Club Rules

NORTHAMPTON REVOLVER CLUB

Range Safety Rules and Regulations

The Northampton Revolver Club has compiled the following Rules and Regulations designed to promote safety for Club

members and their guests and to protect the Club against litigation due to injury or death of a member or guest because of unsafe or improper handling of firearms or unsafe use of Club grounds and facilities. Remember, SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT. Failure to abide by these Rules may result in suspension or revocation of Club membership. Violations of these Rules will be referred to the Board of Directors to determine the appropriate action to be taken by the Club. 

Basic Safety Rules

ALWAYS keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, whether or not you believe it is loaded.

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

General Club Rules

1. Handling of loaded firearms in the Clubhouse is strictly prohibited.

2. All members and guests must sign in prior to any activity on Club property.

3. Members must display key cards on their person at all times while on club property.

4. Members are welcome to bring guests to use the Club’s facilities on a space-available basis. All guests must display their guest badge while on club property. See the guest policy below for details.

5. In the case of minor guests (under 18), only one firearm and one shooting port may be in use at any time. However, if said minor has taken a Massachusetts State approved safety course and holds a valid FID card they may shoot in a separate port / lane with long guns only. Minors using the facilities must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.

6. The consumption of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances on Club property is strictly prohibited.

7. Fires on Club property are not permitted without the approval of the Board of Directors and the Northampton Fire Department.

8. No .50 caliber or larger center fire cartridge firearms are allowed on any range.

9. Every member is responsible for policing the Club property.

10. All members are asked to respect the concept of common sense safety, fair play and sportsmanship.

11. No person may pull targets or stand in front of the firing line without the consent and recognition of the other shooters on the line or while there are loaded forearms on the line.

12. All unfired ammunition must be removed from the ranges, and either taken by the shooter or placed in the container in the Clubhouse for live rounds.

13. Any member found guilty of willfully and maliciously destroying or defacing Club property will have their membership revoked.

14. Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times while using firearms on Club property. It is strongly suggested that all shooters also wear a baseball cap or brimmed hat.

Indoor Range Rules

1. There shall be no shooting on the indoor range between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

2. No rifles larger than .22 caliber rimfire may be fired on the indoor range.

            a. EXCEPTION: Pistol caliber carbines chambered in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W, and .45ACP are allowed. No                                other cartridges are allowed.

3. No shotguns are allowed on the indoor range.

4. No handguns larger than .44 magnum may be used on the indoor range (S&W .460, .500 and the Ruger .480 are not allowed). Target loads only. Jacketed ammo is allowed, but copper plated or lead ammo is preferred. No black powder firearms are allowed.

5. All indoor shooting must be done with the firearm extended forward of the firing port.

6. All indoor shooting is typically done from the 50 foot line. Defensive or combat practice may be done in front of the ports only with the complete acknowledgment and participation of all the shooters present on the indoor range.

7. Only paper targets may be used on the indoor range. All targets and brass must be cleaned up and placed in the appropriate containers for recycling.

8. All targets will be placed at the mouth of the bullet trap. Utilize the target holders provided or place your target next to their location. There will be no target placement at any other position on the indoor range.

9. As shooters on the indoor range may be exposed to lead particles, the following safety rules are recommended:

10. There will be no eating, drinking or smoking in the indoor range area.

11. Pregnant women and young children should not be present on the indoor range.

12. Hands should be washed after shooting and before eating, drinking or smoking.

General Outdoor Range Rules

1. There is no shooting on the outdoor range while school is in session (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. September - June).

2. Shooting on the outdoor range shall only be conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 30 minutes prior to sunset Monday-Saturday and between 10:00 a.m. and 30 minutes prior to sunset on Sundays.

3. All outdoors shooting will be directed toward appointed and approved backstops.

4. No glass objects may be used as targets at any time or any place on Club property.

5. All trash, official and makeshift targets must be removed after members are through shooting.

6. There is no skeet or trap shooting on Club grounds.

7. No fully automatic firearms (machine guns) may be used on any of the Club ranges. Additional 100 Yard Outdoor 

Range Rules

1. When going forward of the firing line for target placement or retrieval, all rifle actions will be cleared, bolts locked to the rear, magazines removed.

2. Paper targets only unless authorized by the Northampton Revolver Club Board of Directors.

3. All paper targets will be attached to cardboard backers and hung only from the cable by clamps or wires. Bullseye must be centered between the two wires. Do not attach any targets to the RED posts.

4. All targets will be placed at the 100yd mark. No exceptions.

5. No .50 caliber, or larger, center fire cartridge firearms allowed.

6. For Shotguns: No shot of any kind (bird, buck, etc.), slug only.

7. All black powder calibers acceptable

8. For distances less than 100yds the firing line will move forward. All targets will remain at the 100yd mark. Forward movement of the firing line is allowed only by mutual consent of all shooters or as part of a training, course or competition.

9. Maximum number of shooters allowed on the firing line is five (5). The exception will be an authorized training, course, or competition.

Archery Range Rules

1. Safety is always first.

2. Only draw when aiming down range. Please be aware of your target and what lies behind it.

3. Do not nock arrows until everyone is behind your chosen shooting distance.

4. Field points are allowed, no broadheads allowed.

5. Use two hands when pulling arrows out of the target.(It will lengthen the target’s life span)

6. Archers shoot at their own risk. the NRC club and board will not be responsible for damages to arrows or bows.

7. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

8. When searching for lost arrows, please place a marking flag in front of the target.

9. All targets must be placed in front of the stand.

10. Max distances can not exceed the length of the building.

11. One archer is allowed to shoot at a time.

12. Crossbows are prohibited.

13. Absolutely NO guns allowed in the archery range

Guest Pass Policy

1. Prior to beginning any activity on the Club property, all Guests must print their name and sign the NRC Log Book directly below their host member’s name. By signing the NRC Log Book, the guest acknowledges that he or she has read and understood the terms of the NRC guest liability waiver and agrees to be bound by its terms. The liability waiver is located at the beginning of the log and is printed on the reverse side of each sign in page. If the guest is a minor either his / her parent or the host member if parent is not present must sign for the minor.

2. The number of guests per member is limited to two persons under their direct supervision at all times while on Club property. The member is directly responsible for the actions of their guest(s) and can be held accountable for any issue that may arise. The member must ensure that the guest(s) observe the Club safety rules and policies at all times.

3. All guests will openly display the NRC Guest Badge on their person while on Club property. Badges are located near the log book. The badge(s) will be returned to the Club house at the end of the activity.

4. Individuals may be a guest of a Club member no more than 4 times annually at which time they are encouraged to become Club members.

5. Guests under the age of 18 years, as stated in MGL c140 s130 1⁄2, where “it is lawful to furnish a weapon to a minor for hunting, recreation, instruction and participation in shooting sports”, those individuals will be “under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid firearms identification card or license to carry, appropriate for the weapon in use; provided, however, that the parent or legal guardian of the minor granted consent for such activities.”

6. When the guest is a minor (<18yrs) they may not shoot in a separate port/lane. They must share a port/lane with the host member. Therefore, the rule of one firearm and one port/lane will be observed. However, if said minor has taken a Massachusetts State approved safety course and holds a valid FID card they may shoot in a separate port / lane with long guns only.

7. Members shall have priority access over guests to club facilities. If all ports / lanes are occupied a member may ask a guest to use the port / lane they are currently in. The guest must relinquish the port / lane to the member.

8. Guests who fail to sign in, are observed damaging Club property or are acting in a manner that is determined to be unsafe, will be immediately expelled from the Club Property.

9. Members will be held accountable for the actions of their guests. If it was determined that the Club rules/policies were violated, the member is subject to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of membership without reimbursement.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

Of the

Northampton Revolver Club, Inc.

Established October 1933

(As amended, December 6th, 2019)

Article I. NAME.

The name of this organization shall be the Northampton Revolver Club, Incorporated (hereinafter the

Club or NRC).

Article II. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the sport of shooting in our community; to

establish and maintain the Club property for the benefit of the NRC members; to promote the education

and training of the membership in the safe and proper techniques and ethics of shooting; to encourage

membership in and support of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Gun Owners Action League

(GOAL) and at all times to abide by the laws set forth in Chapter 180 of the General Laws of

Massachusetts and other applicable laws.

Article III. MEMBERSHIP.

1. Regular membership is open to any person, 18 years of age or older, holding a valid LICENSE TO CARRY FIREARMS (pistol permit) or FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION CARD (FID), as issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or its designated representatives. Membership may be requested at any time pending the approval of at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors or a majority vote of the membership at a regular Club meeting. Once accepted, the new member agrees to hold harmless the NRC, its officers, directors and members from liability and/or responsibility for any injury which may occur to them or their invited guests while on premises owned or controlled by the Club. The new member agrees to support the NRC under its articles of purpose and finance, and to abide by the Club's safety and range regulations.

2. There shall be five special classes of membership: family, senior, honorary, non-voting memberships, and associate. (See Article X, below).

        a. Family membership shall be available to regular dues-paying members in good standing, permitting any member of the immediate family residing in the same household, who otherwise qualifies for membership, to join the Club at a reduced dues rate.

        b. Senior membership shall be available to members who are 60 years of age or older. 

        c. Honorary members shall be nominated by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority of the members present at a regular meeting.

        d. A non-voting membership shall be available to certain individuals or groups, who will enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership, accept the vote. Qualifications and dues are to be determined by the Board of Directors. (Law Enforcement and Associate Memberships)

        e. An associate membership is available to those individuals who currently belong to another Club (host club), and in addition, wish to belong to the Northampton Revolver Club. Dues are assessed at one-half the regular amount. Associate memberships do not have the right of voting. A reciprocating membership agreement must exist between both Clubs. Reciprocating agreements exist with the following host clubs: Holyoke Revolver Club, Inc., Easthampton Fish and Game Association, Inc.

        f. As of the adoption of the February 8th 2019 bylaw amendment, there will no longer be any new life memberships. Existing life memberships will be honored.

3. When applying for or renewing membership, each person must supply their valid Massachusetts LTC or FID permit number and date of expiration.

4. New applicants must supply:

        a. A certificate of training indicating they have successfully completed a Basic Firearms Safety Course or equivalent and that the training included live fire.

        b. If the training did not include live fire, then an evaluation session to demonstrate safe gun handling proficiency will need to be completed prior to becoming a member. Evaluations will be conducted by a designee appointed by the board. An additional fee may apply for the evaluation.

5. Persons applying for or renewing an associate membership must provide one of the following:

        a. A letter on host club letterhead stating that he / she is a member in good standing. The letter is to be signed by an officer of the host club (Treasurer, Secretary, President, etc.).

        b. A valid membership card from the host club stating the members name and expiration date of membership.

        c. A law enforcement officer is required to provide a badge number and force or a copy of his / her police ID.

6. All membership renewals must fill out and sign a renewal application for every year of

membership to submit along with their dues. 

Article IV. CLUB OFFICERS and THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1. The officers of this organization shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer and a Secretary.

2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers named in Article IV.1, plus three elected Directors, one of whom shall be the Range Officer.

3. The officers and the Board of Directors shall be elected by the Club members present at the December meeting, and shall serve without remuneration for one calendar year, or until their successors are elected. Election shall be by secret ballot, unless candidates are unopposed, in which case the Club Secretary shall cast one vote to elect the Board members.

4. Members who wish to be considered for election to the Board of Directors shall submit their names, and the position desired before the close of the November meeting.

5. For members to be eligible for nomination to an officer position the member must have completed 5 consecutive years of active membership prior to nomination. For President at least one of those years must be as an officer or board member. For a member to be eligible for nomination to a board position the member must have completed 1 year of active membership prior to nomination. A membership shall be considered active if the member has repeatedly organized or volunteered for activities or projects for the club.

6. Should a vacancy occur on the Board of Directors, the remaining members of the Board shall have the authority to fill the vacancy until the next election, subject to approval by a majority of the members present at the next monthly meeting.

Article V. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS and BOARD MEMBERS.

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the organization. He / She shall preside at all meetings of the Club. The President shall be a member ex-officio of all committees. A Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his / her absence or at his / her request. The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the organization. He / She shall collect all fees and dues, pay all bills pertaining to routine Club operations, and keep account of all financial transactions; he/she shall report to the members at the monthly meeting, and report with vouchers at the request of the Board of Directors and at the annual meeting. The Secretary shall keep a written record of meetings of the organization and of its Board of Directors, and notify all Club members of the time and place of special meetings. The Secretary shall have full charge of the papers and records of the organization. Further, the Secretary shall be responsible for filing the Annual Report with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, as required by state law, as well as the annual tax classification report required by the city of Northampton. The Range Officer shall have charge of the Club's ranges, the arrangement of competitions and matches, the printing of scorecards and the provision of range supplies. The Range Officer may make such rules  as are required for the safe and proper operation of the ranges, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, and shall conduct the orientation of new Club members in the Club safety and range regulations.

The Executive Directors duties are, but not limited to, the up-keep and maintenance of Club property

either by themselves or by enlistment of the membership. The Northampton Revolver Club, Incorporated, will fully exonerate, indemnify and hold harmless its Officers and Directors from and against all claims or actions, and all expenses and costs (including attorney's fees) incidental to the defense of any such claims or actions based upon, or arising out of damage or injury (including death) to persons or property caused by, or sustained in connection with the performance of an Officer or Director, or by conditions created thereby and, if requested by an Officer or Director, to assume without expense or cost to them the defense of any such claims or actions.

The Northampton Revolver Club, Incorporated, specifically adopts the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 156B: 65, "Good Faith and Prudence as Defense." (See Appendix 1.)

Article VI. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for conducting all the business of the organization, including the payment of all expenses necessary for the continued operation of the Club. The Board shall report to the membership at the regular club meetings.

2. The Board of Directors shall conduct an examination of the Club's financial records annually at the end of the fiscal year.

3. The Board of Directors shall meet at the request of the president. A quorum shall consist of five (5) members.

Article VII. EXPENDITURES.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to make expenditures required for the day to day operation and improvement of the Club up to the amount of $2500.00. Any expenditure in excess of $2500.00 must first be approved by a majority vote of the entire Board Improvements requiring an expenditure of more than $5000.00 shall require the formation of a finance committee consisting of at least one officer, one other board member and no more than three other persons from the general membership. The committee shall report its recommendations to the Board of Directors, and the Board will in turn present its recommendations on the project for approval by a two-thirds majority of Club members present at a regular meeting.

Article VIII. MEETINGS.

1. Regular Club meetings will be held monthly with the exception of July and August (ten times per year). Actual dates and times will be set by the Board of Directors and announced to the membership via email, newsletters, and/or Club postings. The January meeting will be the Club's annual meeting. The newly elected officers will preside at the annual meeting. The  President may call a special/emergency meeting at any time with as much notice as possible by email, mail, or news letter to all members being required.

2. Ten members, in addition to at least one Club officer, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of Club business.

3. Proxy Vote: At least one week prior to a scheduled meeting, a copy of the proposed agenda will be emailed out the membership for their consideration. The intent is to allow the membership the ability to offer their opinion or vote on Club matters, should they not be able to attend the scheduled meeting. All returned email responses will be kept on file and recorded. These responses will also be counted as part of the needed quorum to conduct Club business.

Article IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY.

The Northampton Revolver Club will be guided in the conduct of its business by the current edition of ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER, wherever applicable, as long as it is not in conflict with the Club's bylaws and regulations.

Article X. DUES and SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.

1. The amount and method of assessing dues and special fees will be recommended by the Board of Directors. Dues may be pro-rated by the Board of Directors at their discretion. Any change in dues shall be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a regular monthly meeting. All members of the Club shall be notified of a proposed change in dues, or an assessment of special fees, at least ten (10) business days in advance of the meeting at which discussion of such proposal shall be initiated. Any change in dues shall become effective at the start of the next fiscal year.

2. Membership dues are assessed for the calendar year. They become due and payable on the 31st of December, and must be paid in full by December 31 of the current year for the following calendar year. Members in arrears after that date will lose all membership privileges, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, until they pay their annual dues in full, which they may do at any time during the calendar year. Any member still in arrears after the calendar year expires must reapply for membership.

3. The dues for a family membership shall be established by the Board of Directors.

4. The dues for a senior membership shall be established by the Board of Directors.

5. Honorary members of the organization shall not be assessed for dues or special fees. They retain all the privileges of membership, including voting rights.

6. Non- voting membership (Law and Associate) dues will be established by the Board of Directors. 

7. Club Officers and Directors shall have their membership dues waived for the year they serve as a Club Officer or Director.

Article XI. THE FISCAL YEAR.

The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

Article XII. COMPETITIONS.

The rules and regulations of the Club and those of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and/or the United States Revolver Association (USRA) shall govern all competitions or matches held by the Club, where applicable.

Article XIII. CONDUCT.

Any member whose conduct has been deemed a detriment to the welfare of the Club by the Board of Directors shall be given ten (10) days written notice of the charges against said member, providing an opportunity to defend him/herself. After this time, the Board may elect that said member shall forfeit all membership rights and surrender any keys, passes or evidence of membership in the NRC.

Article XIV. AMENDMENTS.

These Bylaws are subject to change only by a two-thirds vote of Club members present at any official meeting. Amendments may not be presented unless notice of intent shall have been sent to the membership via email at least ten (10) business days prior to the meeting. The Constitution and Bylaws will enter into force immediately upon adoption, except for the provisions on special memberships and dues, which will take effect at the start of the fiscal year.

Article XV. SERVICES TO THE CLUB.

1. Any club member, acting as a private individual, and regardless of his/her position within the NRC, may provide goods and services to the Club and receive a fee for said goods and services. This is permitted, provided the membership has been informed of the arrangement. This article shall not be construed to conflict with Article 4, Paragraph 3 of these bylaws.

2. Only those persons or groups who, as a function of their position within the Club, or who are invited by the NRC Board of Directors, or who are operating under written contract with the Club, may conduct educational and training courses on Club property. It is understood that such persons/groups are acting as private individuals and thus assume all liability, and hold the NRC harmless, unless the NRC directly sponsors such events.

Revised and adopted, May 2nd, 1994.

Amended, December 5th, 1994.

Amended, April 6th, 1998.

Amended, January 8th, 2001.

Amended, January 6th, 2002.

Amended, January 28th, 2007

Amended, December 12th, 2007

Amended, 2008

Amended, 2012

Amended, April 6th, 2014

Amended, April 12th, 2015

Amended, February 8th, 2019

Amended, December 6th, 2019

Appendix 1

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS

CHAPTER 156 B: 65

Section 65. Good Faith and Prudence as Defense.

A director, officer or incorporator of a corporation shall perform his duties as such, including, in the case of a director, his duties as a member of a committee of the board upon which he may serve, in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In determining what he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, a director may consider the interests of the corporation's employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state, region and nation, community and societal considerations, and the long-term and shortterm interests of the corporation and its stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation. In performing his duties, a director, officer or incorporator shall be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports or records, including financial statements, books of account and other financial records, in each case presented by or prepared by or under the supervision of (1) one or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director, officer or incorporator reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, or (2) counsel, public accountants or other persons as to matters which the director, officer or incorporator reasonably believes to be within such person's professional or expert competence, or (3) in the case of a director, a duly constituted committee of the board upon which he does not serve, as to matters within its delegated authority, which committee the director reasonably believes to merit confidence, but he shall not be considered to be acting in good faith if he has knowledge concerning the matter in question that would cause such reliance to be unwarranted. The fact that a director, officer or incorporator so performed his duties shall be a complete defense to any claim asserted against him, whether under sections sixty to sixty-four, inclusive, or otherwise, except as expressly provided by statute, by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or incorporator of the corporation.