THESE NEW RULES BECAME EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021
With nine (9) separate ranges, (two of which are Training Ranges) one simple set of rules to cover all ranges was no longer sufficient. In the last three years, we have seen a sharp increase in range violations, rule infractions and unnecessary damage to the facilities. Most of it was confusion about rules. For example, some things are permissible on one range, but not on another. And yes, Some of it were 5%'ers who simply don't care.
Training Ranges are for use by qualified individuals only. Do not use without prior board approval.
- LFGC GENERAL RANGE RULES
- 25 AND 50 YARD UTILITY RANGE RULES
- 200 AND 400 YARD RANGE RULES
- 50 AND 100 YARD RANGE RULES
- SPORTING CLAYS RANGE
- ARCHERY RANGE RULES
- HUNTING, FISHING AND TRAPPING RULES
- LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS
NECESSITY FOR THE CHANGE
We've always taken pride in the fact that LFGC was the, "Model of Brevity," in that we don't have rules that reflect tastes and preferences of FUDD's or entrenched leaders. Our rules are rules of, "Utility," meaning, if they aren't necessary, they don't exist. We have continued with that philosophy and we've had member input at every stage.
GOALS OF THESE CHANGES
We sought to cut down on safety violations at the ranges. With a Single page jumble of rules, we were not confident people were taking time to read the rules. Others were just breaking the rules and expecting us to accept ignorance. This will change going forward. Our rules have never been overly demanding, nor do we as club leaders hound our members, Lording over and confront them when rules are broken. It's not our style and we won't have it. Inversely, these rules will be enforced.
OUR APPROACH
We decided that each range should have it's own specific range rules. We all know well there are some things that can be done on one range, but not on another. That confusion has caused folks confusion. The approach we utilized is the based on NRA Chief Range Safety Officer guidance. For those of you that are certified as RSO's You will recall from your training that there are three types of rules: General Range Rules, Site Specific (or Range Specific) Rules, and Administrative Rules. When we embarked on this endavor, we broke out rules that fit into those three categories.
Given how are rules were traditionally organized, We boiled them down to two specific categories for LFGC: General Range Rules and Range Specific rules.
GENERAL RANGE RULES. cover all the ranges. They deal globally with shooting hours, safety issues, and all aspects of a general nature that apply to all of our ranges. There are eighteen rules.
RANGE SPECIFIC RULES. deal specifically with the use of the particular range a member is on. On average these rules only number about 7-8 total. They contain specifics such as, "Tannerite use Not allowed on this range, but allowed on that range, etc." Each range will have a copy of each posted prominently.
NEW RULES. New rule adoption or current rule adoption was minimal. For example, LFGC no longer allows Tannerite use on the 25 Yard Utility Range; We've eliminated all shotgun use from the 200 Yard range (We tried it and failed...Seems some members cannot differentiate between slugs and shot...But we gave it a fair shake) We've added a whole set of rules for the Sporting Clays Range...Why? We had none, that's why. We have added another rule (administrative) prohibiting the climbing of the berms without prior Leadership consent. And, we've added a new rules about Hunting, Fishing and Trapping on Club property. Specifically, Tree stands being removed no later than April 15 of each year. Aside from those changes, all the rules largely stayed the same, save for some clean-up in how they were worded.
PROMULGATION. We had two readings of the rules and scheduled a special meeting of the general membership where each change was reviewed. Members present were able to comment and have input. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made and the rule modifications were adopted. The Rules are attached below. Simply click on the link heading title and the rules are in PDF form for downloading and printing. Additionally, A list of the prohibited items is included for purposes of review.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DOWNLOAD THESE RULES IN PDF SO THAT YOU HAVE THEM.
