The Role of a Range Officer
The Range Officer (RO) is the key figure ensuring safety on our various shooting ranges and is responsible for enforcing all rules and supervising shooter conduct, identifying and correcting unsafe practices, managing incidents, and maintaining a secure environment through clear commands and constant vigilance.
In addition the RO acts as the frontline person for preventing accidents and ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
The ROs key responsibilities are:
• Enforcing rules and ensuring we comply with the relevant State and Territory Legislation (Firearms Acts), the WHS (Work Health & Safety Act), and other specific range rules contained in their Range Standing Orders.
• Monitoring shooters actively to spot potential hazards or deviations from safe handling procedures.
• Setting up the range for use and completing post-practice administration and refurbishments.
• Ensuring that new shooters are educated on proper techniques, stance, and firearm handling.
• Providing sounds pre firing briefings and Issuing clear, audible instructions like "Range Open," "Cease Fire," and "Unload " to control shooting activities.
• Responding to and managing any accidents, malfunctions, or unsafe situations according to agreed protocol.
• Promote a positive and enjoyable environment while upholding high range safety standards.
If done correctly we achieve the following outcomes:
• Firstly that we conduct target shooting in a safe manner.
• Protected our sport by maintaining our strong safety record.
• Ensure our members (RO and shooters) are covered by the NRAA insurance policy should an accident or incident occur.
This role is absolutely critical to the success of our sport and our ability to ensure we can conduct our activities regularly at all our rifle ranges across NSW. Without competent Range Officers our chosen sport would not continue.
