SO2 Cadets (Plans & CCF) Headquarters Land Forces Ramillies Building, 2 nd Floor, Zone 3, IDL 429 Monxton Road ANDOVER Hampshire SP11 8HJ Telephone: 01264 382808 Military Network: 94391 2808 Facsimile: 94391 7418 E-mail (role): LF-PSC-Cdts (Plans-CCF)-SO2 LF/PSC/Cadets1001 See Distribution 25 Oct 11 POLICY FOR CLAY TARGET SHOOTING BY CADETS Reference: A. LF/PSC/Cadets1001 dated 21 Jul 11. B. JSP 403. C. Firearms Act 1968/1088. D. CPSA Safety Officers Manual. E. JSP 375 Chapter 8 - Risk Assessments. F. 2011DIN07-118 (MOD Sponsored Cadet Force Activities Indemnified by MOD). INTRODUCTION 1. This Policy supersedes Reference A which should now be destroyed. 2. Clay Target (CT) Shooting in the Armed Forces, and thus the Cadet Movement, is a civilian sport run in accordance with the rules of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) and is an MOD authorised activity. It is an excellent sport for cadets as it helps promote self-discipline, hand eye coordination and gives the young person a great sense of achievement when they begin to master the sport. For these reasons it should be encouraged, both as a routine activity and for special occasions, such as part of a Summer Camp. However CT Shooting is not part of any of the MOD Sponsored Cadet syllabi so participating units must fund it themselves. 3. As with all shooting sports there are inherent dangers, however the risk is reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) when the rules in References B to E are adhered to. AIM 4. The aim of this policy document is to outline the safety requirements, given in the References, and to add additional safety procedures, which are required for Cadets undertaking CT shooting. POLICY FOR CADETS 5. Clay Shooting Ranges. Cadets may only shoot on clay ranges as follows: 1
a. MOD Land. MOD land may be used for CT shooting provided that the rules laid down in JSP 403 are adhered to. Permission is to be sought from the Commanding Officer, DEO (L) or ATE, whichever is appropriate. It should not be assumed that shotguns may be used on any military land. b. Civilian Ranges. Civilian ranges may be used so long as they have an Exemption Certification (Section 11 Sub-Section 6 of the Firearms Act 1968), which allows shooters who do not have a shotgun certificate to fire on that range. c. Private Land. Private land may be used provided the Landowner s written permission is obtained and they have an Exemption Certification (Section 11 Sub-Section 6 of the Firearms Act 1968). 6. Cadet Firers. Cadets may take part in CT shooting under the following conditions: a. Physical Attributes. A cadet firer must be big enough and strong enough to have full control of the shotgun. He/she must also be enthusiastic about firing the gun and not pressed into participation in such activities. b. Familiarisation Shoots. Cadets may take part in familiarisation shoots under one to one supervision of a safety supervisor. Only a short gun handling and safety brief is required immediately before firing. c. Instruction. Following a familiarisation shoot, Cadets who wish to progress with CT shooting are to be trained formally to handle a shotgun, in accordance with Reference D, by a CPSA qualified in date Safety Officer. Once formally trained Cadets do not need to complete it again at any stage; however the RCO must satisfy himself that before firing Cadets are competent in gun handling through means of a safety briefing and revision of procedures. Firing may be conducted by a CPSA qualified in date Safety Officer but Coaching may only be provided by a CPSA Level 1 Instructor. 7. Range Staff. The following range staff is required whilst firing a. Range Conducting Officer. (1) The Range Conducting Officer (RCO) must be a qualified CPSA Safety Officer and hold in date Clubman Membership of the CPSA. (2) RCOs should be familiar with Reference E and be prepared to conduct a formal Risk Assessment as appropriate. (3) The RCO may run the Range single handed provided that there are no more than four stands, all of which can be seen from where he is located, and all the shooting cadets have been trained in CPSA shotgun handling. (4) The RCO must be assisted by safety supervisors, the number to be decided by him, if there are more than 4 stands in operation, or if any one of the shooting cadets has not been trained in shotgun handling i.e. engaging in a familiarisation/fun shoot. Such cadets must have one to one supervision by a safety supervisor. b. Safety Supervisors. Safety supervisors are to be competent adults. A competent adult is one who has been trained in CPSA shotgun handling. Cadets who have been trained in shotgun handling may not be safety supervisors 8. CT Qualifications. CFAVs that run CT shooting for cadets must have attended the appropriate courses and achieved the qualification. The courses are: 2
a. Safety Shotgun Handling. Cadets and Adults taking part in Cadet Force run activity can be trained to handle a shotgun by a CPSA qualified in date Safety Officer using the shotgun safety handling in accordance with Sec 2c of the CPSA Academy Safety Officer Manual (Reference D). b. CPSA Shotgun Skills Course. This course is a prerequisite for any adult who would like to attend a CPSA Safety Officer course. This course can be done internally if required. For course details see Enclosure One. c. CPSA Safety Officer. To qualify adults to act as a CT Range Safety Officer. See Enclosure 2. d. CPSA Instructor Development Workshop. To prepare individuals and assess their readiness to attend a CPSA Level 1 Instructors course. Individuals can coach if supervised by Level 1 instructor or higher. See Enclosure 3. e. CPSA Level 1 Instructor. To qualify an Instructor to safely introduce (including coaching) a novice client to shoot a simple crossing target. See Enclosure 4. The CPSA Shotgun Skills, Safety Officer, Instructor Development Workshops and Level 1 Instructor courses, are publicised in ARA forecast of events. 9. Entry on to WESTMINSTER. The following qualifications/attendance must be entered on to WESTMINSTER: a. Successful Completion of Safety Shotgun Handling. This applies to both CFAVs and Cadets. b. CPSA Shotgun Skills Course. c. CPSA Safety Officer. d. CPSA Level 1 Instructor. 10. Transfer of Qualifications. The only qualification that can be transferred to the new CPSA qualification is the ARA Safety Officer (post 2004), provided that the individual is a member of the CPSA or joins the CPSA. Application for the transfer can be made directly to the CPSA. 11. Insurance. CT shooting is a recognised sport and, for Cadets, is covered by Reference F. Provided therefore that clay target shooting has been authorised by the Chain of Command and that all the correct procedures, including risk assessments, have been carried out in the preparation and conduct of each range, in short that the activity has been made ALARP, normal MOD indemnity will provide adequate protection to the CFAV in charge in the event of an accident. It should be noted that: a. Membership of ACFA Personal Accident Policy also provides cover for public liability when MOD indemnity would not apply, for example in the event of suspected negligence. b. Qualified Adults who have successfully completed the CPSA Level 1 Course and who are full in date members of CPSA, are covered by the CPSA Coach Instructor Insurance. CPSA Safety Officers must be current CPSA Clubman Members and are also covered by CPSA Insurance. 12. Shotgun Certificate. According to Home Office criteria, there is no requirement for an RCO, or any other qualified CFAV, to hold a shotgun certificate. However, different Police Forces interpret national gun laws in different ways, and it is recommended that units ensure that local Police are informed if CT shooting is a regular activity for a Cadet unit. 3
13. Shotguns. The law is not prescriptive about the type of shotgun which may be used for CT shooting. However there are sensible guidelines which should be observed by RCOs. These are: a. Shot guns should be chosen in accordance with section 2B of Reference D, although any proofed gun may be used. b. The following gauge shotguns are only to be used by cadets: 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410. However, on no account are mixed gauges to be allowed on the same range at the same time. c. All guns used by Cadets are to be serviced regularly by a qualified Gunsmith. The RCO is to inspect all guns for serviceability before they are used. Guns with any defect are not to be used by cadets. 14. Ammunition. The restriction on shot sizes and load for CT shooting are given in Reference D. For young Cadets a low velocity Subsonic or 21 gram cartridge is recommended. It should be noted that many 24 gram loads are designed for Olympic disciplines which require a very high muzzle velocity (MV) and consequently they can produce a great deal of felt or perceived recoil. Use of steel shot, felt or plastic wads will be dictated by the ground on which the shoot is being held and by the proofing of the gun. 15. Storage. Cartridges must be stored in unit ammunition stores in dry temperate conditions. No loose cartridges should be returned to the store, they should be re-boxed. 16. Traps. Where possible the use of manual traps should be avoided. Traps should be checked before they are used. Safety Officers are to ensure that all users are fully briefed on the traps to be used. 17. Trappers. The rules for employment for trappers are laid down in Reference D. These rules are to be adhered to. 18. Personal Protection. It is mandatory for all firers to wear ear and eye protection and it is strongly recommended that they should wear a cap. Only ear muff type or formally moulded plugs are to be worn and not foam ear plugs. Eye protection must be worn over prescription glasses, unless the wearer can prove that his/her glasses are shatter resistant. 19. Target Debris. RCOs are to ensure that target debris does not fall on the shooter or spectators. 20. First Aid and Emergency Aid. The RCO is to have a first aid pack for minor injuries and First Field Dressings to provide immediate aid in an emergency. The RCO must have communications with the Emergency Services. Landlines and mobile telephone links must be proven before firing commences. CONTACTS 21. Army Rifle Association. HQ ARA Hythe Lodge National Shooting Centre Bisley Surrey GU24 0NY Tel: 01483 798925 Fax: 01483 799821 E-mail; DINF-ARA-ChClk@MOD.UK 4
22. The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association. CPSA Bisley Camp BROOKWOOD Woking Surrey GU24 0NP Tel: 01483 485412 J M OWEN C2 for COS Enclosures: 1. Shotgun Skills Course. 2. CPSA Safety Officer Course 3. CPSA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) 4. CPSA Level One Instructor. 5
Enclosure 1 Shotgun Skills Course Duration: 1 Day Qualification: CPSA Shotgun Skills (Modules 1 & 2) Entry Requirements: Location: None Various Cost: Equipment required: Issue Ear Defenders (not yellow foam) Safety Glasses Shotgun (only if owned ARA will provide shotguns if necessary) Shotgun Certificate (if held) Suitable outdoor clothing Course Content: The course provides instruction and coaching on the following shooting methods: Gun Up Gun handling skills Basic gun fit and master eye CPSA Method Range/Gun safety General introduction to clay shooting 6
CPSA Safety Officer Course Enclosure 2 Duration: Qualification: Entry Requirements: Location: 1 Day CPSA Safety Officer Modules 1 & 2 Shotgun Skills In date CPSA Clubman membership Various Cost: Equipment required: All necessary equipment will be issued on the course. Course Aim: To qualify the attendee to act as a CT Range Safety Officer at service gun clubs on MOD land attended by off and on-duty personnel and civilians, and also at CPSA affiliated grounds and clubs. Course Content: The function of the CPSA. Incident management at shooting grounds. Gun and cartridge safety. Shotgun etiquette, good handling. Personal protective equipment. The law including; Health and Safety at Work; Risk Assessment; Shotgun Licensing; Child Protection; and Insurance. The course involves lecture and practical sessions, outdoor clothing is recommended. No guns or equipment are required as no shooting by candidates takes place. The course is tested by multiple-choice paper. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate, cloth and metal badges. 7
Enclosure 3 CPSA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) Duration: Qualification: Entry Requirements: Location: 1 Day CPSA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) Shotguns Skills modules1&2 CPSA Safety Officer Minimum 6 Months experience Various Cost: 80 Equipment required: Ear protection Safety Glasses Shotgun Shotgun Certificate Suitable outdoor clothing Course Aim: To show prospective Instructors how to teach the CPSA method of shooting a simple target and how the novice should handle a gun safely. To prepare candidates for the Level 1 Instructor course. Course Overview: By the end of the course, candidates will have experience in: Communicating the essentials of safe shotgun handling to a novice shooter. Determining the master eye of a pupil. Showing a novice how to hit a simple target using the CPSA method. The basic principles of gun fit. Analysis and correction of simple faults in shooting technique. Have the candidate's underpinning shooting knowledge of layouts and disciplines established. This course is intended as an introduction to shotgun instruction. Prospective Instructors who attend this course will be expected to practice what they have learnt at their home club before taking the first level of Instructor qualification. Candidates on this course receive full Level1 Instructor course material but no qualifications. The course is a prerequisite to doing the CPSA Level 1 Instructors Course. The course tutor will provide feedback to attendees at the end of the course. Shooting ability will be assessed during this course. A short appraisal of observed competence and a further training plan is issued. This course may be repeated as many times as the Tutor recommends, or customised in a one to one to deal with specific development requirements. 8
CPSA Level 1 Instructor Enclosure 4 Duration: Qualification: Entry Requirements: Location: 5 Days CPSA Level 1 Instructor In date CPSA Safety Officer Successfully attended CPSA Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) course In date Full CPSA membership Various Cost: Dependant on numbers attending. (Approx max cost 450) Equipment required: Personal shooting equipment and Shotgun Complete Instructor tool kit as briefed on IDW course In date Shotgun Certificate Course Aim: To qualify an Instructor to safely introduce a novice client to shoot a simple crossing target. Course Overview: By the end of the course, candidates will be able to: Assess gun fit for their pupil and make adjustments accordingly. Conduct shooting lessons in a competent manner. Diagnose faults in shooting technique and be able to rectify them. Demonstrate good communication skills. Teach best practice of range safety and shotgun control to the client. Use their diagnostic ability to specify reasons for faults. Explain instructional content. To administer and grant Shotguns Skills modules 1 & 2 Utilise ability to instill confidence in the pupil. The course assessors combined opinions and written paper on the last two days of the course determines a pass or fail. Re-assessment is available at additional cost for those who do not attain the necessary standard. It is a pre-requisite that re-assessment candidates attend another Instructor Development Workshop session. Course material for the Level1 Instructor course is provided at the IDW one day course. Level One Instructors are qualified to deliver the CPSA Shotgun Skills Certificate in a programmed introductory lesson; and are eligible to assist on CPSA, IDW, and Level1 Instructor courses. Successful candidates are awarded a CPSA certificate and cloth badge. HQ CPSA will also require all successful candidates to have a CRB check. 9