Target and Range Sports Guidelines
Purpose of BSA Target and Range Sports
The Purpose of BSA Target and Range sports is to introduce youth to shooting. The BSA shooting programs are based on age appropriateness and safety with the goal of developing a positive shooting experience for each youth.
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Want to Be on the Committee and help
Contact: Rob Hersh, Target and Range Committee Chair at: hblakerd@outlook.com
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If you are planning a shooting sports activity, please use the range request form HERE
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Middle Tennessee Council Target and Range Sports Standard Operating Procedures
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NRA Basic Shotgun: Feb 23 - 24, 2024
NRA Basic Rifle Course - March 15, 2024
NRA Basic Rifle Course - April 5, 2024
NRA Rifle Instructor Course: April 4 - 6, 2024
USA Archery Level 1 Instructor "On-Line" Course: April 20, 2024
NRA Basic Shotgun: May 17, 2024
NRA Shotgun Instructor Course: May 17-19, 2024
USA Archery Level 1 Instructor "On-Line" Course: August 3, 2024
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Program Specific Information
Cub Scouts Shooting Sports
In May 2018 Cub Scout Shooting Sports Age Appropriate guidelines changed.
The Cub Scout Shooting Sports documents are in process of being updated so please use the Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities for guidance on appropriate shooting sports programs.
Scouts BSA Shooting Sports
Venture & Sea Scout Shooting Sports
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What is an RSO?
NRA Range Safety Officers are people who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations. The RSO is responsible for the safe operation of the range. The RSO must be currently certified by the NRA as an RSO and must have a current NRA RSO card with him/her while supervising any range on MTC. The RSO is responsible to report all serious problems to the CRSO and enter them in the daily log.
Training Needs to run the Following programs
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BB Range: Cub Scout shooting sports programs may be conducted only on a district or council level. Archery and BB gun shooting are restricted to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, council-managed family camping programs, or to council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards for BSA shooting sports are enforced. Archery and BB gun shooting are not to be done at the pack level. The use of pellet air rifles is restricted to Webelos Scouts in a BSA resident camp setting only. All shooting ranges in the Cub Scout program must be supervised by a qualified range master who is at least 18 years of age and who meets the minimum requirements
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Rifle: A current certified NRA RSO is to directly supervise all live fire on the range. Additionally, the instruction offered must be done by a current NRA certified National Camping School shooting sports director certified as an NRA Rifle Instructor, a current NRA certified Rifle Instructor, a NRA/USA Shooting Coach, or a CMP Certified Coach (Summer Camp ONLY). These must be two separate individuals. The Rifle Instructor is responsible for administering the National “30 Minute Rifle Briefing” which is downloaded from https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/boy-scout-shooting-sports/
Both RSO and Instructor must have a current NRA card with them and on file with the C.C.D. while on any range in MTC.
Ratio. One NRA RSO for 8 shooters.
One NRA Rifle Instructor for 8 shooters.
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Shotgun: A current certified NRA RSO is to directly supervise all live fire on the range. Additionally, the instruction offered must be done by a current NRA certified National Camping School shooting sports director certified as an NRA Shotgun Instructor, a current NRA certified Shotgun Instructor, an NRA/USA Shotgun Coach, or a CMP Certified Coach, Summer Camp Only. These must be two separate individuals. The Shotgun Instructor is responsible for administering the National “30 Minute Shotgun Briefing” which is downloaded from https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/boy-scout-shooting-sports/
Both RSO and Instructor must have a current NRA card with them and on file with the C.C.D. while on any range in M.T.C.
Ratio One NRA RSO must be present for each group consisting of a maximum of 6 shooters.
One NRA Shotgun Instructor for each student is required when loading and firing a shotgun.
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Archery: Cub Scout shooting sports programs may be conducted only on a district or council level. Archery and BB gun shooting are restricted to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, council-managed family camping programs, or to council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards for BSA shooting sports are enforced. Archery and BB gun shooting are not to be done at the pack level. The use of pellet air rifles is restricted to Webelos Scouts in a BSA resident camp setting only. All shooting ranges in the Cub Scout program must be supervised by a qualified range master who is at least 18 years of age and who meets the minimum requirements
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Pistol: All Pistol shooting activities must be approved by the Shooting Sports Committee (S.S.C.) A current certified NRA RSO is to directly supervise all live fire on the range. Additionally, the instruction offered must be done by a current NRA certified National Camping School shooting sports director certified as an NRA Pistol Instructor, or a current NRA certified Pistol Instructor. These must be two separate individuals. The Pistol Instructor is responsible for administering the National “30 Minute Pistol Briefing” which is downloaded from https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/venture-and-sea-scout-shooting-sports/
Both RSO and Instructor must have a current NRA card with them and on file with the C.C.D. while on any range in MTC.
Ratio. One NRA RSO per 3 shooters. One NRA Pistol Instructor per shooters while shooting.
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Muzzleloader: A current certified NRA RSO is to directly supervise all live fire on the range. Additionally, the instruction offered must be done by a current NRA certified National Camping School shooting sports director certified as an NRA Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor, a current NRA certified Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor. These must be two separate individuals. Both RSO and Instructor must have a current NRA card with them and on file with the C.C.D. while on any range in MTC. The muzzleloading Rifle Range is only used for Council Approved Activities. Ratio. One NRA RSO per 4 shooters. One NRA Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor per shooters while shooting and one NRA Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor per shooter while loading. The loading area and the shooting area CAN NOT be in the same area. Participants must be first taught how to load the muzzleloader prior to firing the muzzleloader.
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Cowboy Action: Cowboy action range is a council activity only. It is not allowable at Unit or District level activities. The Shooting Sports Committee will provide personnel for this event.
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Tomahawk: Tomahawk programs may be conducted as an district or council level event. Cub Scout/Webelos Scout are not allowed to throw Tomahawks. These are age-appropriate activities for Scouts BSA members and Venturers following the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety. Must have an current trained RSO.
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Shooting Sports and National Camping School/NCAP
Shooting Sports is an important part of our BSA camping operations. In order to have a safe and fun shooting sports program, the BSA has set forth safety standards and training for all volunteers and staff who will be in charge of Shooting Sports Activities. For a complete list of these standards, see the links below.
National Camp Accreditation Program
National Shooting Sports Manual
Due to a large number of changes and additions to BSA Shooting Sports since the Shooting Sports Manual was released, here are some corrected and supplemental information to follow until a new Shooting Sports Manual is produced.
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Shooting Sports Manual Supplement
Chalk Ball, Sporting Arrows, Pistol Safety and Marksmanship program, Cowboy Action Shooting
If your council plans to offer these programs, you must complete the Shooting Sports Application prior to offering these activities. (This application must be submitted annually)
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Additional Shooting Sports Resources
BSA Range Design Standards
Download the design document: range design
Your council must engage an architect or engineer locally to ensure your final design incorporates local geography and is meeting all local standards and laws for your county or state. The guidelines established are minimum standards, the final design must contain the projectile within the range. Designing an all-purpose range is not desirable because of the specific differences in the disciplines.
Procedures to Use Public or Private Property for a Shooting Sports Range
This worksheet must be used to determine if public or private land is suitable for use as a shooting sports range.
Contact at: Shooting Sport Committee Chair at hblakerd@outlook.com
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Resources and links
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BSA Shooting Sports Home Page:
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/
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BSA National Shooting Sports Manual:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/pdf/30931_WB.pdf (Current revision).
Cub Scout Shooting Sports Manual:
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/cub-scout-shooting-sports/
BSA Scouts Shooting Sports Manual:
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/boy-scout-shooting-sports/
Venture and Sea Scouts Shooting Sports Manual:
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/venture-and-sea-scout-shooting-sports/
COVID 19 National Guidelines for Shooting Sports:
National Camp Accreditation Program “Current Camp Standards” (during summer camp activities):
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camp-accreditation/
Properties Management Guide:
Guide to Safe Scouting:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
BSA Advancement Guidelines:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf
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NRA Marksmanship Program: https://mqp.nra.org/
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To Request an Eagle Scout Certificate from the NRA: https://explore.nra.org/programs/youth/request-an-eagle-scout-certificate/
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Shooting Sports Program FAQs: https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/shooting-faq/
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Shooting Safely Moment: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/shooting-safety/
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Steps to become trained
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There are three ways to complete NRA Training.
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Attend Camp School. Please see https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/national-camping-school/ for more information. This is probably the most time consuming and expensive method.
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Take an NRA training course offered by a local council. Check the MTC council Shooting Sports Training link on the council website (Need to add URL here when it is established) You may also be able to find Shooting Sports training in surrounding councils. This method is the least expensive as the courses are offered at a significant discount.
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Take an NRA training course offered in your area by going to https://www.nrainstructors.org/ and click on the box labeled “Find an NRA training course NEAR YOU”. This is a more expensive option as you will pay what the general public pays for an NRA training course.
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How to reserve a range and what’s need
To reserve a range, please fill out the Unit Range Request form by clicking HERE and send it to Rob Hersh, Shooting Sports Committee Chair at: hblakerd@outlook.com AND read the Range Request Guidance so that you will understand the processes involved.
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NRA Top Shot or Marksmanship program Refer to: NRA Marksmanship Program at https://mqp.nra.org
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Cub Targets and awards - Click HERE
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Clay Shoot info – This is not a Council Shooting Sports Activity. It is fundraising activity. More information is available at: https://www.mtcbsa.org/claysfunshoot
Awards and recognition - https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/ . See Chapter 2 of the Shooting Sports manual.
Want to help ROUND TUIT – We need a hand cleaning and maintaining our ranges as we have over 10 ranges at Boxwell. Every third Saturday of the month we get together at camp and work on these areas to clean them up, organize, and get them ready for you to use. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Mike Pentecost at MikeP@southeasternsound.com ​
Check lists – See Boxwell Shooting Sports Standard Operating Procedures Appendix 3 for Range Opening and Closing Procedures.
The Closing and Opening procedures
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Why NRA and BSA?
The NRA (National Rifle Association) is America’s preeminent gun rights organization, made up of nearly five million members that offers the best firearms educational programs in the country. The NRA is recognized nationally as the Gold Standard for firearm safety training. Whether you're a new or prospective gun owner or hunter in search of training, whatever your age or level of expertise, whatever type of firearm you're interested in, NRA has the course for you.
The NRA is strong supporter of youth shooting sports programs. The NRA Foundation Grants support communities by funding programs such as Boy Scouts of America, 4-H, FFA, Jaycees, local clubs, educational institutions, associations and police departments in the areas of training, education and safety as well as supporting programs for wildlife and natural resource conservation.
Might add the Joseph Csatari Painting and NRA Article or a link to it here.
Frequently asked questions sections
Q: Can my Pack run a BB range?
A: No, your Pack can not hold and run a BB or Archery range. Must be a council or District event. Please look at the Guide to Safe Scouting and the Shooting Sports Manuel.
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Q: How do I reserve a range?
A: To reserve a range, please fill out the Unit Range Request form (attached Word Document) and send it to Rob Hersh, Shooting Sports Committee Chair at: hblakerd@charter.net AND read the Range Request Guidance so that you will understand the processes involved.
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Q: Can my troop bring my guns to camp?
A: Except for law enforcement officers required to carry firearms within their jurisdiction, firearms shall not be brought on camping, hiking, backpacking, or other Scouting activities except those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a currently certified BSA national shooting sports director or National Rifle Association firearms instructor. VIII Shooting Sports PDF file.
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Q: Why do we have different standards of leadership required for year-round shooting and resident camp shooting?
A: This is a result of the BSA managing known risks for the safety of our volunteers and Scouts. The resident camp is a more controlled and structured environment with an additional week of training for the shooting sports staff under the leadership of a National Camping School certified director. Shooting on the weekends is managed using the leadership of NRA certified instructors and range safety officers (where each of these individuals has a specific duty to either instructor run the range). Given the short-term nature of the event, additional training is not possible, so two-deep leadership is required to conduct the program.
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CUB AND WEBELOS SCOUT FAQs
Q: What shooting programs can Cub Scouts participate in?
A: Cub Scouts can shoot BB-gun rifles, slingshots, and archery in a council or district event, but not at a unit event. Catapults can be used during a unit-organized event.
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Q: Can Cub Scouts or Webelos shoot shotguns or .22-caliber rifles in resident camps, day camps, or unit activities?
A: No, these are activities they can look forward to participating in when they become Scouts BSA.
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Q: What shooting sports programs can Webelos participate in?
A: Webelos can shoot pellet rifles, BB-gun rifles, slingshots, and archery, but it must be a council or district event, not a unit event. Catapults can be used at a unit-organized event.
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Q: How do I find a range officer for my Cub Scout pack?
A: Cub Scouts are only allowed to shoot at a district or council event. If your pack wants to organize a BB-gun or archery event, please contact your local council’s shooting sports chairman or shooting sports director for information on the council’s shooting sports programs.
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Q: How can I get trained to run the Cub Scouts BB-gun or archery range at a day camp or resident camp?
A: You should contact your local council shooting sports chairman or shooting sports director for more information.
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Q: What type of training do I need to help in the Cub Scout Day camp or resident camp programs?
A: You need to be a trained as a Cub Scout range officer by a National Camp School shooting sports director.
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Q: How long does the training take?
A: The training is 90 minutes for Cub Scout archery and 150 minutes for Cub Scout BB gun. Instructors must use the training syllabus in the new Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Sports Manual – page 73 for archery and page 83 for BB guns. You may be certified in either discipline or you can be certified in both.
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