What could happen if the safety curtain is too taut?

When the safety curtain is too taut, one significant risk is that it can cause arrows to bounce back. This happens because a tightly stretched curtain may not absorb the energy of the arrow effectively upon impact, leading to ricochets instead of the energy being dissipated. The cushion and crumple effect that a properly tensioned curtain provides is crucial for safely stopping projectiles.

When the curtain is overly tight, it negates its primary function as a safety measure. A correctly adjusted curtain will have some give, allowing it to catch arrows and minimize the chances of them being deflected back toward the shooting line, which could pose a safety hazard.

This understanding underscores the importance of maintaining appropriate tension on safety equipment in archery ranges to ensure the safety of all participants and observers.