At SSAA NSW, safety and quality training are at the core of our mission. Ensuring that all SSAA NSW Trainers and Instructors meet the highest standards of instruction is essential to maintaining the integrity of our Range Officer and Safe Shooting programs. While we administer the Range Officer Trainer and Safe Shooting Instructor courses, it is the responsibility of individual Branches to nominate qualified candidates who meet the approval criteria.
Why Strong Trainer Standards Matter
Trainers and Instructors play a crucial role in upholding safety and consistency across NSW.
To maintain these high standards:
✔ Branches must select candidates with the necessary experience, knowledge, and communication skills.
✔ Regular reaccreditation every three years is required to ensure ongoing competency.
✔ Compliance with SSAA NSW policies is essential, with support and guidance available from the SSAA NSW team.
By maintaining these stringent requirements, we ensure that all Range Officers and Safe Shooting Instructors across NSW are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to train new officers effectively.
Training Success: Pistol Safe Handling Workshop in Bateman’s Bay
On February 6th and 7th, SSAA NSW conducted a Pistol Safe Handling Workshop at the Bateman’s Bay Branch, reinforcing our commitment to safety and consistency in training.
Organised at the request of SSAA NSW President Steve Ball, the workshop focused on training new trainers, equipping them with the expertise to conduct Pistol Safe Handling Courses within their Branches.
Key Takeaways from the Training
✔ SSAA NSW State-Delivered Training – Provided free of charge, with successful trainers receiving a comprehensive Instructor Pack.
✔ Consistent Course Structure – Ensures that all Branches follow the SSAA NSW Board-approved curriculum, maintaining uniform training standards.
✔ Branch Autonomy & Growth – Empower branches to manage their training programs, fostering a stronger and more engaged membership.
This training also serves as the entry-level requirement for individuals entering the Probationary Pistol Licence (PPL) process.
Pete Szaak JP, NSW Firearms Regulatory & Compliance Manager for SSAA NSW, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “By qualifying trainers at the Branch level, we empower them to conduct Pistol Safe Handling Courses independently—ensuring a high standard of safety and education across NSW.”
Ensuring the Future of Safe Shooting Training in NSW
The success of training programs like the Pistol Safe Handling Workshop underscores the need for Branches to actively participate in the selection and support of trainers. With SSAA NSW’s ongoing commitment to quality training, we encourage all Branches to remain compliant with policy and take advantage of the training resources available.
If your Branch needs assistance with training or has questions about compliance, contact SSAA NSW today to ensure your trainers and instructors continue to uphold the highest standards of firearms safety.
