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Club ByLaws & Rules

Safety Starts with You

CLUB DUES & ASSESSMENTS

For the good and safety of the club, please familiarize yourself with all general and range rules prior to going to the range.
GENERAL CLUB RULES GENERAL RANGE RULES INDOOR RANGE RULES
OUTDOOR PISTOL RANGE RULES RIFLE RANGE RULES ACTION PIT RULES
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP RULES

Revised May 1, 2025 - Effective May 2, 2025 at 12:01 a.m.

General Club Rules

  1. Any persons violating the rules and regulations shall be expelled from the grounds and may lose their membership privileges.

  2. Persons who deliberately damage club property shall forfeit their membership, or guest privileges, and shall be held responsible for all damage. The Executive Board shall notify legal authorities when appropriate.
  3. Any member and their guest using either the indoor or outdoor facilities must first sign in at the club house lobby. The Logbook must have the Member Number, Printed Name, Signature, Date and time of arrival. Before departing, the member must complete the log entry denoting the time of departure and any unusual occurrences or damage observed.
  4. Members may bring no more than three (3) guests on the club grounds for the use of the outdoor ranges. The guest(s) shall sign the logbook.
  5. In the absence of Executive Board members or other appointed officials, the senior member on the premises will automatically be the Chief Range Officer and will execute his or her authority to enforce all safety rules.
  6. Loaded firearms shall only be handled at a designated firing line.
  7. Unloaded firearms shall only be handled at a designated safe area or designated firing line.
  8. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  9. Open fires are not allowed on the premises without Executive Board authorization.
  10. Members should ask strangers to show proof of membership. Non-members are only allowed on the premises as guests of members and must be accompanied by that member who is responsible for the actions of the guest. Exception: Boylston Police Officers.
  11. Members and guests are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and share the responsibility of maintaining the premises.
  12. When leaving the clubhouse make sure the door is locked.
  13. Members' access device is not to be loaned to anyone. (Exception: Boylston Chief of Police for the use of Boylston Police Officers.)
  14. The ranges may be closed by order of the Executive Officer for scheduled matches, work parties, safety classes, etc.
  15. Members may not conduct any courses or training for a fee or other compensation on club grounds without the express written permission of the Executive Board.
  16. Rules and Regulations are to be reviewed by the Executive Board annually or as required.

    Application Rules

    1. Prospective new members must possess a valid Firearms Identification (FID) card or License to Carry Firearms from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
    2. Prospective new members must attend an orientation meeting before their membership is accepted. Orientation meetings will be held as directed by the Executive Committee or their designee.
    3. Acceptance may occur at any regular business meeting, provided the applicant has completed the New Member Orientation and Indoor Range Training, including the Live Fire Safety Evaluation.
    4. Prospective new members are responsible for completing all required paperwork satisfactorily.
    5. All prospective new members will be notified of upcoming orientation meetings in advance.
    6. Any current member may challenge the acceptance of a prospective new member. Intentions must be made known during the monthly meeting or communicated confidentially to the Executive Board.
    7. Upon acceptance, new members must promptly pay the current year’s dues and assessments (excluding the work party assessment).
    8. New members are required to be members of The Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL).
    9. The Club encourages members to join a national pro-gun lobbying group such as the NRA, GOA, LEAA, JPFO, DRGO, or SAF.
    10. Upon yearly renewal, REGULAR and LIFE members must supply either a photocopy or in-person proof of a current Massachusetts-issued FID/LTC card and active GOAL membership.
    11. Membership is annual, running from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
    12. Each member is responsible for paying dues on time without notice. Late payments (not received by April 1) will result in electronic access deactivation and the requirement to reapply.
    13. Any member unpaid by April 1 must apply as a new candidate.
    14. All new members must attend at least one work party per year for their first five years of membership.
    15. The Club and its officers are not responsible for notifying members who are delinquent on dues.

    General Range Rules - These rules apply to all ranges

    1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded until you have personally assured otherwise.
    2. Muzzles will be pointed downrange or, when in a safe area, in the designated direction at all times.
    3. All shooters must keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot.
    4. Check all barrels for obstructions before firing.
    5. Actions are to be kept open except when firing, holstered, or cased.
    6. Shooting is allowed from the firing line only.
    7. Cross range firing is not allowed.
    8. Shooting at buildings, benches, signs, etc. is prohibited and may lead to criminal prosecution.
    9. No vehicles are allowed on any range.
    10. Shotguns are allowed at the Action Pit and Rifle range only. Targets and target holders/frames must be supplied by the member. Any shotgun damage to Club target frames may lead to membership suspension, termination, and potential criminal prosecution.
    11. Shooting at paper, clay, or steel targets is preferred. Glass, porcelain, aerosol cans, ceramic, or exploding targets are prohibited. Rocks as targets constitute a serious danger from fragmentation and ricochet and shall not be used. Clay pigeons and bowling pins are permitted. All targets and target debris must be removed from the range when finished.
    12. No person shall draw a loaded gun from an inside-the-waistband holster that positions the trigger of the gun forward of the hipbone (between 10 and 2 o’clock) when there are more than three (3) other persons accompanying, or grouped with, the shooter.
    13. Upon hearing “Cease Fire,” all shooters will open actions and will not handle firearms until an all-clear signal is given or while anyone is forward of the firing line.
    14. Anyone going downrange must call “Cease Fire” and wait until all firearms are holstered or unloaded and made safe and grounded or benched (with the action open), boxed, or cased. No guns will be handled while personnel are downrange.
    15. Anyone observing an unsafe condition must call “Cease Fire.”
    16. Shooting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. “Drugs” includes any substance (legal or illegal) that impairs judgment or actions. Certain prescription and “over-the-counter” medications affect your ability to shoot safely. If in doubt, consult your physician or pharmacist.
    17. Shooters will remove targets and properly dispose of spent casings before leaving the range. Only BRASS casings shall be placed in the BRASS collection barrels. All other casings shall be disposed of in the trash receptacles.
    18. All firearms must be cased or holstered until you are at a designated safe area or a designated firing line, which is not under a Cease Fire condition. 
    19. Exceptions require prior approval from the Executive Board.

    Indoor Range Rules

    1. The range door MUST be kept closed at all times.
    2. Shooting is allowed on the indoor range at all times, except during matches, work parties, and other approved functions.
    3. Firearms may only be handled at the bench.
    4. Access to the indoor range requires attending indoor range training and live fire safety evaluation.
    5. Use of the following is PROHIBITED:
      • BB guns
      • Airsoft guns
      • Paint ball guns
      • Armor piercing, tracer, and incendiary ammunition
      • Center fire ammunition greater than 500 S&W
          • Allows use of 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, and S&W 500 Magnum
          • All jacketed and hollow point ammunition is allowed.
      • Shotguns and shot shells of any type or caliber including handgun
      • Center fire rifles (22 rimfire caliber of all types are allowed)
      • Fully automatic firearms
      • 17 caliber 
    6. Eye and ear protection must be worn by all shooters and spectators during firing.
    7. Paper targets only. Silhouette targets longer than 24” must be at least 40 ft downrange.
    8. Shooting at target carriers, lights, bottles, cans, ceiling, walls, or floor is strictly prohibited.
    9. Shooting from hip is prohibited.
    10. Quick draw & combat shooting are prohibited.
    11. Drawing from a dominant side holster is allowed. Cross and shoulder draw are prohibited.
    12. Always bring gun up from bench, not from ceiling down. Note: the goal here is to avoid directing any muzzles at the roof.
    13. The firing line shall be the 50 foot mark.
    14. No one shall go forward of the firing line.
    15. There shall be no smoking/vaping anywhere in the clubhouse.
    16. Only one (1) guest for each member is permitted on the property at any time. This is due to space restrictions in the range. Members remain responsible for any other of their guests on the property.
    17. Members take precedence over guests. (i.e., if a member and a guest are using two lanes, two other members are using two lanes, and two more members arrive to use the indoor range, the guest shall yield his lane.
    18. Exceptions require prior approval from the Executive Board.

    Outdoor Pistol Range Rules

    1. Shooting hours for the outdoor range are:
      • Weekdays & Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to Sunset
      • Sundays & Holidays 12:00 noon to Sunset
      • Holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, U.S. Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
      • The Sunday and Holiday shooting restriction shall not apply to archery
      • No type of exploding arrows shall be used
      • During these hours any or all of the outdoor ranges may be closed for maintenance
    2. Use of the following is PROHIBITED:
      • Rifles (exceptions: 22 rimfire rifles & pistol caliber)
      • Shotguns
      • Tracer or incendiary ammunition
      • Exploding targets, fireworks, or other explosives
      • Cannons, mortars, or destructive devices
      • Paint ball guns
    3. All firing must be directed downrange and within the vertical and horizontal limits of the backstop.
    4. All shooting must be from behind the bench.
    5. All targets MUST be placed directly in front of an impact area (berm).
    6. Climbing on any berms is prohibited.
    7. Eye and ear protection must be worn by all shooters and spectators during firing.
    8. All cartridges, targets and debris must be collected and properly disposed of when done on the range.
    9. Exceptions require prior approval from the Executive Board.

    Rifle Range Rules

    1. Shooting hours for the outdoor range are: 
      • Weekdays & Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to Sunset 
      • Sundays & Holidays: 12:00 Noon to Sunset
      • Holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, U.S. Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
      • During these hours any or all of the outdoor ranges may be closed for maintenance
      • The Sunday and Holiday shooting restrictions shall not apply to archery
      • No type of exploding arrows shall be used.
    2. Use of the following is PROHIBITED:
      • Tracer or incendiary ammunition
      • Exploding targets, fireworks, or other explosives.
      • Cannons, mortars, or destructive devices.
    4. All firing must be directed downrange and within the vertical and horizontal limits of the backstop. All shooting must be from the behind the firing line. The firing line at the outdoor bench at the rifle range is the curb. The firing line in the rifle range building is the downrange side of the building.
    5. All targets MUST be placed directly in front of an impact area/berm.
    6. Climbing on any berms or the 100-yard impact area is prohibited.
    7. Shooting in the grass is prohibited.
    8. Eye and ear protection must be worn by all shooters and spectators during firing.
    9. All cartridges, targets and debris must be collected and properly disposed of when done on the range. 
    10. Firing of fully automatic firearms requires the following notifications and approval:
      • Any Executive Board member via email prior to the day of the shoot
      • The Boylston Police on the day of the shoot. (508-869-2453)
    11. Exceptions require prior approval from the Executive Board.

    Action Pit Rules

    1. Shooting hours for the outdoor range are:
      • Weekdays & Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to Sunset
      • Sundays & Holidays 12:00 noon to Sunset
      • Holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, U.S. Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
      • The Sunday and Holiday shooting restriction shall not apply to archery
      • No type of exploding arrows shall be used
      • During these hours any or all of the outdoor ranges may be closed for maintenance
    2. Use of the following is PROHIBITED:
        • Rifled barrels larger than .58 Calibers. (Does not apply to rifled shotgun barrels)
        • Shotgun barrels larger than 10 gauge.
        • Tracer or incendiary ammunition.
        • Exploding targets, fireworks, or other explosives.
        • Cannons, mortars, or destructive devices.
      • All firing must be directed downrange and within the vertical and horizontal limits of the backstop. Action pit downrange is 170º.
      • All targets MUST be placed directly in front of an impact area (berm). 
      • Climbing on any berms is prohibited. 
      • The firing line is where the shooter is. No handling of firearms behind shooter. 
      • Eye and ear protection must be worn by all shooters and spectators during firing. 
      • Only one group (member and their guest(s)) are allowed to use the Action Pit at a time. 
      • All cartridges, targets and debris must be collected and properly disposed of when done on the range.
      • Firing of fully automatic firearms requires the following notifications and approval: 
        • Any Executive Board member via email prior to the day of the shoot. 
        • The Boylston Police on the day of the shoot. (508-869-2453) 
      • Exceptions require prior approval from the Executive Board.

      Dues & Assessments

      Member Grades
      Dues & Assessments New Regular Junior Life Honorary
      Initiation Fee (see below) N/A N/A N/A N/A
      Application Fee $20.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A
      Orientation Fee $130.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A
      Annual Dues $90.00 $90.00 Exempt Exempt Exempt
      Meeting Assessment $10.00 $10.00 Optional Optional Exempt
      Work Assessment Exempt $150.00 $50.00 Exempt Exempt
      Total $250.00 $250.00 $50.00 $0.00 $0.00

      Member-Grades:

      1. New Members’ fees and assessments are for the current membership year. Irrespective of when the member joined the Club, all members must renew their membership by April 1.

      2. Life Members are Regular Members who have been members in good standing for 25 cumulative years. Upon becoming a Life Member, all dues and assessments are waived. If a Life Member wishes to continue to participate in the monthly attendance prize, he/she must pay the meeting assessment.

      3. Junior Members are members between the ages of 12 and 20. They are exempt from paying dues. If a Junior wants to be included in the drawing at the end of a meeting, they must pay the Meeting Assessment.

      4. Honorary Members are nominated by the Membership on an annual basis. Honorary members are exempt from all fees and assessments. They can receive access, however, they cannot vote.

      Fees and Assessments:

      1. The work assessment will be credited in one (1) hour increments @ $15.00 per hour with a maximum of 10 hours. The fee is assessed at the end of each year (i.e. new members do not pay the assessment as they have not yet had a chance to work off the assessment).

      2. ALL new members will be required to attend a minimum of 1 (one) work party per year for their first 5 (five) years of membership.

      3. All Juniors are responsible for the paying of a $50.00 Work Assessment. This Assessment is waived when 5 hours are worked at a work party or any other approved function.

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