GOAL Advisory to Affiliated Clubs

GOAL

NES Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2007
Messages
541
Likes
1,747
Feedback: 0 / 0 / 0
GOAL Advisory to Affiliated Clubs – March 24, 2020

Several firearms clubs around the state have contacted GOAL regarding keeping their facilities open during the COVID-19 crisis. First and foremost, let us say that any action you take during this time should be done with the health and welfare of your members as priority one. Also, non-profit clubs (rod and gun) are considered private property. How that property is utilized is determined by laws, regulations and its members.

During this time GOAL suggests that club leadership look at their facilities to determine whether or not range closure is prudent based on what the experts tell us and the implementation of “Best Practices”. (A link to the State’s Prevention methods can be found below.) It should be fairly simple to ascertain whether your club can accomplish these procedures on the outdoor ranges. Certainly, everyone should be required to bring their own sanitizing materials to clean their station after use.

For example, most of your outdoor rifle and pistol ranges likely have many shooting positions. Perhaps only open every other or every third station. The same should be available on skeet and trap ranges, but even so, keep the number of people in and around them to a minimum.

Indoor ranges certainly have different considerations. Here are some things to think about regarding indoor ranges:
  • How are people entering the facility?
  • Door Knobs
  • Log In Books
  • Card Swipes
  • What do people have to activate to utilize the indoor range?
  • Is your range big enough to create social distancing?
  • How is the range air exchange system (HVAC)?
  • Can users sanitize their stations and everything they have to handle like target returns?
Then there needs to be decisions made regarding the club house itself. This is where things could become problematic.
  • Do you allow members to use the restrooms? If so, how do you keep them sanitized?
  • Do you allow any access to the club house? If so, how do you regulate it?
  • Do you serve food or beverages? If so, should you continue?
  • Would you allow anyone to bring food or beverages to be consumed while in the club house or ranges?
Any and all users of indoor ranges, outdoor ranges, and general facilities should be directed to bring their own sanitizing materials, sanitizer, and perhaps even their own toilet paper, if those facilities are made available. Wiping down shared equipment like gate locks, rests, toilet seats and light switches before and after use is just common sense. In general, once your club makes the decisions necessary, they should post on their website and email their members what is open and what the criteria are.

Our non-profit rod and gun clubs are, more or less, our parks. They provide both mental and physical benefits for range users as well as fulfill an important part of our Second Amend civil rights. We can all agree that the mental benefit we get from recreational shooting and training is an absolute positive during these stressful times. The 25 to 300 yard walk to change targets is a cardiovascular benefit, not to mention the vitamin D input from a little exposure to the sun. All things that public healthcare providers advocate for.

During this time GOAL suggests that club leadership look at their facilities to determine whether or not keeping your facilities open, or even partially open can be accomplished with the information we have provided.

Prevention
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
  • Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Social distancing
  • If you must go out:
    • Don’t gather in groups
    • Stay 6 feet away from others
    • Don’t shake hands or hug
  • And please continue to wash your hands frequently

Massachusetts COVID-19 Prevention Information: COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment

Massachusetts Essential Service/Business List: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential-services/download

OSHA has provided guidance that clubs may review at:

www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2klRiTNkRQFdPJh9XIO8f0dQExFnKc6w6FJmNkXYoOWHqAE6ISxVUlCEA
 
Saw this come in.

I sincerely hope outdoor ranges *DO NOT* close. I should be able to shoot trap every evening as long as social distancing is factored in.
There's always a risk of contact infection (you touch something someone else coughed on lets say) but that risk isn't any greater than going to CVS, the Market, or whatever.
 
My club is closing all except outdoor range. We removed everyother bench and limiting to 10 shooters max. Providing sanitizer and paper towels to clean the benches after use. Range officers will be there on weekend hours to provide a little control of total number and instruct people to clean the bench after they are done.
 
I would encourage everyone concerned to read the actual order issued by the Governor, with particular attention to bullet numbers 2 and 3, which address applicable facilities and exempted areas.

The order is here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/march-23-2020-essential-services-and-revised-gatherings-order/download

And more guidance here: Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks
 
We used to fist bump for a perfect round on the skeet field, in the interest of better hygiene we now just give each other the finger.
 
^^this, number 2 and 3 as referenced above and its an advisory cant make you do it.

It's not just an advisory though--it's an ORDER. Says so right in the title and repeats the word "order" many times, specifically "I hereby order the following:.... 2. Temporary Closing of Other Businesses and Organizations."

Section 5: Enforceable by the "Department of Public Health, along with any board of health or authorized agent." Civil fine of up to $300 per violation.
 
^^ I guess it is an order, I thought I red that he order them to put an advisory.

The previous announcement around March 14th was an advisory but this week the Gov issued an order. Some of the language in the order is just a suggestion though, like "urging" all residences to limit travel is just advice. However, closing non-essential businesses and organizations are orders that can be enforced with civil fines and eventually criminal prosecution.
 
Rumor is the FRB is forwarding MIRCS transaction info to whoever is enforcing this order.

The previous announcement around March 14th was an advisory but this week the Gov issued an order. Some of the language in the order is just a suggestion though, like "urging" all residences to limit travel is just advice. However, closing non-essential businesses and organizations are orders that can be enforced with civil fines and eventually criminal prosecution.
 
Rumor is the FRB is forwarding MIRCS transaction info to whoever is enforcing this order.
Well, FRB gave the AG's office full access to all dealer FA-10s after the 2016 edict, so I would assume that this is just a continuum and the AG will be stomping on/threatening dealers who submit FA-10 forms for the foreseeable future.
 
Back
Top Bottom