Junior Members

One of the clubs juniors, shooting air rifle at the Island Games, Gibraltar.

Junior girl, shooting air pistol at The Hampshire air open 2022

These notes are here to help you decide if our kind of shooting is for you and/or your child.

  •  The usual age that juniors can start shooting is around 12 or 13. However this is all dependant upon both their physical ability and their ability to understand the safety rules and be safe when using a rifle or pistol. If someone is under the age of 12, and they can handle a rifle or pistol safely, then their is no reason why they cannot take part in the sport and join the club.
  • We encourage juniors and adult beginners to start on some form of rest, this is to ensure that they can hit the target area. Safety is paramount in this sport.

The club has  junior membership at Shanklin Rifle and Pistol Club for those under the age of 18 which is 50% of the full adult fee. (full adult membership starts at the age of 18).

  • The first point to understand is that being under 18 you will probably have to be brought by an adult who will have to stay with you and return you home at the end of a session.  Remember that your adult will have to stay at the club the whole time that you are shooting.
  • The second point is that precision target shooting at paper targets is not very dynamic from a spectator’s point of view. This is where we encourage the parent to have a go.
  • The third point is that we are representing the wider sport at at lower level than you might see on YouTube,( Check out ISSF ) All our staff our volunteers’ and give their time freely to help and encourage a beginner to the best of their ability. They are also there to ensure the safety of specific individuals whilst on the range.
  • We do not shoot at moving targets, we only use fixed paper targets.

Reference page 22 in the club booklet:-

THE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

It is the policy of Shanklin Rifle & Pistol Club to safeguard the welfare of all Members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm. Accordingly The Club is committed to:

☼. taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and well-being of young people;

☼. respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working;

☼. taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse;

☼. promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a relationship of trust.

Responsibilities within the Child Protection Policy

  1. All adults aged 18 or over within the Club are responsible for the operation of the Club’s Child Protection
  2. It is the responsibility of all adults to ensure that:

☼. their behaviour is appropriate at all times;

☼. they observe the rules established for the safety and security of young people;

☼. they follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse;

☼. they recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed;

☼. in every respect, the relationships they form with the young people under their care are appropriate.

Note: “Guide to Policy and Procedures” published by the N.S.R.A. sets out a code of behaviour which is essential all adult Members of the Club follow. A copy of the Guide is attached to the notice board. Introduction (nsra.co.uk)

  1. The Club may designate one or more Child Protection Officers. They shall have the responsibility of advising the Club Executive on the implementation of the Clubs Child Protection.
  2. The Club Executive must be satisfied that all those whom they invite to assist them in the work of the Club are ‘fit and proper’ persons to carry out the tasks to be given to them and are aware of their responsibilities under the Club’s Child Protection
  3. In cases where there is an allegation or suspicion of child abuse an Executive member must immediately take steps to ensure that no shooting situation arises which could cause further concern and that no adult is placed in a position which could cause further compromise. To this end, suspension of membership may be necessary and report to the police.

Admittance to the club is on a case-by-case basis, so the best advice is to make an appointment by getting in contact with the club and arrange a date for a visit. It is much better to come along and see for yourselves than it is to read an article on this website.

Visitors are not expected to assist in the operation of the range and there is no obligation, or expectation that they will be required to undertake any tasks during their first visit. On the other hand both Members and Probationary members are required to help in the running of the club, and this also applies to juniors. Just because you are under 18 does not mean that you excused from any tasks; if you are old enough to shoot, you are old enough to help out.