensure proper risk assessments are in place.

Insurance requirement

Archery involves projectile weapons and carries inherent risks. Most insurance providers require documented risk assessments as a condition of coverage. Without proper documentation, your liability coverage may be compromised.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Effective risk assessment starts with thorough hazard identification. Here are the primary hazards associated with archery.

Misfired Arrows High Risk
Potential Harm

Injuries from arrows not hitting the target as intended.

Control Measures
  • Provide thorough instruction on proper aiming and shooting
  • Use safety targets that minimize risk to bystanders
  • Supervise shooting sessions closely
  • Implement strict range rules and enforce consistently
Benefit

Accurate shooting practice builds confidence and proficiency.

Sharp Arrow Points High Risk
Potential Harm

Cuts, punctures, or impalement injuries from arrow tips.

Control Measures
  • Provide training on safe handling and transportation
  • Use arrow bags or cases to protect points
  • Enforce strict rules against reckless handling
  • Supervise use and storage of arrows
Benefit

Proper handling of arrows ensures safe and effective training.

Bowstring Injuries Medium Risk
Potential Harm

Strains, sprains, or cuts from improper bowstring handling.

Control Measures
  • Teach proper bowstring handling techniques
  • Provide training on safe nocking and releasing
  • Encourage use of arm guards
  • Regularly inspect bowstrings for wear
Benefit

Proper bowstring techniques enhance control and reduce injury risks.

Arrow Retrieval High Risk
Potential Harm

Cuts, punctures, or impalement injuries from arrows; collisions with other participants.

Control Measures
  • Establish clear protocols for arrow retrieval
  • Designated times and areas for retrieval
  • All shooting stops before anyone approaches targets
  • Supervise retrieval activities closely
Benefit

Safe retrieval protocols prevent serious injuries.

Equipment Failure Medium Risk
Potential Harm

Injuries from equipment failure, such as cuts from broken bows or arrows.

Control Measures
  • Regularly inspect all equipment for wear or damage
  • Use high-quality, safety-certified equipment
  • Educate participants on proper maintenance
  • Remove defective equipment immediately
Benefit

Reliable equipment ensures effective training and reduces injury risks.

Arrow Rebounds Medium Risk
Potential Harm

Injuries from arrows ricocheting unpredictably.

Control Measures
  • Use targets designed to minimize rebound
  • Position targets away from hard surfaces
  • Educate on risks near reflective surfaces
  • Supervise to ensure proper target placement
Benefit

Minimizing arrow rebounds enhances safety during shooting.

Inadequate Supervision High Risk
Potential Harm

Unsafe behavior, increased injury risk, delayed emergency response.

Control Measures
  • Ensure qualified instructors are present
  • Maintain appropriate participant-to-supervisor ratios
  • Supervise closely to enforce safety rules
  • Provide ongoing training for supervisors
Benefit

Effective supervision ensures safe training and prompt response to incidents.

Failure to Follow Rules High Risk
Potential Harm

Increased risk of accidents due to non-compliance with safety protocols.

Control Measures
  • Educate all participants on range rules
  • Enforce rules consistently and fairly
  • Provide clear signage about safety protocols
  • Implement disciplinary measures for violations
Benefit

Compliance with rules maintains a safe training environment.

Slips, Trips & Falls Low Risk
Potential Harm

Slips, trips, falls, sprains, fractures from wet or uneven ground.

Control Measures
  • Conduct regular inspections of training area
  • Address slippery or uneven surfaces
  • Use non-slip mats where appropriate
  • Encourage appropriate footwear
Benefit

Training in diverse conditions enhances adaptability and skill development.

Overshooting Target Medium Risk
Potential Harm

Arrows missing the target and potentially causing injuries.

Control Measures
  • Teach proper aiming techniques
  • Use high-quality targets that are easy to hit
  • Implement adequate backstops
  • Designate clear safety zones beyond targets
Benefit

Accurate shooting enhances skill development and safety.

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 34 hazards and 131+ control measures for Archery, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Qualified instruction

All archery instruction should be delivered by appropriately qualified instructors. Essential requirements include:

  • Recognised instructor qualification (Archery GB, USA Archery, etc.)
  • Background/safeguarding check for anyone working with children
  • Current first aid certification
  • Public liability insurance
  • Knowledge of range safety procedures

Archer-to-instructor ratios

Recommended maximum ratios for safe supervision:

  • Beginners/Children: 1 instructor to 6 archers
  • Intermediate: 1 instructor to 8 archers
  • Advanced: 1 instructor to 10 archers

Ratios may need to be lower with very young participants or those with additional needs.

Range commands

All archers must understand and immediately respond to range commands. Standard commands include "Commence shooting," "Fast" (stop shooting immediately), and "Retrieve arrows." Non-compliance is a serious safety violation.

Equipment safety requirements

Properly maintained equipment is crucial for archery safety. Before any session, check:

Bows

  • Limbs free from cracks or damage
  • String in good condition without fraying
  • All fittings secure
  • Correct draw weight for the archer
  • Nocking points properly positioned

Arrows

  • Shafts straight and undamaged
  • Fletching intact and secure
  • Points secure and appropriate type
  • Nocks undamaged
  • Correct spine for the bow

Personal Equipment

  • Arm guards fitted correctly
  • Finger tabs or gloves in good condition
  • Chest guards if needed
  • Appropriate footwear

Practical tip

Implement an equipment checking routine before every session. Damaged arrows are particularly dangerous and should be removed from use immediately. Document all equipment checks and maintenance.

Safety Checklist

Pre-session checklist

Range Setup

  • Shooting line clearly marked
  • Waiting line established
  • Targets secure and positioned correctly
  • Backstop adequate
  • Safety zones clear
  • Range barriers in place
  • Warning signs displayed

Equipment

  • Bows inspected and suitable
  • Arrows checked for damage
  • Strings in good condition
  • Arm guards available
  • Finger protection available
  • Arrow storage organised
  • Targets in good condition

Session Management

  • Qualified instructor present
  • Appropriate ratios maintained
  • Safety briefing prepared
  • Range commands understood
  • Participant abilities assessed
Help Centre

Frequently asked questions

An archery risk assessment should include: identification of hazards specific to archery (arrow handling, misfires, equipment failure, range safety), who is at risk, existing control measures, risk ratings, emergency procedures, and review dates.

Common archery injuries include string slap (forearm bruising), shoulder and back strain from repetitive drawing, finger injuries, and minor cuts from arrow handling. Most injuries are preventable with proper technique, equipment, and protective gear.

Children can typically start archery from around age 6-8, depending on their physical development, ability to follow instructions, and attention span. Youth equipment and lower draw weights should be used, with close supervision and appropriate ratios.

Equipment should be visually checked before every use, with more thorough inspections monthly. Arrows should be carefully inspected before each session as damaged arrows are a significant safety risk. Document all inspections and maintenance.

Essential range safety rules include: never aim at anything other than the target, only nock an arrow at the shooting line, immediately obey "Fast" command, never retrieve arrows until commanded, walk (don't run) on the range, and report any equipment issues immediately.

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