Disclaimer

 

This is a general guide and should not be considered legal advice. Specific laws and regulations vary by Australian state and territory, and Lorco Shooting Academy (or any shooting academy) would need to have its own detailed terms and conditions, meticulously compliant with all relevant local, state, and federal laws. Participants should always consult the specific terms and conditions provided by the academy and relevant government authorities.

 

Terms and Conditions for Lorco Shooting Academy 

 

These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for participation in all activities, courses, and use of facilities provided by Lorco Shooting Academy. By registering for a course, participating in an event, or entering our premises, you agree to abide by these terms.

 

1. Eligibility and Licensing Requirements

 

Firearms Licence: All participants must possess a valid and current Australian firearms licence of the appropriate category for the firearms being used, or be under direct supervision as permitted by law (e.g., junior licence holders, or individuals undertaking a safety course under specific conditions).

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Genuine Reason: Participants must have a "genuine reason" for possessing a firearm licence, as defined by Australian law (e.g., sport/target shooting, recreational hunting, primary production).

 

Age Restrictions:Adult participants must be 18 years of age or older.Junior participants (typically 12-18 years old) must hold a minor's licence and be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult who holds a relevant firearms licence, as per state/territory regulations. Parental or guardian consent is mandatory for all junior participants.

 

Fit and Proper Person: All participants must be deemed a "fit and proper person" by relevant Australian authorities to possess and use firearms. Lorco Shooting Academy reserves the right to refuse service to any individual it deems unfit or unsafe, including those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a history of violent offences or irresponsible firearm handling.

 

Proof of Identity: Valid photo identification (e.g., driver's licence, passport) and firearms licence (if applicable) must be presented upon arrival and may be scanned or recorded for legal compliance.

 

Unique Student Identifier (USI): For nationally recognised training, participants must provide a valid USI.

 

2. Safety Regulations and Range Rules (Australian Standards Adherence)

 

Lorco Shooting Academy is committed to upholding the highest safety standards, in strict adherence to Australian regulations and best practices, including but not limited to those outlined by state police firearms registries, national shooting associations (e.g., SSAA, NRAA), and relevant building codes.

 

Range Officer Authority: All activities on the range are under the direct control and supervision of a qualified and authorised Range Officer (RO). All participants must immediately obey all commands and instructions given by the RO. The RO's decision on all safety matters is final.

 

Firearms Safety Code: All participants must demonstrate a thorough understanding and strict adherence to the Australian Firearms Safety Code, including, treat every firearm as loaded. Always point firearms in a safe direction. Load a firearm only when ready to fire. Identify your target and its backstop. Store firearms and ammunition safely and separately.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection is mandatory on the firing line and highly recommended in designated safe areas. Hearing protection is mandatory on the firing line. Appropriate footwear (closed-toe shoes) is mandatory on the range. Open-toe shoes, sandals, thongs, and high heels are not permitted. Appropriate clothing is required. Low-cut, v-cut, see-through, or cropped shirts, and tank tops are not permitted on the range. Comfortable t-shirts and tennis shoes are suggested.

 

Firearm Handling: Firearms must be transported to and from the firing line unloaded and in a safe manner (e.g., in a bag or case for pistols, or with actions open and muzzle vertical for longarms, as per RO instructions). Firearms are not to be handled or uncased until instructed by the RO on the firing line or in a designated safe handling area. No person shall go forward of the firing line without the explicit permission and instruction of the RO, after a "Range Closed" signal has been given and firearms have been cleared. Firearms must never be pointed at another person, even when unloaded. Fingers must remain off the trigger until ready to fire.

 

Ammunition: Only approved ammunition for the specific firearm and activity is permitted. Ammunition must only be loaded into magazines or chambers when instructed by the Range Officer.

 

Alcohol and Drugs: The consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs is strictly prohibited before and during any shooting activity. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be immediately removed from the premises and will forfeit any fees paid.

 

Malfunctions: Any firearm malfunction must be reported immediately to the Range Officer.

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Unattended Firearms: Firearms must never be left unattended unless secured in an approved armoury or as instructed by the RO for temporary storage at the firing point.

 

Reporting Hazards: Any potentially hazardous situation must be reported immediately to the Range Officer or staff.

 

Visitors/Spectators: Visitors and spectators must remain in designated areas, adhere to all safety warnings, and obey all instructions from staff or Range Officers. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

 

Range Signage: All warning signs, flags (e.g., red flag indicating "Range Open"), and notice boards must be observed and adhered to.

 

Emergency Procedures: Participants should familiarise themselves with emergency evacuation procedures and the location of first aid facilities.

 

3. Course Registration, Payment, and Cancellation

 

Registration: All courses require pre-registration and payment. Student information provided during registration must accurately reflect information on photo identification.

 

Payment: Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated.

 

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

 

Minimum Notice: A minimum of [e.g., 72 hours, 48 hours] notice must be given for course cancellation or rescheduling to be eligible for a refund, reschedule, or store credit.

 

Forfeiture: Notification given less than the minimum notice period will result in forfeiture of the course payment.

 

Refunds/Credits: Qualifying cancellations may receive a partial refund (e.g., 90%) or a full store credit.

 

Rescheduling Limit: Reschedules may be permitted once. Subsequent reschedules may result in forfeiture of payment.

 

Medical Exception: In the event of a medical emergency preventing attendance within the cancellation window, a reschedule (without additional cost) may be granted upon provision of a doctor's note.

 

No-Shows: Students who do not show up for a scheduled course will forfeit their payment.

 

Late Arrival: Students arriving after a course has commenced may not be permitted to enter, particularly after firearm safety rules have been covered.

 

Required Materials: Participants are responsible for bringing any required materials. Refunds/reschedules will not be issued if a student arrives without required materials (e.g., appropriate ID). Ammunition for rental firearms must be purchased from the facility.

 

Course Completion: Students must display safe firearm handling throughout the entire course. Failure to follow safety protocols may result in being asked to leave the course without a refund.

 

4. Code of Conduct

 

Respectful Behaviour: All participants and visitors are expected to treat staff, Range Officers, and other participants with respect. Abusive, aggressive, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

Compliance: Participants must comply with all instructions from Lorco Shooting Academy staff and Range

 

Officers Property: Damage to Lorco Shooting Academy property or equipment due to negligence or deliberate action may result in charges for repair or replacement.

 

5. Liability and Indemnity

 

Assumption of Risk: Participation in shooting activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to serious injury or death. Participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with these activities.

 

Waiver: All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability prior to participating in any range-time activities, acknowledging the risks and releasing Lorco Shooting Academy and its staff from liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

Indemnity: Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Lorco Shooting Academy, its officers, employees, and agents from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from their participation in activities at the academy, except where prohibited by law.

 

6. Privacy Policy

 

Personal information collected during registration and sign-in will be handled in accordance with the National Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and relevant state/territory privacy laws. This information may be shared with law enforcement agencies as required by law.

 

7. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

 

Lorco Shooting Academy reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be posted on our website and/or premises. Continued participation implies acceptance of the revised terms.

 

Key Australian Standards and Legal Considerations Incorporated: The terms above reflect key aspects of Australian firearms legislation and range operation, which are primarily regulated at the state and territory level, but generally align with the National Firearms Agreement (NFA).

 

Key elements

 

Firearms Licensing: Strict requirements for genuine reason, age, fit and proper person checks, safety course completion, and background checks (including criminal history and mental health).

 

Safe Storage: While not explicitly detailed in T&Cs, an academy must ensure its own storage meets legal requirements, and training often covers safe storage for licence holders.

 

Range Design and Operation Safety Zones: Clear delineation of firing lines, danger zones, and spectator areas.

 

Backstops and Side Walls: Designed to contain projectiles and prevent ricochets.

 

Signage and Flags: Clear warnings indicating range status (open/closed).

 

Range Officer Supervision: Mandatory presence of qualified RO's during shooting.

 

Noise Abatement: Compliance with local noise regulations.

 

First Aid and Emergency Procedures: Readiness for incidents.

 

Prohibited Persons: Clear rules preventing individuals with certain criminal histories or intervention orders from accessing firearms.

 

Drug and Alcohol Prohibition: Zero tolerance for impairment during shooting activities.

 

National Firearms Safety Code: The fundamental principles of safe firearm handling are paramount and form the basis of all training.