4-H shooting sports instructors

4h shooting sports and horse

Shooting sports instructors

4‑H volunteers can become certified shooting sports instructors to help youth learn self-discipline, sportsmanship, ethical behavior and an appreciation for the outdoors. The UI Extension 4-H shooting sports program has specific training requirements for certification. Potential archery, handgun/pistol, hunting, muzzleloader, rifle and/or shotgun instructors must be certified for each discipline they wish to teach. Certified instructors must oversee any live-fire ranges and classes in which firearms/archery equipment are handled.

Becoming an instructor

The 4-H shooting sports program includes instructors, assistant instructors and teen volunteers. View the requirements below for each position.

Instructor
  • Be at least 21 years of age, as of Jan. 1 of the current 4‑H year.
  • Successfully complete all steps of the 4‑H volunteer certification process (including application, background check, protecting minors training, etc.) and be appointed as a certified 4‑H volunteer through their local UI Extension county office.
  • Successfully complete state-sanctioned (Level 1) training and certification for each discipline in which they will be providing instruction. Reciprocal 4‑H shooting sports trainings are available with Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington; however, participants are responsible for ensuring that written documentation for said training is submitted to Idaho's 4-H shooting sports coordinator when attending training in another state.
Assistant instructor
  • Must be at least 18 years of age, as of Jan. 1 of the current 4‑H year.
  • Must have at least one year of 4‑H member experience in the discipline or have sufficient equivalent experience with the instructor’s approval.
  • Can only provide youth instruction under the direct supervision of the instructor and only when the certified instructor is physically present during the instruction.
Teen volunteer
  • Must be at least 14 years of age, as of Jan. 1 of the current 4‑H year.
  • Must have the approval of the certified instructor.
  • Can only assist under the direct supervision of the instructor and when the certified instructor is physically present.
  • Cannot be placed in charge of a live-fire range.

Certification and trainings

Idaho's 4-H shooting sports is dedicated to providing essential, high-quality trainings. Whether potential instructors have prior certifications through other organizations, or simply a passion to teach youth about a given discipline, our trainings blend subject-matter knowledge with proven positive youth development practices. While helping youth improve their shooting performance is rewarding, our primary focus remains on providing a safe supportive environment where all members can build vital life skills.

The 4‑H shooting sports online user guide (pdf) will help you work through completing the online modules. These modules cover positive youth development and essential risk management protocols. All four modules must be completed prior to attending training. Please print the completion certificate after module four and bring that certificate to the in-person discipline training workshop.

State (level 1) trainings

These trainings (typically held late fall to early spring) provide the foundation for project leadership. They certify instructors to work directly with youth at the club or local level. Separate certifications are required for each discipline instructors wish to teach.

Training attendees receive:

  • Current copies of the National 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum for their respective discipline
  • Interactive instructional training methods and engaging exercises
  • Information on working with youth, risk management, coaching, etc.
National (level 2) training

These trainings are designed to prepare instructors to join the state-level training team. National trainings are typically held once a year (spring or fall) and rotate to various locations throughout the United States.

Eligibility

  • Level 1 certification
  • Practical experience in that discipline working with youth audiences

Commitment

  • Instruct at least one in-state level 1 training within their given discipline annually for at least three years
  • Assist with range leadership at district contests for their discipline

Annual instructor certification renewal

Instructors must take several actions each year to maintain their certification:

  • Re-enroll though ZSuite with their UI Extension county office.
  • Complete general 4 H volunteer training requirements (including U of I protecting minors training), plus orientations and public record reviews, as applicable
  • Receive official 4-H volunteer authorization.
    Teach or assist in teaching a 4 H shooting sports project at least once every three years for each discipline in which they are certified.
  • Complete an annual instructor activity report detailing number of hours spent and number of participants trained in each certified discipline during the past 4 H program year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30). Submit that report by Nov. 15.
  • Attend instructor update sessions when new state or national program materials, instructional methods or significant program changes occur, or as deemed necessary by the 4 H shooting sports coordinator.
  • Failure to meet these standards will result in loss of certification for each specific discipline for which the requirements are not met.
  • Instructors will have to complete another state-sanctioned Level 1 training for recertification before teaching that discipline again. See Idaho's 4-H shooting sports handbook (pdf) for full details.