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South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports State Plan

Updated April 16, 2019
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John Keimig

SDSU Extension Youth Safety Field Specialist

Situation Statement

The South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports program is a part of the SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development program, focusing on developing safe shooting habits in participating youth members. The program in South Dakota is founded upon National 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum. This program requires volunteers, known as county coaches, for management and teaching of shooting sports, under the supervision of local 4-H youth program advisors.

Program Objectives

South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports strives to teach life skills for youth, parents and adult volunteers to become responsible, motivated and productive members of society. Shooting sports leadership and youth incorporate these goals to expand this program through the recruitment of potential members. This program encourages recognition through traditional 4-H methods such as achievement ribbons and nontraditional recognition. This program is consistent with the goals of 4-H by transferring knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop human capital, using the subject matter and resources of land-grant universities.

Specific Objectives

  • Offer learning opportunities to enhance development of positive self-image, character, personal growth, creativity and empathy in youth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting related activities, including risk management.
  • Increase engagement and enhance knowledge in natural resources and related natural science programs.
  • Recruit potential 4-H members through expanded learning opportunities in diversified projects.
  • To teach safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment including sound decision making, self-discipline, determination and concentration.
  • Promote a high standard of safety, ethical behavior and sportsmanship while facilitating positive competitive events for youth with desire to grow through self-competition and in competition with others.
  • Introduce youth a range of vocational activities related to shooting sports.
  • Strengthen family bonds through participation in recreational shooting events.

Program Administration

The program is administered by SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development through the State 4-H Shooting Sports Advisory Committee and the state 4-H shooting sports coordinator. The advisory committee and coordinator will:

  • Administer the program.
  • Develop a program outline for counties to follow
  • Conduct instructor training and certification programs.
  • Develop informational materials to be used in publicizing the program.
  • Provide orientation to county staff of the shooting sports program.
  • Initiate resource development in partial support of programming.
  • Maintain files of 4-H instructor certification status.
  • Cooperate with county staff to assist in program operation and administration.

Instructor Certification Requirements

State Instructors

  • Must be over 21 years of age.
  • Must be a registered volunteer in good standing, including
  • Active status in 4H online
  • Pay yearly volunteer fee
  • Passed background check
  • Has completed training through National 4-H Shooting Sports instructor training, in the discipline they teach.
  • Must teach discipline at least once every 3 years to remain active in discipline.
  • May be a member of South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports Advisory Committee.
  • Help to promote South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports programs and an advocate for the program.
  • Must use the national curriculum provided as a basis for teachings.

County Coach

  • Must be over 21 years of age
  • Attend and successfully complete an instructor training program administered by members of the South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team and demonstrate competency to instruct as determined through trainer observation and other screening used during training.
  • All volunteers must be approved through the SDSU Extension 4-H Volunteer Work Agreement Process before being approved as instructors. This includes completing the 4-H Volunteer Work Agreement Form. Failure to cooperate in such screening will disqualify any volunteer or staff member from service.
  • Only one certification per discipline may be achieved at a single state 4-H sponsored training workshop. A participant must attend all of the training sessions at a state sponsored workshop to become a certified instructor. The lead instructor in each discipline reserves the right not to certify a person if he/she feels the candidate will not be a competent instructor.
  • Certification workshops will provide a minimum of twelve (12) hours of instruction: including a minimum of nine (9) hours instruction in each specific discipline and a minimum of three (3) hours instruction in teaching youth development, life skills, and risk management.
  • Must comply with SDSU Extension 4-H Volunteer standards.
  • Must be a registered volunteer in good standing including:
    • Active status in 4H Online
    • Pay yearly volunteer fee
    • Passed background check

Risk Management

Recommended Management Procedures for county programs:

Shooting Sports Volunteer Coaches Follow 4-H Volunteer expectations

  • Leader enrollment forms completed, signed, approved and on file in the extension office
  • All instruction must be done under the supervision of a South Dakota 4-H certified shooting sports instructor certified in the discipline they are teaching.

Code of Conduct/Release Form

  • Youth must be enrolled in the South Dakota 4-H program and in 4-H Online by the end of the first qualifying match.
  • All participants enrolled in the shooting sports projects are to have a parent read and sign the Code of Conduct/Release Form before beginning project activities.
  • Certified instructor must discern all members are enrolled in the project and have completed all required forms.
  • Forms are to be completed, turned in and kept in a permanent file in the extension office. 

Accident Insurance

  • Each county program should take out special accident insurance on all shooting sports participants.
  • All shooting sports leaders should know the policy number and procedures required.
  • A copy of the policy should be kept with the leader and the official copy kept on file in the extension office.

Emergency Plan/Risk Management Plan

  • An emergency plan of action should be written and followed for each training site, facility and activity including:
    • Potential risks analyzed and procedures planned
    • Minor incidents/first aid, including first aid kits and medically responsible adult
    • Access to emergency medical treatment, including location of telephones, list of emergency numbers, access to transportation
    • Natural catastrophe procedure, including fire, tornado, lighting
    • A copy of the Emergency Plan should be kept in the local Extension Office, with a copy being sent to the state 4-H shooting sports coordinator.