Shooting Range Officer Course

Lesson 1 • The RSO Role and Responsibilities

Defines the RSO's authority, duties, and accountability on a range. Establishes the professional standard expected throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Universal Firearm Safety Rules

Covers the four fundamental firearm safety rules and their rationale. These rules form the non-negotiable baseline for all range operations.

Lesson 3 • Range Hazard Identification

Introduces physical, ballistic, and environmental hazards present on a range. Students categorise hazards to prioritise mitigation actions.

Lesson 1 • Waivers, Liability, and Documentation

Covers participant waivers, incident documentation, and record-keeping obligations. Proper documentation protects the range and supports incident review.

Lesson 2 • Range Inspections and Compliance Audits

Teaches systematic inspection of facilities and equipment against regulatory benchmarks. Students conduct mock audits using standardised checklists.

Lesson 3 • Developing Range Rules

Guides creation of clear, enforceable range rules covering conduct, equipment, and procedures. Rules must address all user categories and firearm types.

Lesson 1 • Identifying and Clearing Malfunctions

Teaches recognition and safe clearance of common malfunctions including misfire, hangfire, and squib loads. Correct response prevents injury and equipment damage.

Lesson 2 • Rifle and Shotgun Handling Procedures

Addresses long-gun specific handling, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and pump-action platforms. Students apply consistent safe-handling principles across varied actions.

Lesson 3 • Handgun Handling Procedures

Covers safe loading, unloading, and administrative handling of semi-automatic and revolver platforms. Builds the baseline handling skills RSOs must model and enforce.

Lesson 1 • Hearing Protection Standards

Explains noise reduction rating (NRR) requirements and the types of hearing protection appropriate for range environments. Correct selection prevents permanent hearing damage.

Lesson 2 • PPE Inspection and Enforcement

Trains RSOs to inspect PPE at range entry and throughout sessions. Consistent enforcement creates a culture of compliance and reduces liability.

Lesson 3 • Additional Range PPE

Addresses supplemental protective equipment including range footwear, gloves, and lead-exposure protective clothing. Proper PPE reduces cumulative occupational health risks.

Lesson 1 • Managing Multiple Shooters

Addresses simultaneous supervision of multiple firing points and shooter skill levels. Students apply scanning techniques and priority-based attention allocation.

Lesson 2 • Controlling Shooter Movement

Covers commands and procedures for safe movement to and from the firing line. Controlled movement prevents muzzle sweeping and unauthorised downrange access.

Lesson 3 • Standard Range Command Set

Introduces the full set of range commands, their precise wording, and intended shooter response. Consistent command language prevents ambiguity and accidents.

Lesson 1 • Emergency Action Plan Development

Teaches the components of a range-specific emergency action plan (EAP) and how to activate it. A tested EAP reduces response time and confusion during incidents.

Lesson 2 • Range Evacuation Procedures

Covers evacuation triggers, routes, and accountability procedures for all range users. Students practice evacuation drills for fire, active threat, and structural hazard scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Medical Emergency Management

Addresses non-ballistic medical events including cardiac arrest, heat stroke, and hearing injury. RSOs coordinate first aid and EMS handoff for diverse medical scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Accidental Discharge Response

Defines the immediate RSO response sequence following an unintentional discharge. Rapid, structured response minimises secondary injuries and preserves evidence.

Lesson 1 • Firing Line and Bay Conditions

Addresses surface conditions, lane dividers, benches, and overhead baffles on the firing line. Deficient infrastructure increases shooter injury risk.

Lesson 2 • Target Systems and Downrange Equipment

Covers inspection and safe operation of mechanical, electronic, and static target systems. Malfunctioning target equipment can create unexpected downrange hazards.

Lesson 3 • Backstop and Berm Integrity

Covers inspection criteria for earthen berms, rubber trap systems, and steel backstops. Backstop failure is a primary cause of off-range ballistic hazards.

Lesson 4 • Lead Contamination and Waste Management

Addresses lead dust accumulation, safe cleanup procedures, and regulated disposal of range waste. RSOs protect occupational health and meet environmental compliance obligations.

Lesson 1 • Accommodating Shooters with Disabilities

Provides strategies for safely accommodating physical and cognitive disabilities without compromising range safety standards. Inclusive practices expand access while maintaining control.

Lesson 2 • Large Group and Event Range Management

Addresses staffing ratios, crowd flow, and safety briefing logistics for competitions and high-volume events. Event planning integrates all prior RSO competencies at scale.

Lesson 3 • Tactical and Dynamic Training Environments

Covers additional hazards and RSO responsibilities in force-on-force, movement, and low-light training scenarios. Dynamic environments require enhanced planning and briefing protocols.

Lesson 4 • Supervising Novice and First-Time Shooters

Covers orientation protocols, hands-on guidance techniques, and heightened supervision ratios for new shooters. Novice supervision is the highest-risk routine RSO function.