Member PortalArmed Women of America General Rules
The following are the non-negotiable Chapter Rules which apply to all AWA activities. These rules are applicable to chapter leaders, members, guests, guest instructors (anyone in attendance at an AWA Activity). Your continued participation indicates your consent and acknowledgement of these rules. Chapter Leaders/Chapter Leaders Team holds primary responsibility for ensuring compliance
1. Release and Waiver of Liability (Hold Harmless) agreements must be signed once per calendar year by all persons in attendance at monthly meetings and shoots, prior to their start – this includes if live fire precedes classroom time. Upon joining, members will sign the Release & Waiver of Liability within their account on the website. Release and Waiver forms will then need to be signed annually within their account on the AWA website beginning in mid-December. As a reminder, a special event requires a separate Release and Waiver of Liability, specific to the event.
2. Firearm Safety rules are in force at all times.
3. Legal Eligibility to Possess Handguns ~ Women must be legally eligible to possess a firearm in accordance with all state and local laws in order to participate. The minimum age to join is 14 years old, except in the case of the Anywhere Virtual Online chapter where the minimum age to join is 16 due to Zoom policies. All minors must have written permission of their parent/ legal guardian, and the parent/legal guardian member must be present at meetings. The availability of youth memberships is at the discretion of each individual chapter and host range. State and local laws and range rules supersede a chapter’s decision to allow minor members.
4. Concealed Carry at Meetings ~ Allowing concealed carry of loaded firearms is at the discretion of each individual chapter and host range. If concealed carry of a loaded firearm is allowed, then live ammunition is allowed in the classroom only in properly holstered firearms carried in accordance with all state/local laws. Holstered firearms must always remain holstered. Live ammuntion should be properly stored outside of the classroom, whenever possible. If not possible, then in a secure area/closed container inside the classroom to restrict access during the meeting.
5. Guests ~ Guests may attend and participate in one introductory meeting (classroom and live fire) prior to joining, at the discretion of the Chapter Leaders and if the chapter is not closed to new members. Range fees are the responsibility of those attending, unless the chapter has made other arrangements. All other attendees must be current active members or approved Range Safety Officers. Guests must sign the Release and Waiver of Liability via the website.
6. Alcohol and Drug Use Prohibited ~ Participants and guests may not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) that will affect her state of awareness and ability to participate in a completely safe manner before or during live fire activities. Chapter Leader Instructors and Range Safety Officers will deny range access to anyone who is or appears to be in violation.
7. Cell Phones ~ Cell phones should be on silent.
8. Photos & Video ~ Chapters Leader must approve all photos/videos prior to posting on social media and ensure a signed photo release is on file for each individual pictured. Photos and videos must ensure ALL safety rules are adhered to.
9. Medical Kit/Tools ~ All meetings shall have immediate access to first aid/trauma supplies and basic maintenance tools and it is the responsibility of the primary AWA Chapter Leader Instructor responsible for the meeting to ensure this is provided, whether it be the property of the range or the chapter/individual.
10. Live Streaming Prohibited ~ Live video streaming on social media platforms is not permitted during meetings at any time, including hybrid meetings. Leaders may elect to offer hybrid meetings at their discretion, in accordance with the policies outlined by the National Office.
