Colorado Biathlon Club

Rifle Safety Certification Requirements

Thanks to Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA of the Rockies for their support.

Questions? Contact info@coloradobiathlon.org

Minimum USBA requirements to use a .22 rifle in a biathlon event

All biathletes using a .22 rifle in USBA events (including CBC races and training at the Snow Mountain Ranch range) must have completed the USBA Basic Rifle Safety certification process (BRS). The BRS certification includes two steps:

1. Taking an online Basic Rifle Safety Course and passing the associated quiz.
2. Passing an in-person Basic Rifle Safety Assessment.

Note: CBC incorporates the USBA BRS certification process into our Level 2 safety certification clinics. Details for completing the USBA BRS online component are included in the CBC Level 2 Safety Certification Clinics section below.

CBC Safety Certification Levels

Training access to the SMR range depends on your assigned CBC safety certification level, over and above the minimum USBA BRS certification. CBC recognizes four levels of athlete safety certification. These levels have been created in close collaboration with USBA to maintain compliance with evolving insurance requirements and maximize our flexibility to train on the range. Below are descriptions of the requirements and the entitlements associated with each.

Level 1 Athlete

This is an athlete who has completed a BRS certification outside of the CBC program. These athletes may compete in CBC races using a .22 rifle, but may not train on the CBC range unless a written exception is obtained from the CBC Board prior to training (e.g. visiting national team members).

Level 2 Athlete

This is an athlete who has completed BRS certification through either the CBC Level 2 certification class OR the Boulder Rifle Club Biathlon Program. These athletes must also have CBC membership and USBA Competitor membership. Level 2 athletes can compete in CBC races and train on the range under the supervision of a Level 3 or Level 4 athlete.

Level 3 Athlete

This is an athlete who has met all Level 2 criteria, and also has sufficient experience to meet the USBA qualifications for Range Safety Officer - Adult/Master Certification, and has completed the USBA RSO certification training. Level 3 athletes can participate in CBC races, access and train on the range unsupervised, as well as supervise adult Level 2 athletes and minor athletes who are their own children. They must have current CBC membership and USBA competitor membership.

Level 4 Athlete

Level 4 athletes are Level 3 athletes who have also completed SafeSport training, USBA background check, and hold a USBA coaches membership. These athletes have all the same privileges as Level 3 athletes, but may also supervise minor athletes who are not their own children.

Progression through the safety certification levels

• Level 1 to Level 2 (or to go directly to Level 2): Attend a CBC Level 2 safety certification clinic or participate in the Boulder Rifle Club Program.
• Level 2 to Level 3:
  • Complete a minimum of three supervised training sessions (not necessarily with the same supervisor). At least one session supervisor will need to complete the Level 3 Athlete Nomination Form.
  • Participate in at least one CBC race with a .22 since the 2023-2024 season.
  • Once competency in the requirements listed below has been demonstrated in the three required training sessions, submit the Level 2 Athlete Self-Nomination Form For Level 3 Upgrade

  Level 2 athletes may use this form to request training supervision from a Level 3 or 4 athlete, although it is not guaranteed that there will be a level 3 or 4 athlete available to meet all training requests.

  Competency requirements:

  • Knowledge of procedures for when and how to open and close the range
  • Knowledge of how and when to set up and take down the range for training
  • Proficiency at handling, operating, and shooting a rifle safely during training
  • Proficiency in safely operating targets
  • Knowledge of maintaining supervision of rifle at all times
  • Respect for CBC property, other training members, and YMCA staff and guests
  • Proper use of range sign-in
  • Knowledge of what to do when a cease-fire is called
  • Has demonstrated the qualifications and integrity to train Level 2 athletes going forward

  The Board will review all submitted forms at its regular meetings monthly during the season, once during the summer, and once in the fall prior to the start of the season. Approved athletes will be sent the USBA RSO training and video for completion, and once these are complete, the Board will notify USBA, completing the certification. The Board will then notify the athlete of their upgraded status.

• Level 3 to Level 4: Complete USBA-required SafeSport training, USBA background check, and update USBA membership to include USBA coach membership. Contact USBA at [email protected] for more information.

CBC Level 2 safety certification clinics

Please see the online schedule for dates of upcoming safety certification clinics.

CBC safety certification clinics include the practical assessment portion of the USBA Basic Rifle Safety Course along with additional lecture material and practical experience on the range. You will need to complete the online portion of the USBA course before you arrive on-site for the CBC safety certification clinic. Bring proof of course completion with you!

Clinics are generally held in October and mid-season and are limited by volunteer instructor availability. Clinics are announced via the CBC Members mailing list (see subscription links on our home page), and are posted on the CBC web site.

Club rifles and ammunition are provided for clinic participants. If you already own a suitable .22 that you'd like to use for racing, bring it (and ammunition) with you. Ammunition must be standard velocity .22 long rifle.

Cost for Certification Clinics is $20.00 plus the cost of a USBA membership, which must be purchased directly from USBA. Either an annual or one-day USBA membership is acceptable, and is necessary to comply with insurance requirements. Visit the USBA web site to create an account and purchase a USBA membership. CBC membership is not required, but is appreciated.

The afternoon session will be at the SMR biathlon range. Requirements to use the range vary by season.

• During the ski season: You will need to purchase a trail pass at the Nordic Center and ski (or snowshoe) to and from the range. Rental equipment is available at the Nordic Center.
• If the trails are not yet skiable: You may need to purchase a day pass. If so, information will be included in an email sent out to participants the week before the clinic.

BEFORE the clinic: Enroll in and complete the USBA BRS online course

Complete the online course a week before the in-person certification clinic. This schedule is particularly important for attendees under the age of 13. U13 quizzes are graded manually and thus the turnaround time for completing the course is often slower.

• Register for an account at https://center.usbiathlon.org if you don't already have one. NOTE: The "US Biathlon Center" is not the same as the USBA web site used for membership management.
• Once you're logged in, go to Education -> US Biathlon Courses -> Basic Rifle Safety Course
  The direct link is https://center.usbiathlon.org/page/5402/u-s-biathlon-courses
• Individuals age 13 and older: Be sure to select the "Basic Rifle Safety Course," not the "U13" course!
• For individuals under the age of 13: A parent or guardian will need to create a profile at the USBA Center web site, then add the child as a dependent in their profile by following the links to My Account -> Update My Profile -> Add Dependent. Access the Basic Rifle Safety U13 Course (ages 12 and under). When you login to take the class, be sure to choose your child’s name from the dropdown menu or it will look like you are taking the course, not your child.

  While you can supervise and help your child, you should not take the course for them. Please note that the U13 course is manually graded, and turnaround time may not be quick if another attempt is required to pass the test. In other words, don't wait until the night before the relevant event to tackle the online portion of the course.

You will receive an email confirmation once you pass this portion of the certification process. Keep this confirmation handy (in either electronic or printed form) to show your safety assessor when you meet for the practical assessment.

Schedule

• 0945 - 1000: Check-in at the classroom. The classroom location for the morning session will be emailed to registrants once it's confirmed.
• 1000 - 1200: Classroom instruction
• 1200: Lunch break (bring a lunch!)
• 1300: Meet at the range for the practical portion of the course
• 1300 - 1530: Range orientation, practice, USBA BRS practical assessment
• 1530: Range cleanup

What to bring

• Are you under the age of 18? Bring a parent or other adult. You will be required to have one with you! (See next section.)
• Proof of completion for the online portion of the USBA Basic Rifle Safety course!
• Pen/pencil and notebook
• Whatever you need to sit comfortably for 2+ hours (food, beverage, etc).
• Lunch and snacks
• Clothing appropriate for the day's weather. You will be outdoors at the range from 1.5 - 2 hours. Note: There are no toilet facilities at the range!
• Thin gloves for actually shooting and warm gloves or mittens if necessary to keep warm while waiting to shoot.

Participants under the age of 18

• Clinic attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or coach.
• Clinic attendees must be at least 11 years of age.
• Competitors using CBC club rifles in races must be 13 as of December 31 of the winter competition season (e.g., age 13 by December 31, 2024 for the 2024-2025 winter season).
• Individuals age 11-12 who have access to a personal .22 rifle may attend a safety certification clinic with their own rifle, and use their .22 rifle when racing. (Club rifles are not available to participants under the age of 13.)
• All range users under the age of 18 ("under-aged person") must have a Safety Certified parent or assigned responsible adult (at least 18 years old) closely supervise their .22 caliber or pellet shooting activities on a one-on-one basis for practice, certification, training and races. During races when the Safety Certified under-aged person is using a .22 caliber rifle, the supervising adult or parent must remain in the coaching area. "Closely supervise" is interpreted to mean that the supervising adult must be within 20 feet of the shooting position during the shooting interval. "One-on-one" shall be interpreted to mean that the responsible adult may not supervise more than one under-aged person at the same time. The responsible adult may supervise multiple persons serially and without overlap.
• Refer to the competition categories information for more age-group details.