As a retired master sgt I have run many ranges as either a range officer or range safety officer. I have run ranges at Boy Scout camp as a shooting sports director. I have coached junior shooters for many years. I shoot frequently on my club's range. Youth, if properly trained usually are very safe. As we get older we tend to know it all and become sloppy.
When I train youth I tell them that there is one range command that they must give. If they see an unsafe act they are to call cease fire. Anyone who sees an unsafe act has the obligation to call a cease fire and get the situation rectified. If anyone on a range points a firearm at me I will assume that it is loaded and will call a cease fire! I have had people upset with me, but it is better to have them upset than to be dead.
