FAQs

SATPL membership offers several benefits to help your club succeed. These include:

• Strategic Representation: By joining SATPL, your club gains a strong voice in legislative matters affecting shooting sports in South Australia. We advocate for shooters' interests at the state level.

• Insurance Coverage: Our insurance includes voluntary workers' and public liability coverage, ensuring safe events and comfort for club members.

• Training and Development: We provide training programs like SAPOL-accredited firearms instructor courses, safety courses for new shooters, and range officer training. These are available to all members to boost their skills.

• Grant Funding: SATPL helps clubs access grants to upgrade facilities and buy new equipment, enhancing the club's offerings.

• Networking: Membership helps you to connect with other South Australian shooting clubs and enthusiasts to share best practices, form partnerships, and promote your club's achievements.

To make target shooting more accessible, we have low annual fees — $100 for club affiliation/membership and $35 per member. These savings allow clubs to invest in improvements and activities for their members.

Simply follow these steps to join:

Step 1:Register Your Club - Fill out our membership application form to provide us with key details about your club and its activities.

Step 2:Complete Membership Requirements - Once approved, pay the annual affiliation and member fees to officially register your club with SATPL and access all our benefits.

Step 3:Participate in SATPL Activities - After registration, join SATPL's events, competitions, and training sessions. We encourage all members to get involved, learn, and contribute to our vibrant shooting community.

Yes, all clubs offer a limited number of visitor attendances where firearms are provided under supervision, and participants can try pistol shooting in a safe, controlled environment. These sessions are fully covered by insurance.

If you enjoy the experience and wish to continue, you can then apply to become a probationary member and begin the process of obtaining a firearms licence (or a variation to your existing licence) through SAPOL.

Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate in club activities. Those under 18 must have parental or guardian consent.

Visit our Club page to find a list of affiliated clubs in South Australia, along with their contact information and specific offerings.

Yes, each club sets its own membership fees. Please visit our Club pages for specific information regarding their fees and benefits.

Become involved by joining one of our affiliated clubs, participating in shooting events, or volunteering for club activities. Contact your local club for more details.

The primary discipline is ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation). Each affiliated club offers a variety of disciplines, so it’s best to check our Clubs page for details on what they provide. The discipline requirements will help you determine which club is the best fit for you.

No, you don’t have to have your own firearm or ammunition. Most clubs will provide a firearm and ammunition for a fee.

Safety is our top priority. All participants must adhere to strict safety protocols, including using appropriate protective gear and following the guidelines set by the league and individual clubs.

Clubs usually offer training sessions with qualified instructors to help new shooters learn the basics and improve their skills.

If you’re a new shooter, please complete the PD303 Form, and receive your ‘Approval to Undertake Firearms Training’ letter from SAPOL. With this letter, you can then apply to become a probationary member of a Club. As part of the Club application process, you must submit a passport-sized photo, photo ID, two character references, and, for those without a licence, an application for a firearms licence and a criminal history report.

After submitting your paperwork, your club will review your application at its next meeting. Once accepted, you must pay the annual subscription fee to start your probationary period.

As a probationary member, you'll complete nine supervised shoots with an instructor and pass a South Australian Target Pistol League theory test. Throughout the process, you'll also need to demonstrate your skills in a club match with support from an accredited instructor.

Once you've met all requirements, the club will review your attendance and competence certificate to decide whether to grant you full membership.

If you already hold a firearms licence that covers the category relevant to the Club you're applying to, you will need to complete a Club membership form and submit a current passport-sized photo, valid photo identification, and two character references.

Once all the necessary documentation has been provided and the requirements have been met, the Club Committee will review your application and either grant you probationary membership or decline your request. You will be notified of the outcome accordingly.

New shooters are responsible for reviewing course material covering firearm safety, operation, legal aspects of ownership, practical shooting proficiency, and are expected to follow firearms safety rules at all times. After completing 10 to 15 probationary shoots, participants will sit for an open-book written theory exam that requires 100% to pass.

Students must achieve a minimum proficiency score of 50% in a basic firearms course of fire, using the specific type and calibre of handgun or longarm they wish to qualify with.

Yes. Members in training, as well as probationary members can participate in club activities under supervision from qualified instructors.

To get your full membership, it’s important to stay ‘active’ and ‘financial’ with the club. Being active involves participating in at least 12 club activities each year, including a minimum of six competitive shoots for your first handgun. Being financially involved means paying your annual subscription fee by the due date, which is the 1st of December each year.

If personal circumstances, such as illness or work commitments, make it difficult for you to meet these requirements, please let your club know in writing.

Unlicensed new members or visitors will follow a structured training regime, typically lasting between 10 to 15 weeks, under the guidance of club instructors.

Yes, even licensed shooters need to be assessed by an instructor to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe handling, carrying, and use of a firearm.

The duration of the assessment is at the instructor's discretion and will depend on the individual’s skills and knowledge.

An accredited SAPOL firearms training instructor will sign off on your competency. They will complete the necessary documentation (PD314), which you will then submit to SAPOL for approval.

For information on renewing your firearms licence, refer to the New Shooters Instruction Manual or consult the SAPOL website for specific guidelines.