Foot Safety

[grantwomack]

Last night, I practiced in flip-flops, with no injury or threat of injury to my feet. Why does GNAS only allow closed-toed shoes at their shoots? The best we could come up with last night was that misses that fall short can potentially stick into toes or feet if you happen to stand on them. But surely the incidence of this happening would be very slim...?

Maybe GNAS should consider more things to do with the safety of archers - like whether we should be made to wear a hat in the sunshine. Or beanies when it's cold!

[Kellog]

I was told that theoretically it was possible to shoot yourself in the foot when coming down (would need a very open stance and TBH I doubt even steelies would save you if you did)

Out of interest....last time I shot in flipflops I ended up taking them off completely because I found that they were sending my arrows right or forcing me to lean forward.
I know the same thing has been found by a couple of others in my club, did you find any difference?

[grantwomack]

I did think that shooting yourself if the foot (literally) was a possibility but didn't see how a normal shoe would stop the arrow so ruled that out as a reason.

No difference. I often shoot in bare feet or flip flops though, so I might just be used to it.

[clickerati]

Does it say anything about open-heeled shoes? At least that way that way you get some ventilation.

[Kellog]

not that I'm aware of, as far as I know the rule is "closed toes"

[sood]

I'm only a virgin archer, but I would probably not wear flip flops as if the arrow slipped from the rest and you let the string go, or if you dropped an arrow, or stepped on one sticking out of the grass, it would probably hurt a lot (i know you lot probably wouldnt do so being experienced and all, but ive already dropped the arrow loads of times, and I know how clumsy i can be so i would put it past myself!)

[Kellog]

Originally Posted by sood

I'm only a virgin archer, but I would probably not wear flip flops as if the arrow slipped from the rest and you let the string go, or if you dropped an arrow, or stepped on one sticking out of the grass, it would probably hurt a lot (i know you lot probably wouldnt do so being experienced and all, but ive already dropped the arrow loads of times, and I know how clumsy i can be so i would put it past myself!)

Oh we do drop arrows!
In competitions theres a "3m line".... so when people drop arrows (as long as the arrow doesn't pass the line) they can still shoot another!

[Rik]

I always assumed it was a 'in case you stub your toe on an arrow in the grass' kind of thing... Though I guess protection for when you're setting up, taking down bosses might also be an issue.

As to the 'shooting the foot' idea; I've only heard of that happening once. Apparently the guy had quite a dramatic pre-draw. I bet that held the competition up nicely 'please wait, while we detach the injured archer from the shooting line...'.

[simon m]

First lump of shattered carbon you get in you instep will see you wearing solid shoes again pronto.

But I can see your point if your careful why no wear open toe foot wear?.

If GNAS were being sfatey consious regarding taking down equipment like bosses etc, we'd all be told to wear toe cap boots

[Field Archer]

If the rule is GNAS being safety conscious, I wonder why they stopped there, why not insist that we wear arm guards.