Questionable Members

Wayne,

What is the best way to approach someone you see at the range that you question their membership? I have seen some "shady" characters on the range recently and not many people seem to wear their membership tags around their necks. I don't want to be impolite or run off potential new members, but I also don't want people using our club for free. Any suggestions?

My concerns are always on the side of caution. You might say "you guys know that after Apr 1st, 2009 badges are mandatory". If you are still not comfortable Please! get a tag # for anyone behaving in an inappropiate manner. We can then determine who the person is. Non-Members using our range that are not guests of a member or participating in an open match are trespassing and will be prosecuted. They have never had a safety briefing and are a safety risk.

Wayne

Be very careful approaching a person carrying a gun, anywhere, anytime, period. Today is nowhere near what yesterday was, and tomorrow will be even worse. Speaking from experience...

Wayne it might be helpful to have a sign at the gate and at each of the ranges letting people know that after April 1st badges will be mandatory, and that non-members will be prosecuted.


Mike

Mike,
We have been announcing this for over a year. You will notce the big sign as you enter the gate. If they can't see that then undoubtedly they can't read. Many simply refuse to wear their card for some unknown reason. As we approach the 1000 member mark it becomes obvious we do not need members who feel they are "above" the rules. We have a long line of people joining each month. If we wish to re-instate the member cap at 1000, Then those not wishing to follow reasonable rules will lose their membership and be replaced with new members. I am not trying to be harsh, but those of us who pay our dues and follow the rules should not have to support those who abuse our hospitality, our facility and our safety.

Wayne

Wayne , I agree completely ! But, If those who choose to ignore the rules knew that law enforcment would be involved non-members and those not complying might be less likely to abuse the facility. It's not just being asked to leave anymore. I know we ( the members ) have been told but that's not who is causing the issue.

Mike

Mike,
Very few people read any of the signs. I have found this to be a problem. After Apr 1st. there will be range officers patrolling K-Foot on a random basis. I am now soliciting members for these positions. Anyone caught trespassing will be prosecuted; however I will be the final say on calling law enforcement....That would be a last resort. There are always members like me who make an honest mistake and forget to bring their card, so we must make allowances for those of us with CRS. Anyone intentionally abusing our hospitality will be dealt with. It seems our cenerfire range takes the brunt of non-member abuse and we will be monitoring it closely.

Thanks,
Wayne

First let me say I understand your concerns and the issues you are faced with. I've been a member a short time compared to most... however it seems this must be a hot topic with some. Every club officer I've talked to stresses the importance of keeping the gate shut, however EVERY time i've been to the club the gate has been open... even midweek.

Just my opinion but badges do not seem to be the answer. The get lost, forgotten, etc. as well as they are bothersome to wear.

There's another thread on the forum discussing an electric gate. Seems that is your answer. Gate is always shut. Members loses key card, de-activate that key card. Member does not pay dues, de-activate that key card.

Electric gate or enforce the "closed gate" policy. Threatening members who do not have on their badge seems a little over the top to me.... personally I've never seen anyone wear a badge outside club officers.

Electric Gate and swipe/membership cards are coming. There are open shoots and open days for prospective members and gun permit classes etc. Therefore the gate must be left open at times. This does not excuse the ignoring of club rule to wear your membership card or have it close by. I have seen a willingness to wear the card since we have promoted them.At the same time I have seen that some folks just do not like rules of any kind. These are not good members and hopefully they may change thier attitude.
Rules are neutral...they apply to everyone.
If anyonre knows a good solid reputable company that will help us with the gate, software and hardware, installation and maintenance please let me know.
wayne

The electric gate is a great idea. 9 times out of 10 when I go out to the range the gate is open. I actually got fussed at by someone for closing it.