Range Officer Instructor Course

To qualify for the Range Officer Instructor Course, you must:

• Hold a current NSW Firearms Licence for longarms and/or handguns.
• Have been an active SSAA NSW Range Officer for at least 12 months.
• Be endorsed by your Branch or Affiliate Club.
• Complete an approved SSAA NSW Range Officer Trainer Workshop.

You’ll also need to renew your accreditation every three years by completing the SSAA NSW Reaccreditation process.

You must be a financial member of the SSAA NSW.

This course blends teaching skills with range leadership and compliance. You’ll take part in a hands-on workshop that includes both classroom sessions and practical demonstrations. You’ll cover:

• The structure and delivery of the SSAA NSW Range Officer Course.
• How to teach Range officers to effectively and safely manage a range.
• Adult learning principles and how to teach firearm safety effectively.
• Assessment standards and record-keeping.
• How to select and supervise qualified Range Officers for practical assessments.
• Communication, confidence-building, and managing group dynamics.

1. Your Branch or Affiliate Club nominates you as a trainer candidate.
2. SSAA NSW confirms your eligibility (licence, membership, RO qualification).
3. You complete the Range Officer Trainer Workshop run by SSAA NSW.
4. Once you pass all competencies, you’ll receive official accreditation and the full training materials (session plan, course guide, and assessment forms).

After that, you’re authorised to conduct Range Officer training at your Branch — and, if invited, at other SSAA NSW clubs across the state

To stay current as a Range Officer Trainer, you’ll need to:

• Maintain an active SSAA NSW membership and firearms licence.
• Keep your RO qualification valid.
• Complete reaccreditation every three years.

If a trainer retires, moves branches, or decides to step back, the Branch simply notifies SSAA NSW and returns the Trainer ID card.

As a SSAA NSW Range Officer, you’ll represent SSAA NSW and your local club. That means maintaining a safe, friendly, and professional atmosphere every time you step onto the range. You’ll be expected to:

• Lead by example and treat all shooters with respect.
• Follow and enforce range rules and safety procedures.
• Communicate clearly and calmly under pressure.
• Make quick, fair decisions that keep everyone safe.
• Model good sportsmanship and professionalism.

SSAA NSW Range Officers are ambassadors for the sport, helping others learn, participate and enjoy shooting safely.

Speak with your Branch President or Secretary about being nominated. Contact SSAA NSW for upcoming courses.

Pre-course material: Watch this video.

Read the booklet here:

Safe-Shooting-2019-HiRes-1 (3).