Washington State University ExtensionState 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Training

Edited by Paul Carter and Janet Schmidt , WSU Extension Educatorsfrom Steve Hines, Rifle Instructor in Idaho

What Is 4-H Shooting Sports?

Six Project Areas: Archery Rifle Pistol Shotgun Muzzle Loader Hunting

Why Does 4-H Have A Shooting Sports Program?

As a tool for youth development Builds self confidence Promotes personal discipline Requires responsibility Develops team work Enhances self esteem Encourages sportsmanship conduct

Steve HinesRifle Instructor

Why Does 4-H Have A Shooting Sports Program?

provide a positive experience for youth promote safe and ethical use of firearms we believe that firearm education

reduces gun accidents promotes a total family involvement in a

healthy sport

Steve HinesRifle Instructor

4-H is a Life Skills Program Shooting sports are just one more way

to develop kids into capable, competent, productive, caring citizens.

Do Shooting Programs Promote Gun Violence?

Evidence indicates the opposite! Designed to teach good self confidence and build

character. Promotes the highest standards of safety, ethical

behavior and respect. We have a Constitutional Right to possess firearms,

Therefore: all members, regardless of age, should be adequately

trained to ensure safe, ethical, and responsible ownership

Isn’t Easy Access To Firearms A Cause Of Violence?

Evidence indicates the opposite! The safest location for responsible gun

owners to store their guns is at home Firearms should be stored so that they are

inaccessible to unauthorized users

Isn’t Hunting Inhumane And Unnecessary In Modern Life?

Four Primary Values arise from hunting Societal

Hunting is a viable and healthy food source Promotes good sportsmanship and ethics Valued part of our American heritage Good mental and physical exercise Hunting is an ideal family activity

Economic Hunting reduces road killed animals and crop loss Hunters spend millions each year to pursue their sport

Continued

Ecological Hunting is a vital wildlife management tool Hunting dollars support wildlife habitat projects in every

state Hunting improves the health of a population A well placed shot is more humane than diseases

Historical Hunting was necessary for food and clothing Provides a modern connection with our past Promotes an appreciation for our heritage

Aren’t Shooting Sports Dangerous?

Studies show there are far fewer injuries in hunting and shooting than there are in: bowling (53 injuries/100,000 participants) golf (163.5 /100,000) swimming (217.9 /100,000) tennis (205.8 /100,000) basketball (2300.3 /100,000) Hunting (6.7 /100,000)

does not include archery does include all injuries, not only gun related

National Committee Minimum Standards

All instructors accept and abide by the Code of Ethics

The 4-H curriculum is the established and accepted curriculum

Leaders have a written risk management plan Thrust is teaching life skills, not shooting skills Other organizations certification is supplemental Follow the state instructor guidelines

Code Of Ethics

I will respect the participants, volunteers and property associated with the 4-H Shooting Sports Program

I will set a good example as a mentor and role model for 4-H Shooting Sports youth and volunteer leaders

I will strive to be knowledgeable of the life skills embodied in the 4-H Shooting sports program and aid positively in the development of youth through adherence to those principles

Code Of Ethics

I will strive to be technically competent in the subject matter I teach

I will adhere to the National 4-H Shooting Sports guidelines and curriculum

I will respect the dignity of each participant in the 4-H Shooting Sports program regardless of gender, origin, ability, or achievement

Washington & Idaho’s Instructor Guidelines

Age: 21 to be an Instructor, 18 to be an Assistant Instructor, and 14 to be a Teen Leader

Must have been screened, trained, and appointed as a current 4-H volunteer leader

Successfully complete 15 hours of Instructor Training provided by the State 4-H Office

Must be trained in the discipline which they are instructing

WSU 4-H Leader Training Requirements

Application Enrollment WSP Screening Reference check Sign behavioral guidelines Complete county training guidelines

Interactive online “E-Learning for volunteers”

Steve HinesRifle Instructor

Volunteer Responsibility

It is each volunteer’s responsibility to check with your local Extension office to make sure that you meet all the volunteer requirements prior to working with youth in your shooting sports or other club!

Instructor Training Opportunities

State level training Bid To Host Training

National level training May ? Train-the-trainers course

We need instructors in all disciplines statewide!

National Training

Archery Pistol Rifle Shotgun Coordinator Muzzle loading/Black Powder Hunting

State Training

Only National Certified Instructors teach at the state trainings

Only one discipline per training 15 Hours of Instruction Spread across weeks Or all in one weekend

Steve HinesRifle Instructor

Topics

Introduction Youth Development Risk Management Leader Training Requirements Range Instruction ~ Coach & Shooter Resources

Equipment Funding

In Conclusion…

If you have a love of shooting and the outdoors… If you have a passion to share your skills and

experience with others… If you want to have a positive influence on youth… Become a shooting sports leader and help us be a

POSITIVE influence on our youth and send a POSITIVE message about hunting and shooting!!!

Steve HinesRifle Instructor

Questions?