Shooting Sports Policies

Keep Shooting Sports Safe

The Shooting Sports Education Center is dedicated to creating a safe, family-friendly environment. Please abide by all of the rules in The Archery Center and the Firearms Range for your safety. Our Range Safety Officers are always available to help. Ask the RSO for clarification or help during your visit, and report suspicious activity or illicit behavior to the RSO.

Archery Center Rules

General Archery Rules

Know and obey all range commands.
Always walk in the archery range.
All Archery Members participating in The Archery Center must wear closed toed shoes.
All children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Keep your arrow in your quiver until you are told to shoot.
Always keep your arrows pointed down or towards the target. Shoot only at your target.
No Sky Drawing.
No Floor Drawing.
If you drop an arrow, leave it on the ground until you are told to get your arrows.
Coaching in the Archery Center is limited to SSEC staff and approved coaches. The SSEC does not permit any non-approved personal coaching. The Assistant Director of Archery provides approval for any archery coaching request at the SSEC.
SSEC Archery Members, who are shooting are allowed downrange. SSEC archery members who are not shooting must remain behind the waiting line. Non-SSEC Members must remain behind the spectator line at all times.
Parents who are Archery Members that wish to work with their children while they are shooting are to do so without interfering with any other archers in The Archery Center. If there is a complaint from another archer, parents will be asked to stop what they are doing or to leave.
If you are in an Archery Class, the following rules also apply to you:
- Always wear your arm guard and use your finger tab, if applicable.
- Only use the arrows the instructor gave you and remember what they look like.

Whistle Commands

When you hear these number of whistle blasts inside The Archery Center, follow these instructions:

Two Blasts: “Archers to the shooting line.”
One Blast: “Begin Shooting”
Three Blasts: “Walk forward and get your arrows.”
Five or More Blasts: “Stop shooting immediately and put your arrows in your quiver.”

Center Procedures

Stand behind the waiting line until you hear 2 whistles or “archers to the shooting line.” Pick up your bow and straddle the shooting line.
Keep your arrows in your quiver until you hear 1 whistle or “begin shooting.”
After you have shot all your arrows, step back from the shooting line, set your bow on the rack, and wait behind the waiting line.
After everyone is done shooting and behind the waiting line, the instructor will blow the whistle 3 times. “Walk forward to get your arrows and stop at the target line.”

Arrow Pulling

One archer at a time, from each target, may go forward from the target line to pull their arrows.
Stand to the side of the target and make sure that no one is standing behind your arrows.
Pull your arrows out one at a time and put them in your quiver, if you do not have a quiver carefully place them on top of the target stand.
After you have pulled all of your arrows they should be in your quiver. If you do not have a quiver, carry your arrows with two hands, one on the points and one on the shaft closest to the fletchings.

Firearms Range Rules

General Firearms Rules

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Even if you’re absolutely certain a firearm is unloaded, still follow these rules for safe firearm handling.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always keep your firearm pointed in a direction that would safely stop the bullet should it discharge. When on the firing line, your firearm should stay pointed downrange, at the bullet trap backstop at the end of the range. If you’re not on the firing line, your firearm should stay cased. If you will be cleaning or handling your unloaded firearm at home, find a safe direction ahead of time — bullets penetrate floors, ceiling, windows, and walls. Masonry, a full bookcase, a full freezer, downward (if you’re on the ground floor), or even a five gallon bucket of sand may be good options.
Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. You are responsible for the entire path of every bullet you fire from your firearm. If you hit your intended target, the bullet may still continue through. You are responsible for only aiming in directions where you can be assured the bullet will be safely stopped by the bullet trap.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire. When you’re holding a firearm but not shooting, you’ll hear us ask you to “index” your trigger finger. This means to keep your trigger finger straight, and to raise it up to rest flat alongside the body of your firearm. Whenever you are not on target and ready to fire, your trigger finger should always be outside the trigger guard and resting straight and flat alongside the body of your firearm.

Range Safety Officer (RSO)

The RSO on duty is in direct charge of the range and all participants at all times at The Firearms Range

The RSO will immediately correct any person handling a firearm in an unsafe or careless manner. They will also inform the Range Master on duty. The Range Master on duty can reprimand, suspend, or revoke SSEC membership status should such conduct warrant it. The Range Master on duty has the final word on safety violations and suspensions or revocations resulting from unsafe acts on the range. The CRSO has the final word on safety violations and suspensions or revocations resulting from unsafe acts on the range.

Firearms and Targets Brought Into the Range

All firearms brought into the range must be carried unloaded and in a case or range bag from the parking lot to the facility. All firearms and ammunition are subject to inspection by the range officer for workability and safety on the firing line. Firearms will remain in the bag or case until on the firing line unless directed otherwise by the Range Safety Officer. Targets may be brought into the range. Targets viewed by the Range Safety Officer as inappropriate will not be permitted. Numerous targets are available for purchase at the SSEC. Packing tape or scotch tape is not permitted on the targets.

Firing Line Procedure

Put on your hearing and eye protection before entering the range. Take position at the lane assigned to you. Do not change lanes.
Only one firearm at a time is allowed at each shooting station. No other firearm handling behind the firing line.
The only place where loaded firearms are allowed is on the firing line. Loading and unloading occurs only at the firing line.
Shooters must load and unload their own firearms. If a mechanical malfunction occurs which can be cleared by the shooter, place the firearm on the table at your shooting station pointed down range and ask the RSO for assistance. Do not remove jammed or malfunctioning firearms from the lane.
The muzzle must be pointed down range at all times.
No rapid firing is allowed. Two-second rule is in effect (2 seconds between rounds) rifle calibers only.
Targets must be set at the full 25 meter distance when shooting centerfire rifle calibers. This does not include .22LR.
Targets must be a minimum of 5 meters from the shooting stall.
Full length targets (24” x 36”) must be placed at the top of the target holder as specified. Targets must be placed so they are centered in the center of the target trap.
Pistol shooting will be done from the low or high ready positions. (No drawing from the hip or holster.)
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and have made the conscious decision to shoot.
When leaving the firing line temporarily, lay the firearm with the muzzle down range and the action open.
Upon completion of the shooting session, unload firearm(s) and store them with the action open.
When a “Cease Fire” is announced, you must:
- Stop shooting.
- Unload and make your firearm clear.
- Place the firearm on the counter facing downrange.
- Step back from the lane.

Immediately report any unsafe acts to the RSO. It is everybody’s responsibility to act as a safety officer.
Wash your hands at the touchless hand washing station immediately upon exiting the range or after turning in your rental equipment.

Firing Line Occupants

No food, drink, chewing tobacco, snuff or smoking allowed on the range.
Appropriate dress is required at all times. Closed toed shoes are required.
The Shooting Sports Education Center is a family-oriented facility, and we have the right to refuse service to anyone. Persons smelling of alcohol on their breath or who appears impaired will be required to leave the facility.
All persons using the SSEC shall have a good attitude and sound mind.
All persons utilizing the range are required to complete and sign the membership application and liability waiver, watch the Range Safety Video, and pass the written and practical exams.
Individuals aged 10 to 17 must be accompanied (within arms reach) by an adult who is a “Firearms Member.” In addition, the individual must have written permission from a parent or guardian to use a handgun.
Only one shooter and coach permitted per firing lane; only one uncased firearm is permitted at the firing lane.
Persons not shooting or coaching are not permitted on the range. They may observe from the observation area in the concourse.
No one is permitted forward of the firing line. No exceptions.
Any equipment or other personal items in or on a shooting lane left unattended are at the owner’s risk. The SSEC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Please ask the RSO about anything you are not sure of. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Permissible Equipment

Firearms:

Handguns .45 caliber and smaller are allowed.
Rifles .30 caliber and smaller are allowed.
Silencers and short barreled firearms are allowed and proper paperwork (ATF Tax Stamp) is the responsibility of the patron to have in their possession while utilizing the range.
Shotguns are allowed with slugs only.
All air firearms and BB firearms are allowed.
Muzzleloaders are not permitted.
For firearms not mentioned here, check with the Range Officer prior to use on the range.

Ammunition:

Standard commercial and reloaded ammunition is permitted.
Any type ammunition designed for penetrating metal is not permitted.
Only ammunition purchased at the SSEC may be used in rental firearms.
Steel shot or steel core bullets are not permitted.
Tracer, incendiary, armor piercing, gas or explosive ammunition are not permitted.

Physical and Environmental Safety

Eye and Ear Protection: Safety glasses and hearing protection are mandatory when entering the range. The SSEC provides eye and hearing protection at no cost.

Brass Retrieval: All range brass is collected and placed into the spent brass container on the range. Spent brass deposited into the container is property of the SSEC. Shooters may only collect their brass within the confines of their shooting stall.

Vandalism: Any person seen firing at lights, baffles, carriers or any other range property or equipment will have their membership suspended, and will be reported to the proper authorities for appropriate action. Only targets authorized by the Range Safety Officer will be permitted. All shooters will be held accountable and will be financially responsible for any damages including replacement and installation charges.

Shooting Sports Education Center Policies

Access Policy

The Shooting Sports Education Center at Georgia Southern University is located on university property, and it is unlawful for anyone to bring a firearm or bow into the facility without prior authorization or arrangement. Individuals attending the facility to seek authorization as a member of the facility should not bring their firearm or bow.

In addition to Member Authorization, the following age restrictions are in place:

Individuals must be 7 years or older to use The Archery Center. Individuals ages 7 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult who remains present in The Archery Center.

Individuals must be 10 years or older to utilize The Firearms Range. Individuals ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied (within arms reach) by an adult who is a “Firearms Member”. In addition, the individual must have written permission from a parent/legal guardian to use a handgun if the parent/legal guardian is not present.

Member Authorization Policy

Because the Shooting Sports Education Center is on university property, all individuals must take the appropriate steps to utilize the facility and possess a bow or firearm.

There are three categories of utilization status of the SSEC:

A “Firearms Member” (Status 1)
An “Archery Member” (Status 2)
An “Approved Participant” (Status 3)

An Archery Member and Firearms Member is granted to an individual that meets the established criteria. Once an Archery Member, the individual is “Duly Authorized” to lawfully possess the specified bow for which they have been approved. Once a Firearms Member, the individual is “Duly Authorized” to lawfully possess the specified firearm for which they have been approved. The comprehensive process includes all criteria in the membership process with the exception of the written and practical exams. All individuals must complete these requirements to become an Archery Member or a Firearms Member at the SSEC.

To become an Archery Member or a Firearms Member, a valid permit, ID or badge must be presented at the time of membership. The individual must successfully complete the following established criteria to become a member:

Complete a personal data form and shooting experience questionnaire.
Complete and sign a liability waiver.
Watch an SSEC Range Safety and Operating Procedures video.
For Firearms Members, pass a written firearms exam with a score of 80% or higher and display the ability to unload and make clear, perform a functions check, load a firearm and engage a target at five meters five times.
For Archery Members, pass a written archery exam with a score of 80% or higher and display the ability to properly and safely follow all rules at The Archery Center including all whistle commands, nock an arrow and demonstrate the ability to safely shoot three arrows down range into a target at 10 meters.
For Firearms Members, specify the firearm for which they desire authorization as prescribed by Georgia law (type, make, model and caliber).
For Archery Members, specify the bow for which they desire authorization as prescribed by Georgia law (type, make and model).

Member Authorization will include all rental firearms and bows issued at the SSEC. Any person failing to disclose or falsifying information on their application form will be permanently banned from the SSEC. Any “yes” response to question 13b.-I. of the membership application would be disqualified from access to the SSEC.

An “Approved Participant” is an individual that meets the criteria defined to become an “Approved Participant” of the SSEC. Once designated as “Approved Participant,” individuals can lawfully possess a firearm and/or bow in the designated activity, competition or training for which they have been approved. To meet the criteria for being designated as an “Approved Participant,” the individual must complete and sign a liability waiver and be a member of a team in a schedule team competition, a registered competitor in a scheduled individual competition, a registered individual in an archery or firearm training course or a member of a group reservation or group training.

Visiting shooting teams and clubs participating in a competition or event sponsored by Georgia Southern University or the Shooting Sports Education Center are responsible for submitting a roster of all shooters and coaches. All shooters will receive a range safety brief from the Range Safety Officer prior to any shooting to include pre-competition zeroing and practice. Only those individuals on the roster will be permitted on the range. All others are restricted to the visitor viewing area.

Once membership is granted, status 1 and/or 2 are in effect until membership is terminated by the individual, three years of no member visit history (or inactivity) at the SSEC, or by the Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center for violation of policy. Status 3 is in effect for the duration of a specific event, competition, activity or training. An individual’s status may be revoked by the Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center at any time for failure to comply with stated SSEC policies and procedures, University policies and procedures, Georgia State Law and/or Federal Law.

An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.

[18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922(y)(2); 27 CFR 478.11 and 478.32]

Group Participation Policy

To appropriately serve individuals seeking to participate at the Shooting Sports Education Center as a group (minimum of five persons), the following criteria must be met:

Submit a reservation request form at least two weeks in advance.
Designate a person of responsibility for the group.
Receive a reservation confirmation from the SSEC.
Complete a personal data form and shooting questionnaire and complete and sign a liability waiver.
Watch an SSEC Range Safety and Operating Procedures video and pass the respective test.
Have an SSEC Range Safety Officer assigned to the group during the entirety of the reservation.

The Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center will determine if additional staff or instruction is necessary based on the composition of the group and the desired activity.

Storage Policy

Members at the Shooting Sports Education Center may purchase access to store their personal bow, firearm or related equipment inside the facility. The user must fully complete, agree to and sign the established storage agreement to store equipment. If siblings or family members are storing equipment which they may all utilize, all names must appear on the agreement with each person’s information and signature. At the completion or upon termination of the storage agreement, the user must sign to indicate the bow or firearm has been permanently removed from the SSEC.

The term of the storage agreement will be limited to one semester, ending the day prior to the start of the next semester. The user must sign the storage log each time they get their equipment in or out of storage at the SSEC. The user may only get their equipment in or out of storage at the SSEC during posted operational hours.

The storage fee will not be prorated for the semester. The user may store no more than five bows or firearms for the established storage fee. Any firearm required a Tax Stamp by the ATF is not permissible to be stored at the SSEC.

All bows and firearms stored at the SSEC must have a legible serial number. All bows and firearms must be brought to the SSEC in a case. Bows will be stored in their case. The user must provide a lock for the bow case. Firearms will not be stored in their cases, and the cases will not be stored at the SSEC. If a user removes a firearm from the facility, the user must bring their case to remove it. Keys for locks must be kept by the user, and keys cannot be stored in the SSEC. Ammunition will be stored and locked in an approved and clearly labeled ammunition container if the user is storing their firearm. A member will be limited to two approved ammunition containers.

Firearm-Related Policy

Long gun ammunition may only be sold to individuals aged 18 and older. Handgun ammunition may only be sold to individuals aged 21 or older. Individuals aged 18-20 may rent a handgun with ammunition. Unused ammunition must be returned to the SSEC. Individuals under the age of 18 may rent a handgun with ammunition with the prior written consent of a parent/legal guardian. Individuals under the age of 18 shooting a handgun without their parent or legal guardian present, must have in their possession written consent from their parent/legal guardian. All parties may not be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

Disciplinary Processes

There is a disciplinary process for incidents that occur at the Shooting Sports Education Center. After the incident occurs and the incident report has been filed, the Assistant Director will suspend the pass of the individual involved. The Assistant Director will set up a meeting with the individual involved, and communication will be sent via email for said meeting. Notice of the decision will be made via written response on letterhead to home on record. The individual has two weeks from the date of letter to appeal the decision in writing to the Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center. The final decision will be made by the Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center in writing.

Refund Policy

Membership, Passes and Merchandise: All membership activation fees, passes, merchandise and gift certificates are non-refundable.

Programs: Refunds will be accepted if submitted at least 24 hours prior to the program start. Refunds will not be accepted the day of the program or after the program has begun. For a refund, please submit an email request to the Director of the Shooting Sports Education Center

Day Camps: Refunds will be allowed prior to the registration deadline less a 15% processing fee. Refund requests will not be accepted after the registration deadline. For a refund, please submit a written request to the SSEC camp staff via email.

Residential Camps: Parents must provide written electronic notice to the Assistant Director at least 14 days in advance of the camp or academy start date to receive a refund. Refunds will not be considered after the 14 days.

Tournaments: Refunds will not be accepted after the registration deadline, the day of the tournament or after the tournament has begun. Refunds will be allowed prior to the registration deadline less a 15% processing fee. For a refund, please submit a written request to the SSEC tournament staff via email.

Tournament Late Fees: A $20 late fee will be applied to each tournament registration submitted after the registration deadline if space permits.

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