GOAL PAVES THE WAY FOR NRA COURSES APPROVAL WITH MA STATE POLICE
The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) released their new revised list of Approved Basic Firearm Safety courses this past week – per Chapter 135. Through the tireless efforts of GOAL’s Director of Education & Training Jon Green, we have successfully worked with the MSP to secure the approval of National Rifle Association firearm safety courses. Thanks to the efforts of Jon, the list includes the NRA’s Basics of Pistol Shooting, Home Firearm Safety, and Personal Protection in the Home.
The overall list is currently short with only seven classes. We are told that unlike the previous list, this one will be updated with additional classes. As GOAL continues our work on this matter, we are currently in the process of submitting the NRA CCW course and two courses for FID cards: Basics of Shotgun and Basics of Rifle Shooting. We have no idea as to when we will see a revision to this new roster.
In the past month, GOAL began the MSP approved course submission process along with other national governing bodies and individual BFS instructors. GOAL, on behalf of the NRA and with their approval, submitted the instructor lesson plans and student packets for their Basics of Pistol Shooting, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection in the Home, Basics of Shotgun, and Basics of Rifle Shooting. We did not modify their proven curricula. GOAL also submitted our updated BFS Law Presentation, 25 question test, answer key, and course specific outlines.
The course specific outlines provide direction to the BFS Instructor on how to administer the NRA materials, and the state required components: suicide awareness, the use of force, and disengagement tactics to meet the requirements under C. 140 § 131P. The MSP produced slides for the additional pieces.
The NRA Training Department reminds all NRA Certified Instructors that they are required to provide each student with a basic student packet and to conduct the NRA course via the latest instructor lesson plans in its entirety before or after meeting any state requirements.
GOAL is also happy to provide GOAL produced materials at no cost to any BFS Instructor that is providing free LTC/FID courses to folks that could not otherwise afford a quality firearms safety course. Questions regarding live fire, outside of the NRA courses, should be directed to the Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police. (Also see: https://www.goal.org/live-fire-delayed-again)
GOAL Staff will be hosting a ZOOM meeting to discuss various aspects of C. 140 § 131P and 515 CMR 3.00 on Tuesday, April 13 at 7pm. We will also provide updates on the live fire issue plaguing new applicants. Invitations will be sent to members that have received the aforementioned Instructor Packet.