Archery is a sport of precision, and that includes where we put our feet and our targets. To ensure we comply with our club’s insurance through Archery GB and—more importantly—to keep all our members safe, we follow a specific layout for our outdoor field. Here’s the “how” and “why” behind where we shoot.
The Numbers Game: 12 vs. 14 Bosses
You might have noticed that the number of bosses on the field changes depending on what we are shooting. Here is the deal:
- Standard Club Days (14 Bosses): We can maximize our line with up to 14 bosses when shooting from the standard shooting line. However, because our field safety area narrows as it moves away from the shooting line (see diagram below), our targets near the boundary line on the left and right (Targets 1 and 14) cannot go past 30 metres (or 30 yards for imperial rounds).
- The “V” Logic: The side safety area starts 10 yards from the ends of the shooting line and widens to 20 yards once you reach our maximum shooting distance of 100 yards away. This means the further out you go, the more “squeezed” the targets in the center need to be to stay within the safety boundary.
- Target Spacing: To give everyone elbow room, boss centers should be at least 2.5m apart.
- Going the Distance: If you are looking to shoot long-distance, you should try to be as close to the center of the field as you can—ensuring you have the most “cushion” on either side.
Up to 14 bosses can be used at distance, as long as all bosses remain inside of the safety bounds, at least 20 yards from the boundary of the field, and are a safe distance between each other.
A few additional items of note when it comes to bosses on the field:
- The “Compound” Factor: If there is a compound archer on the field, our safety requirements automatically level up. Because compound bows use mechanical release aids, the overshoot line must normally be at least 150 yards from the shooting line. While we have a special dispensation because of the fence at the end of our field, compound bows cannot be shot if the shooting line is offset, like at an open tournament. Additionally, at our maximum shooting distance of 100 yards, the side safety area must extend 25 yards from the side of the range.
- Being Neighbourly: When our neighbours to the north (non-football side) are in their garden and within proximity to the fence, we voluntarily close the outermost lane. This increases our safety boundary with the fence to 20 yards, ensuring we are being extra careful when people are in proximity to the range.
- No ‘Double-Parking’: Please avoid the temptation to pull a boss directly in front of another boss that is set at a longer distance. Staggering bosses within the same lane creates “blind spots,” causes confusion for the Field Captain, and is a major safety concern.
Competitions: The 30-Metre Shift
When we host Open Competitions or UK Record Status events, we sometimes move the shooting line forward to 30 metres to allow for more space for equipment, tents, and of course cake.
Why does this change the boss count?
When we move the shooting line forward, the “trapezoid” of our safety zone moves with it. Because the field gets narrower, moving the line forward effectively “shrinks” the available safe width for our targets.
In these cases, we drop down to 12 bosses. This ensures that even with the shifted line, every target remains within the safety boundary. Field layout is always reviewed and approved by a Judge. It keeps the competition fair, but more importantly, it keeps us strictly within the Archery GB safety specifications required for Record Status.
Thank you to our liaison Andy Turner for his clarification and input. For more information please see Archery GB’s rules of shooting, or ask a Club Committee member to clarify.