Finding a junior program

Junior shooting is run by clubs, state branches and associations, and what they offer varies. This guide covers where to look and what to ask.

Where junior programs are run

SSAA clubs and branches. The Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia runs a national junior offering. It sells discounted junior memberships for people up to 18, and an SSAA member can sponsor one for a young family member or friend. It says most SSAA disciplines include events for junior members, and it has a dedicated Junior Sports Shooting discipline. Its advice is to contact a local SSAA club or state branch. Branches can run their own junior sections. SSAA ACT, for example, runs a junior development section with club rifles for hire.

Target rifle clubs. Target Rifle Australia describes air rifle as an excellent way to introduce beginners and juniors, and says most of its clubs have equipment newcomers can use while they learn. Its advice is to contact your closest club and visit. There are clubs in both city and country areas.

Pistol and clay clubs. Some pistol and clay target clubs take juniors into come-and-try sessions or membership. A Melbourne clay club, for example, runs come-and-try sessions for juniors with a parent or guardian, and a Sydney pistol club takes junior members under the responsibility of an adult member. Contact the club directly and ask whether it takes juniors.

On Where to Shoot, you can filter for ranges that welcome juniors and then contact the club that runs them.

What a good program offers

When you compare clubs, look for:

• Supervision you can see. Qualified instructors and range officers with the juniors at all times.

• A structured path. A coaching program that moves juniors on as they show competence. SSAA ACT gives each junior a log book to record their shooting experience.

• Equipment to borrow. Club firearms and protective gear, so you don't need to buy anything at the start.

• Room to try things. SSAA NSW points out that juniors can try different disciplines to find out what suits them.

• Competitions when they're ready. The SSAA runs national junior events, and its championships group juniors into two age categories.

Questions to ask

• Do you run a junior program, or do juniors join general sessions?

• What age do juniors start at, and what paperwork do you need?

• Who supervises juniors, and does a parent need to stay?

• What does it cost, and what equipment is included?

• How often are junior sessions held?

Read Supervision on the range for what to expect on the day.