For all shooters – whether hunting or sport shooting, the rule is: No shooting at the shooting range without supervision! But what does that mean? Supervision? Range supervision? More specifically, it requires a "responsible supervisor at shooting facilities." For simplicity, this is called range supervision. The requirements for range supervision and the prerequisites for it are regulated by the Weapons Act in §27 and the general Weapons Regulation in §§ 10, 11. 

So what do I need to do if I want to take over the range supervision? The requirements are similar to those that one must fulfill as a gun owner:

• reliable
• knowledgeable
• personally suitable
• of legal age

The appearance is a bit misleading, as the knowledge does not refer to that required for sport shooters, but directly to the role of range supervisor.

The determination of reliability and personal suitability is made by the owner of the house rights or, in the case of rented clubs, by the responsible shooting master or board.

So how do I acquire the knowledge required as a range supervisor? Just like with firearms knowledge – through a course. Either with an association or quite simply, through an online course. 

In this course, you will learn what needs to be done to take over the range supervision. It holds the most important task in shooting and is indispensable for the entire sport! Without

supervision, there is no shooting, and without shooting, there is no sport... Every club welcomes engaged

shooters who want to take on the position. Because the most important task is nothing other than the constant supervision of the shooting!

The range supervisor must ensure that all present do not cause any avoidable dangers through their behavior. How can they manage this? Through attention and focus! Therefore, the range supervisor must not participate in the shooting operation. 

However, no rule without exception: If they are alone at the shooting range, they are allowed to do so. The advantage is: You are allowed to shoot alone as a range supervisor!

In addition to constantly supervising those present, it must also be checked whether the age limits are adhered to and whether all weapons comply with the range approval.

If you have questions about the topic of range supervision or want to become the responsible supervisor at shooting facilities, feel free to contact the Team of Sachkunde Franken!