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This Scottish Clay Target Association Limited (SCTA) "Health and Safety Policy" document is issued only for the guidance of affiliated Grounds and Members with a view to assisting and encouraging the maintenance of a safe clay target shooting environment. It must not be considered as a definitive interpretation of the "Health and Safety" legislation. It is specifically incumbent on every Affiliated Ground and Member involved in the management of any clay target shooting event to be fully aware of the legislation as it applies in their particular circumstance. Grounds and Members must seek the necessary professional advice and the SCTA assumes no responsibility in this regard. FIREARMS ACT 1968. Section 11 (5) of the Firearms Act 1968 provides that: A person who does not possess a shotgun certificate may borrow a gun from the occupier of private premises, and use it on those premises in the occupier's presence. (Section 57(4) provides that premises shall include land). The borrower of the shotgun may be of any age, but an offence may be committed under section 22(3) if a minor under the age of 15 is not supervised by a person over the age of 21 years. SCTA Interpretation; The above refers ONLY to non-commercial meetings where the land owner provides the facilities and personally supervises those attending. Section 11 (6) of the Firearms Act 1968 provides that: A person may, without holding a shotgun certificate, use a shotgun at a time and place approved for shooting at artificial targets by the Chief Police Officer for the area in which that place is situated, Shoots may be temporary such as are held in conjunction with agricultural shows and Game Fairs, or they may take place at permanent shooting grounds, such as club grounds or those run by registered firearms dealers where people test guns and receive instruction. Shoots at which all participants have shotgun certificates do not require specific approval under this provision. Approval will normally state the time and place at which persons who do not possess shotgun certificates may, exceptionally, shoot at artificial targets or give authority for such shooting to take place at any time (within the limits of the period of approval) at the particular place designated. The provision does not apply to the shooting of live game, nor is it the intention that it shall present opportunities for regular shooting by persons who do not possess shotgun certificates. Chief Officers may wish to be satisfied that the arrangements involve no unacceptable danger to the public; that any necessary planning permission has been obtained; that any events will be organised by responsible persons; and that all un-certificated shooters will be under responsible and effective supervision. In assessing possible danger to the public it should not normally be necessary to do more than establish that the site is wisely chosen and that persons in its immediate surroundings will be safeguarded. When approval is given, the Chief Officer should warn the organiser of a clay shoot that he is responsible for ensuring as far as is practicable that adequate precautions are taken for the safety of persons taking part in such a shoot, and spectators. A suggested Draft Request for a “Section 11 (6)” permit To Firearms Department ____________________________ ____________________________ Police HQ ____________________________ ____________________________ Date ___________________ Dear Sir, Ref; SECTION 11 (6) Permit.
I wish to apply for a permit under section 11(6) of the Firearms Acts 1968 -1997 to allow unlicensed persons to use Section 2 shotguns under supervision by responsible persons acting on my instruction at; _________________________ Clay Target Shooting Ground. The location of our ground is; ________________________________________ The O.S Map reference is; __________________________________________ The Ground / Club is affiliated to the Scottish Clay Target Association, Signed For and behalf of Shooting Ground / Club Home Address _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ Telephone __________________________________ E-mail Address ______________________________ Mobile Telephone ____________________________ |