Lone Star Shooting Association Safety Officer Certification Course

 Thank you for attending this class. LSSA is a volunteer driven sport. Without people such as you, there is no LSSA.

Information The Lone Star Shooting Association was founded by a group of American and European shooters. LSSA is designed to accommodate pistol, airsoft and 3-gun competition shooting.

Principles of LSSA 1. Build a set of easy match rules with the objective of creating safe, easy scoring and fast resetting of stages. 2. Build a tool for public and political awareness. Used to spread legal, responsible possession of firearms and the right to use firearms in a practical manner suitable for self defense, especially in those countries where such shooting sport matches are not permitted. 3. Offer a shooting sport responsive to the shooters with unprecedented flexibility of rules.

What is a Safety Officer?  An ambassador for LSSA  A shooter  A volunteer

Safety Officer Responsibilities  Safety is your FIRST and most important priority.  Officiate consistently and fairly.  Treat each shooter with courtesy and respect.  Give the shooter the benefit of the doubt.  Provide the shooter with the opportunity to have a positive and safe experience

Safety  Our position on safety is simple: Violate a safety rule and you are disqualified! You must pack up your gear and you will not be permitted to fire another round during the match. We make no exceptions.

The Four Universal Laws of Gun Safety  Treat all guns as if they are loaded all the time.  Never point a gun at something you are not prepared to destroy.  Always be sure of your target and the surrounding area.  Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

Safety Rules  Unsafe gun handling will result in immediate disqualification from the entire match. Examples (but not limited to):  A. Endangering any person, including yourself.  B. Pointing muzzle beyond designated “Muzzle Safe Points”.  C. Handling a loaded firearm except while on the firing line.  D. Dropping a loaded or unloaded firearm.  E. Dangerous or repeated “finger in trigger guard” violations during loading, unloading, reloading, drawing, holstering, remedial action.  F. A premature shot: in the holster; striking behind (up range of) the firing line; into the ground downrange closer to the firing line than two yards; or over a berm.

Safety Rules  Events will be run on cold ranges.  Participant’s firearms will remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction and immediate supervision of an Event Official.  Firearms may only be handled and/or displayed in a designated safety area.  Safety areas will be clearly marked with signs.  No firearm may be loaded in a safety area.  No ammunition (including dummy ammunition or snap caps) may be handled in a safety area.

Safety Rules  Firearms may be transported (always unloaded) to, from and between stages only in the following conditions:  Handguns must be cased or holstered, de-cocked (hammer down) and with the magazine removed.  Rifles and shotguns must be cased, secured muzzle up or muzzle down in a stable gun cart/caddy, or carried slung with the muzzle up. Actions must be open and detachable magazines removed. The use of high-visibility open bolt indicator devices is recommended as a courtesy to other event participants.

Safety Rules  A match participant who causes a negligent or accidental discharge will be stopped by an Event Official as soon as possible, and will be disqualified. Examples of negligent/accidental discharges include but are not limited to:  A shot, which travels over a backstop, a berm or in any other direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe. Note that a shooter who legitimately fires a shot at a target, which shot then travels in an unsafe direction, will not be disqualified (i.e. ricochet off target)  A shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the shooter, except when shooting at a target closer than 10 feet to the participant.  Exception - a shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the shooter due to a “squib” or if specified by the course of fire. Continued Next Page

Safety Rules  Continued from previous page  A shot which occurs while loading, reloading or unloading any firearm.  Exception - a detonation which occurs while unloading a firearm is not considered an accidental discharge. A “detonation” is defined as the ignition of the primer of a round, other than by action of a firing pin, where the projectile or shot does not pass through the barrel (e.g. when a slide is being manually retracted, when a round is dropped etc.).  A shot which occurs during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.  A shot which occurs while transferring a firearm between hands.  A shot which occurs during movement, except while actually engaging targets

Safety Rules  A participant who performs an act of unsafe gun handling will be stopped by an Event Official as soon as possible, and shall be disqualified. Examples of unsafe gun handling include:  Dropping a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, at any time after the ”Load” or “Make Ready” command and before the “Range Is Clear” command.  Dropping an unloaded firearm before the “Load” or “Make Ready” command or after the “Range Is Clear” command will not result in disqualification, provided the firearm is retrieved by an Event Official.  Using any unsafe ammunition.  Continued Next Page

Safety Rules  Continued from previous page  Unloading any firearm in an unsafe manner, or discharging a firearm while not legitimately engaging a target.  Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to break the 180 degree safety plane.  Engaging a steel target in an unsafe manner, such as by:  Engaging steel targets with handgun ammunition at a range of less than 23 feet.  Engaging steel targets with shotgun birdshot shot ammunition at a range of less than 16 feet.  Engaging steel targets with shotgun slug ammunition at a range of less than 131 feet.  Engaging steel targets with rifle ammunition at a range of less than 164 feet. Continued Next Page

Safety Rules  Continued from previous page  Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to point at any part of the participant’s body during a course of fire (i.e. sweeping).  Exception - sweeping of the lower extremities (below the belt) while drawing or re-holstering a handgun, provided that the competitor’s fingers are clearly outside of the trigger guard.  Using a tube-type shotgun speed-loading device without a primer relief cut.  Pointing a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in any direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe.  Grounding of a firearm during a Course of Fire  Gun is loaded SAFETY ON or unloaded bolt open.  Failure will result in a DQ.

Safety Rules  Unless otherwise stipulated in the course of fire, required firearms will begin the stage in the following ready conditions:  Handgun: Loaded to division capacity or as specified in the course of fire, with a round in the chamber and holstered. In the case of single-action semi autos or double-action semi autos with manual override safeties, the safety catch must be in the “safe” position. In the case of double-action semi autos, safe action semi autos and revolvers, the hammer must be down/forward.  Rifle: Loaded to division start capacity or as specified in the course of fire, with a round in the chamber and held in the low ready position. Safety catch must be in the “safe” position.  Shotgun: Loaded to division start capacity or as specified in the course of fire, with a round in the chamber and held in the low ready position. Safety catch must be in the “safe” position.

Safety Rules  Participants may not touch or hold any firearm loading device or ammunition after the “Standby” command and before the “Start Signal” (except for unavoidable touching with the lower arms).

Course of Fire Rules  All CoF should simulate a possible real life scenario or be a skills test.  Avoid designing courses of fire that will substantially disadvantage senior and mobility-challenged shooters.  When cover is available, it can be used if desired when shooting or reloading  Targets must be engaged in tactical priority unless tactical sequence is specified.  After the match has started, all course design changes are final

General Rules (Match Director)  The MD shall accommodate shooters who have physical disabilities, are senior shooters or are youth shooters by modification of rules or changes to the CoF for these individuals.  The MD is an LSSA certified SO who is in charge of every aspect of a match.  The MD has the final say on ALL match issues and his decision is final. There is no arbitration.  Insure that all participants have a safe and enjoyable match  Responsible for approval and confirming a DQ issued by Safety Officers

General Rules  Safety Officer:  Safety Officers are the people whose purpose and goal is for all the shooters at the match to have a safe and enjoyable day at the range by directing the shooter through the course of fire.  Focus on the shooter’s firing hand and gun.  Remember that the shooter is always given the benefit of any doubt.  Run contestants through a course of fire safely and smoothly so that the shooter may enjoy the shooting experience.  Treat the shooter with courtesy and respect.  Continued on next page

General Rules  Continued from previous page  Answer all questions regarding the CoF.  Control all details of the CoF.  Define all muzzle safe points as directed by the CoF and range.  SO should generally stand about three (3) feet to the side and three (3) feet to the rear of the shooter. The safety officer must be aware of his position as the competitor re-holsters.  The SO should be on the gun hand side of the shooter. The gun-hand side changes depending on CoF requirements.  SO should make sure they stay with the shooter, but not in the shooter’s way.

Special Allowances  Safety Officers and Match Directors will make allowance for shooters and equipment so everyone can enjoy LSSA shooting.  For youth shooters  Equipment not specified in the rules  Shooters with disabilities

Special Allowances  Shooters with physical impairments will be accommodated whenever possible. For example, a shooter with a bad knee might be allowed to take a shot standing rather than kneeling. Shooters will find that consistency and accuracy count more towards a high score than quick feet or a fast draw. Shooters with physical limitations or disabilities that would hinder or prevent their ability to complete a course of fire as prescribed should advise the appropriate Match Official of such condition so that accommodation for the condition can be made.

Ammunition  No tracer, armor piercing (AP), or armor piercing incendiary (API) ammunition.  Steel jacketed ammo is permissible, steel core is not.  Unacceptable ammo includes (but not limited to) US M855, European SS109, and Canadian C77 steel-core.223 ammunition.  For pistols, jacketed, cast lead, or hollow point ammo is acceptable.  For shotgun stages no shot larger than #4 will be allowed when shooting steel.

LSSA Divisions  Participants will declare one equipment division at the beginning of the event.  Equipment divisions are: Open, Tactical Scope, Tactical Limited  Failure to meet all of the equipment and ammunition requirements for the declared division shall result in the participant being placed into Open division.

LSSA Open Division  Handgun holsters must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.  Handgun  Magazine length may not exceed 170mm.  Rifle  Supporting devices (e.g. bipods) are permitted, and may begin any stage folded or deployed at the participant’s discretion.  Shotgun  Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are permitted.  Tubular speed loading devices must feature a primer relief cut.

LSSA Tactical Scope Division  Handgun holsters must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

LSSA Tactical Scope Division  Handgun  Electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are prohibited.  Magazines length may not exceed 170mm in the case of single column magazines, and may not exceed 140mm in the case of staggered column magazines.

LSSA Tactical Scope Division  Rifle  Not more than one (1) electronic or optical sight is permitted.  A supplemental magnifier may be used with the permitted optical sight provided the magnifier does not contain an aiming reticule, cannot be used as an aiming device by itself, and remains mounted in the same location on the rifle for the duration of the event.  A participant may use the magnifier in either the magnified or unmagnified mode without restriction.  Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are not permitted  Compensators and muzzle brakes may not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length (as measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator).

LSSA Tactical Scope Division  Shotgun  Tubular magazines or box magazines are permitted.  One (1) Electronic or optical sights are permitted  Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are prohibited.  Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators or barrel porting) are prohibited.  Speed loading devices are prohibited.  Not more than nine (9) rounds total may be in the shotgun, unless otherwise stipulated in the stage briefing or other restrictions, such as: legal requirements, range restrictions, etc.

LSSA Limited Division  Firearms must be of a factory configuration, i.e. prototype firearms are specifically prohibited. Internal modifications are permitted providing they do not alter the external appearance of the firearm.  Handgun holsters must be a practical/tactical carry style and must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

LSSA Limited Division  Handgun  Electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are prohibited.  Magazines length may not exceed 170mm in the case of single column magazines, and may not exceed 140mm in the case of staggered column magazines.

Handgun Rules  Any caliber ammunition  Handguns: Semiautomatic and revolver type handguns may be used. If the handgun has a user- actuated safety (many semi auto’s do, most revolvers don't), it must be in good working order.

Handgun Rules  Many handgun stages require the shooter to draw from a holster. As a general rule all holsters will be strong side and “vertical” (including “FBI” cant) in orientation. Cross draw holsters and shoulder holsters are prohibited! Holsters that are ill-fitting or without an adequate mechanism to retain the weapon while the shooter is moving may not be used. Magazine carriers may be worn on belt, thigh pouch or vest.  The final decision as to the adequacy of any holster resides with the Match Director.

Shotgun Rules  Shotguns must be no smaller than 20 gauge. (special allowances will be made for youth shooters)

Rifle/Carbine Rules  Any caliber ammunition  Spare magazines or clips must be carried on the gun or your person, properly secured Optics (including flip to side magnifiers) are allowed, but once installed, may not be removed or changed during the match

Airsoft Rules  In the United States federal law requires that all airsoft guns must have orange tips to designate that they are not lethal weapons.  Even though airsoft guns fire pellets, they should be treated as if they fired real bullets.  No airsoft guns should be fired at close range or pointed at another person

Airsoft Rules  Eye protection must be worn by all persons on the shooting range.  No handling of guns except under the direction of a Safety Officer  You must remove your weapons magazine and clear the action after completing the course of fire. Sidearm’s should be holstered and on safe.

Airsoft Rules  Competitors will not attempt to circumvent or compromise the spirit or rationale of any stage either by the use of inappropriate devices, equipment or techniques.  LSSA airsoft matches try to replicate real gun use as closely as possible, the hosing of full or semi automatic fire (shifting shooting from target to target under a continuous flow of pellets) is not allowed except when specified in the course of fire. Failure to follow the specified course of fire can result in a FTDR penalty

Equipment Rules  The use of knee or elbow pads is allowed.  Vests, chest rigs, drop holsters, etc. are allowed.

Shooter Responsibilities  The shooter is responsible for understanding the requirements of a particular course of fire before coming to the firing line to begin his/her run. Prior to the beginning of each Multi-Gun/Tactical stage, the Match Director or designate (with the assistance of any stage designers) will conduct a course walk- through of each stage. Shooters are offered the opportunity to see action props work and ask questions.  Continued next page

Shooter Responsibilities  Continued from previous page  Shooters are usually given the opportunity to move about to plan and consider their run. However some stages are designed to present novel/surprise situations for the shooter to handle in real time in which case such a walk through may be prohibited. At the time a shooter moves to the line to begin a run, he/she is assumed to understand and be prepared for the course of fire.

Safety Officer Commands  The Safety Officer uses the following commands to start the run:  Range going hot! This signal is used after the SO assures himself that there are no people downrange from the shooter. The Range going hot command signals people behind the line that firing is about to commence and that appropriate eye and hearing protection must be worn.  Load and make ready. On this command, the shooter will face downrange (regardless of the starting position), fit ear protectors, safety glasses, load/check their weapon(s), and make it/them ready (e.g., insure the safety(s) are on if applicable). The shooter then takes up the specified starting position for the stage. All shooters will begin each stage with their weapon's safety on.  Shooter ready? If the shooter is not ready at this command, he/she should  Continued next page

Safety Officer Commands  Continued from previous page  Standby! This is the shooter's alert that the start signal will follow shortly. Most stages are begun with the SO causing an audible beep to be sounded from the timer. The starting procedure will be clearly explained if a different starting technique applies (such as the shooter beginning fire after a second beep or when a target begins moving).  BEEP! At the designated start signal, the shooter is expected to begin and complete the course of fire in accordance with the specified description. It is usually the shooter's responsibility to determine when his/her run is done. The timer captures the time after each shot is fired, so the official time for the run is the time on the readout after the last shot has been fired.

Safety Officer Commands  When the Safety Officer concludes that the shooter has finished, the following commands are used to complete the run and make the range safe again  Unload and show clear.  Long guns. Point firearm in safe, downrange direction, remove magazine, eject any chambered round, lock bolt back, inspect chamber and insert appropriate yellow safety flag/chamber flag (OBI) into the chamber. The Safety Officer will direct the shooter to sling/hold the firearm in a safe manner.  Continued on next page

Safety Officer Commands  Continued from previous page  Shotguns. Point firearm in safe, downrange direction, remove magazine (if applicable), eject any chambered round, lock bolt back, inspect chamber and insert appropriate yellow safety flag/chamber flag (OBI) into the chamber. The Safety Officer will direct the shooter to sling/hold the firearm in a safe manner.  Handguns: Point firearm in a safe, downrange direction, remove magazine, eject any chambered round, inspect chamber and at direction of Safety Officer, close slide, pull trigger and safely holster; for revolver, point in a safe, downrange direction, open the cylinder, remove all live rounds/empty shell casings, inspect and at direction of Safety Officer, close cylinder and safely re-holster.  Range is clear! This command signals that people can move downrange to score, tape, reset targets, pick up brass, etc.

Safety Officer Commands  The Safety Officer may issue other commands:  STOP! Usually indicates that an emergency or other, unusual/unsafe situation has occurred. When the shooter hears this command he/she immediately stops the run, holds position and awaits specific instructions from the Safety Officer  Finger! The shooter is moving and not engaging targets and should remove their finger from the trigger.  Muzzle! The muzzle of the gun is about to point in an unsafe direction. The shooter should immediately point the gun downrange.  Continued on next page

Running a Course of Fire  Preparation  Make sure you have all you need to start your first competitor.  Make sure all shooters and spectators have proper eye and ear protection.  Let competitors and spectators know where safe viewing lines are.  Remind competitors of their responsibility to help tape and pick up brass.

Running a Course of Fire:  Read the course description.  Instruct competitors about any safety concerns.  Ask if there are any questions.  Make sure no one is downrange.  Call a shooter to the line.  Answer any last minute questions.  Observe the shooter’s demeanor.

Running a Course of Fire:  Stand about three feet to the gun hand side and three feet to the rear of the shooter.  Focus on the shooter's firing hand and gun.  Give the shooter the standard range commands:  Load and Make Ready  Shooter Ready?  Standby  Execute Start Signal  Follow shooter through CoF.  Observe that the course is shot correctly.  Keep track of procedural errors

Running a Course of Fire:  When the shooter has completed the CoF:  Unload and Show Clear  Slide Down or Cylinder Closed  Hammer down  Holster  Range is Safe  Write down time and procedurals.

Running a Course of Fire:  Score the targets.  Have the scorekeeper call the scores back to you.  Tape the targets; reset the stage.  Check to make sure targets are taped.  Explain safety issues or procedurals.  When everyone is back up range, you are ready for your next shooter.

Running a Course of Fire  Multiple Strings  Repeat instructions for each string to the shooter.  Remember to record time for each string.  If safe, keep the shooter hot between strings.  Recruit someone to reload for the shooter if necessary.

Scoring  Utilize Paladin scoring, Failure to neutralize (FTN) method  Pistol (all calibers) must have one hit in the 5 or two shots on target neutralize  Rifle (all calibers) must have one hit in the 5 or two shots on target neutralize  Shotgun Slug must score 5 points to neutralize  Poppers must fall to neutralize  Clays must break to neutralize

Targets  Official LSSA targets are available from authorized suppliers. Contact HQ for information. Official LSSA targets shall be used in all LSSA sanctioned matches and by all LSSA affiliated clubs for LSSA matches. Targets used in airsoft matches are about 50% size of normal LSSA targets.  By drawing a line just below the head you can designate head shots.  In countries where heads on targets make them look too human, the head can be cut off.

Targets  We will utilize the entire inventory of targets and target presentations, with some special targets just for this discipline.  Targets will be engaged until neutralized, in accordance with the COF procedures, and will be scored as follows:  A single shot to the 5 or two shots on target will neutralize the target. 5 Points for Shotgun.  Failure to Neutralize = 5 second penalty

Targets  Designated “No Shoot” targets that are hit will incur a 10 second penalty for each target that is hit  Knock down style targets (i.e. poppers, bowling pins) must fall to score  Failure to engage any target will result in a 15-second penalty.

Targets  Targets from other shooting disciplines.  The Match Director shall determine the proper scoring of these targets. It is required that official LSSA targets are used in all sanctioned matches.

Penalties  Procedural penalties, 5 seconds, assessed for failing to follow stage procedures.  A Failure to Do Right (FTDR) penalty adds twenty (20) seconds to total score. Is assessed for any attempt to circumvent or compromise the spirit or rationale of any stage by the use of inappropriate devices, equipment or techniques  Is assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, unfair actions, or the use of illegal equipment, which, in the opinion of the MD, tends to make a travesty of the sport.

Penalties  Failure to Neutralize (FTN) is assessed a 5 second penalty  Failure to Engage (FTE) is assessed a 15 second penalty  Hit on Non Threat (HNT) is assessed a 10 second penalty

LSSA Logo  The Lone Star Shooting Association logo is private property of the Lone Star Shooting Association. It is not available for individual commercial use. However, currently affiliated clubs may use the logo on match announcements, correspondence or on event commemorative clothing such as hats and tee shirts. Electronic copies are available from LSSA HQ.

Any Questions? Thank You for Your Participation and Willingness to Serve as a Safety Officer