New Policy Covering MA FID/LTC Instruction
OCSA is announcing the release of a new policy covering MA FID/LTC instruction using OCSA facilities. With the introduction of new training requirements under Chapter 135, many clubs have had to review the impacts created by what is perceived to be a problem created by the lack of municipal ranges, forcing more instruction to private ranges. OCSA has in the past had a hands off approach to the use of our facilities by members who also held a MA State Police Instructors certification. However, to better manage this issue and comply with the requests of the club’s liability insurer we felt it was necessary to move in the direction of a formal policy and process for registering individuals as “Authorized Instructors”.
To that end we have created a “BFS Instructor Policy” and a new “student waiver”. Instructors must acquire the appropriate liability insurance and register with the club per the procedure before teaching at OCSA. We have added a new “instructors” link on the website which will be used for advertising the club authorized instructors and an instructor’s registration page where they can complete and update their registration with the club.
With the release of this policy and the ability to properly register with the club, we are rescinding the ban on instruction introduced on April 2, 2026.
MA LTC/FID Instruction on Club Property
Effective April 2, 2026, all instruction for an LTC/FID at Old Colony Sportsmen’s Association is suspended until further notice pending forthcoming information from the state, state police, and the insurance provider for Old Colony.
If you are a Massachusetts certified instructor, you should be aware that the state is imposing new instruction requirements. You should by now have received multiple emails from the State Police Firearms Compliance Unit concerning this.
These new requirements take effect on April 2nd. OCSA, like other clubs, has little information on the new materials and only recently started to receive details on testing, use of force & de escalation, and the live fire requirements etc. The new state instructor portal has yet to even go online and is not expected to do so before April 14th.
These new requirements are raising many questions for the Board of Directors and the liability that may be imposed on the club. A committee has been formed to develop a policy concerning anyone wishing to use the club for the purpose of LTC/FID training. The committee will be chaired by Rick Sten with committee members Dale Solander, Tom Pye, and Tony Melendez. It is charged with developing an instructor code of conduct, developing a process to register instructors with the club, looking at instituting a waiver policy, looking at the insurance issues this may be creating, and any other associated issue that may develop.
We will most likely have an opportunity for instructors to attend a discussion as this policy is being developed. Signage will also be posted at respective ranges indicating the temporary suspension of use for LTC/FID instruction. Further announcements regarding the committee’s activities will be provided as they become available.
Not affected is any free or complimentary coaching for guests, any established activity introductory classes, any competition where a fee is charged or any authorized law enforcement training. Only instruction for an LTC/FID where a fee is charged by an instructor shall this be applicable.
Any questions feel free to reach out to OCSA.
GOAL Law Class 2026
OCSA will host a MA gun law class taught by Gun Owners Action League, (GOAL). This link will present details and guide you to registration requirements.
Massachusetts / Federal Gun Law & Regulation for the MA residents/LEO/Retailers.
On April 22 2026 OCSA will host a GOAL firearm law seminar. This 3 hour class will focus on the changes in MA gun law under Chapter 135, explain state and federal laws and regulations in layperson terms. Students will explore applicable MGL and CMR as it pertains to definitions, gun purchase, possession, transport, record keeping requirements, buying/selling, interstate transport, interstate purchase, ammunition storage and best practices for gun owners.
Jon Green has been the Director of Education and Training for Gun Owners’ Action League since 1999. He served on the NSSF Range Advisory Committee for 4 years and has owned and managed FFL 01 Businesses. He has taught similar classes to thousands of citizens, hundreds of Mass State Police BFS Certified Instructors, Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructors and Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers.
A dinner is available by adding it to your shopping cart after the class registration. For all the details and required pre-registration links please see the club calendar for this event.