All athletes, parents, and spectators must read, understand, and follow the rules of any range or facility where Happy Valley Clays conducts practices, competitions, clinics, or events. Because our team utilizes multiple host ranges throughout the season, participants are responsible for complying with both Happy Valley Clays policies and all site-specific range rules.

The following are key reminders:

• Firearms must remain unloaded at all times except when in the designated shooting position and instructed to load.

  • Break-action firearms must be carried open.

  • Pump-action and semi-automatic firearms must have the action locked open with the chamber visibly empty.

• Eye and hearing protection are required for all shooters and spectators while on the range.

• Happy Valley Clays coaches are volunteers who generously give their time to support athletes. Treat all coaches, volunteers, range staff, and officials with courtesy and respect.

• Athletes or anyone assisting with shooting are not permitted to use cell phones while actively participating on the range or course unless authorized by a coach.

• During scheduled practices, access to shooting areas may be restricted to athletes, coaches, range personnel, and immediate family members, subject to host range policies.

• Golf carts and other utility vehicles are provided for operational purposes only. Speeding, reckless driving, horseplay, and unauthorized use are prohibited.

• Many host ranges generously support Happy Valley Clays by providing facilities, equipment, and volunteer assistance. Respect all property, equipment, and grounds, and thank range personnel and board members whenever possible.

• Be prepared by ensuring that all equipment is clean, functional, and properly maintained, and that you are thoroughly familiar with its operation before arriving at any training session, practice, or competition. Preparation should occur well in advance of the required reporting time (e.g. the evening before) including laying out equipment, packing bags, charging devices, and confirming that all necessary items are ready to go. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Inspecting equipment for damage, wear, or defects

• Cleaning and maintaining gear according to manufacturer recommendations

• Testing equipment to ensure proper operation

• Replacing batteries, charging electronic devices, and packing necessary accessories

• Laying out and organizing equipment prior to departure

• Packing bags and supplies in advance to avoid delays or forgotten items

• Confirming that all required equipment is present and ready for use

• Reviewing the proper setup, operation, and safety procedures for all equipment

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MINOR SAFETY VIOLATION

Safety is the responsibility of every athlete, coach, parent, volunteer, and spectator. Any unsafe firearm handling may result in immediate removal from the range and additional disciplinary action. 

The team uses Colonel Jeff Cooper's Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety as a foundation, along with additional industry best practices and youth shooting sports safety standards:

Rule 1: Treat Every Firearm as if It Is Loaded

• Never assume a firearm is unloaded.

• Visually and physically verify that the action is open and the chamber is empty.

• Continue to handle every firearm with the same care and attention you would give a loaded firearm.

Rule 2: Never Let the Muzzle Cover Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy

• Never point or swing a firearm toward another person.

• Firearms not actively in use should be placed in an approved gun rack whenever available.

• Break-action firearms (over/unders, side-by-sides, and single-shots) must be carried with the action open and barrels pointed safely toward the ground.

• Pump-action and semi-automatic firearms must be carried with the action open and the muzzle pointed vertically or in another safe direction as required by the host range.

• Chamber safety flags are strongly recommended whenever firearms are being transported or stored.

• All firearms must be transported in a safe manner consistent with host range requirements.

Rule 3: Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on the Target

• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Rule 4: Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It

• Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

• Be aware of what is behind and around your target before firing.

Always Keep the Firearm Unloaded Until Ready to Shoot

• Firearms may only be loaded when the shooter is in the designated shooting position or station and it is their turn to shoot.

• For sporting clays, load only while in the shooting stand.

• For trap and skeet, load only at the designated shooting station.

• Load only the number of shells necessary for the target presentation.

• Never load more than two shells unless specifically required by the discipline being shot and permitted by range rules.

Secure Firearms from Unauthorized Access

• Always secure firearms from unauthorized persons.

• Do not allow others to handle your firearm without permission and appropriate supervision.

• Remember that friends, family members, and spectators may have significantly less firearms knowledge and experience than you do.

Know and Follow Applicable Laws and Range Rules

• Understand and comply with all federal, state, local, and host-range regulations wherever you are shooting or transporting firearms.

Additional Safety Expectations

• Follow all instructions from coaches, range officers, and host range personnel immediately.

• Report unsafe conditions or safety concerns to a coach or range officer as soon as they are observed.

• Horseplay, practical jokes, or unsafe behavior involving firearms, ammunition, golf carts, or range equipment will not be tolerated.

• Any athlete, parent, volunteer, or spectator who observes an unsafe act has the responsibility to immediately call attention to the situation and notify a coach or range officer.

Safety is the foundation of all Happy Valley Clays activities. Every participant is expected to help maintain a safe, respectful, and positive environment at every range we visit.