What are the key components of BSA shooting sports programs. How can one become certified as a BSA shooting sports instructor. What safety measures are in place for BSA shooting activities.
The Purpose and Scope of BSA Shooting Sports
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has a long-standing commitment to teaching firearm safety and introducing youth to various shooting sports programs. These programs are designed to be age-appropriate, emphasizing safe, responsible, and intelligent handling of firearms, archery equipment, and hand-held throwing sports.
BSA shooting sports serve multiple purposes:
- Teaching firearm safety as a fundamental skill
- Introducing youth to diverse shooting disciplines
- Developing responsibility and self-discipline
- Promoting sportsmanship and ethical behavior
- Enhancing focus and concentration skills
The BSA’s approach to shooting sports is carefully managed and supervised, ensuring that participants receive proper training and guidance throughout their involvement.
Updated BSA Shooting Sports Manual: Key Changes and Clarifications
The BSA Shooting Sports Manual underwent a significant update in January 2022. This revised version replaces all previous iterations and introduces several important clarifications:
- Specifies which types of shooting sports programs are appropriate for different BSA program levels
- Outlines proper supervision requirements for unit-coordinated shooting activities
- Emphasizes that Cub Scouts may only participate in shooting sports at district or council events
- Reiterates the prohibition of shooting sports at Cub Scout pack or den levels
- Reinforces that any shooting sports programs not detailed in official BSA literature or the manual are prohibited
These updates aim to enhance safety and ensure consistency across all BSA shooting sports activities.
Accessing the Updated Manual
The revised BSA Shooting Sports Manual is an essential resource for all Scout leaders and volunteers involved in shooting sports programs. It can be downloaded directly from the BSA website, ensuring access to the most current guidelines and safety protocols.
National Camping School and Shooting Sports
Shooting sports play a crucial role in BSA camping operations. To maintain high safety standards and provide quality instruction, the BSA has established specific training requirements for volunteers and staff overseeing shooting sports activities.
The National Camping School (NCS) is integral to this process, offering specialized training for shooting sports directors and instructors. This training covers:
- Safety protocols and risk management
- Program planning and implementation
- Equipment maintenance and care
- Instructional techniques for various age groups
- Emergency procedures specific to shooting sports
The National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) works in tandem with NCS to ensure that all BSA camps meet or exceed the established standards for shooting sports programs.
NRA Instructor Certification: A Crucial Step for BSA Shooting Sports Leaders
The BSA partners with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to provide instructor certification courses. These courses are essential for individuals who wish to lead shooting sports activities within the BSA program.
Pre-requisites for NRA Instructor Courses
Before attending an NRA instructor course, candidates must complete specific pre-requisites:
- Take and pass a basic student class in their chosen discipline (e.g., rifle, shotgun)
- Obtain proof of completion for the basic course
- Bring student materials to the instructor course
- Have access to digital files during the course (laptop or tablet recommended)
These pre-requisites ensure that instructor candidates have a solid foundation in their chosen discipline before learning how to teach others.
Finding NRA Basic Courses
Prospective instructors can find NRA Basic Rifle and Shotgun courses through various channels:
- BSA-sponsored courses offered at discounted rates
- Commercial NRA Basic courses in local areas
- Online course finder at www.nrainstructors.org
Completing these basic courses is a crucial step in the journey to becoming a certified BSA shooting sports instructor.
BSA Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Training
In addition to rifle and shotgun programs, the BSA offers specialized training in pistol safety and marksmanship. This program is designed for older youth and adult leaders, providing a comprehensive introduction to handgun safety and shooting techniques.
Key Components of Pistol Training
The BSA Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Training program typically covers:
- Handgun safety rules and procedures
- Proper grip and stance techniques
- Sight alignment and trigger control
- Cleaning and maintenance of pistols
- Introduction to different types of handguns and ammunition
- Practical shooting exercises and marksmanship development
This training is offered at select locations throughout the year, with specific dates and venues announced by the BSA.
Implementing Shooting Sports Programs at the Council Level
For local councils wishing to offer shooting sports programs, there are specific steps and requirements to follow:
- Complete the Shooting Sports Application
- Ensure proper facilities and equipment are available
- Recruit and train qualified instructors
- Develop a comprehensive safety plan
- Obtain necessary permits and insurance coverage
- Create a program schedule and curriculum
- Implement a system for ongoing program evaluation and improvement
By following these steps, councils can establish safe and engaging shooting sports programs that align with BSA standards and objectives.
Safety Measures and Best Practices in BSA Shooting Sports
Safety is paramount in all BSA activities, and shooting sports are no exception. The organization has implemented a comprehensive set of safety measures and best practices to ensure the well-being of all participants.
Key Safety Protocols
- Mandatory safety briefings before each shooting session
- Strict adherence to the “three safety rules” of gun handling
- Use of proper protective equipment (eye and ear protection)
- Clear range commands and procedures
- Regular equipment inspections and maintenance
- Age-appropriate firearms and ammunition selection
- Proper storage and transportation of firearms and ammunition
- Emergency action plans for each shooting venue
These safety measures are reinforced through regular training and are an integral part of all BSA shooting sports programs.
Instructor-to-Participant Ratios
The BSA maintains strict instructor-to-participant ratios to ensure adequate supervision and instruction. These ratios vary depending on the type of shooting activity and the age of the participants. For example:
- BB gun ranges: 1 instructor per 8 shooters
- Archery ranges: 1 instructor per 8 archers
- Rifle and shotgun ranges: 1 instructor per firing point
Adhering to these ratios helps maintain a safe and controlled environment for all participants.
The Role of Shooting Sports in Youth Development
While safety and skill development are primary focuses of BSA shooting sports programs, these activities also play a significant role in overall youth development.
Character Building Through Shooting Sports
Participation in shooting sports can foster numerous positive traits and skills:
- Self-discipline and focus
- Respect for rules and authority
- Personal responsibility
- Goal-setting and achievement
- Teamwork and sportsmanship
- Stress management and emotional control
- Decision-making under pressure
These qualities, developed through careful instruction and practice, can benefit youth in many aspects of their lives beyond the shooting range.
Career Exploration Opportunities
Exposure to shooting sports can also open doors to potential career paths. Some career opportunities related to shooting sports include:
- Law enforcement and military service
- Olympic and competitive shooting
- Gunsmithing and firearms design
- Outdoor education and recreation management
- Wildlife conservation and game management
By introducing youth to these activities in a safe and controlled environment, the BSA helps broaden their horizons and explore potential future interests.
Adapting Shooting Sports Programs for Scouts with Disabilities
The BSA is committed to making Scouting accessible to all youth, including those with disabilities. This commitment extends to shooting sports programs, where adaptations and accommodations are made to ensure inclusion.
Common Adaptations for Scouts with Disabilities
- Modified equipment (e.g., adaptive archery devices)
- Adjusted shooting positions
- Extended time allowances
- One-on-one instruction when necessary
- Use of communication aids for deaf or hard-of-hearing Scouts
- Visual aids and tactile instructions for visually impaired participants
These adaptations allow Scouts with disabilities to participate fully in shooting sports activities, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity within the program.
The Future of BSA Shooting Sports Programs
As the BSA continues to evolve, so too do its shooting sports programs. The organization is constantly evaluating and updating its approach to ensure that these activities remain safe, relevant, and engaging for today’s youth.
Emerging Trends in BSA Shooting Sports
- Integration of technology (e.g., electronic scoring systems, virtual reality training)
- Increased focus on conservation and environmental stewardship
- Expansion of non-traditional shooting sports (e.g., airsoft, laser tag)
- Enhanced partnerships with professional organizations and athletes
- Development of advanced training programs for older youth
These emerging trends reflect the BSA’s commitment to providing cutting-edge programs that appeal to a new generation of Scouts while maintaining the core values and safety standards that have long been the hallmark of BSA shooting sports.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
The BSA is also proactively addressing contemporary challenges related to shooting sports, such as:
- Public perceptions of firearms and youth participation
- Balancing tradition with evolving societal norms
- Incorporating diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Adapting to changing legal landscapes regarding firearms and youth activities
- Maintaining program relevance in an increasingly digital world
By tackling these challenges head-on, the BSA aims to ensure that its shooting sports programs remain a valuable and respected component of the Scouting experience for years to come.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value of BSA Shooting Sports Programs
BSA shooting sports programs have been a cornerstone of the Scouting experience for generations, offering youth the opportunity to develop important skills, build character, and explore potential interests and career paths. Through careful adherence to safety protocols, ongoing instructor training, and a commitment to inclusivity, these programs continue to provide immense value to participants.
As the BSA looks to the future, its shooting sports programs are poised to evolve and adapt, embracing new technologies and addressing contemporary challenges while remaining true to the core principles of safety, responsibility, and youth development. By maintaining this balance, the BSA ensures that shooting sports will remain an integral and beneficial part of the Scouting experience for years to come.
For those interested in participating in or supporting BSA shooting sports programs, reaching out to local councils or visiting the official BSA website provides an excellent starting point. These programs offer unique opportunities for youth to grow, learn, and challenge themselves in a safe and structured environment, embodying the very essence of what Scouting is all about.
Shooting Sports | Boy Scouts of America
SHOOTING SPORTS
SCOUTING SHOOTING SPORTS
Purpose of BSA Shooting Sports
The purpose of BSA shooting sports is to teach firearm safety while introducing youth to a variety of shooting sports programs. The BSA’s shooting sports programs are developed and implemented through age-appropriate training and experiences.
The Boy Scouts of America adheres to its longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, and intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, archery, and hand-held throwing sports in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs for each youth who chooses to participate.
Shooting Sports Manual *UPDATED 2022*
This revised manual replaces all previous versions and has a revision date of 1/2022. The updated BSA Shooting Sports Manual clarifies who can operate which types of shooting sports programs for which BSA program level.
It also serves to clarify the proper supervision and qualifications needed for unit coordinated shooting sports programs.
Reminder: Cub Scouts may only participate in shooting sports at a district or council event or activity. Shooting Sports is prohibited at the Cub Scout pack or den level.
As a reminder the Guide to Safe Scouting states that any shooting sports programs not detailed in our program literature or the shooting sports manual are prohibited.
Download the Shooting Sports Manual
Program Specific Information
Shooting Sports and National Camping School/NCAP
Shooting Sports is an important part of our BSA camping operations. In order to have a safe and fun shooting sports program, the BSA has set forth safety standards and training for all volunteers and staff who will be in charge of Shooting Sports Activities. For a complete list of these standards, see the links below.
National Camp Accreditation Program
National Camping School
NRA Instructor course listings:
February 24-26, 2023 Camp Flying Eagle, Bradenton Florida
March 31-April 2 Camp Gorton, Dundee, New York
April 13-15, 2023 Camp Pigott, Snohomish, Washington
April 14-16, 2023 Camp Loud Thunder, Illinois City, Illinois
April 28-30, 2023 Camp Cherokee, Yanceyville, North Carolina
April 28-30, 2023 Camp Heritage, Farmington, Pennsylvania
May 4-6, 2023 Camp Tracy, Salt Lake City Utah
May 12-14, 2023 Camp Phillips, Rice Lake, Wisconson
June 7-9, 2023 Massawepie, Tupper Lake, New York
Additional Dates will be added here as they are confirmed.
ALL PARTICIPANTS CLICK HERE FIRST
NRA Instructor Course Pre-Requisites: All BSA shooting sports candidates MUST take a basic student class in their discipline before attending the instructor class. Therefore, before you can attend and be certified as a NRA Rifle and Shotgun instructor, you MUST already have taken and passed NRA Basic Rifle and Shotgun classes. The BSA and NRA offer these courses at discounted prices across the country or you can attend any commercial NRA Basic Rifle and Shotgun classes. To find a Basic Rifle and/or Shotgun course in your area, please visit: www.nrainstructors.org .
Once completed you will need to bring proof of completion with you to the instructor course. You will also need to bring your student materials with you to the course.
The instructor course will ask you to be able to follow a syllabus and instruct materials during the class. The materials will be sent to from the NRA training counselor prior to the course.
You will need to have access to use the digital files during your instructor course, so it is recommended that you bring a laptop computer or tablet with you to the course.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the contact for your course listed below or email [email protected] .
BSA Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Training
Marksmanship course listings:
April 28-30, 2023 Camp Shands, Hawthorne, Florida
April 28-30, 2023 Bud Schiele, Rutherford, North Carolina
May 12-14, 2023 Camp Loud Thunder, Illinois City, Illinois
June 9-11, 2023 Camp Workcoeman, New Hartford, Connecticut
August 18-20, 2023 Camp Tiak, Wiggins, MS
August 25-27, 2023 Griswold Scout Reservation, Gilmanton, NH
ALL PARTICIPANTS CLICK HERE FIRST
Prerequisites:
- Councils wishing to offer the program also need to complete the Shooting Sports Application to be able to offer the program and for the candidate to be admitted to the course.
- The candidate must be approved by the local council
- The candidate must agree to help the local council in the year round program
- Candidates must be certified in NRA Pistol Instructor and present those certificates,cards to the Chief BSA Scouting Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Instructor. The Chief Instructor will confirm that the candidates are eligible to attend the course based on this information. (Prior to arrival at the course)
- The candidates must have read and reviewed the NRA Basic of Pistol Shooting Lesson Plan-ILT and be familiar and read the power points of NRA Basic of Pistol Shooting lesson plans.
- The candidate must have taught the basic of Pistol Shooting Course at least twice in the last six months. Each of these courses must have a minimum of 2 students. These course must be documented in the NRA Instructors website and confirmed by the Chief BSA Scouting Pistol Safety and Marksmanship Instructor.
- The candidate must bring a copy of the lessons plans and the power points. The candidate must be proactive before coming to the course. This means the candidate must have rehearsed delivering syllabuses.
- The candidate must be able to pass the NRA Pistol Instructor course of fire using a .22 cal pistol.
The candidate must be proactive before coming to the course. This means the candidate must have rehearsed delivering syllabuses. As a reminder this program requires two individuals both of whom are certified in BSA Pistol Marksmanship and at least one of whom is additionally certified as a NRA Range Safety Officer.
During the course:
- The candidates will present the entire course to the instructors facilitating the course.
- The instructors will evaluate each candidate for proficiency and competence while teaching the lesson plans.
- The course instructors will make recommendations for improvement and the instructor candidates will present the entire BSA Scouting Pistol Safety and Marksmanship class to youth. This instruction will determine whether the candidate will successfully complete the course and be certified. Candidates who are found to be deficient in presenting the lessons plans will not pass this course.
Additional information regarding BSA Pistol Shooting activities, training and requirements
Chalk Ball, Sporting Arrows, Pistol Safety and Marksmanship program, Cowboy Action Shooting
If your council plans to offer these programs, you must complete the Shooting Sports Application prior to offering these activities. (This application must be submitted annually)
Additional Shooting Sports Resources
BSA Range Design Standards
Download the design document: range design
Your council must engage an architect or engineer locally to ensure your final design incorporates local geography and is meeting all local standards and laws for your county or state. The guidelines established are minimum standards, the final design must contain the projectile within the range. Designing an all-purpose range is not desirable because of the specific differences in the disciplines.
Procedures to Use Public or Private Property for a Shooting Sports Range
This worksheet must be used to determine if public or private land is suitable for use as a shooting sports range.
Contact at: [email protected]
2022 SNIPER T EXPERT – Tahoe Sports ltd
With the Sniper T we have created a pure full-suspension cross-country trail bike with a true INTENSE spirit. With the same soul as its sibling the Sniper XC, it features a super lightweight full carbon frame, rolling on 29” wheels, with progressive XC trail geometry but this time with 120mm of travel. The extra 20mm of suspension means that the Sniper T is still all about off-road speed… both up and down, but that you get a slightly plusher ride. It is fast, fiery and fun, a truly innovative XC trail bike… INTENSE style.
It’s all about the geometry. Long, low and slack is no longer just for the downhill crowd, it’s the ‘new normal’ for XC trail bikes too… it’s real a game changer. We believe that short travel bikes should descend like their long-travel siblings, so with the Sniper T we’ve created an XC trail bike with an aggressive DH spirit. It loves going uphill, but it always has one eye on the descents.
A longer toptube, shorter stem, wider bars, lower bottom bracket and slacker headangle all make for an exciting yet balanced bike. It is a complete system that is designed to work as one.
The Sniper T’s numbers are progressive, with geometry and design that’s normally only seen on trail or enduro bikes… but it works. With sharp and crisp handling, and responsive pedaling, it is confident and efficient on the climbs – and with its extra travel it is now even more stable, controlled and direct on the descents. Add into that mix dropper posts and 1×12 gearing and you have what we believe to be the ultimate cross-country trail bike.
LIGHT, FAST, AGILE, AND FUN.
We know that riding the Sniper T will fill you with confidence. Climbing, descending or cruising along… it does it all with a powerful yet efficient ease. The way the Sniper covers the ground so quickly and effortlessly is inspiring and it is nothing short of a revelation on the descents.
The Sniper T is our trail bike thrasher, and it’s got the INTENSE spirit through and through.
Sitting in the middle ground between a full-on XC bike (Sniper XC) and a slightly longer travel trail bike (Primer) the Sniper T offers the best of both worlds. You won’t be disappointed. It’s everything you could want in a modern day cross-country trail bike.
THE JS TUNED XC (CROSS COUNTRY) LINK.
We talk about JS Suspension a lot here at INTENSE. JS stands for Jeff Steber (our founder and CEO) and simply put it is a refined suspension system that uses two counter-rotating links to connect the front and rear triangles of the bike. The links are specifically placed to allow for separation between the pedaling and braking forces from the suspension performance. Every model in our range has its own personal and specific JS tune.
For the Sniper T our engineering team put the focus on optimized pedaling performance, tweaking the shock tune to suit typical trail riding terrain. The suspension for the Sniper was designed for supple sensitivity on small bumps, mid-support for a hard pedaling efficiency in and out of the saddle, and a good progression through the end of the stroke, and of course with the Sniper T you get the luxury of a bit more travel.
Russian hockey player broke the NHL rookie sniper record
adv.rbc.ru
adv.rbc.ru
adv.rbc.ru
Sport
TV channel
Pro
Investments
Events
RBC+
New economy
Trends
Real estate
Sport
Style
National projects
City
Crypto
Debating club
Research
Credit ratings
Franchises
Newspaper
Special projects St.
Petersburg
Conferences St. Petersburg
Special projects
Checking counterparties
RBC Library
Podcasts
ESG index
Policy
Economy
Business
Technology and media
Finance
RBC Company
adv.rbc.ru
adv.rbc.ru
Kirill Marchenko brought Columbus to victory over Ottawa by scoring a record 21st goal in his debut season, which was also the second fastest overtime goal in the club’s history
Kirill Marchenko
(Photo: Maksim Konstantinov/Global Look Press)
Russian Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko scored against the Ottawa Senators in the NHL to set a new club record for goals scored by a rookie.
Columbus beat Ottawa 4-3 in overtime. Marchenko helped Boone Jenner level the score in the third period, and in the 16th second of overtime he scored the winning goal and was recognized as the second star of the meeting.
In total, the 22-year-old Russian has 21 goals and four assists in 53 matches with a utility index of minus 16.
adv.rbc.ru
Marchenko broke the club record for goals scored among newcomers. Previously, Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the most in Columbus in his first season (20 goals in the 2017/18 season).
Marchenko’s overtime goal is the second fastest in the history of the club (also scored in the 16th second by Jakub Voracek in February 2022), the record belongs to Seth Jones, who scored in the 10th second in December 2018.
On the night of April 4 in the NHL Minnesota Wild Kirill Kaprizov will play with the Vegas Golden Knights. Fonbet accepts bets on the victory of Minnesota with a coefficient of 2.20, on the victory of Vegas with a coefficient of 2.
75.
Author
Anna Satdinova
adv.rbc.ru
adv.rbc.ru
adv.rbc.ru
In Russia, the Bogomol-Z sniper suit, invisible to thermal imagers, was introduced
Policy
Plot: DNR, LNR, Ukraine: escalation
5926
Share
Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense.
Viktor Konstantinopolsky, a representative of the Alfa K manufacturing company, said that at the II specialized exhibition “Equipment” in Moscow, the latest technology was presented – the “invisibility suit” “Mantis-Z”, which uses fabric metallization.
The peculiarity of this suit is that it is not visible to the thermal imager in the IR range.
“Thanks to the suit, it is possible to protect not only the fighter, but also the equipment,” Konstantinopolsky said.
He also said that the weight of the costume is from 1 to 3 kilograms, while the fabric almost does not rustle.
Konstantinopolsky added that this suit is mainly intended for snipers. Already, the development is being tested by the Russian Ministry of Defense, in particular, fighters in the NVO zone.
Also, according to the representative of the manufacturing company, today this suit is not inferior, but in some ways superior to foreign analogues.
