Range Rules

STANDING ORDERS, GENERAL RANGE AND SAFETY RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 Foreword

Our behaviour is guided by our constitution which can be regarded as our policy or even as our mission.  It does specify issues such as safety, administration and operational procedures but no fine details are given. To ensure good management some specific details are needed to clarify procedures and to serve as a guide to the Range Officer R, the Executive Oversight Group and members. These rules sometimes referred to as “House Rules” are also known as “Standing Orders” in major clubs and organisations and can be considered similar to “By-laws”.

These standing orders, general range and safety rules are not part of the constitution and may be amended by the Executive Oversight Group if and when necessary. These rules are to be read in conjunction with the Constitution. 

2.0 Safety Rules

Any contravention of the safety rules are subject to corrective action and/or a possible disciplinary action by Range Officer and/or Executive Oversight Group.

2.1 Safety Rules on the Firing Line

A Each member of the club must ensure that they receive a copy of these rules when joining the club. These rules will also be attached to the range register at every shoot.

B Disciplinary actions for safety contraventions will be to the discretion of the Range Officer, who will, if deemed necessary, report the incident to the Executive Oversight Group. 

The safety of shooters, range personnel and spectators require continued and careful attention to firearm handling and caution in moving about the range.

The following rules are to be observed ON THE FIRING LINE/POINT at all times:

1. No loaded firearms to be taken onto and off the range. A safety range as indicated by the RO must be available and must be used for unloading and loading your EDC firearm.

2. No firearm may be unpacked or taken from their holster before the Range Officer has given the instruction “Range closed – you may unpack” at the firing line. 

3. Firearms must be placed on the bench in an unloaded stage at the firing point with the barrel pointing down the range. LOADING AND UNLOADING of the firearm may only be completed at the firing line with the muzzle pointed down range. Always keep the firearm action open, magazines removed and only load on the command of the RO and when ready to commence firing.

4. Firearms shall only be loaded (or unloaded) at the firing point on instruction from the Range Officer on a command such as “Load and make ready”.

5. Shooting is only to commence on the range officer’s command or signal.

6. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Treat all guns as if they are loaded

7. When the command “Cease Fire” is given, either by whistle or order, shooting must stop immediately, firearm must be unloaded, magazine removed, slide locked back or cylinder swung out. When shooting from the benches, the firearm must then be placed on the shooting bench with the barrel pointing down the range. When shooting from a position forward of the benches, the weapon has to be holstered or placed in a box under supervision of the Range Officer. 

8. ALL FIREARMS MUST BE UNLOADED AND ACTIONS OPEN WHILE TARGETS ARE BEING HUNG OR CHECKED, OR CHAMBER CLEARED, MAGAZINE REMOVED AND HOLSTERED. REVOLVERS HOLSTERED WITH EMPTY CYLINDER.

9. The 180 DEGREE RULE SHALL APPLY when engaging multiple targets and during firing and movement exercises. The 180 rule focuses on where the muzzle of your gun is pointing. In practical shooting sports, the Downrange is the 180 degrees of safe shooting direction. Up-range is the unsafe 180 degrees of shooting direction, away from the targets. Once a target has been passed it may not be engaged by turning back.

10. When finished shooting the RO have to check all firearms as unloaded before declaring the range safe or cold.

11. Hearing and eye protection must be worn during shooting.

12. It is your responsibility to know and understand how to operate your firearm safely. You must ensure that your firearm is in good working order before entering the range. If you are unable to demonstrate safe firearm use or operation on the range, you may be asked to leave.

13. Shooting at anything except a target at an approximate standard height is forbidden. If there is a violation of this rule or accidental discharge the RO shall call cease fire and the shooter will immediately be instructed to unload, make safe and pack away, and then leave the firing line for the remainder of the range day.

14. Only paper or cardboard targets may be used or targets approved by the RO as safe to use. Steel plates shall not be engaged at any distance under 8m.

15 Incendiary or explosive targets are prohibited.

16. All targets must be located with a backstop (at the approximate South side of the range if shooting at Ellingham Quarry).  All targets must be located so that a bullet will strike between the base of and halfway up the backstop/berm so that no bullet strikes the ground in front of the backstop/berm or goes over the backstop.

17. All shooters are responsible for their rounds staying within the safe confines of the range. Shooters may shoot only from the firing line at the target in line with their position or as designated by the RO. Shooting at items placed on the ground or at targets not posted at the appropriate height on the target frame are prohibited if there is any risk of rounds to escaping the range.

18. No shooter may fire from points other than designated by the range officer as safe firing points. Always keep firearms pointed down range in a safe direction. Be sure of your target and what is beyond.

19. Do not under any circumstance turn around from the shooting point with a firearm in your hand, whether it is loaded or unloaded. 

20. Should you have a malfunction or stoppage which cannot be rectified by yourself, keep your muzzle pointing in a safe direction, raise your hand and wait for the range officer’s assistance.

21. The RO is in control of the range and range rules and instructions by the RO are not negotiable. Range officer’s commands must be adhered to always.

22. No bending down to pick up spent cases or anything else while shooting in process.

23. Other people’s firearms shall not be touched without the express permission of the owner and then only while range is closed.

24. Firearms may only be packed away or holstered when the Range Officer has checked and given his/her consent.

25. Food, drinks, and smoking are prohibited on the firing line at all times.

26. No person under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be allowed on the range.

27. Clothing on the firing line must be appropriate for shooting and not obstruct movement (no flip flops or open shoes. Ladies must wear closed tops, hot brass causes burns).

28. All instructions given by the Range Officer shall be adhered to at all times.

Cease Firing: Immediately stop shooting when ANYONE calls "Cease firing."

29. HOT or CLOSED Range: The RO and Shooters must check with others to ensure there is no one down range. When the range is declared "HOT" by the RO, shooters are permitted to commence firing. Only the RO and shooters are permitted on the firing line.

30. COLD or OPEN Range: The RO and Shooters must check with others to ensure firearms are unloaded, actions open and firearms laid down or holstered before going down range. No one is permitted to handle firearms or stand at the firing line while there is a cold range.

2.2 General Safety Rules on Range Grounds for shooters and spectators 

If a firearm is to be handled, it can only be done on the range after a command of the range officer, or in the designated safe zones. 

1. The range may only be used during specific range days and hours of operation as determined by the club Executive Oversight Group in conjunction with the owner/manager of the property.

2. When arriving at the shooting range, the SHOOTING RANGE REGISTER should be COMPLETED. The indemnity is in the register and it is your responsibility to READ it! By signing the register you accept the indemnity and agree to abide by the rules of the club. Non-member visiting shooters must also sign the register.

3. Approved eye and ear protection MUST be used at ALL times by shooters and spectators.

4. Spectators need to remain well clear of the firing line as instructed by the Range Officer (RO).

5. Shooters and visitors may NOT be under the intoxicating influence of or in possession of alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances including prescription drugs that cause drowsiness or have any intoxicating effect. No alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other controlled substances are allowed during shoots. No smoking on the firing line.

6. All shooters shall carry their relevant firearm licence with them and may be required by the Ranger Officer to produce the licence for the firearm being used at the range or a muzzle loader competency for a muzzleloader.

7. No firearms to be handled until instructed to do so by the range officer. Handling of firearms is ONLY permitted at designated shooting areas and with strict regard to safety. Never load your firearm with people in front of you. 

8. Firearm types and calibers are to be used ONLY on the appropriate range for the specific firearm and caliber. At the discretion of the RO the use of any firearm if deemed unsafe to use at the range may be denied. Range personnel reserve the right to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations. No firearm of a .50 caliber or greater may be used. Muzzle loaders above .50 caliber are allowed.

9. All firearms entering or leaving the range must be unloaded and properly cased.

10. All firearms on the range must be pointed down range towards the targets at all times.

11. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (age 21 or older) who is responsible for their actions. Persons under the age of 12 are not allowed to be on the firing line. 

12. The firing of a fully automatic firearm is prohibited.

13. Any activity that would be considered to present a safety hazard is prohibited.

14. Expecting mothers are not permitted on the range at any time.

15. RED WARNING FLAGS shall be raised at the entry points to the range when shooting is in progress.

16. Act responsibly and with respect at all times.

17. Please notify a Range Safety Officer immediately if you observe any unsafe behaviour or conditions.

18. Respect and obey the appointed Range Officer at all times.

19. Respect Others: Be considerate of other shooters and the wider community regarding noise and safety. Only shoot on and during designated range days and times as determined by the club. Respect the owners and staff of the property on which the range is located. Guests and shooters are liable for any damage they cause to Ellingham Estate property.

20. No profanity allowed on the range. Umzinto Shooting Club is a family oriented club and we encourage families to use the range. Guests or shooters using profanity will not be tolerated. A warning to stop the use of profanity will be issued by the range officer to the person responsible. If the person continues to use profanity they will be instructed to leave.

21. Any other disruptive behaviour which affects the safe operation of the range or is deemed inappropriate for a family atmosphere will not be tolerated and the responsible party may be instructed to leave the range at the RO’s discretion.

22. Shooters are responsible for the conduct of their non-shooting guests. Guests causing a disturbance or problems may be asked to leave range grounds.

23. All shooters and visitors must clean up after shooting. All targets, litter, empty ammunition boxes and spent ammunition cases must be removed by each shooter before leaving.

28. It is your DUTY TO ACT RESPONSIBLY and safely on the range. Should you notice anyone breaking the rules or being unsafe, it is YOUR DUTY to act against such a person and report this to the RO as a matter of urgency.

3. Range Officer (RO) guideline of Responsibilities:  

A roster is to be drawn up listing the name of the Range Officer who is responsible for any specific day. A Range Officer can be any responsible person who knows the procedure for the details to be shot, is safety conscious and able to ensure adherence to all safety rules. No shoot shall take place without one of the shooters present being appointed or elected as Range Officer.

It is recommended that the RO wear a red brassard, red shirt, red hat or a suitable reflective vest and must be equipped with a whistle.

The range officer is in full control of all actions on the range by shottists and spectators and shall be responsible for the following:

1 Before shooting commences, he/she is to ensure the following is done:

a) The red flags are in position at the entrance gate to club grounds and at entrance to shooting bays.

b)  The range gate, if any, as well as the main entrance gate, if any, is locked.

c)  Everybody who will be on the range while shooting is in progress signed the Range Register and has read the indemnity before signing.

2 To control or operate the barrier chains at the commencement of, during, and at the conclusion of shooting activities. 

3 To ensure that all shooting exercises are carried out in accordance with the shooting instructions for the range. 

4 To ensure all shottists are acquainted with the safety rules. 

5 To ensure that the range safety rules are observed at all times.

6 To constantly supervise the shottists while they are at the firing line.

7 To decide when shooting is to commence, be interrupted or ceased.

8 To ensure that all firearms in use on the range are made safe and holstered (or stored in a suitable box) or put down before anyone is allowed to proceed in front of the firing line (to change targets, for example).

9 To ensure that empty firearms at the shooting line are under control while shottists move forward to patch or replace targets. 

10 To manage and supervise ancillary staff such as scorers, etc.

11 The range officer is empowered to expel anyone from the range who has disrupted operations or poses a threat to safety, also persons being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs.

NOTE: Since the Range Officer’s sole responsibility is safety while shooting, the Executive Oversight Group is to arrange for other persons to attend to other functions at shooting events such as target maintenance, scoring, etc.