Use of the shooting ranges
The range of the Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Club (hereafter referred to as “the Club”) is authorised only for the use of shotguns up to gauge 12 whose barrel length is 24.5 inches or longer.
The ground is available for the use of members of the Club for competition and practice shooting. Members shall have received a copy of the Constitution and these Club Rules and returned a signed confirmation to the Club that they have received them and agree to comply with the conditions of membership.
Club members are required to submit a new application form annually, at which time they should also present their current Regulated Weapon Certificate for a copy to be taken and kept by the club.
Prospective new members shall apply for membership using the Club’s standard application form and also present their original Regulated Weapon Certificate. If they currently do not hold a certificate it is a condition of membership that the certificate is obtained within 6 months of the date of application. Until this time they shall be supervised as mentioned below.
Non-members and guests may also use the range in accordance with the Constitution. Prior to shooting they shall have completed and signed the Club’s Day Member application form.
Whilst shooting on the range they shall be accompanied and directly supervised by the Range Officer, Deputy Range Officer or a Referee.
Consumption of alcohol on the range whilst shooting takes place is strictly forbidden.
Shooting any object other than a clay target or approved pattern plate is strictly forbidden.
Regulated Weapon Certificate
Whilst shooting on the range club members should ensure that they hold a current Regulated Weapon Certificate. If they do not hold such a certificate, they shall ensure that the Range Officer is aware of the fact, the Range Officer will then appoint a suitable person who is in possession of such a certificate to supervise them whilst shooting.
If a club member has their Regulated Weapon Certificate revoked or is refused renewal of their certificate, they must verbally inform the Club Secretary and Chairman immediately, and subsequently in writing, and then comply with any conditions that the Club may require for their continued use of the range.
Range Officer
The Range Officer is responsible for the supervision of all shooting activity at the Club’s range.
A Range Officer must be appointed in accordance with the Constitution (i.e. from either a Committee member or a President or Vice President of the Club) whenever shooting takes place and his/her name displayed prominently in the Clubhouse for the duration of shooting.
The Range Officer may appoint any Committee member, President or Vice President as Deputy Range Officers, to supervise different disciplines or areas on his/her behalf. The Range Officer may not take part in any shooting without appointing a Deputy Range Officer to assume his/her responsibilities whilst he/she is shooting.
Shooting may only take place under the supervision of and after authorisation by the Range Officer or an appointed Deputy Range Officer. They shall ensure that all trappers and range staff are competent, and if necessary are fully briefed and conversant with safe practice and use of all equipment prior to the commencement of shooting.
The Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer must be satisfied before shooting begins that each member of the firing party is able to safely handle the weapon that they will fire. Additionally, the Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer must be satisfied that all weapons are in a safe condition for use.
The Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer must ensure that warning signs and red flags are in position prior to the commencement of shooting, and that flags are removed at the completion of shooting.
The Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer is to ensure that the Danger Area is clear of all people and animals prior to and during shooting.
Any person who wishes to shoot that does not hold a current Regulated Weapon Certificate
or requires supervision is responsible for informing the Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer before taking part in any shooting.
Referee
Any person appointed as Referee is responsible for ensuring that strict discipline is maintained throughout any shooting activity that they are supervising whilst acting in that capacity. Only shooters, coaches and the Referee and scorer shall be in the close proximity of the firing point during shooting, and the Referee should ensure that shooters are not distracted by excess noise from other squad members or spectators.
Other Club Officials
In addition to maintaining a current list of Committee members and President and Vice Presidents of the club, the Committee will also maintain a current list of other persons that are suitably experienced and knowledgeable to act in other roles including referee, trap loaders, trap maintenance and first aiders. Such a list will be kept in the Club’s office for reference.
Range Safety
Safety equipment comprising of ear protection and safety glasses should be worn whilst shooting and/or acting as referee or scorer on the range. Any person unable to comply with this request accepts personal responsibility.
Guns shall be carried broken and empty at all times and shall not be closed until a shooter is on the firing point. Semi-automatic guns should always be carried with the barrels pointing up with action showing open and preferably fitted with a “gun safe” indicator when not on the firing point.
Cartridge shot loads must not exceed 28 gm and shot size must not be larger than English shot size number 7. All ammunition must be kept secure prior to and during use.
In the event of weapon or ammunition malfunction the shooter must keep the muzzles of the weapon pointing up range until any malfunction is identified and corrected by the Referee. If a weapon makes an unusual report upon firing, shooters should check that the barrels are unobstructed before reloading.
Muzzles must be kept pointing up range at all times until the shooter has opened and emptied their gun, at which time they may turn around and consult the Referee. Shooters must not leave the firing point without agreement from the Referee.
The sounding of a whistle or horn by the Range Officer or any other person indicates that there is a problem that requires the immediate cessation of all shooting.
Reporting Procedures
Any dangerous or disorderly behaviour observed by the Referee shall be reported to The Range Officer or Deputy Range Officer who will then inform the Club Committee as a matter of urgency. Such behaviour could lead to disqualification and expulsion from the range, and possibly subsequent termination of membership as detailed in the Constitution.
Any accident or incident must be reported immediately to the Range Officer who will ensure that all incidents are recorded in the Club Incident Book.
At the end of shooting it is the responsibility of each shooter to ensure that all weapons and ammunition are removed from the range.
Please help to keep your range tidy by ensuring that all used cartridge cases are placed in the bins provided.
Junior Shooters
A junior shooter is defined as a person aged under 18. If they are not in possession of a valid Regulated Weapon Certificate whilst shooting on the range, they shall be accompanied by either a parent or guardian who has completed the club’s Parental Supervision Form.
This information is also downloadable as PDF.