A. Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan

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Gabriel Doyle
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1 A Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan

2 Dear Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Leader, Welcome to the Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education & Recreation Program. You will play an integral role in creating a pathway for positive youth development. You will enable the young men and women you encounter to fan their sparks of interest into flames, participate in principled and high quality programs, engage in continuing education, and develop relationships with caring adults. I can think of no better 4-H program than shooting sports to teach life and social skills that make our community s youngest citizens open to challenge and discovery, feel they have a sense of purpose, affirm the importance of a transcendent force, accepting of personal responsibility, felel positive and optimistic, and able to set and achieve realistic goals. While it is hoped that your 4-H members will break their first clay targets with their first pull of the triggers or score bulls eyes with their first arrows loosed, it is important to remember that safe shooting skills, decision making, teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, and problem solving are important and enduring traits you can help youth obtain. Oregon has a strong 4-H Shooting Sports Program. It continues to grow each year through your efforts. The program is designed to promote positive youth development through education, recreation, and healthy competition. To this end, I am pleased to introduce the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan. This Plan is in place to assist you as leaders and parents to better prepare you and your 4-H members for safe, responsible, and fun shooting sports experiences. I am truly grateful and appreciative of your willingness to share your time, talent, and treasure with Oregon 4-H members. Enjoy your journey as well. Respectfully, David J. White, PhD Associate Professor Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education & Recreation Coordinator 3893 SW Airport Way, Redmond OR Telephone (541) x 7953 Fax (541) david.white@oregonstate.edu For more information about the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Program, visit: 2

3 Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan These policy statements evolved from careful thought on the part of the State Shooting Sports Training Team, 4-H administrators, examination of policy guidelines from other states and the National Shooting Sports Committee, and consideration of needs and questions related to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program in Oregon. Situation Statement The Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Program is a part of the Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education & Recreation program area. It is intended to utilize 4-H Shooting Sports as a vehicle for developing important life and social skills in the youth and adults participating in the program. The program originated with the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program, and currently includes instructional skill disciplines in archery, hunting, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, shotgun, and Oregon Western Heritage which includes western action shooting. Related developmental activities will be included through advancement programs. The Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Program does not support reloading. Reloading shall not be offered as county only projects. County/local 4-H programs must utilize leaders trained through the State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team. In addition, county/local 4-H programs must follow all requirements as covered in this plan in order to have a program recognized by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Program, the State 4-H Program Leader, and the Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement. Program Goals To provide a physically and psychologically safe, controlled environment for the learning of safe and responsible use, custody, storage, and transportation of firearms and archery equipment. Identify, develop and promote positive advocacy roles for youth to emulate as responsible stewards of our environment. Provide youth and adults with knowledge, skills and opportunities to participate in shooting sports. Develop life skills in youth and adults including: self-esteem, decision-making, communications, concern for community, and inquiring minds. Encourage participation in natural resources and related natural science programs. Promote awareness of shooting sports as an educational, recreational, and athletic sport; and provide positive competitive opportunities for those who desire to participate. Develop responsibility, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, respect, and safety to the highest standards. Implement a model state-level approved training program for adult leaders. Provide opportunities that are accessible by all audiences. 3

4 Create a quality positive youth development program evidenced by partnerships that reflect resource development, program innovation, quality delivery of instruction, and access to research-based knowledge. Administration The 4-H Youth Development Specialist for Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education and Recreation and 4-H Program Leader will administer the program with guidance from the 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team. The Shooting Sports Training Team will assist in the following: Administering the program, including recommending policy. Developing a state approved program outline for counties to follow. Conducting educational activities to train leaders as 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders. Providing curriculum for all county programs from the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. Developing informational materials to be used in publicizing the program. Providing orientation and guidance to county staff on the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Program and its policies. Initiate resource development in partial support of programming. Operating Policies All persons wishing to be Oregon 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders will participate in a 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader workshop and will be trained to teach specific disciplines by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team before providing sole leadership for a county 4-H shooting sports club. Only leaders who successfully complete this state training, are enrolled as a county 4-H volunteer and have filed a Shooting Sports Leader Information Form C with the county 4-H faculty will be considered 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders. Leaders will participate in continuing education when new materials or new instructional methods are developed in order to maintain state level 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader qualification. Multiple disciplines may be achieved at state-sponsored trainings. A participant must attend full time at the training sessions to complete training requirements. The instructor in each class reserves the right to not pass a person if he/she feels the candidate is not ready to serve as a Master leader. Assistant leaders and adults, over the age of 21, who have not completed a 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader workshop, cannot provide live fire, hands-on or safety 4

5 instruction without a trained 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader present. Youth assistants must be in the presence of and under the immediate supervision of a trained 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader to make sure their assistants are qualified to work with youth in shooting sports. If the 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader is not available for a club meeting involving a live-fire activity or hands-on instruction, shooting instruction cannot be provided. The meeting or activity should be canceled or a program offered that does not involve livefire or handling of firearms. Liability insurance is provided to every enrolled 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader who is operating within Oregon 4-H Program Guidelines. The Guidelines are in this document ( A) and the County 4-H Shooting Sports Management Guidelines ( B). The 4-H Shooting Sports Program will be taught as a group project activity, or in sessions such as camp, special interest clubs, etc. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program is not open for independent members. The program is open to all regular 4-H members who meet the age requirements of the Oregon 4-H Program (9 to 19 years of age) and enrolled in the County 4-H program in a 4-H Shooting Sports club. Eligibility to use a firearm in the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Program is subject to the approval of the 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader. The approval is based on the member s ability to follow instructions, and consistently follow all firearms safety rules. A firearm is any device that emits a projectile. Ear and eye protection will be used by all participants, leaders, and observers whenever there is live fire at a pistol, rifle, muzzle loading, shotgun, or western action shooting range. Eye protection may be required for archery participants, leaders and observers whenever there is air, rim fire, muzzle loaded, shotgun, or center fire near an archery range. A 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader has the right to refuse any participant from taking part in a shooting sports activity in the interest of safety for the participant, others in the club, or public. All 4-H Shooting Sports activities will be organized and conducted with at least one trained 4-H Master Shooting Sports Trainer or Leader from the state or county. 5

6 Variance from the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports procedures will negate the state s tort liability for that 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader. Accident insurance shall be in place for all 4-H members and leaders before youth can handle firearms. 4-H member enrollment forms are to be on file with the 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader and county office for every 4-H shooting sports participant. Leader Training Requirements The Oregon 4-H program requires the use of 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders to conduct classes in the various disciplines: archery, hunting, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, shotgun, and western action shooting. No youth may be trained until the adult leader meets the following requirements: 1. Have on file at the County Extension Office a completed OSU Extension Service 4-H Volunteer Services Application and Official 4-H Enrollment Form as prescribed by the Oregon Extension Service. 2. Have no felony convictions. 3. Have no convictions of hunting, fishing, or gun related violations in the past five years. 4. Must be 21 years of age or older at the time they complete an approved 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader workshop, and obtain the signature of the county 4-H faculty on the workshop enrollment form. 5. Attend 12 hour state leader training sessions administered by the Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team. 4-H Shooting Sports workshops offered in Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or California will be accepted. Written documentation of participation in another state s workshop must be submitted to the Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education & Recreation Coordinator. 6. Complete and submit to the county 4-H faculty an Oregon 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader Information Form C. This sheet will be kept on file by the county 4-H faculty. Training and Renewals 1. In order to continue with a club or program, 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders must re-enroll in the county 4-H program every year and run an active club. The leader must complete a 4-H Shooting Sports Club Risk Management Plan D and an Oregon 4- H Club Shooting Sports Activity Planning and Reporting Form F. These forms are to be submitted to the county 4-H faculty at the discretion of the 4-H faculty. The 4-H year runs from October 1 of the current year to September 30 of the next year. 2. After two years of inactivity, a 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader must repeat the 12- hour State Master Shooting Sports training. 6

7 3. Renewal or updates will be required of all leaders when new teaching materials become available, or when the State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team initiates a program change. Failure to complete required continuing education in the specified timeframe will result in loss of qualification as a 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader. 4. A 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader may obtain training or renewal through a qualifying state training in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, or California H Master Shooting Sports Leaders are encouraged to upgrade their skills via training with NRA, DNR, etc H Master Shooting Sports Leaders are encouraged to complete Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Program. Duties & Responsibilities of 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders 1. Provide basic instruction on proper shooting techniques. Other available science, technology, engineering, math, civic engagement, and healthy curricula should be incorporated into the classes as appropriate. 2. Encourage an adult to participate in the entire club program with each participating youth. 3. Provide a positive shooting experience and help develop life skills. 4. Promote shooting safety and safe practices with youth and adults. 5. Be familiar with 4-H objectives and philosophy. 6. Keep updated and qualified by teaching classes and attending 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader renewal or up-date sessions as they become available. 7. Secure safe facilities and equipment for youth participation. 8. Ensure that all participants, leaders and by-standers will wear ear and eye protection whenever there is live fire as specified in the policy section of this document. 9. Recruit additional 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders as needed. 10. Help plan the yearly program. 11. Maintain enrollment forms and report all shooting sports data to County Extension Offices as specified in the reporting section of this document. 12. Maintain communication with county 4-H faculty. 13. Attend competitions with interested members, or coordinate with another 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders who is in charge of or is attending a competition. 14. Encourage adult participants to enroll in a club as an assistant leader. 15. A 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader who is operating in an unsafe manner or is not in compliance with the 4-H program guidelines and/or 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader standards, is subject to dismissal from the 4-H Program. Reporting All reports and forms must be completed by the 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader or designee. At the discretion of the county 4-H faculty, all Shooting Sports activities, including camp activities, will be reported to the county 4-H faculty. 7

8 Storage and transportation of Firearms and Ammunition Guidelines in 4-H Programs and County 4-H Facilities Positive role modeling is a very important part of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. The program especially promotes models that represent both safety and responsibility in handling of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment by youth and adults. It is essential that the safe storage of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment be demonstrated at all times. In addition, organizations or individuals that have donated or loaned firearms to the program are entitled to know that they are being stored in a safe and secure way. General policy: All firearms owned by a county 4-H program and stored on non OSU owned or controlled property for purposes of club use will be stored unloaded. They will be stored separately from ammunition in lockable metal gun cabinets or gun safes. Lockable metal gun cabinets (e.g. Stack-on), should be located within lockable closets and secured to the floor and/or wall within closets. Each firearm should be fitted with an individual safety-locking device such as a trigger or action lock. When contained and when applicable the actions will be open (e.g. over/under or side by side shotguns store more easily with the actions closed). All ammunition must be stored securely and separately from the firearms. If firearms are stored at an OSU owned or controlled property, (i.e. County Extension office) refer to the policy for Use and Storage of Firearms on OSU Owned or Controlled Property or contact the Specialist for Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education and Recreation. All recurve or long bows will be stored unstrung with the exception of compound bows. Bows and arrows should be stored in lockable closets. Responsible actions taken for use, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, loss, theft, or missing firearms: 1. Trained 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders or County Extension Offices may store county firearms and ammunition. The latter is possible by means of Oregon Administrative Rule H Program firearms and archery equipment are used by 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leaders solely for use in 4-H Shooting Sports. Under no circumstances can they be used for personal purposes H Program firearms and archery equipment owned by a county 4-H program may be loaned to 4-H club programs. The 4-H faculty or 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader who has custody of them is responsible for maintaining a record of their current location ( G). 4. An inventory of all equipment will be maintained that must include serial number, make and model, gauge/caliber, and or other identifying features. Date of acquisition, purchase price or estimated value and related information will be listed as appropriate. 8

9 5. All firearms, during club meetings or competitive events, are to be racked with actions open and clear bore indicators in place; except when on the firing line. Archery equipment will be racked and may be strung during club and competitive events. 6. Firearms will never be stored or transported loaded or in the same container as ammunition. All firearms and archery equipment used for live fire will be inspected by the trained 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader to verify they are in safe working condition before use. When in question, the services of a certified gunsmith should be employed. 7. Every 4-H activity (practice, meeting, event, etc.) will begin with a shooting safety education component to assure that all firearms and archery equipment are handled safely. 8. County 4-H faculty should contact their local public safety offices with inquiries about specific county or city ordinances. 9. A firearm that needs to be removed from use/circulation and inventory, due to an inability to repair it or fire it safely, must be disposed. Safe disposal requires that firearms be rendered inoperable. Firearms and archery equipment can be cut, with saw or torch, or shredded in such a manner that they cannot be reassembled. Questions about firearms disposal can be directed to Dr. David J. White, Oregon 4-H Outdoor Education and Recreation, or david.white@oregonstate.edu. 10. Lost, stolen, or missing firearms and archery equipment stored at a non OSU owned or controlled property must be reported to the local police or sheriff, with jurisdiction, within 48 hours of the discovery. Once reported, notify the 4-H faculty member in the county and Dr. David J. White, Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, or david.white@oregonstate.edu. Inventory records will be updated to show the case number assigned to the report ( H). 9

Shooting Sports Program Policies and Procedures 8/2009

Shooting Sports Program Policies and Procedures 8/2009 Introduction History: The 4-H YDP shooting sports program has been around for years in many guises in California. Originally it might have occurred as an archery or rifle program at a 4-H summer camp.