CPS Safety Training Overview and Process

The COSSA Practical Shooters stress safety in all aspects of our sport. This applies from the moment the shooter arrives at the range until they head home after a practice session or a match. Safety is our primary focus. Second is sportsmanship. Third is having fun and fourth is winning. If those priorities are kept in the mind of all participants, we will have a great time. Getting those priorities reversed will harm our sport.

We have developed a Safety Manual with accompanying Exam. This manual was developed using USPSA manuals, IDPA manuals, the training program from the Columbia Cascade Section of USPSA and all tailored to the specific needs of our programs here at the COSSA Practical Shooters. In addition, and based on the Safety Manual, we have developed a Standardized Safety Briefing to be given at the beginning of each match, which explains the real world aspects of Safety Manual content as it relates to match behavior.

Who must read the manual and take the exam? Virtually everyone. If we do get a shooter at a match who has taken and passed the USPSA Range Officer course, who has taken and passed the IDPA Safety Officer course, or who has demonstrated safe gun handling and match behavior through acquisition of either a USPSA classification or an IDPA classification, those individuals will be exempt from having to take the test. We would, however, request that they read the manual, take the test, and bring it with them to the match.

So, you are a shooter and wish to get started with CPS. What is the process relative to the Safety Manual? First read and study the manual. Second, take the test and bring it with you to your first match. Both can be downloaded off of the internet. The exam will be quickly scored and if you pass, you will enter the next phase. Third, you will be required to attend a safety briefing at the beginning of the match. This will likely be attended by both new and experienced shooters. Fourth, and for new shooters, for your first match you will be assigned a “mentor” who will accompany you, explain any questions you might have and who will see you through the match in a safe manner. This “mentor” will be an experienced shooter who will most likely be a Range Officer or a Safety Officer. Providing you comply with the safety requirements, (notice that this has nothing to do with speed and/or placement within the match scores) you will then be issued a CPS Safety Card indicating you have an understanding of our safety requirements, plus, that you have demonstrated the ability to safely handle a firearm under match conditions.

This sounds quite onerous, but it is not. The CPS club will make every effort to make your introduction to our sport as comfortable as possible. You will make new friends quickly and the relationships developed will often last a lifetime.

Wishing you the best, straight shooting and above all, be safe. Click on the Safety Manual to begin the process.