Rules & Regulations
Our Rules
Welcome to the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association, Inc.
The Officers and Board of Directors are pleased to have you with us and we hope that your membership in our Association will be long, safe and beneficial. You are encouraged to contact any member of the Board or various committees should you have any questions.
The rules and regulations set forth on this page have been established to help ensure the safe and proper operation of your Association. This information will be reviewed in your formal orientation. If you should have any questions or need further clarification, the orientation session will give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with a representative of the Association. However, if you have any further questions you may ask any Officer, Director or committee chair of the Association. A list of the Board of Directors is posted in the clubhouse. It would also be helpful for you to keep a record of the Association’s phone numbers in case you need information or an emergency.
Adherence to the rules of the Association is a requirement of membership. It is your duty to bring any violation of the by-laws, rules and regulations or generally accepted safety practices to the attention of the appropriate committee or the board of directors.
The Association and the Board of Directors have a zero tolerance policy regarding gun safety violations on the premises.
Manheim Sportsmen’s Association is your Association. We depend on volunteers to keep the Association functioning. With your help we will remain one of the premier Associations in this area. Again, welcome and thank you for joining our Association.
Officers and Board of Directors
Manheim Sportsmen’s Association, Inc.
Manheim Sportsmen's Association
General Rules
All new applicants for membership must thoroughly read the application and any related papers, including the rules and regulations.
All members are encouraged to join the National Rifle Association. Membership applications for the NRA are available through the Association.
Dues are payable to the Membership Secretary from September 1st through December 31st. Prompt payment is urged.
Fundamental Rules for Safe Gun Handling
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Rules for Using and Storing a Gun
Know your target and what is beyond.
Know how to use the gun safely.
Be sure your gun is safe to operate.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Store guns so they are inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
All firearms are to be carried unloaded while on Association grounds. Exception: Law Enforcement Officers licensed to carry firearms and club members who are permitted to carry a concealed firearm. Those subject to these exceptions may carry handguns loaded, but the handgun shall be holstered, except when on the firing line. Away from the firing lines, firearms shall be holstered or cased. Any infraction to this rule must be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors.
All members are required to have a valid, signed membership card while on Association property. Anyone not having a properly validated membership card will be required to leave the Association grounds.
All members and their guests are required to sign-in upon arrival in the facility they will be using and sign-out upon departure. Members are required to provide all appropriate information on the sign-in sheet.
Member’s Association access cards are for the use of members only. Allowing access to the facilities, via your card, by unauthorized personnel will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
Family members under the age of 16 are not permitted on the grounds unless accompanied by a parent.
When you have finished using the Association facilities, clean up the area, all trash must be discarded into the proper containers.
All members are responsible for safety. If you observe another person engaged in unsafe activities, show him/her the correct way. If there is a safety violation, contact a Board Member and report the incident. Remember, you or someone else could be injured!
During a sanctioned Association event, the range in use will be closed to all other activities until the scheduled events have been concluded.
When a regular or special event is scheduled by any Committee, all other ranges may be closed if Board approval is granted.
The speed limit on the driveways is 15 MPH. The speed limit around the Clubhouse and in the parking areas is 5 MPH.
There is to be no parking along the driveway or in any manner which may be considered a hazard to others entering or leaving the Association grounds. Please observe and obey NO PARKING and HANDICAPPED PARKING signs.
Nothing is to be removed or borrowed from the Association without the permission of the Board of Directors. Also, no items are to be deposited at the Association unless approved by the Board of Directors.
Use of tractors and special equipment is limited to those who have been properly approved by the Board of Directors.
Vandalism, negligence, or unauthorized use of Association facilities is to be reported at once to the Board of Directors. A list of emergency telephone numbers hangs at the Clubhouse entrance and by the sign-in sheets.
It is required that all persons use both eye and ear protection on all firing ranges.
Association members shall not engage in shooting activities if under the influence of judgment impairing medication or similar substances. Alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed on the Association’s property.
No hunting or trapping is permitted on the Association grounds unless authorized by the Board of Directors.
Pets are permitted on the Association grounds. Owners are responsible to clean up after their pets.
NO ONE shall handle, un-holster, or un-case guns in the main clubhouse lounge.
Exceptions:
Association organized events with board officer or committee approval
Trap Committee events
Association sponsored programs
No unconcealed firearms shall be in evidence during general Association meetings and during board meetings.
Chairs and tables may not be borrowed without permission of the Board of Directors.
If you are the last to leave the clubhouse, turn off the lights. Check all doors to be sure they are securely closed and locked. Familiarize yourself with the light switch box and the various door locks.
It is the responsibility of all club members to clean up any debris left in the clubhouse. Please empty all trash cans.
REMEMBER: It is everyone's responsibility and a requirement of this club to adhere to these provisions.
Do not shoot at anything other than sanctioned targets provided by the Association.
When looking for lost arrows, one member of your party must remain in front of the target or a bow must be placed in front of the target until the search is completed.
The use of broadheads is permitted on specified targets only.
All crossbows must be un-cocked at all times except when on the firing line.
Do not litter on the archery course.
Any infraction of these rules must be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors.
All shotguns are to be carried open and empty while on Association grounds; away from the firing lines all firearms will be open and empty. Any infraction to the above must be brought to the attention of the Trap Committee and to the Board of Directors.
Firearms having Damascus, laminated or twist steel barrels are prohibited.
NO high brass or loads exceeding 3 drams are permitted.
Shells having larger than No. 7-1/2 shot are prohibited.
Buckshot, pumpkin balls or slugs are not permitted on the trap field.
Guns shall be pointed in a safe direction at all times.
When a squad is on the firing line, no one will be permitted to point birds (clay pigeons) with a gun while standing off to either side or behind the squad.
Only one round will be loaded at a time.
No shooter will shoulder a gun until it is his/her turn to shoot.
Shooters will not start to move to their next station until all shooters have finished firing.
Shooters will not start to leave the firing line until all shooters have finished firing.
Shooters will not move from station to station with a round in their guns. Guns will be empty with the action open every time a shooter moves.
In the event a Cease Fire is called, all shooters will unload at once and hold their positions until told to resume firing.
Shells that do not fire are not to be left on the ground or thrown into trash containers. They must be removed from the Association grounds or discarded into properly marked containers.
ATA rules will apply to organized Trap shoots.
Eye and ear protection must be used.
Range hours will be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday –Saturday and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sundays.
All members and their guests are required to sign-in upon arrival and sign-out upon departure. Members and guests are required to provide all appropriate information on the Range Sign-in Sheet.
Membership cards shall be displayed when shooting. They may be placed in the lower right or left hand corner of the stall.
All firearms are to be carried unloaded while on Association grounds. Exceptions: Law Enforcement Officers licensed to carry firearms and club members who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm. Those subject to these exceptions may carry handguns loaded, but the handgun shall be holstered, except when on the firing line. Away from the firing lines, firearms will be cased or holstered. Any infraction of this rule must be brought to the attention of the Pistol Committee and to the Board of Directors.
It is required that all persons use both eye and ear protection on the range while the shooting of firearms is in progress.
Only paper targets may be used.
Do not handle any firearms while anyone is forward of the firing line. Before anyone moves forward of the firing line, all firearms must be benched with cylinders open and empty, or actions open with magazines out and ejection port up. Tubular magazine rifles must, in addition to having the action open, have the inner magazine tube partially extracted from the outer tube.
Indoor range qualifications are held on the Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
No drawing from the holster is allowed.
Exception:
Tactical practice and shoots provided a NRA Certified Range Safety Officer accompanies the shooter through the course.
Certified Range Safety Officer or an individual who wishes to engage multiple targets at closer range, who has been properly orientated by the Indoor Range Chairperson. Targets are to be shot no closer than 7 yards and between lanes 3 & 7 only and from a stationary position.
All exterior pistol range doors must be closed while shooting.
Ammunition Permitted: All standard velocity pistol cartridges
Rifle: All .22 caliber rimfire, 5 mm rimfire and lead air gun
Ammunition Prohibited: Magnum loads, +P, +P+ and shot shells
Cartridges which do not fire are not to be left on the floor or thrown into trash containers. They are to be removed from the Association grounds or discarded into properly marked containers.
When finished shooting on the indoor range, make sure all brass is cleaned up and that the entire floor is swept down range. Leave exhaust fans on while sweeping. Check all exit doors, make sure they are secure and make sure all range lights are out and heating turned down to 45 degrees.
Range hours will be from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Saturdays and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.
All members and their guests are required to sign-in upon arrival and sign-out upon departure. Members and guests are required to provide all appropriate information on the Range Sign-in Sheet.
Membership cards shall be displayed when shooting. They may be placed in the lower right or left hand corner of the stall or in the clips provided on the board located near the Range Sign-In Book.
It is required that all persons shall use both eye and ear protection on the range while the shooting of firearms is in progress.
Only paper targets may be used. Even if you are a competitive shooter, items such as bowling pins or steel targets may not be used.
Exception:
Club sponsored events with the prior approval, per event, by the Executive Officers and Board Members
Targets will be placed in a manner so that the frames cannot be damaged by the shooter.
Multiple loading of handguns and/or rifles is prohibited. Only one firearm, per stall, shall be loaded at any time.
“Fast draw” shooting is prohibited.
All shooting is from the stalls or ground and underneath the roofed area.
This range is limited to pistol cartridges only. Pistols using rifle ammunition and any type of shot shell are not permitted.
Shotgun patterning is not permitted on this range.
Do not handle firearms when anyone is forward of the firing line. When anyone is forward of the firing line, all firearms must be cased, holstered, or benched with cylinders open and empty, or actions open with magazines out and ejection port up. Tubular magazine rifles must, in addition to having the action open, have the inner magazine tube partially extracted from the outer tube.
Cartridges that do not fire are not to be left on the ground, or thrown into trash containers. They are to be removed from the Association grounds or discarded into properly marked containers.
When finished shooting, pick up all discarded brass and place in the appropriate container. Place trash and unusable target support cardboard, in the trash container. All targets are to be removed from the target support cardboard and discarded.
Range hours will be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturdays and from 12:00 PM through 6:00 PM Sundays.
All members and their guests are required to sign-in upon arrival and sign-out upon departure. Members and guests are required to provide all appropriate information on the Range Sign-in Sheet.
Membership cards shall be displayed when shooting. Cards may be placed in the lower right or left hand corner of the bench or in the clips provided on the board located near the Range Sign-In Book.
It is required that all persons shall use both eye and ear protection on the range while the shooting of firearms is in progress.
Only paper targets may be used. Even if you are a competitive shooter, items such as bowling pins or steel targets may not be used on the premise.
All shooting is from the bench, stalls or ground and underneath the roofed area. Anyone discharging a firearm in front of the roofed area is subject to expulsion.
Shotgun patterning is permitted on this range only. The shotgun patterning board must be used. Do not use the 50, 100 & 200 yard targets.
Targets will be placed in a manner so that the frames cannot be damaged by the shooter.
Multiple loading of rifles and/or shotguns is prohibited. Only one firearm, per bench, shall be loaded at any time.
Do not handle firearms when anyone is forward of the firing line. When anyone is forward of the firing line, all firearms must be cased, holstered, or benched with cylinders open and empty, or actions open with magazines out and ejection port up. Tubular magazine rifles must, in addition to having the action open, have the inner magazine tube partially extracted from the outer tube.
Cartridges that do not fire are not to be left on the ground, or thrown into trash containers. They are to be removed from the Association grounds or discarded into properly marked containers. All targets are to be removed from the target support cardboard and discarded.
When finished shooting, pick up all discarded brass and place in the appropriate container. Place trash and unusable target support cardboard, in the trash container.
Range hours will be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturdays and from 12:00 PM through 6:00 PM Sundays.
Manheim Sportsmen's Association
Trap Safety Rules
In order to assure everyone’s safety these rules must be followed at all times:
a. Actions must be open and unloaded except when at the firing line.
b. When carrying the shotgun, the muzzle must be either vertical or pointed at the ground.
c. The only safe direction to shoulder and point the muzzle is down range (in the direction of the block houses at the trap line).
a. No shells are to be chambered in the action unless you are at the shooting station.
b. While at the shooting station and it is another shooter’s turn, the muzzle must be pointed down at or on the rest.
c. While at the shooting station and the muzzle is pointed down or on the rest, the action must be open.
d. When changing shooting stations the action must be open and unloaded with the muzzle either vertically up or pointed at the ground.
e. While at the trap line each shooter must have only the gauge of shell that matches his/her shotgun.
f. No magnum sized or high brass shells may be used at the trap range.
g. Only 7½, 8 & 9 sized shot and loads less than 3 drams are allowed at the trap range.
h. For normal trap only one round may be loaded at a time. For trap doubles only two rounds may be loaded at a time.
a. Keep the shotgun pointed down range.
b. Raise your hand to indicate there is a problem.
c. Wait 30 seconds and then open the action. Malfunctioning shells should not be left on the ground after the round is complete. They must be disposed of properly.
d. A clearing rod is located at each scoring chair.
a. Ear and eye protection is required for everyone shooting on the trap line. Spectators on the concrete porch are encouraged to use ear protection but it is not mandatory.
b. Profanity is not acceptable at the trap range.
c. Do not touch other people’s guns or gear without first asking for and receiving permission from the owner.
d. No Shotguns with Damascus, laminated or twist steel barrels are permitted.
a. The Scorer is the Range Safety Officer (RSO), if a dedicated RSO is not available.
b. If a shooter needs a coach, the coach needs approval from the RSO prior to approaching the trap line.
c. Do not approach the Scoring Table while shooters are actively engaged in a set.
d. An orange cone on the trap house means that someone is working in that trap house. So on that trap line, actions must be open with no rounds chambered so long as the orange cone is visible.
e. If someone is working inside a trap house, it is permissible to operate the other trap line.
f. Before approaching, emerging from, or returning from either trap house, both lines must cease fire.
g. If you are unsure about the operation, practices or policies of the trap range ask a Range Safety Officer or another designated club representative prior to approaching the trap line.
h. If anyone sees any unsafe or potentially dangerous actions yell CEASE FIRE! immediately.
Manheim Sportsmen's Association
Indoor Range Rules
All members and their guests are required to sign in upon arrival and sign out upon departure. All participants must have signed a Liability Release Form before entering the facilities. Forms are available in the sign in book.
- All Club sponsored indoor range firearms activities SHALL have a dedicated Range Safety Officer (RSO) present and in control of the range activities. The RSO SHALL have the authority to stop shooting activities if he/she identifies a safety concern. The RSO SHALL have the authority to ask any individual he/she feels is presenting a hazard to themselves or others to immediately leave the range.
- All participants, including observers, SHALL sign or have signed a Liability Release form. Forms are located in the Range sign in book. Signed copies can be placed in sleeve marked “Signed Liability Release Forms”.
- Firearms SHALL NOT be handled from a position behind shooters. When entering the range guns must be encased or holstered until entering the shooting booth. Guns will then be placed on the shooting booth with the muzzle pointing down range and gun in a safe condition (slide locked back with magazine removed, cylinders open). When shooting is completed the gun SHALL be encased or holstered at the booth prior to leaving the range.
- Do not handle any firearms while anyone is down range. Shooters SHALL move away from the shooting booth with gun left on the shooting table in a safe condition when people are down range.
- Shooters in the same group may shoot from in front of the shooting booths if they are the only ones on the range, i.e. for performing defensive drills. If multiple targets are being shot from a stationary position (standing still and shooting two targets), only the center 3 lanes are to be used. Once shooters outside their group are present the initial group SHALL shoot from the shooting booths.
- There SHALL be no drawing from the holster when shooting from the shooting booths.
When firearms are being used on the range the ventilation system SHALL be activated. - Shooting booths and air baffles are to be in place during all firearm shooting activities.
- At the conclusion of shooting activities remove all brass from the range floor and place in the appropriate container, i.e. the provided bucket, remove shooting stands and targets from down range and return to their appropriate storage area, sweep debris from targets and place in trash can.
- Only the firearm in use may be loaded.
- Eye and ear protection SHALL be used by all persons in the range.
- Only non-magnum handgun ammunition is permitted for use on the range.
- Rifles and carbines chambered for handgun cartridges are permitted on the indoor range, i.e. 22 rimfire, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 acp.
- Before leaving the range make sure all fans and overhead heaters are off and thermostat is turned down to 45 degrees.
- Range hours are:
Mon. – Sat – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
ATTENTION: Some imported handgun ammo uses steel core bullets. These bullets will damage the backstop and are not permitted on the indoor range. If in doubt about your ammo, check it using the magnet hanging near the light switches in the range.
Violation of any; “SHALL”; statement WILL result in disciplinary action Which SHALL include suspension of shooting privileges.
Revised-4/2018