1. Preamble
The founders and members of BDSSC have established this Constitution to promote the safe, efficient, and skilled use of firearms by individuals of good character. Our aim is to grow the sport of defensive practical sports shooting on a solid foundation, built on the core values of accuracy, power, and speed for Self-Defence.
2. Objective
The organization shall be known as the Ballito Defensive Sports Shooting Club (BDSSC).
BDSSC focuses on the use of practical handguns, holsters, and full-charge service ammunition to solve simulated real-world self-defence scenarios. The primary aim is to test the individual shooter’s skill and ability in realistic situations.
3. The Organization
The Ballito Defensive Sports Shooting Club (BDSSC) is a shooting sport organization dedicated to simulating self-defence scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in response to the need for a platform where every day carry equipment could be used in competition without disadvantage.
BDSSC provides an exciting environment for practical shooters, where only realistic gear, techniques, and courses of fire are allowed. Unlike other sports that emphasize custom gear, BDSSC encourages the use of standard service pistols and concealed carry holsters—making them fully competitive.
At a BDSSC match, the equipment you rely on daily is the same gear you compete with—ensuring real-world preparedness without the need for specialized or race-oriented setups.
4. Principles
BDSSC is committed to:
• Promoting and advancing practical and defensive shooting.
• Ensuring safe firearm use among responsible individuals.
• Upholding the core principles of Accuracy, Power, and Speed.
• Keeping competitions open to all reputable individuals.
• Conducting competitions that realistically simulate defensive firearm use.
• Prohibiting unfair equipment advantages.
• Encouraging freestyle and diverse shooting scenarios.
• Classified according to your firearm capacity and the individual’s skill.
5. Structure
• BDSSC is a non-political club.
• BDSSC encourages equality and inclusion regardless of gender, race, age, or background.
6. Membership and Affiliation
• Individuals are members through direct registration with the Club. BDSSC is affiliated with other bodies, i.e. IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) of which BDSSC members can join in order to achieve International Shooting recognition and South African DSS (Dedicated Status) Statuses.
• Affiliated bodies must be democratic, representative, and respectful of BDSSC principles.
• Applications are reviewed and approved by Management.
• BDSSC may suspend or expel any members for misconduct or violations.
• A member may disaffiliate at any time by notifying Management.
7. Safety Officer (S/O) (Range Officers (R/O)) Duties
• It is the responsibility of the shooter and all shooters in the group that all range rules are applied when making use of the range personally out of club or event shoots.
• ALL shooters participating in IDPA Club matches as well as other BDSSC Club matches or events will be supervised by S/O (R/O)’s with NO exceptions.
• NOTE The S/O (R/O) responsibility is primarily safety, and secondary that shooting is carried out in accordance with the rules of a particular shooting discipline or competition.
• The S/O (R/O) shall be responsible for the following:
a) to ensure that all the shooters are acquainted with the provisions of the range rules;
b) to ensure that the range safety rules are observed at all times;
c) constantly supervising the shooters whilst they are at the firing points;
d) for controlling or operating any barrier, warning or signalling systems at the
commencement of, during, and at the conclusion of shooting activities.’
e) for managing and supervising ancillary staff such as target operators, etc.;
f) for deciding when shooting is to commence, interrupted and ceased;
g) to ensure that all firearms in use on the range are holstered or put down unloaded before
anyone is allowed to proceed in front of the firing point, for example to change targets;
h) be empowered to exclude from the shooting range persons who disrupt operations or
pose a threat to safety, and also persons perceptibly under the influence of alcohol or
drugs;
i) to ensure that all shooting exercises are carried out in accordance with the shooting
instructions for the range.
8. Indemnity
Participation in BDSSC events is at one’s own risk. BDSSC and its officials are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages incurred during events or the individual’s use of the range.
9. Rules
BDSSC adheres to rules set out by South African Regulatory Authorities as well as those of the affiliated institutions, i.e. IDPA.
All range rules will be enforced primarily by South African legislation. Thereafter, the range owner rules will apply and take precedence over any other affiliation, etc. rules.
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Whether you’re passionate about honing your defensive shooting skills or simply enjoy the shooting lifestyle, BDSSC offers the ideal environment to train, compete, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
