These are the rules for the effective operation of Phoenix Rifle Club. Club safety rules and Range Orders are separate documents, and all members are expected to be familiar with those too. All shooting activities are supervised by NRA approved Range Conducting Officers, and NRA rules apply.
The full document is available to download at the bottom of this page. The key rules are set out below.
New Members
1. All prospective members must first be interviewed by the Club Secretary. If the interview is satisfactory, the new member undergoes an induction course covering the safe use of the different types of firearm they will encounter at the Club. The Club Safety Rules and Range Orders are also explained.
2. All new members must complete a probation period covering 12 visits and several weeks, whichever comes last, before the Club will support their application for an FAC. This includes proof of safety and the ability to shoot a satisfactory grouping at 100m.
3. Failure to obtain a firearms certificate within one year of joining the Club will result in termination of membership. Police rejection of an application for an FAC will also result in termination of membership. Any exception can be discussed with the Club Secretary.
4. Where an applicant has completed their induction training, been issued with a keycard and paid their membership fee, and South Wales Police subsequently deem that applicant unsuitable, membership is terminated with immediate effect and the membership fee is forfeited in full. The fee is forfeited because it covers the administration, induction training and processing already carried out by the Club before that determination.
5. Applicants must attend and complete their induction training within one calendar month of the date of their application. South Wales Police are notified only once the applicant has attended and satisfactorily completed that induction training, and not before.
6. Where an applicant does not attend induction training within one calendar month, a grace period of two further weeks applies. If the applicant has not attended and completed induction training within six weeks of the date of application, the application lapses and is withdrawn. A lapsed applicant may reapply at the discretion of the Club Committee.
7. All members must provide a copy of their FAC on joining the Club, or when it is granted by the Police.
Attendance and Conduct
Members must attend the Club at least seven times per year. Failure to do so results in cancellation of membership. Members must also tell the Club about a change of address within six weeks of moving.
Anyone found under the influence of drink or drugs on Club premises will be expelled. Anyone bringing the Club into disrepute will be expelled, including through social media posts. Ignoring or arguing with an RCO will result in suspension and may result in expulsion.
The Club operates an anti-bullying policy covering mutual respect, club values and accountability. Incidents are reported to the Club Secretary, reviewed confidentially by the Committee, and may result in warnings, suspension or expulsion. The full policy is in the downloadable document.
Firearm Storage
Members are entitled to free short-term firearm storage, to a maximum of six weeks subject to review, covering holidays, sickness and similar circumstances. Long-term storage requires the member to supply their own cabinet.
Please note: if a member fails to renew their membership and has firearms in Cabinet storage, those firearms will be handed to the Police or an RFD for disposal.
Membership Payment
The Club financial year runs from 1 June to 31 May. Club fees must be paid in full at the start of the financial year. Any member in default on 31 July will have their membership terminated on 1 August, and the authorities will be notified.
The only accepted payment methods are bank transfer, annotated with your club number as the reference, or cash with a receipt from the Range Officer. No other payment method is accepted.
Any member wishing to re-join after the deadline pays a full year’s fees plus a re-joining fee of 20% of the annual fee, because the Club has to reprocess the application with the authorities. Re-joining is at the discretion of the Club Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a refund if the police refuse me after my application is processed?
No. Once you have completed your induction training, been issued a keycard and paid your membership fee, that fee is not refundable if South Wales Police subsequently deem you unsuitable. Your membership ends immediately. The fee covers the administration, induction training and processing the Club has already carried out.
When does the Club notify South Wales Police about my application?
Only after you have attended and satisfactorily completed your induction training. Not before.
How long do I have to attend my induction?
One calendar month from the date of your application. A two-week grace period applies after that. If you have not completed induction within six weeks, your application lapses.
What happens if my application lapses?
The application is withdrawn. You may reapply, at the discretion of the Club Committee.
What happens if my FAC application is rejected by the police?
Police rejection of an FAC application results in termination of membership. Any exception can be discussed with the Club Secretary.
Download the Full Club Rules
See also our constitution and byelaws and membership and firearms licencing pages.