Shooting Sports; Applying for an Exemption from the Age Requirement for Children and Adolescents

The minimum age for shooting at shooting ranges is generally 12 years. Specifically,

• Children aged 12 and older may shoot with air guns, spring-powered guns, and guns whose projectiles are propelled by cold propellant gases;
• youth between the ages of 14 and 18 may also shoot firearms with a caliber of up to 5.6 mm lfB (.22.l.r.) for rimfire ammunition with a muzzle energy not exceeding 200 joules (J), as well as with single-shot long guns with smooth barrels of up to 12 gauge.

Children and adolescents may generally shoot only if a written or electronic declaration of consent from their legal guardians is available and supervisors qualified to work with children and adolescents are present.

If a shooting sports club considers children under the age of 12 to be sufficiently talented to practice shooting as a competitive sport, the competent authority may, upon application, permit these children to shoot. A special exemption must be applied for on a case-by-case basis for each of these children. The exemption must be requested by the parents or legal guardians in conjunction with the respective club. It is recommended to contact the competent authority to inquire about the specific regulations.

For children below the minimum age, proof must be provided that they are mentally and physically capable. This must generally be confirmed by a physician. For exceptions, it is recommended to contact the competent authority to inquire about the applicable regulations.

Whether children under the minimum age are suitable for competitive shooting must not be tested using the relevant firearms but must be determined by other means.

An exemption from the minimum age requirement may also be requested for a specific event, such as a “trial day” aimed at recruiting new members to a shooting sports club. This exemption is granted only for the event in question and does not apply to regular training sessions for children and youth.

• The child’s mental and physical aptitude for handling firearms
• The child’s particular aptitude for competitive shooting

You must apply for the exemption permit from the appropriate firearms authority. Submit the application along with the required documents.

The firearms authority will grant the exemption if the requirements are met.

• The following documents are required:
  
  • A medical certificate (e.g., from a family doctor or a pediatrician) attesting to the child’s physical and mental fitness for competitive shooting
  • Confirmation from the club regarding the child’s talent for competitive shooting

The fees are determined in accordance with the Fees Act and the Schedule of Fees and range from 5.00 to 100.00 EUR.