COWBOYACTIONSHOOTING™RangeOperationsSafetyCourse
LevelOne
InstructorHandbookVersion25
January7,2020
COPYRIGHT2000-2020
SINGLEACTIONSHOOTINGSOCIETY,INC.
ALLRIGHTSRESERVED
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InstructorsInformation
Thank you for your dedication to SASS and the sport of CowboyAction Shooting™!This basic outlinewill help you in conducting asuccessfulcourse.BasicInformation:
• Conductthiscourseinaclassroomtypeofsetting,freefromdistractions.• Provideampleseatingforstudents,adesk/tableorwritingsurface,andall course materials. In addition to this courses Student Handbook,providecopiesoftheSASSShootersHandbookifpossibleandreferenceasneededthroughoutthecourse.
• ConsideramicrophoneorPAsystemforlargerclasses.• Haveasigninsheetforregistration.MakesuretheattendeessigninwiththeirSASSnumberandAliasasregisteredwithSASS.
• Collecttherequiredfeeforthecourseof$10perstudent.$5issenttoSASSwiththecompletedsigninsheet,andyourclubkeeps$5tocoverexpenses.
• Thereareinstructornotes(tips!) included(asneeded)throughoutthecourse.
• Nounitorsectionofthiscoursemaybeomittedforanyreason.
CourseTips:
• Engagethestudentswithrelevantstoriesandexamplesofscenariosastheyrelatetothecourse.
• Encourage students to participate in discussions and give their ownexamplesaswell(whilemaintainingcontrolofthecourse)
• Avoid reading the course slides word for word. Use opportunities toelaborate“offscript”withrelevantinformationtokeepthecourselivelyandinteractive.
• Wheneverpossible,use“reallife”demonstrations,involvingstudents,todemonstrateaprocess.Utilizevisualaidsandexamples-implementingacombinationofdiscussion,visualunderstanding,andthewrittentext.
• Themoreparticipationbytheclass,themoreeffectivethecoursewillbe.• REMEMBER to have FUN! – You’re attitude sets the tone for theexperienceofthestudentstakingthecourse.HAVEFUN!
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Compiled&EditedfortheSingleActionShootingSociety®
ByTheRangeOperationsCommittee
&theSASSBoardofDirectors
TherulesanddisciplinesoutlinedinthiscoursewillnotimposeanyunduehardshiporadditionalfinancialburdenonanySASSaffiliatedclub.ThisdocumentmaybecopiedbyanySASSAffiliatedClubfor
useintheSASSRangeOperationstrainingprogram.
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CONTENTSUnit1:IntroductionandCourseGoals 2
Unit2:TheSASSShootersHandbook 7
Unit3:CowboyActionShooting™ 9
Unit4:TheRoleoftheSASSRangeSafetyOfficer 12
Unit5:AmmunitionandFirearms 29
Unit6:RangeSafetyRulesandConventions 43
Unit7:RangeCommands 67
Unit8:matchPositionsandRoles 75
Unit9:IllegalItemsandHolsters 95
Unit10:PenaltyAssessments 101
Review: 111
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Practical Exercise:
Students should prepare a brief introduction of themselves. Include:Name, SASS Alias, SASS number
Previous involvement in general shooting activities, involvement in Cowboy Action Shooting™
Goals/Plans for this training===========================Instructor Notes:
Instructor should prepare an introduction that includes the information above as well as RO Instructor experience.
Instructor should guide the student introductions and provide positive feedback and a “Welcome!” to each student
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Instructor Notes:
The requirements for classroom conduct should be at theInstructors discretion.
Instructor should reiterate to the class that their StudentHandbooks for this course contain each of the slides that arepresented in the Power Point Presentation for their use, to followalong, and to take notes.
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Instructor: Present the Course Goal to students
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Students are expected to attend the entire course and to participate in discussions and activities designed to increase and reinforce learning.
An examination score of 80% (24/30) or higher is required for certification. *A passing score (even a 100%) does not guarantee certification if a student displays a careless, negative attitude or a disregard for safety. Determination is up to the Course Instructor.
Students who receive and successfully complete this training course will be awarded a SASS RO I Pin designating them as an RO I.==============Instructor: Inform students if the RO I Pin(s) will be awarded at the conclusion of the course, or if they will receive their pin directly from SASS after the course report has been submitted to SASS HQ- based upon your preference.
The course exam should be administered as an open “book” test- inform students that they will be able to reference this course book, the shooters handbook, and their own notes to take the exam. *Being a good RO isn’t always about knowing every answer- it’s about knowing where to find the answer!
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Instructor notes:
The sport of Cowboy Action Shooting™ began in 1981 inSouthern California and began to grow in popularity very quickly.The Single Action Shooting Society® (SASS) was formed in 1987 asa membership organization and the governing body for the sportwith the mission: “To preserve and promote the sport of CowboyAction Shooting” – promulgating the rules to ensure safety andconsistency in Cowboy Action Shooting™ matches worldwide.The design and production of this course has evolved with thesport over many years- and is a direct result of SASS’ mission ofsafety and consistency.
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All SASS Range Officers must know and understand the most current version of the SASS Shooters Handbook (SHB), be informed, and understand any recent changes.
The SASS Cowboy Action Shooting™ Shooters Handbook contains crucial guidelines,rules, and information on:Alias & CostumingSASS Firearm CovenantsHolsters & BeltsAmmunitionShooting CategoriesSide MatchesLong Range CompetitionsScoring & TimingSafety ConventionsRange Operations========Instructor: Do not go through the entire SHB with the class. If copies of the ShootersHandbook have been provided, encourage students to identify the document and tofamiliarize themselves with all of its sections. You can highlight the sections with theclass and encourage their individual familiarization of the SHB. *Great ROs don’t alwaysknow every answer - but they DO know where to find it! As an RO, you will be askedRules questions by shooters. It’s important to know where to find the answer in theSHB. Say to shooters, “Let’s look it up in the Handbook together!” It is good practice forROs to have a copy of the handbook in their gun cart during matches for reference.
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Instructor: Gauge the level of understanding & experience of your students. Discuss and/or proceed as necessary.
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*Review and discuss the above sample Cowboy Action Shooting™Stage Scenario
Instructor: Based upon student experience, discuss the samplestage provided as needed.
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Two words are paramount in the Range Officers Motto: SAFELYASSIST.
Instructor: Stress the words SAFELY ASSIST.The Range Officer’s Motto will be examined in detail as the
course moves forward.
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Instructor: Read and Review each of the “10 commandments” individually- allowing for pause as needed.
Ask for any questions prior to proceeding with the course.
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The term Timer Operator (TO) is utilized most frequently.
Accordingly, to avoid confusion, this course will further direct allreferences utilizing the term Timer Operator (TO)
The TO, during any course of fire, becomes the Range Officer inCharge as long as he/she is operating the timer. The timer Officer(TO) is the lead RO in charge of the firing line during that time.
==========Instructor: The term Chief Range Officer (CRO) is no longer used.A CRO/TO is the same by definition in MOST cases. To avoidconfusion, especially for students who have taken this coursepreviously, explain to students that this course will reference theCRO as the TO from this point forward.
Reiterate the TO is the Range Officer in Charge.
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In the upcoming sections, we will review each of the 6 keys toassisting a shooter.==============Instructor:“As mentioned previously, we will now examine those 2 veryimportant words in the Range Officer’s motto”….. “We with startwith “ASSIST”.
“There are 6 key elements to providing a “winning” ASSIST (seeslide- read list of each of the 6 key elements) - we will discusseach of these key elements one by one in the upcoming sections.“
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Instructor:
The first key to a winning assist is Consistent information & communication.
Review Slide information and provide examples as needed.
Engage the class, encouraging students to present their own experiences with both inconsistent and consistent information & communication.
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Additional Assessments of the Shooters condition include staying alert forany signs of the use of any substance that may affect his or her ability toparticipate with a maximum state of awareness and in a completely safemanner.
Safety is ALWAYS the #1 priority.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited for allpersons, shooters, guests, range officers, and others in the area until allfirearms have been stored and shooting is completed for the duration ofthe day.
No shooter may ingest any substance that may affect their awareness-including both prescription and non-prescription drugs that may causedrowsiness or any other physical or mental impairment.
Instructor: The 2nd key to assisting the shooter is by doing an assessmentof the shooter.
Review slide information and the extra text provided in detail.
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Instructor:
Encourage/engage the class with examples of when a shootermay have forgotten shotgun shells (or even their pistols!).
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Instructor:
Discuss Anticipating. Unfamiliar with the shooter? Ask! More andmore “shooters choice” stages may require the TO to ask theshooter for their “plan.”
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Instructor:
Attitude might be one of the most important elements of a great RO! Review & discuss the slides in detail.
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Instructor:
Engage students to give examples of when coaching has helpedthem as shooters.
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Instructor:
Give examples of both proper coaching AND improper coachingfor discussion. Reiterate: Proper coaching is not considered ROinterference & will never be grounds for a reshoot.
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Instructor:
The 2nd paramount word in the RO Motto is “SAFELY”….”WithoutIncident.”
Discuss the 3 points above in detail with the class. Encourage &engage the class with your own experiences and ask them toshare theirs.
*Strong side of the shooter will be covered in detail later in thecourse when we get to the section on running the timer.
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Instructor:
“Let’s start with Restarts” – Engage class – “What is a Restart?”
Restarts shall be allowed for a competitor to achieve a “clean”start, up to the point at which the first round goes down range.
Multiple restarts by the same shooter, that in the judgement ofthe TO, are seen to be taking advantage will not be entertained asthey are not in the spirit of the game.
Instructor:Give an example of a restart (e.g., starting with the shotgun andfumbling with shells, etc.) *As long as the 1st shot hasn’t gonedown range!
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Instructor:Explain the difference between a restart and a reshoot. Provide examplesand discuss.
Engage the class in discussion. “How many of you have had either a restartor a reshoot?”ß---------------------BREAK TIME---------------------------------à
INSTRUCTOR:Unit 5 Intro: Ammunition Components & Common Firearm stoppages &
Malfunctions
“Every shooter should understand basic ammunition and firearmfunctions. As a Range Officer, it is important that you have a thoroughunderstanding of not only firearms, but also of the functions of basicammunition to assist you in identifying and assisting the shooter withpotential ammunition functions and malfunctions. “
“Let’s start by taking a look at Ammunition….”
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Instructor:
Present the 2 types of modern ammunition and the graphic thatdescribes each.
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Review the process of BP – Engage the class!
*Ask if there are any BP shooters in the class and ask them toassist in describing the process!
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Instructor:
Review the basic components of Smokeless Ammunition – have“real” examples if possible
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Instructor:
Review the centerfire ammunition Firing Sequence step by stepwith the class. Allow for the class to add to the discussion andask questions as needed.
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Power Factors are calculated by multiplying the bullet weighttimes the velocity and then the resulting number is divided by1000.
Examples:100 grain bullet travelling at 600fps has a power factor of 60(100x600)/1000=60
77 grain bullet travelling at 800fps has a power factor of 61.6(77x800)/1000=61.60
200 grain bullet travelling at 400fps has a power factor of 80(200x400)/1000=80
Instructor: Review the SASS Standards – Minimums andmaximums for ammunition as described.
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Instructor:
Present the text and information on all malfunctions; ask for questions along the way.
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Instructor:
There are 4 types of Ammunition malfunctions (list on slide). Inthe coming sections, we will discuss each of the 4 types.
Instructor: Go through the next 4 slides that describe each of the4 types of Ammunition Malfunctions in detail with the class.
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Simple precautions can help lessen and/or eliminate high leadlevels.
After shooting, handling ammunition, or reloading- always washyour hands- especially prior to eating or smoking.
Hand wipes will help at the range where water may be sparse,and there are specialized wipes and hand soaps designed to cleanlead from the skin.
*Timer Operator (TO) duties should be shared with otherqualified shooters to limit the risk of over-exposure.ß------------------------------BREAK TIME----------------------------------à
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Instructor:
Unit 6 is an in-depth description and listing of all SASS RangeSafety Rules, from Firearms, Range conduct, Ammunition, andstage conventions. It is important that the utmost care is taken inpresenting the following sections of information to the class, andto ensure their understanding of each section prior toproceeding.
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A Range Officer electing to not penalize a match participant thathas not complied with a safety rule has a detrimental effect tothe sport as a whole and ultimately results in penalizing all othermatch participants that DID comply.
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Instructor:
As it says, these are the “Magnificent Seven” – 7 Rules for RangeSafety. These rules must be followed by all shooters, Rangeofficers, directors, personnel, and anyone in the area at all times.
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Instructor:Utilize visual demonstration(s) to illustrate the 170 rule. Engage the class ifpossible, asking for student volunteers if possible. There is significantreference to “the 170” throughout the course and throughout all SASSmatches. A clear understanding of this rule must be achieved.
Provide examples/stories if possible- and encourage the addition ofstudent’s stories.
Allow for any questions prior to proceeding.==========Instructor: In preparation of the coming sections:
“Different types of firearms (pistols, rifles, and shotguns), requireindividualized sets of rules to ensure their safe handling and use.”
“The upcoming course sections are separated into each gun type….”
“Let’s start by discussing Revolvers…”
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Instructo: Demonstrate where appropriate. (Fanning/sliphammering, etc.)
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Instructor:
reiterate the 2 conditions listed on this slide for future recall(star!)
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Instructor:
reiterate the final point above re: the revolver may not be cockeduntil it is at a 45 degree angle downrange. (star!)
Let’s move on to discussing Rifles…..
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Instructor:
reiterate the 2 points in which a Rifle is considered safe formovement.
And now… for the Shotguns…..
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Instructor:
Now that we have reviewed firearm specifics, let’s review theSafety Rules for ALL FIREARMS
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Instructor:
There are important Safety rules specific to Ammunition. Let’slook at those.
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Instructor:
Reiterate the 2nd point re: Dropped ammo (star!)
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Instructor:
An “Uncontrolled Discharge” is also known as an “AccidentalDischarge” or an “AD”. These terms are interchangeable andshould be interpreted as one in the same in terms of occurrence.
Instructor:
Next up, we will discuss Participant specific safety rules- in termsof a shooters performance and conduct.
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Instructor:
Explain/Demonstrate “Shooting on the move” and the basketballtraveling rule.
*Reiterate the Shooting on the move point.
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Instructor:
Present and discuss each stage convention above.
ß---------------------------BREAK TIME-------------------------------------à
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Instructor:
Review each command individually; engage the class wheneverpossible. Ask students to give examples of other acceptable“western flavor” range commands they may have heard at a SASSmatch for discussion.
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Instructor:
Review all individual roles and responsibilities in this section indetail.
Use demonstrations for individual roles and team roles wheneverpossible.
Group/student participation activity – can be used whendiscussion roles that require an order of actions to be taken (ie:TO firing line order, XP Officer flow, etc.) – Call the requirednumber of students up to the front of the class and go throughthe flow together.
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• The TO operates the timer… and so much more!• The TO should be aware of the skill level of the competitors. Be attentive to new
shooters, helping and coaching them through the course of fire, as needed. Alwaysbe ready to control the newer shooter.
• The TO also gives seasoned shooters a little more room since they tend to move fast.Don’t let them run over you because you’re crowding them.
• While the TO should do his/her best to not start a competitor in a faulted positionor location, the ultimate responsibility of starting position lies with the shooter. Ashooter who starts in a faulted position will be assessed a Procedural penalty.
• The TO watches the shooter – and the shooters guns- for unsafe acts, correct targetengagement, and stage procedures.
• The TO should count shots fired, if possible.• The TO should stay within arm’s length of the shooter at all times through the course
of fire.Instructor: Stress the importance of the role of the TO and the duties he/she performs.Reiterate the point: starting position is the responsibility of the shooter.Demonstrate the final point of being within arm’s length of the shooter through thecourse of fire. Discuss and demonstrate:• the “strong side” of a shooter• holding the timer• timer operation (recording the last shot!)
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The Timer Operator is IN CHARGE of the Firing Line.
• The TO verifies at least 2 of the 3 spotters agree on misses,and can consider input from the spotters regardingprocedurals and/or safety violations- as well as any personalobservations during the stage.
• A TO does not have the authority to overrule the spotters inregard to misses, but can question spotters as to the locationof misses.
• The TO is often in the best position to see the direction of themuzzle, which is helpful in determining edge hits.
• Final assessment regarding the assessment of penalties ismade by the TO.
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Instructor:
Activity/participation- utilize student involvement to “stage” theflow of the firing line order. Have students “act out” the orderfrom different positions.
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• The XPO’s primary concern is the next shooter to be called to the firing line by theTO- known as the “on-deck” shooter.
• The XPO does not count misses, reset targets, score, run the timer, or pick brass.• The XPO can assist in assigning target resetters and brass pickers as directed by the
match.• The XPO ensures the on-deck shooter understands the course of fire and proceeds
promptly to the line to stage firearms and ammunition as efficiently as possible.• When an XPO is in place during a match, a XP/On-deck location/position is added to
the bay. This position is typically positioned between the loading area and the firingline. The on-deck position should consist of a low table to accommodate the longguns of the on-deck shooter.
• It is a good idea to have a copy of the shooting scenario at the on-deck position.The XPO transition cycle:• At the 1st shot of the shooter on the line, the XPO calls the next shooter from the
loading table to the on-deck position.• The XPO asks the on-deck shooter: 1) Do you understand the course of fire? 2) Do
you have any questions?• The XPO can assess the shooter to ensure they have everything they need to
complete the stage.• The XPO should not engage in unnecessary conversation with the shooter- allow for
mental preparation.• Once the TO indicates the firing line is ready for the next shooter, the XPO directs the
on-deck shooter to the firing line to stage firearms and make ready; transitioningcharge of the shooter to the TO.
*This cycle continues…Instructor: Activity/participation- utilize student involvement to “stage” the flow of thefiring line order. Have students “act out” the order from different positions.
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Instructor: The Spotters Mantra slide requires several “clicks” on the PowerPoint presentation to populate.
At each junction, engage the class to complete the cadence asyou progress through the mantra.
Reiterate: benefit of the doubt goes to the shooter!
*Unit 10 will cover penalties
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Instructor:
Discuss the scorekeeper duties and review the sample commonscore sheets that follow on the next slide.
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Instructor:
Present the various CAS Scoring methods and discuss as needed.
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The loading officer observes and enforces safe muzzle direction during the course ofloading, as well as movement to and from the loading area.
Discharging a round at the loading table results in a Match DQ penaltyassessment.
The loading table is a good place for the Loading Officer to observe the shootersequipment, especially firearms- inspecting for illegal modifications.
Corrections should be made at the loading table, if possible.
It is good practice for the Loading Officer to ask the shooter if he/she understands thestage.
Explanations at the Loading area/table help to avoid these questions beingaddressed at the line by the TO and can help to prevent delays.
A stage/scenario description posted on the loading table assists shooters in makinga final review of the scenario prior to advancing to the firing line.
The Loading Officer should avoid unnecessary conversation with the next shooter in line-allowing the shooter to mentally prepare for the course of fire.
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Competitors shall unload each of their firearms in a manner thatthe Unloading Officer can visually check & confirm that eachfirearm is empty.
Rifles and Shotguns are to be cycled to verify theirmagazines are empty.
The Unloading Table Officer should observe the magazinefollower if possible.
All firearms taken to the firing line must be checked and“shown clear”- whether or not they were used in the courseof fire.
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Percussion Revolver Shooters:
Maintain safe muzzle direction during loading
Fire or clear all caps before leaving the unloading area
DO NOT seat percussion caps using the gun’s hammer
Cap only at the loading area or on the firing line
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*”Failure to adhere to loading/unloading procedure”, resultingin a Stage Disqualification penalty, is assessed at the followingpoint: Once control of the firearm(s) is relinquished; be it in arack on the stage or at the shooter’s gun cart. (i.e. leaves theshooters hand(s), having bypassed the loading/unloading table.
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The primary responsibility of a Berm Marshal is to ensure consistency between posses and to keep posses running on time.
The Berm Marshal does not have the duty to watch every move of the shooter- but does have the duty to make sure each shooter completes the stage according to the directions and that all shooters- that every posse-
shoots the scenario/stage the same way.The Berm Marshal:
Constantly monitors the posse schedule to ensure the stage is runningon time, and records the start and finish times of each posse
“Takes Ownership” of their assigned stage
Verifies arriving posses are in the right place at the right time
Greets the incoming posse, reads the stage description and scenario toeach posse, answering any questions about the stage and stating anyclarifications consistently
Distributes the appropriate stage supplies to each posse: spottingsticks, score sheets, etc.
Ensures CONSISTENCY from posse to posseß-----------------------------BREAK TIME-------------------------à
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Instructor:
Stress the importance of referencing the Shooters Handbook fora full listing of all illegal items.
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Instructor:
Utilize “real life” leather examples and angles, if possible. Putleather on (yourself or on a student) and make adjustments todemonstrate legal and illegal holsters.
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Instructor:
If possible, still utilizing a “real life” holster from the previousdiscussion, demonstrate a safe and unsafe draw from a crossdraw holster- demonstrate the “Cross Draw Dance”.
If a shoulder holster is available, demonstrate as well. (Shoulderholsters are not common)
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Instructor:
“There are 5 types of penalties- in the upcoming sections, we will discuss each of them individually.”
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Instructor:Explain what a “MISS” is, with examples. An action (or inaction) that isconsidered a “MISS” penalty isn’t always just because the shooter“Missed” a target.
It is difficult to understand calling a target that was actually hit as a miss-but, if the shooter hit the target with the incorrect firearm, it is considereda miss penalty.
Examples:
If a shooter engages 5 rifle targets with a pistol = 5 misses = 25 secondpenalty total
If a shooter engages 2 rifle targets with a pistol and then corrects andengages the last 3 rounds on the correct pistol targets = 2 misses = 10second penalty total
Give additional examples as needed and encourage discussion regardingeach of the situations listed that result in a “Miss penalty” of 5 seconds.
Present and discuss the Double Jeopardy Rule – A MISS CANNOT CAUSE APROCEDURAL.
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Instructor:
Provide 2-3 scenario’s examples and engage the class indetermining the correct call for each scenario provided.
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Failure to attempt to fire a firearm
Failure to attempt a prop or stage maneuver
Shooting targets in any order other than as required by stage description
Engaging the stage (firearms, targets, or maneuvers) in an order other than as requiredby stage description
Firing any firearm from a position or location other than as required by the stagedescription
Use of “illegally acquired” ammunition
Not returning revolvers to leather – unless otherwise specified
First offense, in the same match, for failure to adhere to the guidelines of the categoryin which the shooter is competing.
Instructor: Engage the class with examples for discussion. Initiate discussion andconversation by asking the class, “How many of you have had a “P” (a Procedural)?
Gauge expertise and understanding – review each of the listings above for all instancesin which a 10 second penalty applies.
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Instructor: “In addition to the “P’’s and other 10 second penaltieswe’ve discussed, there are several actions that are considered“Minor Safety Violations” (MSV) that also carry a 10 secondpenalty. “
Review the list above in detail.
Instructor– Is there such thing as a “Major Safety Violation”? Yes-while they aren’t grouped as a separate penalty- Major SafetyViolations carry a penalty of a Stage DQ- we will cover those next.
Instructor: To prepare for SDQ penalty discussions, Engage theclass- ask, “How many of you have every earned a Stage DQ?”(Raise your hand if you have too!)
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• Shooting on the move• Any dropped unloaded firearm on the firing line (from the loading table to the
unloading table)• Long guns that slip, fall, and break the 170°• Violation of the 170°/failure to manage appropriate muzzle control• Any discharge striking anything 5 to 10 feet from the shooter (except props declared
as expendable by Match officials)• Returning a revolver to leather with the hammer not fully down on spent round or
empty chamber• A cocked revolver leaving the shooters hand (as soon as it leaves the shooters hand)• A live round left in the chamber of a long gun (as soon as it leaves the shooters hand)• Second offense, in the same match, for failure to adhere to the guidelines of the
category in which the shooter is competing.• Changing location with a live round under a cocked hammer or firearm with the
hammer down on a live round.• Changing location with a long gun with the action closed and hammer cocked.• Unsafe firearm handling• Loading at other than the designated loading position or firing line• Use of an illegal or illegally modified firearm• Holstering or staging a revolver with the hammer down on a live round• Sweeping anyone with an unloaded firearm• Failure to adhere to loading/unloading procedures• Leaving the line once the stage has begun for any reason• Dry firing at the loading or unloading tables• De-cocking a revolver, rifle, or hammered shotgun without positive indication to do so
from the TO.• Arriving at the designated loading area with uncleared (loaded) firearms after
completing a stage within the same day (assessed on the previously completedstage)
Instructor: Review each SDQ Action in detail. Encourage students to participate andconfirm understanding.
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Instructor:
Engage students in discussion.
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• Two accumulated SDQ penalties or Two Spirit of the Game Assessments• Belligerent attitude or unsportsmanlike conduct• Willful failure to comply with a “Cease Fire” or “Stop” command given by, and while
under the positive control of, the TO• Shooting under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or any substance or
medication that may impair the shooters physical or mental abilities• Shooting illegal ammunition• Dropping a loaded firearm• Any discharge that hits the ground or stage prop less than 5 feet from the shooter• Any discharge at the loading or unloading areas• Any discharge that is deemed unsafe• Sweeping anyone with a loaded firearm• Third offense, in the same match, for failure to adhere to the guidelines of the
category in which the shooter is competing.• Interpersonal conflicts
Instructor: Present and discuss examples and experiences. Engage the class by asking ifanyone present has ever earned a MDQ.
Discuss the “Cowboy Way” of sticking around and lending a hand – even after a MDQ!
ß------------------------------------BREAK TIME-----------------------------------à
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Instructor:
Offer the opportunity for any questions from the students prior to administering the exam.
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Instructor:
Distribute the Exam & Keep the Power Point paused on this slide.At the conclusion of the Exam, the remainder of the Power Pointpresentation is designed to present each question and answerand review/grade the exams as a group.
Scoring Options:
Option 1 (Preferred): Upon completion, review and discuss eachquestion and its answer as a class. Each student shouldgrade/correct their own exam. Once reviewed and scored, theexams should then be turned in to the Instructor.
Option 2: Upon completion, students turn the test in to theinstructor for grading. The instructor grades each exam, returnsthem all, then reviews the exam individually or as a group.
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Copyright © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc 2017
SINGLE ACTION SHOOTING SOCIETY™ Range Operations Safety Course Test (Level 1)
January 7, 2020 Version
Name Instructor’s Name Alias SASS# Score Circle the letter for the most accurate answer to each question. A passing score is 24/30 or higher. 1. The purpose of RO Training is:
a. Setting a consistent standardized set of rules b. Ensuring a safe environment c. a and b are both correct
2. Who is considered a safety officer: a. The TO b. The Spotters/Counters c. The Match Director d. Everyone
3. A new shooter under the supervision of an inexperienced RO makes three procedural errors in one stage. The correct penalty in this situation is: a. 10 Seconds b. 30 Seconds c. A Stage DQ
4. During the course of fire, never cock a handgun until: a. It is pointed on target b. It is clear of the holster c. It is down range and at least 45 degrees from the ground
5. Handguns should be returned to the holster: a. Hammer down on spent case or empty chamber b. Hammer cocked with empty chamber or spent case in cylinder c. Hammer down on empty cylinder
6. According to the SASS Handbook, main match pistol ammunition must have a minimum velocity of , and a maximum velocity of : a. 400 fps; 1,000 fps b. 650 fps; 1,000 fps c. 650 fps; 1,400 fps
7. Firearms with SASS illegal external modifications should always be: a. Allowed at the club level b. Brought to the shooter’s attention and corrected prior to shooting, if possible c. After the match, bring it to the attention of the Match Director
8. An uncontrolled discharge will result in a match disqualification if: a. It strikes the ground or prop within 20 feet of the shooter b. It strikes the ground or prop within 5 feet of the shooter c. It strikes the ground or prop within 10 feet of the shooter
9. Ammunition dropped during the course of fire: a. Is considered a “dead” round, unless it is dropped where it was staged b. May be safely retrieved at any time by the shooter c. a and b are both correct
Copyright © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc 2017
10. When a shooter hears the “cease fire” command, they should:
a. Finish the course of fire b. Stop shooting immediately c. Look for the problem and determine if it is safe to continue
11. If a shooter is not coached, any procedural error: a. Will still be assessed against the shooter b. Will not be assessed, and the shooter is entitled to a re-shoot c. Will be assessed at the RO’s discretion
12. At all major matches (State level and higher), re-shoots: a. Will be allowed, if the shooter’s firearm malfunctions to the point it cannot be fixed by the RO b. Will not be allowed under any circumstances c. Will not be allowed after the first shot is fired (except for timer or range malfunctions, or when
the shooter’s progress is impeded by a RO) 13. A rifle or pistol round fired over the berm carries a penalty of:
a. A Stage DQ b. A Match DQ c. Individual ranges determine the penalty for this situation
14. A shooter draws and cocks his/her revolver out of sequence. The shooter: a. May continue with the course of fire if the cylinder is rotated until there is an empty chamber
under the hammer b. Must shoot the revolver dry c. May fire one round so the hammer is down on a spent round and continue with the course of fire
15. The TO should attempt to: a. Coach the shooter, whenever necessary to eliminate any procedural or safety penalties b. Not allow the shooter to start in a faulted position c. Assess the shooter’s emotional state and level of experience d. All of the above
16. Counters/Spotters should: a. Count misses b. Count shots fired c. Do both, a and b are both correct
17. A Timer Operator polls his spotters after a shooter completes the stage. Two spotters were clearly not paying attention, and did not catch the edge hit that the remaining spotter did, and in this case, the Timer Operator clearly observed. The Timer Operator may: a. Over-rule the spotters who did not see the edge hit, as they were clearly not paying attention in
this case b. Always over-rule the spotters for misses c. NOT over-rule the spotters for misses in any circumstance, but may assign safety and
procedural penalties independently. d. File a protest with the Posse Marshal on behalf of the shooter
18. The violation of the 170o safety rule will result in: a. 10 Second Safety Penalty b. Stage DQ c. Match DQ
19. While handling a loaded firearm, sweeping someone with that firearm (intentionally or accidentally) at any time during a match will result in a: a. 10 Second Safety Penalty b. Stage DQ c. Match DQ
Copyright © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc 2017
20. Re-holstering a handgun with the hammer cocked or down on a live round will result in: a. 10 Second Safety Penalty b. Stage DQ c. Match DQ
21. At the unloading table: a. All firearms carried to the line should be examined whether they were used in the stage or not b. Only those firearms used in the stage need to be examined c. It is not necessary to have the shooter work the action of their rifle since the action is open and
you can see the chamber is empty 22. At matches using a “flag system”, a “Yellow Flag” means:
a. The range is clear to go down range b. Cease fire immediately c. There is a need to cease fire, but not immediately
23. A dropped loaded firearm carries a penalty of: a. 10 seconds for a minor safety violation b. A stage DQ if the firearm does not violate the 170o rule c. A match DQ under any circumstances
24. Holsters: a. May not vary by more than 30 degrees from the vertical as worn b. May not vary by more than 45 degrees from the vertical as worn c. May not vary by more than 60 degrees from the vertical as worn
25. Which of the following is key to a winning assist: a. Assess the shooter b. Coach the shooter c. Give a hug for good luck d. a and b are both correct
26. What is a squib load: a. When a cartridge does not fire after the primer has been struck by the firing pin b. There is less than normal pressure or velocity after ignition of the cartridge c. A perceptible delay in the ignition of a cartridge
27. Which of the following is one of the Magnificent Seven: a. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire b. Speak up c. Be sure of your target and what is beyond d. All of the above
28. Which of the following is NOT an example of an illegal (outlawed) item: a. Short sleeved shirts on female competitors b. Ball caps c. Modern shooting gloves
29. The use of a non-SASS legal firearm carries a penalty of: a. 10 Second Safety Penalty b. A Stage DQ c. A Match DQ
30. In which case would a shooter receive a 5 second penalty: a. Shooting a rifle target with a pistol b. Dropping a loaded firearm c. Breaking the 170o rule d. a and b are both correct
Instructor:
Offer a genuine THANK YOU! And a hearty CONGRATULATIONS toyour students!
Welcome them to the rank of SASS Range Officers.
Distribute RO I Pins.
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