Safety Code please read .
Safety with any type of firearm is the responsibility of everyone participating in shooting. The following safety rules MUST be observed at all times whilst on the club premises. The two most fundamental rules are:
✔ Always treat your gun as loaded.
✘ Never point a gun at anyone
The majority of the other rules arise from the application of these two rules in different circumstances.
Handling a Gun
When you get out your gun, check that it is unloaded and that it is not cocked.
Show that the gun is unloaded before handing it to another person.
When you put your gun away, check that it is unloaded and that it is not cocked. NEVER put a gun away that is loaded.
When you are given a gun, check that it is unloaded and that it is not cocked. If you don’t know how to do this, ask the owner.
Never pick up a gun without the permission of the owner.
Remember that it is better to check that a gun is unloaded 100 times too often than once not enough!
Operating a Gun
Keep the gun pointing down range when in use.
Load the gun pointing down range.
If you are using a break barrel or under-lever, where the breach could snap shut on your fingers, keep hold of the barrel/cocking lever when loading the pellet.
Moving Around with the Gun
Never move between lanes or on the zero range with a loaded gun.
When moving between lanes, open the breach and remove any magazines from the rifle.
When carrying the gun, it must not be cocked, the magazine must also be removed and the gun carried with the muzzle pointing down.
When moving around the club grounds please be careful of trip and slip hazards as well as
low hanging branches or any hazards that may course injury. We operate in a woodland environment so care must be exercised at all time.
Range Commands
Ceasefire - when you hear a SINGLE blast on a whistle .
All guns must be discharged safely over the firing line into the ground and remain unloaded and pointing down range or at the ground.
Sighting or shouldering of guns is not allowed during a ceasefire.
TWO blasts of a whistle ends the ceasefire. If in doubt ask someone else.
Please pay attention to the safety briefing before each shoot.
General
Never cross the firing line, for whatever reason, unless a ceasefire has been called and you are told it is safe to do so by a marshal.
Do not rely on safety catches to keep you and others safe.
Observe all the basic safety rules when dry firing.
Please remember this is a gun club not a social club or playground, whether you are shooting or a spectator, safety is paramount.
If you are a parent please make sure your child is under supervision at all times and not left to wander about whether in the car park, on the course or on the zero range.
Please ensure all litter in put in the bin and not on the floor.
Remember although we have marshals, do not be afraid to tell anyone you see being unsafe.
If you see any new people approach them and ask can you help. Do not ignore them hoping someone else will.
Membership guidelines : Please read
a) Membership of the club is open to anyone, at the discretion of the Club’s Committee, provided that they are legally permitted to possess, use, or own an airgun and that they agree to accept and conform to the Club’s rules and safety code, pay such fees as are required and are within the age ranges specified by the Club. It shall however, be at the discretion of the Committee to accept or decline applications for membership, their decision being final.
b) All airguns used on the Club’s grounds shall conform to the legal limits that are in force at the time. (Currently a maximum of 12 foot pounds for all air rifles and 6 foot pounds for pistols). The club may at any time require a member or guests to submit their air rifle to a chronographic test. Failure to comply will result in the member been barred from the club until they have complied. Guests will be asked to leave the grounds immediately.
c) No guns requiring a Firearms Certificate shall be used on the Club’s Ground, either by members or their guests.
d) Members inviting guests to participate in Club activities shall be held responsible for the behaviour of those guests and shall ensure that they are made aware of, and conform to, the Club’s safety rules.
e) No member shall touch another member’s gun(s), equipment or possessions without first obtaining the owner’s permission.
f) All members shall make themselves aware of the laws governing the possession and safe use of airguns. Under 14’s may only join the club at the Committee’s discretion, provided that they show they are capable of safely handling and using an airgun and have a regular attendance over a trial period not exceeding 6 months. When shooting, those under 18 years of age shall be directly supervised by a parent, or other person over the age of 21 years.
g) There shall be two classes of Club member, namely junior and adult. Under 18 year olds will be classed as juniors, whilst 18 year olds and above will be classed as adults. However, at shoots run by other HFT/FT clubs. The hosting clubs own grading system will apply.
h) Nothing other than approved targets shall be shot at on the Club site. ( targets shall be metal silhouettes or paper ) No animals, birds or vermin shall be deliberately shot on the Club’s ground by members or their guests.
i) Members can only shoot at the club’s ground during officially sanctioned shoots.
j) All members of the club shall have cover for shooting activities at the club via The Club’s Insurance policy. Members are advised to cover their equipment for loss or damage via their own Household Contents Insurance and should be reminded that the insurance only applies when shooting at the club or when representing the club at Competitions at other venues. They should insure separately to cover themselves when shooting at home or elsewhere.
k) Only approved rifles and pistol pellets shall be used on the Club’s ground. The use of any other type of pellet requires permission before use. no pellets that have not been specifically designed by an air gun pellet manufacturer.
l) Any member breaking the Club’s rules or safety code risks expulsion. In the case of a member being expelled, no refund of fees will be made. Any member convicted of an offence involving airgun miss-use will be automatically expelled.
m) All members and their guests, before going onto the range, must be signed in by the attending range supervisor or one of the club’s committee members. Failure to do so may result in persistent defaulters being expelled from the Club.
n) Upon completion of your 6 mouths probationary period at the Club, and on approval by the management committee, members will be issued with a membership card.
(o) On receiving your application for membership, and your joining fee, you will be subject to a 6 month’s probationary period . At any time during this period we reserve the right to terminate your application for membership without explanation.
(p)Any member found to be causing damage to club property or the site, will be required to answer to the committee. The committee reserve the right to terminate membership or impose lesser restrictions on the individual concerned.
(q)Any member found to be deliberately adopting practices which may lead to loss of club revenue or constitute an unjustified slanderous or libellous statement against the Club, will forfeit his/her membership and any monies paid.
(r)Any member deemed to be acting not in the best interests of Horsham Hawks HFT Airgun Club will forfeit any membership including monies paid and may be subject to a ban from all meetings taking place on club property at the discretion of the Horsham Hawks HFT Airgun Club committee.
