New Jersey 4-H programs require the use of National or State 4-H Trained & Certified Instructors to conduct classes/programs in the various shooting sports disciplines (Air Rifle, Rifle, Archery, Black Powder, Hunting & Wildlife, and Shotgun).
No person may be certified as instructor until the following requirements are met:
- Age:
- Instructor - 21 years of age or older
- Assistant Instructor - 18 to 21 years of age (Assistant Instructor- can instruct youth under direct supervision of an instructor and ONLY if the instructor is present during the instruction)
- Junior Instructors - 16 to 18 years of age. (Junior Instructors, 4-H club members in good standing, can only assist an Instructor in the teaching of youth under direct supervision of an instructor and ONLY if the instructor is present during the instruction)
- Instructor - 21 years of age or older
- Successfully complete instructor training sessions administered by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Advisory Council or National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee and demonstrate competency to instruct as determined through a written test, trainer observation and other screening used before and during training. Volunteers who attend an out of state 4-H shooting sports training must complete the New Jersey State 4-H Shooting Sports Risk Management training before their certification will be recognized in New Jersey.
- Have been screened, trained, and appointed as a current 4-H Volunteer through the local County Extension Office.
- Volunteers who respond positively to the question on criminal offenses will be subject to further review, and may not qualify as a Shooting Sports volunteer.
- Be recommended by County Extension 4-H faculty & staff to work with 4-H Shooting Sports.