Coronavirus Updates

Review of NGB websites as at 25th July 2021

MLAGB
There has been no new announcement on their website

NRA
Their latest message is about shooting on indoor ranges following the lifting of most legal restrictions. It highlights the need to assess the level of ventilation needed to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. There are links to Government and Health & Safety Executive Guidance notes to assist clubs in the assessment of their ranges and associated premises.
NRA Message to NRA Clubs that Operate an Indoor Target Shooting Range - July 2021

NSRA
A very similar message has come from the NSRA stressing that the pandemic is not over and the risks from COVID-19 remain high, even for those fully vaccinated. They suggest clubs should revisit their risk assessments and draw up suitable operating rules to minimise transmission of the virus as part of their duty of care to their members and others. There is a thorough list of matters to consider and a review of the conditions for returning to shooting in the safest way. The guidance can be downloaded if required. Their measures applied to the Lord Roberts Centre is also summarised.
Revised Step 4 NSRA Guidance (England).
Lord Roberts Centre Covid Guidance 19 July 2021.

All the above notes are summarised from the advice published by the three governing bodies and you should check the original sources (you can use the links above) before deciding what to do in the light of your own club's risk assessments.

The Nottinghamshire Rifle Association has decided that the proposed late summer mini-league will not take place. It is still intended that the winter 21/22 season will run as normal.

If you have any comments or observations on the above, please do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

Previous Updates for the Record

Links below here may not now be valid if websites have been updated.

National Governing Bodies Updates as at 17th April 2021

MLAGB
The Wedgnock Range was reopened on 29th March subject to similar Covid-19 restrictions as before, namely social distancing at 2m; face masks are compulsory; limited numbers; and a one way system through the range facility. The April and May mid- and long-range events at Bisley have been cancelled. Additional dates for shooting at Bisley are being explored. Further news will appear on the MLAGB website.
Visit MLAGB website for latest news.

NRA
Just after our last update, the NRA announced that indoor ranges could open from 12th April with strict rules in place for the numbers allowed at any one time, procedures to follow, contact rules, and ventilation requirements, links being provided to further advice.
NRA Affiliated Clubs that Operate an Indoor Range

Outdoor shooting was recommenced on 30th March and the programme for the summer published on their website.
Read NRA statement by following this link.

On 9th April, the National Shooting Centre published procedures for shooting between 12th April and the next review date of 17th May, the next stage in the Government roadmap.
Covid Update - 9th April 2021 - NSC Procedures

NSRA
The NSRA published updated guidance on 23rd March for re-opening clubs from the 12th April. This included four statements entitled: Introducing New People to Shooting; Guidance for Re-opening Clubs; Running Courses During Covid-19; and Target Shooting in England: Roadmap. The Guidance is a lengthy but thorough review of current requirements for indoor range operations. The Roadmap summarises the activities that can be re-started at each review date, namely
12th April, individual indoor shooting can recommence subject to conditions
17th May, indoor group training for adults and larger competitions can start
21st June, no legal limit on social contact, clubs and competitions return to normal.
NSRA Target Shooting in England Roadmap

The Nottinghamshire Rifle Association has decided that its normal summer league competitions will not be run; but if conditions allow the roadmap to be followed without any delays there might be an opportunity for a late summer mini-league. It is intended that the winter 21/22 season will run as normal.

If you have any comments or observations on the above, please do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

National Governing Body Updates as at 4th March 2021

MLAGB
The Wedgnock Range was closed down at the start of the current national lockdown at the beginning of the year. Updates on the situation were being notified to members via the MLAGB Facebook feed and on their website.

Wedgnock Range closure announcement.
Visit MLAGB website for latest news.

NRA
There has been no shooting permitted either outdoor or indoor since 5th January. The Government published the "Covid-19 Response Spring 2021" on 22nd February. This allows formally organised outdoor sport that is compliant with NGB guidance to restart from 29th March 2021. The NRA says that from this date clubs affiliated to the NRA and holding a current MoD licence may resume bookings on MoD ranges subject to MoD guidelines, regulations and local restrictions.

Access to MoD ranges in England.

The NRA have announced that the Bisley ranges will re-open on Tuesday, 30th March subject to current National Shooting Centre Covid Procedures. Range bookings should be made online. Bookings confirmed for after 29th March will be honoured. All bookings prior to 29th March have been cancelled.

Reopening of Bisley Ranges.
Covid Secure Procedures for the Use of NSC Ranges.

The lifting of all Government restrictions will not be earlier than 21st June. The NRA have published their plans for the 152nd Imperial Meeting with MR and TR running from July 9th to 24th with some changes to the traditional programme of competitions.

152nd Imperial Meeting Programme.

NSRA
The NSRA published on 23rd February their Initial Guidance covering the steps outlined in the Government roadmap. Outdoor target shooting in clubs can commence subject to National and NSRA Guidance from 29th March. Indoor shooting can start no earlier than 12th April and will be subject to social distancing (2m) and National and NSRA Guidance for individual shooting only (one shooter per firing point per time slot allocated by the club, no spotters, assistants or spectators allowed on same firing point and no group activities). Further guidance is promised in due course.

NSRA Initial Guidance.

If you have any comments or observations on the above, please do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". We will appreciate very much hearing from you with your views on the return to a normal programme of events.

A Review of National Governing Body Updates as at 1st December 2020

MLAGB
The Muzzle Loaders Association's last website update was on 30th November announcing that the Wedgnock Range will reopen on Wednesday, 2nd December. This is an outdoor range and their rules may be summarised as follows:–

Wear face coverings
Follow marked out one way system
Keep 2m apart
Maximum of 4 people in the club house at all times
Comply with Government rules regarding travel between areas with differing tier levels

Visit the MLAGB website to read their full update

NRA
The National Rifle Association has updated its advice making distinctions between indoor and outdoor shooting and the effect of differing tier regulations, which should be adhered to:–

Indoor Shooting (updated 27th November)

Tier 1: indoor shooting is possible provided the rule of 6 is followed, and subject to the club's risk assessment
Tier 2: indoor shooting is possible if people from separate households can avoid mixing
Tier 3: indoor target shooting ranges should remain closed

Outdoor shooting with respect to Bisley ranges (updated 30th November)

Observe Government regulations on travel and travel between areas in differing tiers
Keep social distancing (2m)
Practice regular hand hygiene
Follow all instructions on range signage
Wear protective gloves
Follow all safety orders for the ranges and offices as published on the NRA website

Visit the NRA website to read their full update

NSRA
The National Small-bore Rifle Association also updated its guidance on 27th November in the form of four detailed documents. The main points can be summarised as follows:–

Outdoor shooting

Outdoor shooting can resume across all Tiers providing social distancing is followed
Organised activities for elite shooters, under-18s and disabled people can continue both in and outdoors

Indoor Shooting

Tier 1: rule of six to be followed, keep 2m apart, coaching groups and squads can continue, new recruits can be introduced
Tier 2: avoid mixing, individual shooting only, no groups squads coaching or recruits, keep 2m apart
Tier 3: Sport England guidance is indoor sport restricted to single household only and no group activities. This is interpreted by NSRA as avoid mixing, individual shooting only, no groups squads coaching or recruits.

It appears that the NSRA advice differs from that given by the NRA and we strongly recommend that you consult the NSRA "New Local COVID Alert Levels (updated 27/11/20)" document to satisfy yourself of the advice given.

All the above notes are summarised from the advice given by the three governing bodies and you should check the original sources before deciding what to do in the light of your own club's risk assessments.

Remember that if you are in Nottinghamshire, you are in Tier 3.

National Governing Body Updates as at 21st September 2020

MLAGB
The Muzzle Loaders Association's website has its last update for Sept. 11th, announcing that all major competitions at Wedgnock in Sept-Nov have been cancelled; but shooting activities continue with face coverings mandatory.
The full details are available on the MLAGB website.

NRA
The National Rifle Association announced on Sept. 11th that all NRA Club bookings at MoD ranges were paused and on Sept. 15th that they were in discussions with the MoD over the matter. No follow up news is so far published. There have been no changes to regulations for shooting at Bisley.
For more information visit the NRA website

NSRA
The National Smallbore Rifle Association has reminded all clubs that they should have a written risk assessment with proposals for mitigating risk in alignment with Government guidance and the NSRA guidance that stems from it. They must also ensure members are fully advised on the conditions for shooting and that they are following those rules at all times. If written rules are not followed, then there could be consequences regarding insurance cover.
The NSRA COVID update and reminder can be read here

In view of the announcements today from Government health advisers and the COBRA meeting taking place tomorrow, Sept. 22nd, it is likely that the situation may well change. Please keep yourself up to date on developments.

Entries for our smallbore postal leagues were due to be in by Sept. 21st and received by the League Secretary by Sept. 26th. If you are intending to take part please send your club's entry in before the final date.

If you have any comments or observations on the above, please do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

National Governing Body Updates as at 5th August 2020

MLAGB
The Muzzle Loaders Association has published an August update with news of shotgun and pistol competitions but no musket or rifle events.
Link to MLAGB Aug Update.

NRA
The National Rifle Association published on 4th August Covid-Secure Competition Procedures for the MR, CSR and TR Individual Imperial Meetings and the F Class meeting. For dates of MR and TR Imperial Meetings see below under heading 20th July.
Link to NRA Aug Update.

NSRA
The National Smallbore Rifle Association under its Covid-19 heading is still showing its 4th May Update which includes sources of funding available for clubs badly effected by the virus conditions. These are the Sport England Community Emergency Fund and the Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grant Fund. The former is currently paused for new applications. The latter is available through local authorities for business property rate payers.

NSRA have announced the closure of the Lord Roberts Centre at Bisley for the foreseeable future. This does not include the NSRA Shop which remains open for business.
Link to Lord Roberts Centre announcement dated 25th July.

Indoor shooting clubs are recommended to read the NSRA Additional Guidance Regarding Range Ventilation dated 27th July in connection with opening ranges for shooting.
Link to NSRA Additional Guidance 27th July.

There are also other relevant news items on the NSRA main news page.
Link to NSRA general news page.

As always, if you have any comments or observations on the above, please do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

Published items as at 20th July 2020

Outdoor shooting was added to the permitted activities from 4th July and both the National Rifle Association and the English Twenty have published details of competitions to be held in August and September. Full details are on their respective websites.

The English Twenty Open Meeting is being held on 15th/16th August based on a modified Queen's 1, 2 and 3 format.

The English Twenty announcement.
Open entries are being taken at www.shootingcompetitions.org.

The National Rifle Association has information on civilian shooting on MoD ranges, dates for long range practice in advance of the 151st Imperial Meeting for Match Rifle being held from 26th to 31st August, and dates for the Imperial Meeting Target Rifle competitions from 11th to 19th September.

The NRA News page on MoD range access. (Note: requires scroll down to item.)
NRA Long Range Practice Dates.
Imperial MR competitions.
Imperial TR competitions.

The National Smallbore Rifle Association has published guidance on commencing shooting on indoor ranges after 25th July.

NSRA Guidance Notes.

Once again, if you have any comments or ideas on these new items do get in touch with our Chairman via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

Further developments - 30th June 2020

Since the AGM we have been given the official go ahead to start outdoor shooting again. This is great news for those who have access to outdoor ranges to get back out on the firing point if they wish. There are obviously lots of caveats with all the social distancing regulations. We are still waiting to hear on indoor ranges. When we are updated then we will update our website and teamapp.

It is also important to say that not everyone is so eager to get back to the 'new normal'. Just as much as some are jumping for joy at the idea of getting back out there, some are more hesitant. We must respect that. Shooting in Nottinghamshire has participants from under 8 to over 80 years old, in all shapes and sizes and, as sports go, we have a relatively higher number in 'higher risk' categories than most, for both covid19, and heart attacks and strokes. Many of us know of someone we lost at the range.

Social distancing is all well and good until you are the first aider having to respond to a cardiac arrest. I would encourage all those who wish to, to get out to the range, but please don't feel pressured, or put pressure on others who are still being cautions, to get out before you or they are ready.

Because of this we are not rushing to put competitions back on, as this could make some feel more pressured to return than they would like. At the next council meeting we will discuss our options on returning to competitions. Again, if you or your members have any thoughts or feelings on this then do get in touch via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk". It is always good to hear from you.

Dug Robson
Chair - Notts RA.

Update on NSRA website received 04/06/20

The NSRA have updated their guidance on reopening ranges. This is now available at https://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php/news/28-shooting/2891-updated-guidance-for-reopening-clubs-2-june-2020.

Further information received 25/05/20

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Orford, the national lead on firearms licensing, has provided clarity on shooting in England under the current Covid-19 restrictions.

He said: "When considering outdoor shooting, police should view it in the same way they would for golf and fishing. My guidance to forces is clear; any facilities associated with outdoor sports and physical activities, including shooting ranges, can now reopen, if those responsible for them feel ready to do so and if they can do so safely, and in line with related public health guidance."

The NSRA have also put out guidance on reopening ranges, but indoor ranges must still stay closed.

Bluefin, the insurers for NSRA affiliated clubs, have informed the NSRA that there is no COVID-19 exclusion to the insurance; but have pointed out that all insurance is based on not putting anyone at risk.

From Our Chairman, 25th May 2020

Hi all, I hope you are all well.

The Government has changed its message to us all to now "stay alert". Many of us have gone back to work (and quite a few never left). The big question for many of us is can we get back to the range again.

I have spoken to the Firearms Licensing department. This morning (20/5/2020) David White had a virtual regional meeting with the surrounding forces and the stance of all forces at the minute is that they are neutral on the subject. They cannot say "yes we can open" and they cannot say "no we can't open". They do advise that the government guidelines should be referred to and we should ensure compliance. As such, I have informed the firearms team that I will advise our members that, as long as we follow the government guidelines on social distancing, and put common sense precautions in place, that we should be able to open outdoor ranges again. I have asked them to inform us if this stance changes. This will also be subject to individual range owners agreement.

The NRA are reopening some ranges at Bisley on 23rd May, subject to change at short notice. They have produced procedures and risk assessments for Bisley, but some clubs may find them useful to review for other ranges with a view to reopening. See https://nra.org.uk/re-opening-of-bisley-ranges-23rd-and-24th-may-2020/

The MLAGB are opening Wedgenock on May 23rd. They have put up a detailed list of how to use their range. Again this might be useful to some clubs. See https://www.mlagb.com/range-opening-rules/

The NSRA put up a post on 4th May to say "We are actively working, along with the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) and others, to try to ensure target shooting is included in this relaxation of the lockdown on sporting activities." They have not yet posted an update. See https://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php/news/233-administration/2860-covid-19-update

There is no update from the UKPSA. They put out a statement in March postponing events but have not yet changed that statement. See https://www.ukpsa.co.uk/news/covid-19-coronavirus-update/

BASC say you can get back to deer stalking, pest control, conservation and seasonal work on game shoots. Great for those shooters but no use to target shooters. See https://basc.org.uk/updated-advice-on-shooting-activities-in-england/

As we get more information we will update you.

Cheers
Dug Robson

If anyone has any questions or feedback then please feel free to get in touch with me via "feedback@nottsra.co.uk".