Thrown Weapons:Range Safety

Range Safety

Range Set-Up

1. The range will be identifiable at all times. Rope, tape, poles, etc., may be used to mark off the range and the safety area.
2. The Marshal-in-Charge should be easily identified.
3. The throwing line is the closest position from which a throw can be made.
4. Hard targets for knives and axes should be at least 10 feet away from the throwing line (down-range). A hard target is any target made of materials that provides a solid resistance. This includes, but is not limited to, logs, plywood, etc.
5. Hard targets for spears should be at least 20 feet away from the throwing line.
6. Soft targets for spears should be at least 10 feet away from the throwing line. A soft target is any target made of materials that do not provide solid resistance. This includes, but is not limited to, hay bales, Styrofoam, etc.
7. A safe zone shall be established that takes into consideration the weapons being used and the range conditions. The safe zone includes the area behind and to the sides of the targets as well as behind the throwing line.

Range Procedures and Commands

1. The Thrown-Weapons Marshal will call the throwers to the line.
2. The Thrown-Weapons Marshal will look to see that all is clear down-range.
3. The Thrown-Weapons Marshal will look to see that nobody is directly behind the throwers, in the path of the swing, or in the arc traversed by the swing.
4. The Thrown-Weapons Marshal will call out "range clear" or the equivalent, and wait momentarily for any responses.
5. If all is clear, then the order "throw when ready" or the equivalent will be given.
6. When finished, the throwers are to put down any weapons in hand, step back from the line and wait until the order to retrieve is given.
7. When all throwers are finished, the Thrown-Weapons Marshal will call "weapons down" or the equivalent and wait for compliance.
8. When all weapons are down, then the Thrown-Weapons Marshal will give the command, "retrieve weapons" or the equivalent.

Rules of the Line

1. Side-arm throwing of weapons requires an adequate safe zone and the Marshal-in-Charge's permission.
2. Throwers must ask the Thrown-Weapons Marshal for permission before filling in on the line.
3. All throwers on the line must throw from approximately the same distance.
4. Throw only at designated targets.
5. Do not throw until commanded to do so.
6. Do not retrieve until commanded to do so.
7. If "hold" is called, the thrower should put down his/her weapon(s) and step back from the line.
8. The thrower should step aside or back once he/she has completed throwing.
9. Do not throw weapons that have not been inspected.
   1. Any weapon that strikes or is struck by another weapon should be inspected by the thrower after each round of throwing.
10. Do not stand or walk behind throwers on the line.
11. Just before each throw, look behind to ensure that it is clear.
12. Do not swing weapons aimlessly or in a careless manner. Throwers should always be aware of what may be in the path of his/her weapon when it is swung.
13. Be aware of sharp points and edges of weapons.
14. Stay alert. Weapons can and will bounce back from the target if misthrown.