Gun club Membership clause

[fractal7]

I've been looking at a few new shooting ranges to join and all of the ones that are some type of "club" type range have a clause in their membership form that is something to the effect of -

"I certify that I am seventeen (18) years of age or older, that I am a citizen of the United States of America, and that I am not a member of
any organization or group which has as any part of its program the attempt to overthrow the Government of the United States or any of
its political subdivisions by force or violence; that I have never been convicted of a crime of violence and, if admitted to membership, I
will faithfully endeavor to fulfill the obligations of good sportsmanship and good citizenship."

I wouldn't think too much of it except most of them have almost that exact same clause. I just found it interesting, does anyone know the legal/historical reason for it?

 

[flintlock62]

Yes, it's called COA. cover your A**.

 

[Sock Puppet]

I don't remember that at my club but I'll have to find the paperwork and re-read it.

 

[jfdavis58]

One of the quickest ways to draw attention to a shooting range is organized paramilitary style activity. You may also find that excessive camo or BDU patterned clothing is frowned upon. It's incredibly hard for local law enforcement to see such activities and manners in other than subversive terms. Once the stigma is applied, its near impossible to remove. Shooting ranges and clubs take great pains to be family friendly, law abiding and sporting.

The actual pattern of the legalese in the rules document is probably copied from other such documents.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Flintlock62...I believe that's "CYA"...

 

[Blakenzy]

I certify that I am seventeen (18) years of age or older, that I am a citizen of the United States of America...

Where are non-citizen residents supposed to shoot at?

 

[flintlock62]

Flintlock62...I believe that's "CYA"...

Yes, you are right. It's not my fault my fingers do not know how to type! Maybe I should proof read? Nah!

 

[Daveboone]

Most gun clubs that I am aware of require membership in the NRA, which has a similar requirement (or did last I knew).

 

[MinnMooney]

+1 for the NRA membership. That's what my club requires, also. We have a much more elaborate set of rules that everyone has to sign before becoming a member which includes dues, work duty requirements, age, responsibilities as to following the range rules and being diligent in checking other shooter's membership cards if you don't recognize them.

Nothing weird and almost all portions of the agreement have been added du to past indisgressions by members.

 

[acdodd]

I would bet they are insured through the NRA.
Both clubs I belonged to have that same statement and both are insured through the NRA.
If you are a NRA member they charge you $45 annual fee.
Non NRA is $90.

 

[shockwave]

+1 for the NRA membership.

All my clubs have required that for insurance reasons. And the clause mentioned by the OP is obviously directed toward so-called "militia" activities.

 

[TonyDedo]

Most simple legal documents come from templates that are used almost universally. If you log onto one of those "legal forms" websites and looked for a gun club waiver, I'll bet you'll find that language.

In fact, I believe that language is in the Massachusetts License to Carry application.

 

[EddieNFL]

We have similar requirements regarding age, criminal conviction, etc., but no "over throw the government" statement. You are required to review the SOP and take a test and sign a "hold harmless" agreement, for what it's worth.

 

[Ranb]

The Kitsap Rifle and Revolver Club used to require NRA membership to join, but no longer. They require a safety course before using the range as a member. Annual dues are $160, but working for the range for ten hours gets you $100 off. No promise to not overthrow the government either.

Ranb

 

[wishin]

You're ok as long as your plan to overthrow the government is subversive sans violence or force............

 

[Blackbeard]

I certify that I am seventeen (18) years of age

I certify that seventeen and 18 are the same thing....

 

[everallm]

Whilst, in general, the principle is that a private club may set it's own membership requirements, as written this "standard" boilerplate"is also illegal on number of Constitutional and legal grounds

As a prime example, the "citizen of US" section explicitly prohibits Permanent Resident Aliens AKA Green Card Holders who are fully entitled to all of the 2A rights of a citizen.

This is a patent discrimination (to start with) on grounds on national origin......

Your clubs need to make damn sure they consult a real lawyer before putting a binding legal document like this in place.....

 

[SteveCase]

all the club i belong to ask for was name,address,PN, my signed named for acknowledgement of range rules and the firearms license I have. Oh and 100 bucks for yearly fee

 

[Howard Roark]

This is a patent discrimination (to start with) on grounds on national origin......

If the club facilities are closed to the public and non-members are never allowed to use the facilities there is no "place of public accommodation" for state gap laws to kick in. Title VII doesn't appy because it regulates workplace discrimination and harassment. If the club' business is fraternal in nature that helps also.

The moment they advertise for or open the club up for any public non-member access for profit or not they are screwed.

 

[wishin]

If the club facilities are closed to the public and non-members are never allowed to use the facilities there is no "place of public accommodation" for state gap laws to kick in. Title VII doesn't appy because it regulates workplace discrimination and harassment. If the club' business is fraternal in nature that helps also.

The moment they advertise for or open the club up for any public non-member access for profit or not they are screwed.

Witness Augusta National and women!

 

[Howard Roark]

Witness Augusta National and women!

That's right.

Augusta tried to hide behind the private-club excuse, but during the week of the Masters, Augusta National becomes the public face of golf viewed on television by hundreds of millions around the world, with sponsorships from the largest corporations in the U.S.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Whilst, in general, the principle is that a private club may set it's own membership requirements, as written this "standard" boilerplate"is also illegal on number of Constitutional and legal grounds

As a prime example, the "citizen of US" section explicitly prohibits Permanent Resident Aliens AKA Green Card Holders who are fully entitled to all of the 2A rights of a citizen.

This is a patent discrimination (to start with) on grounds on national origin......

Not really. The Augusta golf club thing was different because of the idea of "protected classes" such as women, minorities, or those with a physical disability.

A requirement for citizenship is not a racially discriminatory clause since a person of any race can join, as long as they are a citizen.

You wouldn't get very far suing a private club for having a citizens only policy.

 

[ClayInTX]

coa/cya

Bushmaster,
The club probably has more than one member, so COA is acceptable.

 

[Guns and more]

You're ok as long as your plan to overthrow the government is subversive sans violence or force............

Yes, it's called voting.

 

[Paints]

Obviously they would not allow Thomas Jefferson to become a member:

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

YMMV