How many times have you went to a range and seen a person with R.S.O. shirt and/or vest on? How many people know what "R.S.O." is?
R.S.O. are the shortened letters for a Range Safety Officer. This person is a very important part of a range running safe and fun. Many times this asset is misunderstood, misused and/or unappreciated within the firearm community. Let's look at what an R.S.O. is and history.
As long as there has been humans on a range of any type, there has always been a person there to oversee the safe actions of the use of ranges. The first recorded time is back to ancient china, when generals appointed people to watch over the safe use of the practice of arms. This predates the invention of gun powder. All civilized societies has had one form of this, mainly in the military sense. Though the military has had official schools for people to be qualified as Range Officers. It was not until, the National Rifle Association in the early 1990's created a Range Safety Officer program for civilians. So What is a R.S.O.? They are people certified to posses knowledge, skill and attitude to organize, conduct and supervise Safe shooting activities and Range operations, this is per the National Rifle Association.
The R.S.O. does not have to be a "seasoned" veteran of the shooting sports. But a person who is minimum of 21 years old, who has the right attitude and care enough to become certified to ensure people shoot safely. A great many new shooters find great enjoyment in being R.S.O.'s. Ladies and men find it very satisfying in assisting people on the range. With proper certification course the individual will posses all the skill's that are necessary to be and effective R.S.O. A R.S.O. is a person who steps back and ensure's that all the people on the line are doing everything safe. This allow's the shooters the piece of mind to just concentrate on the task of shooting, without worry of someone to the side doing something "wrong".
The R.S.O., is a very important person to club, organization and Instructors on ranges. For the club and organizations, this is a person whom can be there to ensure that all the safety rules are followed. A great many insurance companies give organizations discounts for every person who is a R.S.O., some require everyone to be. The more clubs have members as R.S.O.'s is beneficial as there is a higher chance that a person will be around. The most important thing about an R.S.O. is that they are and Ambassador for the shooting sports. They are helpful people who are there to ask questions and/or lend a hand. For firearm classes, the R.S.O. is extremely important, for many classes consist of either new shooters and/or moving techniques. The R.S.O. allows the instructor to just concentrate on teaching the students on the correct technique's and time is gained in more one on one instructing.
The R.S.O. being a good ambassador of the organization it represents, can answer many of the questions pertaining to the safety of the institution. They are trained in appropriate response to emergency situations and ensure that needs are taken care of. They are friendlier people than a door greeter at wal-mart. During shooting activities such as competitions and fun shoots, the R.S.O. really shines, as they allow the people to perform to there full potential, using an eagle eye for safety. Few things are stressful then having a person with a "live" firearm on the line and not know who to safely clear the problem. The R.S.O. is trained on how to safely take a "live" firearm from someone and make it safe. They are trained and perform the running of a "live" range, using good verbal commands. A R.S.O. should not be confused with a Range Officer. A Range Officer duty is to keep track and run and entire range establishment, you can see one on any military or civilian Rifle range or competition. The Range Safety Officer, just concentrate's on the safety of all shooting, none of the other activities.
Of all the interaction that I have had with firearm shooting and activities, being an R.S.O. was and is the most fun. You get to influence people in the shooting community in a positive light. Easy there mind, knowing that someone is there to help if needed. Look into the full filling adventure of being a certified Range Safety Officer. It is fun, helps the organization and the shooting sports stay safe and keep it in a glowing light. I know of no shooting place that would turn away a Range Safety Officer that is certified, to help in it's capacity.
