WATAUGA GUN CLUB
MEMBERSHIP
AND
SAFETY MANUAL
REVISED
2002/2003
Membership and Safety Manual
The material contained herein shall be
considered the official Rules and Handbook of The Watauga Gun Club. These
Rules supersede all previously published, or otherwise communicated, rules,
policies and procedures.
FIREARMS IN SAFE CONDITION..
Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns
GENERAL FIREARMS HANDLING RULES..
Section II: ORGANIZED SHOOTS AND ACTIVITIES..
JANUARY .22 CALIBER REVOLVER..
FEBRUARY .22 CALIBER TARGET HANDGUN .
MARCH .22 CALIBER TARGET RIFLE .
APRIL .22 CALIBER TARGET RIFLE MATCH .
OCTOBER NRA HANDGUN QUALIFICATION MATCH..
NOVEMBER .22 RIM-FIRE SPORTER RIFLE..
Section III: CLUB RULES, POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND BYLAWS..
BYLAWS OF THE WATAUGA GUN CLUB..
Article VII – Duties of Officers.
Article VIII – Suspension or Expulsion.
Amendment I – Regular Membership.
Amendment II – Associate or Junior Membership.
Amendment III – Targets on Bench Rest Range.
Amendment V – Members Aged 18-21 Unsupervised Long-gun Use.
Amendment VI –Range Officer Empowered Authority.
Amendment VII- 5 Hours Work/$50.
Section IV: SAFETY BRIEFING/OPERATION CHECKLIST.
The purpose of this book is to orientate the
new member, as well as the veteran member, to the proper way of using the
Watauga Gun club facility. Club members have the opportunity to
participate in organized activities with pistol, rifle and shotgun and are
encouraged to do so. Membership participation is important to insure
smooth operation of an event, plus it helps to spread the work load so all
members can enjoy the sport. Members also have the benefit of being able
to use the range, individually or in small groups, to practice with their
firearms, test ammunition, sight in weapons or simply practice. It is
during this type of range use the Honor system is important to help maintain
range equipment and keep the range clean and attractive.
Safety is a paramount concern at the Watauga
Gun club. It is therefore the responsibility of each member to be aware
of the Rules of The Club and especially safe handling of firearms. It is
further the responsibility of each member to instruct any family member and or
guest that use the Club.
Accidents are preventable; that is our
goal. Please read the following information and listen to your range
safety officer carefully. Please always be vigilant and do not hesitate
to call a “CEASE FIRE” if you observe any unsafe situation. Please report
all unsafe situations to a Club Official immediately.
READ
THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
THINK
SAFE, ACT SAFE, BE SAFE!
Members of the Watauga Gun Club are
responsible for the safe handling of firearms while on the Club property.
These rules apply to all members, family members, and guests while at the Club
for practice or sanctioned shooting events.
A.
Unholstered
1.
Revolvers: cylinder open and no
ammunition in the charge holes.
2.
Pistol: magazine removed, slide locked
open, empty chamber, safety engaged if applicable.
B.
Holstered
1.
Revolvers: cylinder empty, hammer down
2.
Pistol: magazine removed, slide
released, hammer down, safety engaged
A.
Bolt actions: bolt open or out, chamber
empty, magazine empty or removed, safety engaged.
B.
Pump and semi-auto: action locked open,
chamber empty, magazine empty or removed, safety engaged.
C.
Lever action: action open, chamber
empty, magazine empty or removed, safety engaged.
A.
Hinged action (side by side, over &
under, single barrel): action open, chamber empty, safety engaged if
applicable.
B.
Pump and semi-auto: action open, chamber
empty, magazine empty or removed, safety engaged if applicable.
C.
Bolt action: action open, chamber empty,
magazine empty or removed, safety engaged if applicable.
1.
The use of alcohol before or during
handling of weapons is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
2.
Insure that all family members and guests
know firearm safety handling procedures. Children and guests must,
at all times, be under direct and positive supervision of adult club member(s)
when using the club and especially when firing weapons.
3.
All firearms transported from a vehicle
to the range must be in SAFE (OPEN) CONDITION. Each time a
weapon is removed from a vehicle or passed to another individual, as visual
inspection must be made to assure the weapon is in the SAFE CONDITION.
4.
When a firearm is not in actual use, the
safety will be activated and the breach open to show a clear chamber.
5.
Eye and ear protection MUST be utilized
at all times when firing or in the proximity of others firing a weapon.
6.
All firearms will be presumed to be
loaded at all times. DO NOT point a weapon at anyone or anything other
than the designated target.
7.
Dry firing is permitted only in
designated ranges and always in the downrange direction.
8.
No loaded firearms are allowed in the
clubhouse.
9.
The firing of firearms in other than the
designated ranges is prohibited.
10.
Unless approved by the Club, all forms
of hunting on Club property is prohibited.
11.
Shout ”CEASE FIRE” if you witness
a safety violation.
12.
IMMEDIATELY notify club officials of
safety rule violations.
13.
Strict discipline will be followed while
in the range. Horseplay will not be tolerated on the firing line.
14.
In the event of a misfire or
malfunction, keep you firearm pointed downrange and use extreme caution in
clearing the firearm.
15.
When you leave the firing line your
weapon will be clear and in a safe condition.
16.
Any violation of these safety rules can
be grounds for expulsion from the Watauga Gun Club.
The Watauga Gun Club is very active with
organized competition in arms in several different disciplines. Club
members as well as nonmembers are welcome and encouraged to participate in
these events. The benefits of competitions are numerous and one of the
most important benefits is the credibility that competition in arms adds to our
Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
During organized shooting events, the range
is controlled by the organization hosting the event. In most cases, the
entire range is not available for use. The calendar of organized club
shooting events is kept in the clubhouse POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD.
Check it often to prevent scheduling conflicts.
Requests to conduct organized shooting
events must be cleared by the Range Officer. Your organization, the type
of match you wish to conduct, and requested scheduling must be given to the
Range Officer in writing for approval.
Pistol matches sanctioned by the
International Defensive Pistol Association are held monthly at the Watauga Gun
Club. Any basically stock center-fire handgun of 9 mm/.38 SPL or larger
caliber is allowed. See a club official for a more complete listing of
the rules. These matches use practical equipment including full charge
ammunition to simulate “real world” scenarios. Shooters are required to
use practical handguns and holsters that are truly suitable for
self-defense. The shooter normally starts with their weapon loaded and
holstered and on demand draws and engages the targets. Accidents are
extremely rare and this is possible because of the strict adherence to established
safety rules and procedures. Violation of these rules will result in the
shooter being disqualified from any further participation in that match.
New shooters are welcome. Prior to any
match, new shooters are examined for proper equipment, safe gun handling is
explained, and the new shooter must demonstrate safe gun handling. For
more information, see one of the club officials.
“High Power” rifle events are held at
Watauga Gun Club. These matches are NRA approved events and the shooter
can receive classification after two matches. Any center-fire rifle up to
.30 caliber may be used. The weapon must be capable of holding five
rounds if bolt action, and eight rounds if semi-automatic action. The
weapon must be capable of being reloaded quickly, either via stripper clip or
box magazine. Sights must be metallic; scopes are not allowed.
Targets are engaged at 200 and 300 yards from standing, sitting, and prone
positions. For more information, see a club official.
Each year, there are three sessions of
league trap held at Watauga Gun Club. Much like a bowling league, the
league trap is formed out of four teams and there are spring, summer, and fall
leagues. Shooting is scheduled for Thursday evenings and starts at 4:30
pm. The conduct of league trap is relaxed and a good way to unwind after
a long day. This is an excellent form of practice for ATA sanctioned
events.
Trap events that are sanctioned by the
Amateur Trap Association are held at Watauga Gun Club monthly. These
events are generally held on the last weekend of the month and may be one, two
or three day events. Shooters from all over the east coast converge on
Watauga Gun Club for the fine matches, as we are as well known for our friendly
atmosphere as our mild weather. For more information on ATA Trap, see one
of the club officials.
The Range Officer conducts ten club matches
during the year, starting about 5:00 PM, preceding the monthly club
meeting. During these club matches no other shooting on any other range
is allowed.
The matches are open to all members,
applicants, and guests, although only the scores of members are counted for a
trophy. Each match ranks shooters by raw score for the First, Second, or
Third place trophies. Shooters participating in all ten matches receive
an award for such.
The shooter participating in all Shooter
of the Year matches and having the highest adjusted score is awarded the coveted
Shooter of the Year award. The adjusted score for each shooter is determined
by dividing all scores of that particular match by the highest score, then
multiplying each score by 100, thereby giving the scores of each match the
same percentage equivalence. All 10 of the club matches qualify toward
this award, but only the best seven scores for each club shooter are considered
toward the
DISTANCE-
50 feet
FIREARM-
Any .22 caliber sport revolver, iron sights only either fixed or
adjustable.
SIGHTS-
Excludes aimpoint, scope, or laser.
AMMUNITION-
.22 caliber short, long, or long rifle rim-fire.
TARGET-
B-3 Timed and Rapid Fire 50 foot Pistol.
PROCEDURE-
10 shots within a 10-minute time limit, employing a standing, off-hand
position.
LOCATION-
Rim-Fire Indoor Range (Quonset Hut)
DISTANCE-
50 feet
FIREARM-
Any .22 caliber target pistol or revolver with a two-pound minimum trigger
pull, a barrel length not of nor over ten inches, and sight radius of not over
ten inches.
SIGHTS-
No restrictions
AMMUNITION-
.22 caliber short, long, or long rifle rim-fire.
TARGET-
B-2 Slow-fire and B-3 Timed and Rapid-fire.
PROCEDURE-
All shots shall be taken standing and employing the off-hand position (one
hand, one arm).
1)
Slow-Fire: 10 shots within 10
minutes on the B-2 Target.
2)
Timed-Fire: 2 five round strings, 20
seconds per string on the B-3 Target.
3)
Rapid-Fire: 2 five round strings,
10 seconds per string on the B-3 Target.
Malfunctions shall cause the complete
re-firing of the 5-shot timed and/or rapid-fire strings, or all three
sequences, if more appropriate. Ties shall be resolved in favor of the
shooter having the highest rapid-fire score. Each shooter must call his
target before firing for record and have it witnessed.
LOCATION-
Rim-Fire Indoor Range (Quonset Hut)
DISTANCE-
50 feet
FIREARM-
Any .22 caliber rim-fire rifle conforming to current NRA specifications.
AMMUNITION-
.22 caliber rim-fire short, long, or long rifle; excluding .22 magnum.
TARGET-
A-17, 50 foot 10 bull
PROCEDURE-
The match shall consist of 10 shots fired from the prone position and 10 shots
fired from the standing position, with a 10-minute time limit allowed for each
position. Targets fired for record must be called for, so identified, and
witnessed to be scored for record. Only one shot allowed per bull for
record. Sight-in and practice shots are limited to 5 minutes on the
sight-in bull. Ties shall be resolved in favor of the shooter having the
highest standing score.
RESTRICTIONS-
A sling may be used in the prone position only.
LOCATION-
Rim-Fire Indoor Range (Quonset Hut)
DISTANCE-
50 yards
FIREARM-
Any .22 caliber rim-fire rifle conforming to current NRA specifications.
AMMUNITION-
.22 caliber rim-fire short, long, or long rifle; excluding .22 magnum.
TARGET-
A-23 four bull target
PROCEDURE-
Two positions are used for this match; NRA approved standing and prone.
In the standing position, 10 shots are fired in 10 minutes onto the A-23 4 bull
target set at 50 yards with a limit of 3 shots per bull. In the prone
position 10 shots are fired in 10 minutes onto the A-23 4 bull target set at 50
yards with a limit of 3 shots per bull. A new target is used for each
position. Targets to be scored for record must be so identified and
witnessed. Ties shall be resolved in favor of the shooter having the
highest score in the standing position.
RESTRICTIONS-
Slings may be used in the prone position only.
LOCATION-
50 yard Bench-Rest Range
The May handgun match is the most complex of the Club matches having two sight categories and three firing modes with timed strings in each mode.
DISTANCE-
25 yards and 50 yards
FIREARM-
Any handgun of .32 caliber or larger qualifies, but with the following
restrictions: neither barrel length nor sighting radius may exceed 10 inches
and the trigger pull must be no less than 2 pounds.
SIGHTS- The iron-sight division is restricted to iron sights only. The enhanced division allows usage of aimpoint, laser, or scope. Shooters may use only one handgun and shoot in only one division.
TARGET- B-6 and B-8
PROCEDURE- All shots shall be taken in the standard NRA approved off-hand position, standing. The slow-fire mode consists of 10 shots within 10 minutes using the B-6 target set at 50 yards. The timed-fire mode consists of 2 five round strings, 20 seconds per string on the B-8 target set at 25 yards. The rapid-fire mode consists of 2 five round strings, 10 seconds per string using the B-8 target set at 25 yards. Ties shall be resolved in favor of the shooter having the highest rapid-fire score. A malfunction shall cause the complete re-firing of the string it occurs in or mode, if appropriate. All shots for record must be called for, so identified, and witnessed.
LOCATION-
Pistol Range #2
DISTANCE- 16 yards
FIREARM- Any breach loading shotgun having a bore no larger than 12 gauge.
AMMUNITION- Shells shall comply with Amateur Trapshooting Association specifications, except for gauge; shell length may not exceed 2 ¾ inches, powder charge may not exceed 3 ¼ drams equivalent, and weight of shot may not exceed 1 1/8 ounces.
TARGET- Standard trap clay pigeon (90mm).
PROCEDURE- The first string of 25 rounds is shot from Trap Range #1 and the second string is promptly shot from Trap Range #2. Shooters must call for their target and be witnessed for it to be scored. Ties are resolved in favor of the shooter scoring the longest string of consecutively broken targets, the two strings counting as one long string of 50 targets.
LOCATION- Trap Ranges #1 and #2
The July meeting is traditionally the Club Picnic and match has no set parameters. At the discretion of the Range Officer various small matches for all club disciplines are encouraged.
DISTANCE- 100 to 300 yards
FIREARM- Any center-fire rifle of .17 caliber or larger but less than .50 caliber.
TARGET- Paper facsimiles of various varmints; mouse, rat, gopher, skink, raccoon, or ground hog.
PROCEDURE- Targets set at 100, 200, and 300 yards with the shooting line directly in front of the bench-rests. Shooters have 15 minutes to engage all three of their targets. Sequence of target engagement is at the shooter’s preference. Four shots are to be directed onto the 300-yard target, 3 shots onto the 200-yard target, and 3 shots onto the 100-yard target. Ties shall be resolved in favor of the shooter having the largest number of X’s. Only bipods or sandbags may be used for rifle support, as the shooting position is prone with only one round loaded at a time.
LOCATION- Bench-Rest Range
DISTANCE- 100 yards
FIREARM- Any center-fire rifle of .24 caliber or larger qualifies, but must weigh less than 10 pounds and have a trigger pull of at least 2 pounds (in the spirit of competition, any rifle normally used to hunt medium and/or large size game).
SIGHTS- Iron sights or a scope may be used. The power of the scope may not exceed 6X; the power setting on variables may not be set greater than 6X.
TARGET- Hunter Rifle 6 Bull; 5 bulls for record and 1 bull for sight-in.
PROCEDURE- Shooters have a 5-minute sight-in/practice period. Thereafter shooting for record will commence. Shooters have a 10-minute time limit to engage the 5 for-record bulls with 1 shot per bull; a total of 5 shots expended for score. All shots shall be taken sitting from the bench-rest and single loaded only. Each shooter must identify their for-record target before firing and have it witnessed. Sand bags may only be used for support of the front and/or butt of the stock.
LOCATION- 300 yard Bench-Rest
DISTANCE- 25 feet
FIREARM- Any safe semi-automatic pistol or revolver, any sights
Possible score
of 150
DISTANCE- 50 feet
FIREARM-
.22 caliber rim-fire rifle
AMMUNITION-
.22 caliber short, long, or long rifle. Excludes .22 caliber magnum.
TARGET-
NRA A-32 experimental light rifle target.
CONDUCT-
All shots shall be executed in the standing off-hand position. Shooters
have a 10-minute time limit to direct 10 shots onto their respective
target. There are no restrictions on sights and slings may be used.
EXCLUSIONS-
Target or match grade configuration rifles
LOCATION-
Rim-Fire Indoor Range (Quonset Hut)
All Club rules, policies and procedures will
be subject to and in accordance with the Club’s By-Laws. New members are
given a copy of the Club’s Range Handbook at time of acceptance. Members
may receive a copy of the Range Handbook by requesting same from any club
officer.
1.
The annual membership dues are $100.00
per year and due on February 1st each year.
2.
Combinations on all locks will be
changed prior to the March meeting. Your new combinations for the current
year will be sent out in the newsletter. You will not receive the March
newsletter if your dues are not paid. DO NOT GIVE OUT THE COMBINATION TO ANY
NON-MEMBER OR MEMBER NOT IN GOOD STANDING!
3.
An incident reporting log is located in
the clubhouse on the table beside the water cooler. Any safety incidents
or machine problems, etc. should be carefully documented in detail to facilitate
appropriate and timely action.
4.
The last member leaving the club
property will be responsible for insuring that the facility is properly
secured; all equipment turned OFF, all buildings LOCKED and the gate LOCKED.
5.
Due to our growing number of members it
is important that all members have their membership cards with them while on
the club property. (If you see someone you do not know on the club
property, please ask to see his or her membership card. If they do not
have their card get their name and report them to a club officer.)
6.
Members should leave the facilities in
better condition than they found it.
Violation of the following rules, but not
limited to, may result in the SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION from The Watauga Gun Club.
The name of this organization shall be
Watauga Gun Club, Inc.
The object of this organization shall be the
encouragement of organized shooting events among the citizens of the United
States in our community, with a view toward better knowledge on the part of
such citizens of safe handling and proper care of firearms, as well as improved
marksmanship. It shall be further object and purpose to forward the
development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship,
self-discipline, team play and self-reliance, which are the essentials of good sportsmanship
and the foundation of true patriotism.
Any citizen of the United States at least 18
years of age may become a member to this organization on vote of the membership
after subscribing to the following pledge and on payment of the usual
initiation fee and dues.
I certify that I am a citizen of the United
States of America and that I am not a member of any organization or group which
has as any part of it’s program the attempt to overthrow the government of the
United States or any of it’s political subdivisions by force or violence; that
I have never been convicted of a crime of violence, and if admitted to
membership I will faithfully endeavor to fulfill the obligations of good
sportsmanship and good citizenship.
A.
The member’s annual dues to the club
shall be $100.00 (Amended 1999) due no later than February 1st of
each year. Arrangements may be made to pay dues quarterly or
semiannually.
B.
No member of the club in arrears shall
be eligible to vote or enjoy any of the privileges or benefits offered by the
club.
1.
Annual Meeting. The annual meeting
of the club shall be held on the second Thursday of December in each year.
If the annual meeting shall not take place within a reasonable time thereafter
the officers shall hold over until their successors shall have been elected.
2.
Regular Meetings. The regular
business meeting of the club for the transaction of ordinary business shall be
held on the second Thursday of each month, at such time and place as may be
fixed by the Executive Committee.
3.
Special Meetings. A special
meeting of the club may be held at any time upon the call of the President or
upon the call of the Executive Committee, or upon the demand in writing,
stating the object of the proposed meeting, and signed by not less that 20% of
the members entitled to vote. Notice of the time, place, and object of any
special meeting shall be given all officers and members in good standing in
writing by US Mail not less than seven days prior to the date fixed for the
holding of the meeting. The Executive Committee shall fix the place of
such special meeting.
4.
Quorum. All members present at any
regular scheduled monthly meeting shall constitute a quorum, provided time and
place of regular meeting has been previously announced in the newsletter.
1.
The Officers of this club shall be a
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Instructor, Range
Officer, and Publicity Officer, who, acting together shall constitute the
Executive Committee. They shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot
of the members in good standing present at the annual meeting of the
club. They shall hold the office for one year or until their successors
are elected. (The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be combined.)
2.
The Executive Committee shall have
general supervision and control of all activities of the club.
3.
Meetings of the Executive Committee
shall be held regularly at such time and place as the committee may
determine. Three members of the committee may hold special meetings at
any time on the call of the President or on demand in writing to the Secretary.
4.
Four members of the committee shall
constitute a quorum.
5.
Resignation of any officer may be
accepted by a majority vote of the remaining officers of the Executive
Committee.
6.
A vacancy in the Executive Committee may
be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the committee.
However, if more than one vacancy exists, a special meeting of the club shall
be called and new officers shall be elected to fill the vacancies until the
date of the next annual meeting as provided in paragraph (1) above.
1.
President. The President shall
preside at all meetings of the club and of the Executive Committee. He
shall be a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees, and shall
perform all such other duties as usually pertain to the office.
2.
Vice-President. The Vice-President
shall perform the duties of the President in his absence or at his request, and
shall be responsible for programs, refreshments, and/or meals.
3.
Secretary. The Secretary shall
conduct all official correspondence pertaining to the proper preparation of
forwarding of all reports required of the club by the NRA and by the Director
of Civilian Marksmanship. He shall notify all members of special and
annual meetings, as required in Article V. He shall keep a true record of
all meetings of the Executive Committee and of the club and have the custody of
the books and papers of the club. The Secretary shall add all voted
amendments to the By-Laws of the Watauga Gun Club. All above mentioned
books and papers shall remain the property of Watauga Gun Club.
4.
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall
have charge of all the funds of the Club and place the same in such bank or
banks as may be approved by the Executive Committee. Such money shall
only be withdrawn by check signed by the Treasurer and for the payment of such
bills as shall have been approved by the Executive Committee. The
Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all his transactions and render a
detailed report with vouchers at any meeting of the Executive Committee when
requested and a monthly report to the organization at it’s monthly meeting.
5.
Chief Instructor. The Chief
Instructor shall have the charge of all small arms instruction with authority
to appoint assistants. He shall contract no bills without the
authorization of the Executive Committee.
6.
Range Officer. The Range Officer
shall have charge of the Range of the Club, the printing of scorecards, the
arranging of competitions, etc. He shall contract no bills without the
authorization of the Executive Committee.
7.
Publicity Officer. The Publicity
Officer shall distribute publicity and advertisement for the club, and be
responsibe for publishing and distributing the newsletter.
1.
Any officer may be removed by a
two-thirds vote of the members in good standing present at any special meeting
called for this purpose. No vote on suspension or removal may be taken
unless at least fifteen days notice in writing shall have been given to the
officer of the reasons for his removal and of the time and place of the special
meeting at which such ballot on his removal is to be taken. At such
special meeting the officer shall be given a full hearing.
2.
Any member may be suspended or expelled
from the club for any cause deemed sufficient by the Executive Committee by
two-thirds affirmative vote of the members of the committee present at any
regular or special meeting. No vote on suspension or expulsion may be
taken unless at least fifteen days notice in writing shall have been given to
the member of the charges preferred and of the time and place of the meeting of
the Executive committee at which such charges will be considered. At such
meeting the member under charges will be accorded a full hearing.
3.
Any member in good standing may prefer
charges against any officer or member. They shall be in writing clearly
stating the facts relied upon and accompanied by all affidavits or exhibits
which are to be used in their support. Such charges shall be filed with
the Secretary, who will immediately notify the President. The President
will call a meeting of the Executive Committee and to the accuser and the
accused, which notice shall be in writing and will include a true copy of the
charges and of the supporting affidavits and exhibits.
4.
Any member suspended or expelled by the
executive committee may appeal to the full membership of the Club. Such
appeal shall be made in writing to the Secretary who will notify the
President. The president will call a special meeting of the club for the
purpose of acting on the appeal. The Secretary shall give at least
fifteen days notice in writing to all members of the club in good standing stating
the date, time, place, and reason for such meeting. At the meeting of the
full club the Secretary will read the original charges, the supporting
affidavits, and will read or display the accompanying exhibits, and will read
the minutes of the special meeting of the Executive Committee at which the
charges were heard and the action taken. A full hearing will be given the
accuser and the accused. A vote will be taken by the ballot of the
members in good standing present and a two-thirds vote shall be required to
reverse the action of the Executive Committee.
All registered and/or approved shooting
competitions held by the club will be governed by the rules and regulations
laid down by the National Rifle Association of America, approved by the
National Board for the promotion of Rifle Practice and the Secretary of the
Army, or the appropriate agency.
Any proposed amendments to these bylaws may
be introduced by any member of the club at any regular meeting or special meeting
called for the purpose. The proposed amendment shall be acted upon by the
membership at a regular meeting or a special meeting called for the purpose,
provided a copy of the approved amendment has been sent to each club member by
US Mail at least ten days prior to the meeting. A two-thirds vote of the
members present will be necessary to pass or reject the proposed amendment.
1.
The person desiring membership must be a
National Rifle Association member or applying for membership.
2.
He must attend a meeting to announce his
desire to become a member. The membership committee shall be responsible
for his desirability for membership, his orientation to the club, and his
conduct during the probationary period.
3.
His application for membership must be
published in a monthly newsletter received by members prior to the meeting in
which the membership is to be voted on.
4.
A Membership Committee of three persons
shall be annually appointed by the Executive Committee, and be approved by a
majority of the regular club members present when the appointment(s) are
announced. This committee shall receive comments from the membership as
to the qualifications of each applicant, and decide if there is any controversy
concerning membership. If controversy exists, the membership committee
shall pursue the following course of action:
a.
The Applicant in question shall be
notified at least one day in advance of the next regularly scheduled meeting as
to the nature of the controversy. His sponsor shall also be notified.
b.
The Applicant in question is to be
extended the option of attending the meeting at which the club vote on
membership is to be taking place.
c.
The Applicant in question, if he elects
to attend the meeting, is to be extended the courtesy of being present during
discussion prior to the club vote on membership.
5.
His membership shall be voted upon at
the next regularly scheduled meeting after he makes application and his
application is publicized. If approved by a majority of the members
present, he shall be a probationary member for six months with all privileges
of regular membership except that he cannot sponsor a new member.
6.
At the end of the six months the
probationary member shall automatically become a regular member unless a
complaint against same has been voiced to the membership committee. If
such a complaint has been voiced, the membership committee shall follow the
same procedure as outlined in (4) for initial applicants.
7.
New members shall be assessed an
initiation fee of $50 (Amended 2000). In addition it will be determined
that he is a member of the National Rifle Association. If he is not,
application shall be made for him, and the cost added to his initiation fee.
1.
Associate or Junior membership shall be
restricted to any regular member’s immediate family – that is, his spouse, and
real or legally adopted children, twenty-one years of age or under.
2.
It shall be a non-voting membership.
3.
Associate member applicants over
eighteen years of age shall hold regular or associate membership in the
National Rifle Association, and junior members (under eighteen years of age)
shall hold junior membership in the National Rifle Association. Proof of
application shall be required at application.
4.
Annual dues for each associate or junior
member shall be $5.00.
5.
No Associate or junior member can fire
on a club range unless accompanied by a regular member.
6.
Associate or junior members shall not
attend meetings except by invitation of the Executive Committee.
Targets placed on the bench-rest range shall
not be placed less than 100 yards from the bench-rest benches and shall be
positioned so that any and all rounds will impact within club property.
Safety dictates this so that a ricochet from the target will be down range of
the other shooting areas. An organized match is exempt from the distance
requirement. (Amended August 1995)
The second weekend of each month is to be
left open for unorganized shooting by Club members; no organized shooting event
or activities shall be scheduled for any of the ranges.
All Club members between the ages of 18 and
21 may use the long-gun (rifle and shotgun) ranges without supervision by a
regular member. All associate club members (under 21 years of age) must
be directly supervised by a regular member (over 21 years) to use and fire a
handgun on any of the club ranges. In this regard, transporting the
handgun to and from the club should be in compliance with the North Carolina
Law. (Amended June 1997)
The primary duty of the Head Range Officer
shall be to enforce all club rules and regulations pertaining to club
safety. Specially, the Range Officer is empowered with the authority to
verify at his discretion the safety and legality of any firearm used on the
ranges, including a Class 3 FFL for any firearm classified by BATF as
such. As an extension of this motion, it is the obligation of members to
report any unsafe act or non-complying firearm to the Executive Committee or
any officer. (Amended May 1998)
All members shall be required to spend 5
hours per year doing work on club grounds which may include helping to run
organized matches. This is in addition to regularly scheduled dues.
Failure to put in 5 hours labor will require an extra yearly payment of
$50.00. (The fee will be prorated to the number of hours worked up to
5. No additional “credit” will be given for additional hours
worked.)
The Publicity Officer shall send a postcard
to all members. When the member has completed the 5 hours of work he/she
and a club officer will sign and date the card. The member will return
the card to the Publicity Officer to check against the membership list.
The Publicity Officer will notify the Treasurer in September of any members who
have not returned a work card. The Treasurer will bill members
accordingly. (May 2002)
Date
______________________
Member’s
Name ____________________________________________
The undersigned member of the Watauga Gun
Club, Inc. hereby stipulates that he/she has received safety and operation
training in the following areas on the aforementioned date(s).
Range Safety Officer
Firearms
Safety
_________________
Club
Rules-Policies-Procedures-Bylaws
_________________
Clay Target
Machines
_________________
The member further stipulates:
1.
That he/she fully understands the
training received.
2.
That he/she understands that additional
training is available at any time upon request.
3.
That he/she will hold Watauga Gun club
harmless in the event of any injury, personal or property, or death either on
or on the way to or from the Watauga Gun Club.
4.
That he/she is empowered to enforce all
violations of the Rules of the Club.
5.
That he/she is duty bound to report all
such violations to club officials as soon as possible.
I,
______________________________________________ fully understand and
(Print members name)
completely agree to the foregoing terms and conditions.
___________________________________________________________________
Member Signature
* Detach this page from the
manual after signing and return to the Range Safety Officer.