Smoke Rise Field Club, Inc Operating Policy
Smoke Rise Field Club Inc Operating Policy
Updated 10/9/24
SAFETY
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All Members and guests are required to check in at the Clubhouse before using any venue. Any unsafe condition with respect to the facilities or equipment must be immediately reported to the Club Manager or Operations Vice President. Members are responsible for ensuring that fellow shooters follow all safety rules. Safety infractions should immediately be pointed out.
Eye and ear protection are mandatory for all persons while participating or observing anywhere on the shooting courses. Earmuffs are encouraged when firing all center fire rifles and pistols.
Trap Skeet 5-Stand And Sporting Clays
- Shotguns shall not be loaded until the shooter has completely entered the shooting station or position and the gun barrel is pointed down range.
- No more than two shells may be loaded in the gun at one time. Shooters must ensure that the gun is unloaded prior to leaving the shooting position.
- If your firearm malfunctions (e.g., misfire, hang-fire, squib load), keep the firearm pointed downrange, wait for a moment before attempting to clear it, and notify the Range Officer/Trapper.
- Breeches and actions must remain open at all times when in hand and the shooter is out of the shooting station.
- Break actions may be closed in a gun rack, but the bolt of a semi-automatic must be open in a rack.
- Shot shell pellet size larger than number 7 ½ is prohibited on all shooting venues.
- All guns must be unloaded when leaving a shooting station. It’s strongly encouraged to put “Snap Caps” (if used) in the gun when exiting your last station.
- Always maintain visual contact when placing anything in the firing chamber of a weapon.
- Shooters using a release trigger must notify Club Safety Officer/Trapper if not previously reported.
- Members and guests are prohibited from accessing traps and related equipment. All trap maintenance, “clearing” and adjustments are restricted to the Staff.
- The Shooting Committee has the responsibility to design course layouts and target presentations on all shooting courses/venues. Any recommendations, course changes, or trap relocation require approval of the Club Safety Officer and his subsequent inspection upon completion. All venue modifications will be performed by or under the supervision of the Club Safety Officer and the Club staff.
- Use of the moveable stations is required when the “Little Boy” five stand is in use.
- Maximum number of shooters is 5 for 5-Stand, 6 for FITASC, and 7 for Miller’s Madness or Scrap. No exceptions.
Pistol Range
- The Pistol Range is provided for Smoke Rise Members and their Accompanied Guests only.
- The first shooter on the range will be designated the Range Master. Shooting will commence and cease on his or her command.
- All weapons will be unloaded prior to any activity downrange with actions, cylinders, or breaches open and empty.
- In the event of a jam or malfunction, a shooter must call for a ceasefire and safely deal with the problem while pointing the muzzle down range.
- There are to be no more than two active shooters on the Pistol Range at one time and they must use the designated firing line.
- Shots are to be taken at paper or reactive metal targets only. Target ammo only will be used on metal targets. High-performance self-defense or hunting ammo will be used only on paper targets.
- .22 caliber rim fire rifles are permitted on the Pistol Range. All the rules above apply.
- Magnum pistols or heavy-caliber open-sight short-range hunting rifles are permitted only after notifying the Club Manager, Range Master, and other shooters/observers to further protect hearing. Such weapons shall be fired at paper targets only.
- Police all spent brass and place it in the receptacle provided.
- Fully automatic weapons are prohibited.
Rifle Range
- The Rifle Range is provided as a convenience to Smoke Rise Members and their Accompanied Guests for hunting and target rifles only.
- Shotgun usage is the priority at Smoke Rise.
- Rifle Range use must be scheduled with the Club Manager/Range Safety Officer whose discretion is absolute.
- Each scheduled session shall be limited to a maximum of 10 shots.
- All weapons that can be configured to fire in a “fully automatic mode” are prohibited.
- The Club Manager must approve all rifles and ammunition before shooting. His discretion is absolute.
- All rifles will be unloaded prior to any activity downrange.
- Only one active rifle shooter is permitted on the range at a time; and he or she must shoot from the designated firing line.
- Target stands are designed to use 18″ x 14″ paper targets. Shots are to be taken at paper targets mounted in the designated target stands only.
- Typical hunting or target ammunition only will be used: No non-typical ammo such as armor-piercing, steel core, tracer, or incendiary rounds are allowed.
Safety Violations/Incidents
A written incident report of the Club Safety Officer’s and VP – Operations’ investigation will be performed for any violation or incident. A policy of “when in doubt” prepare a report is the rule. The report will be reviewed by the Club President, VP – Operations, and Safety Officer. The President will submit the findings of the report to the Board Of Directors, who will decide on any further action (if required). Copies of all reports/investigations will be maintained by the Safety Officer.
CONDUCT
At all times, Members shall exhibit civility towards other Members and Staff and respect for the environment of the Club.
Honor System
The Club operates on an honor system. Shooters must keep track of the number of extra targets shot and pay for them when settling their account at the end of the day. More than two show birds per station for each squad should be included as extra targets.
Shooting Rotation
If other Members are waiting to shoot a particular station or venue, those Members on the course shall limit their shooting to one round and then defer to the waiting squad. They can then join in the rotation until their turn comes up again in the rotation.
Tipping
Gratuities for trappers are encouraged and should be commensurate with the service provided.
Alcoholic Beverages
Persons are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages before or while shooting.
Inappropriate Behavior
Profanity, rude behavior, and open displays of anger will not be tolerated at the Club facility. The Club Manager may require the offending person to leave the premises. Members shall not reprimand Club employees directly for any reason. Complaints of employee performance or behavior are to be directed to the Club Manager, Operations Vice President, or President.
OPERATIONS
Shooting Hours and Days of Operation
The Club is open year-round from Tuesday through Saturday. Primary shooting days will be Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, skeet and trap will be open on request for Members only–please call ahead to give the staff time to open the range. No trapper will be provided–self-trapping only.
All shooting must end by 4:00 pm for sporting clays and 5-stand, and 4:30 pm for trap and skeet. This will allow time for the staff to close the range before 5:00 pm.
From November 1 to April 1, the Club will be open during regular hours unless the Club Manager decides to close early due to the weather or lack of Member participation. Therefore, from November 1 to April 1, if there is any question as to the weather conditions at the Club, Members must call and confirm their attendance to ensure that the Club staff will be present and the Club will be open. On fair weather days, Members requesting use of the Club after 1:00 pm must call the Club to confirm their attendance. The Club Manager will give preference to Members on such days in the Club Manager’s sole discretion. The Club Manager will have the right to keep the Club open or close the Club in the Club Manager’s sole judgment and discretion during the November 1 to April 1 dates.
Facilities
Use of the Club facilities is subject to the rules and regulations of the Club. Smoking is prohibited inside the clubhouse. Pets are not permitted inside the clubhouse or on the deck at any time. Dogs brought to the Club will be the responsibility of the owner. Should a Member complain about the dog’s behavior, it will be required that the dog be leashed. The Club will require a Hold Harmless agreement from the owner assuming all liability for their dog.
Special Functions (Large Groups)
Any Member in good standing may request the Club facilities for shooting/non-shooting functions (group activities). Special Function requests should only expect approval on Tuesdays and Thursdays (non-main shooting days). The sponsoring Member must submit a written request to the Board at least thirty (30) days prior to the function. The request shall state the nature of the gathering, the expected attendance, and what Club resources are required for the gathering. A fee will be charged as determined by the Board. Any extra salary or other costs will be charged to the Member. The Member must be present at the event and will be expected to pay for the entire event. The Club will not accept payment from participants who are not Members of SRFC. All guests must sign the Club release.
Inappropriate Activity
The Board may prohibit any entertainment, games, or sporting events which it considers prejudicial to the best interest of the Club.
Carts
The Club provides shooting carts for use by Members while shooting Sporting Clays. The current charge for a cart for a round of Sporting is $10.00 per person. Members will not be charged for the use of a cart for transport to the skeet/five stand fields only but may be shuttled if carts are in short supply for the sporting course.
Operation of golf carts is restricted to the designated roadways. The use of all carts is at the operator’s own risk. Operation of a cart in a careless or reckless manner will not be tolerated. The Club assumes no liability for any injuries or property damage occurring because of improper or negligent operation of carts. Only a licensed driver may operate carts.
Members are encouraged to “sell” their “owned carts” to the Club. In this case, the Member(s) will not be charged for cart use or storage and will have the first call on their “own cart” by simply calling the Club on the day(s) they plan to shoot. The Club will be responsible for liability and theft insurance and all maintenance, gas, batteries, etc. A copy of the sale agreement is available in the Club office.
Parking
Parking spaces adjacent to the skeet and trap field are intended for carts. On occasion, these spaces may be used for car parking, and while not marked as handicapped spaces should be reserved for members with physical limitations.
Guest Instructors
A guest instructor must be invited by a Member to provide lessons. Lessons will be scheduled to minimize disruption to member shooting. Instruction is allowed at any time the club is open but must be coordinated in advance with the Club Manager and Operations VP. At least one SRFC member must be enrolled as a student each day and SRFC members will be given preference in signing up for instruction each day. Any guest receiving instruction must sign a release.
Any person providing instruction must carry general liability insurance and provide the club with a certificate of insurance naming the club as an additional insured before beginning any lessons.
During instruction, the instructor must not block Members who are waiting to shoot a stand or venue (like 5 stand). Members should be allowed to shoot through after a reasonable wait.
Each student should pay for an additional 25 targets per hour of instruction to cover club expenses for extra “show birds” which are significantly higher during instruction.
Guest instructors are expected to sign the normal SRFC release of liability form. If there are any unforeseen issues arising from this policy or the actual instruction itself, the Club Manager shall have the final decision to resolve such issues.
Advertising
No commercial advertisements or notices or political literature shall be posted or circulated on Club premises unless approved by a Board Member. This will not apply to items posted on bulletin boards by Members.
Solicitations
Solicitations of any kind are prohibited except those in relation to charitable, community, or wildlife preservation events authorized by the Board.
Removal Of Property
No property of the Club shall be removed from the premises without the written permission of the President or Operations Vice President.
Accompanied Guests
Members may bring up to 4 guests to the Club for use of Club facilities. Members bringing more than 4 guests will need other Members participating to keep the 4:1 ratio. The 4:1 ratio is at the discretion of the Club Manager and may be modified (i.e. – group lessons). Each guest will be limited to five (5) visits per calendar year except individuals residing in Transylvania, Jackson, Henderson, Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, Oconee, Greenville, and Pickens Counties will be limited to two (2) visits per calendar year.
Unaccompanied Guests
The Club at its discretion may allow a shooter who has been invited to shoot at the club by a Member but is not accompanied by that Member to use the facilities. This privilege is limited to two (2) visits per calendar year.
Unsponsored Guests
The Club at the discretion of the Club manager and VP – Ops may allow a shooter who is not a guest of a Member to use the facilities at premium fees. This privilege is limited to two (2) visits per calendar year.
MEMBER ACCOUNTS
Charge accounts for shooting, ammunition, or other items are not permitted. Payment methods are cash, personal check, credit card, or automatic clearing house (ACH).
Dues
Dues shall be mailed the first week of January and are due when submitted. Dues must be paid by March 1. The Treasurer will circulate the status of Dues payments by February 15 to the Board of Directors so that they can assist in ensuring payment of Dues. Dues paid after March 1 will be considered past due and will incur a 10% penalty. Dues (including past due penalty) not paid by April 1 will result in automatic termination of membership.
Notice of Delinquency
On the delinquency date, March 31, the Treasurer will mail an overdue statement to the delinquent Member with a note that the member’s club privileges are suspended until the past due amount is paid plus penalty. Notice of potential Membership termination will also be clearly stated in the correspondence.
Members will be provided with an electronic copy of the Club’s Operating Policy when they receive their annual invoice in the first week of January. A signed acknowledgement will be required of all members on an annual basis. Members will not be allowed to use the Club until a signed acknowledgement is received regardless of whether dues have been paid. A hard copy will be available for review and signature in the Clubhouse.
Club Manager’s Responsibility
The Treasurer will provide the Club Manager with a list of delinquent members. The Board has directed the Club Manager that if a delinquent member arrives at the club, the Club Manager will notify the Member that he or she cannot use Club facilities until the past due amount is paid.
Unusual Circumstances
In the case of unusual circumstances, for example, if a Member notifies the Club of a serious illness, the Board authorizes the Treasurer to exercise discretion in issuing delinquency notices of termination letters.
Resignations
A member resigning in arrears may not use the Club in any manner until the amount in arrears is paid. If a member is terminated or resigns and then wishes to rejoin, he or she must pay the amount in arrears when he or she resigned as well as the new initiation fee at the time.
BANK, CLUB CREDIT CARD, AND BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS
Bank Accounts
The following officers shall have transaction authority on the Operating Funds Checking Account and Money Market Saving Account:
- President
- Vice President of Club Operations
- Treasurer
Club Credit Card and Manager’s Checking Account
The following will have transaction authority on the Club Credit Card and Manager’s Checking Account:
- Vice President of Club Operations
- Treasurer
- Club Manager
Brokerage Accounts
The following officers shall have transaction authority on the Brokerage Account:
- President
- Vice President of Club Operations
- Treasurer