i need a safety briefing outline

[dickwholliday]

we've started an IDPA Program at Buccaneer Gun Club in Wilmington NC www.buccaneergunclub.org and i'd like to have a safety briefing that i can read before every match......anybody got such a thing???? thanks...D I C K.......

[Steve J]

Ours in an outline format. Talk through the points. Tailor it to fit your club and range. You can also find some very good New Shooter and SO information here http://www.nepaidpascores.net/ and here http://www.ccidpa.org/

1. Welcome

2. Safety first, then have fun.

3. Explain cold range procedures and safe table area.

No magazine. Hammer down on an empty chamber.

Must remain holstered until SO says “load and make ready”.

Firearms may be handled at Safe Table but do not handle ammunition or loaded magazines.

4. Explain range commands:

A. Load and Make Ready.

B. Shooter Ready.

C. Standby.

D. Finger.

E. Muzzle.

F. Stop.

G. Cover.

H. Unload and Show Clear.

I. Slide Down or Cylinder Closed.

J. Hammer Down.

K. Holster.

L. Range Is Safe.

DO NOT ANTICIPATE COMMANDS

Move only when the SO commands

6. Explain 180 or Muzzle Safe Points as it applies to the range and keeping stray rounds in the backstop.

7. Explain about safe ammunition. Two squibs and you’re done. (Range and Club Policy)

8. Explain about hearing and eye protection for shooters and visitors.

9. Remind legal guardians to be near the line (participating) when their junior is shooting and to maintain control of shooting and non-shooting juniors at all times.

10. Explain the need to help tape and reset between shooters and to help tear down after the match.

11. Explain brass policy (e.g. Brass belongs to the shooter, Lost brass match, Brass only after the match is over, etc.)

12. Introduce new shooters and welcome.

13. Squad and bay assignments.

Let’s Shoot. Be safe, have fun.

[Ted Murphy]

we've started an IDPA Program at Buccaneer Gun Club in Wilmington NC www.buccaneergunclub.org and i'd like to have a safety briefing that i can read before every match......anybody got such a thing???? thanks...D I C K.......

I've got one at http://www.pennjerseyidpa.com and click on the information link

[salilus]

Feel free to use ours and change the names as needed.

Welcome to Cross Timber’s IDPA! Defensive pistol shooting as a sport uses practical equipment to solve simulated self defense scenarios. All participants will learn and practice responsible gun handling while having a great time. IDPA is a local club sport. We’re glad you're here! You can be comfortable with your safety on our range. Every person here is a volunteer -the Board of Directors, Match Directors, Safety Officers and other shooters.

Basically, there are 2 sets of rules:

1. The game rules, with time added to score - minor

2. The safety rules with DQ - serious & draconian.

A Safety Officer (SO) will be assisting you at each and every match. An SO’s two primary jobs are:

1. To oversee and command the safe operation of your weapon

2. To assist the shooter – They are here to help you!

Safety is our first concern. CTIDPA runs a “cold” range. All weapons are unloaded and have an empty magwell all times. You will only load your gun when the Safety Officer instructs you to do so. You will NOT handle you gun at ANY TIME during the match or when preparing for the match unless you are under the supervision of an SO or in a designated safe area. When in doubt, please ask someone before handling your firearm. The “Safe Area” locations will be shown to you. You may handle your unloaded firearm ONLY n this area without the supervision of an SO when you “gear-up” for the match. NO AMMUNITION IS ALLOWED IN SAFE AREA.

IDPA has a formal set of commands used while shooting a course of fire (COF). These help provide the safest environment possible. Failure to follow the commands of the SO or Match Director (MD), or unsportsman-like conduct, can lead to disqualification from the match. Here is a list of things that will get you disqualified:

1. Endangering yourself or anyone else with a loaded weapon

2. Any shot that goes over the berm (outdoor range) or into the side walls or ceiling (indoor range)

3. Any shot into the ground either behind or in front closer than 6 feet

4. Grossly unsafe and/or belligerent behavior

5. Repeated safety violations or failure to correct finger or muzzle on command

6. Dropping a loaded weapon

We never want to disqualify anyone, but it does happen on occasion. You will not be allowed to shoot the remainder of the match. A DQ does not mean you have to leave, it simply means you cannot shoot the remainder of the match. You may return and participate in the next match. We welcome you to stay and participate in other ways.

Although there is not an official “180” rule, we typically observe this at all times (especially indoors!). If not, you will be instructed by the SO as to the muzzle “safe points”. The 180 is side to side as well as up and down. Pointing down at your feet or up at the ceiling is extremely dangerous. Please keep your firearm parallel to the ground, pointed downrange and your finger along side the frame at all times you are handling your firearm and not actively shooting. Also, although you may go as fast as you like while shooting safely, you are not being timed to load, show clear or holster. Please take all the time you require to perform these tasks safely. Please holster your weapon at the request of the SO and wait for his “Range is safe” command before you retrieve any ammunition or magazines.

Standard Range Commands:

Do you understand the course of fire?

Load and make ready

Shooter ready?

Stand by….

Unload and show clear

Slide, hammer, holster

Range is safe

Safety Issue Commands:

Finger

Muzzle

STOP

After the “Stand by” command, you may not move until the time beeps. The timer beep is your indication to safely draw your loaded weapon and start shooting.

“Cover” is a command used by the SO when the shooter is not using cover appropriately. This is a courtesy call and is not required by IDPA rules. Usually, if the shooter corrects the violation prior to the next shot, the procedural error will not be issued.

If at any time during a COF the shooter drops a loaded gun, DO NOT pick up your gun. The SO will pick the gun up and return it to a safe condition.

If at any time during a COF the shooter falls down, the shooter is to: STOP SHOOTING and do not move. Ensure your finger is off the trigger and keep the muzzle pointed down range while you await instructions from the SO. The MD and SO will determine if the shooter is allowed to re-shoot the COF.

You will be assigned a Mentor to educate you of COF/game/cover/reload rules.

Please ask questions. Lots of questions. We hope you enjoy your 1^st match with CTIDPA and many more to come.

[Jane]

We have a handout that we give to the shooters at the new shooters orientation. And the SO doing the orientation goes over it and explains what things mean.

The handout seems a good idea because it's possible that people may be a bit nervous at their first match and suffer from information overload. So they have something to refer back to.

A copy of what we hand out and go over is here.

Edited April 20, 2010 by Jane

[Steve Koski]

That's awesome Jane. I may plagerize large chunks of it. Is that OK?

Koski

[Jane]

That's awesome Jane. I may plagerize large chunks of it. Is that OK?

Koski

Steve,

one of my mottos is "only steal from the best"

If it's useful, go for it...