CHAPTER 12
CONSERVATION EDUCATION
DIVISION I
MENTOR AND VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION AND DECERTIFICATION PROCEDURES
571—12.1 to 12.19   Reserved.
571—12.20(321G,321I,462A,483A) Purpose. Pursuant to Iowa Code sections 321G.23, 321G.24, 321I.25, 321I.26, 462A.12(6), 462A.12A, and 483A.27(8), these rules set forth curriculum and course standards for the department’s recreation education courses and provisions for certification of volunteer instructors and approved mentors to teach, advise, and train others.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.21(321G,321I,462A,483A) Definitions. For the purpose of this division:
“Certified instructor” means a person who meets all criteria in rule 571—12.23(321G,321I,462A,483A) and the specifics contained in each education program’s Instructor Policies and Procedures Manual and who wishes to voluntarily teach an education course.
“Education course” means the department’s bow hunter, fur harvester, mentor, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), boating, snow groomer operator, and hunter education programs.
“Mentor” means a person skilled and knowledgeable in a particular activity or subject area and who has been approved by the department or a recognized partner organization to teach, advise, and train others in that activity or subject area.
“Online event and instructor management system” means a web-based application that tracks student data, allows students to register for courses, allows certified instructors to list their course offerings and to track volunteer hours and program details, and displays downloadable files.
“Outdoor skills specialist” means a person who manages and trains volunteers and mentors to participate in the recreation education programs of the department.
“Program coordinator” means a person assigned to coordinate instructor certification and development activities, develop curriculum standards for the programs, conduct outreach for the programs, train volunteer instructors and mentors and evaluate their skills, and serve as the primary contact for information about the programs.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.22(321G,321I,462A,483A) Mentor and certified instructor application process.
	12.22(1) Application procedures.
	a. 	The instructor or mentor applicant must request an application by contacting a program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist.
	b. 	The instructor or mentor applicant must provide all information requested on the application or the department may reject the application.
	c. 	The application will remain on file until the instructor or mentor applicant meets all the requirements in rule 571—12.23(321G,321I,462A,483A).
	d. 	Once the instructor applicant successfully completes all required training and meets all required qualifications, the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist shall document that all certification requirements have been met and shall issue a certified instructor identification card to the applicant.
	e. 	Once the mentor applicant meets all required qualifications, the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist will notify the successful applicant and provide the applicant with guidance on the process to begin mentoring.
	12.22(2) Acceptance of mentor or certified instructor applications. If the number of existing certified instructors or mentors in one or more of the education courses meets demand, the department may choose not to accept new applications.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.23(321G,321I,462A,483A) Requirements for instructor certification and mentoring.
	12.23(1) Minimum requirements. The conditions listed in this rule must be satisfied before an instructor applicant may become a certified instructor or an approved mentor. Failure to meet these requirements shall result in the denial of the application. The applicant will be notified of the denial by the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist. The applicant must:
	a. 	Submit an application as provided by the department.
	b. 	Be at least 18 years of age.
	12.23(2) Additional certified instructor requirements. Instructor applicants must also complete the following:
	a. 	A training and certification course for the ATV, boating, hunter, bow hunter, fur harvester, snowmobile, and snow groomer operator education programs. Instructor training courses shall review policies and procedures of the department, required recordkeeping and paperwork, education course material, teaching techniques, and criteria for evaluating the performance of student skills.
	b. 	The specific education course the instructor will be teaching.
	c. 	An apprenticeship for the specific education program that the instructor will be teaching. The apprenticeship shall consist of either teaching a simulated class to other instructor applicants or assisting a certified instructor to prepare and present an education course to students. The hunter education program apprenticeship must be completed within one year of attending the certified instructor training course.
	12.23(3) Background check. The instructor or mentor applicant must authorize a background check that includes, but may not be limited to, a criminal history check. A record of a felony conviction will disqualify the applicant. A record of a misdemeanor within the last three years may disqualify the instructor applicant, except for simple misdemeanors under Iowa Code chapter 321 or its counterparts in other states.
	12.23(4) Fish and wildlife violation check. The applicant may be disqualified if the instructor applicant has accumulated any habitual offender points pursuant to rule 571—15.16(483A) within the last five years or had a license suspended by a court of law or the department.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.24(321G,321I,462A,483A) Mentor and certified instructor responsibilities and requirements.
	12.24(1) A mentor or certified instructor has the following responsibilities:
	a. 	To follow all administrative rules and applicable policies and procedures as set forth by the department for the specified education program.
	b. 	To assist in the recruitment of additional instructors and mentors.
	c. 	To recruit and train students or mentees.
	d. 	To actively promote and publicize the education courses and mentorship opportunities. A course must be posted at least 30 days prior to the start date.
	e. 	To maintain order and discipline in the learning environment at all times.
	f. 	To accurately and completely fill out forms and reports within the online event and instructor management system, or on paper forms if applicable.
	g. 	To teach the education course or perform the mentorship role as prescribed by the department.
	12.24(2) A certified instructor must teach a minimum of one course every two years. If this requirement is not met, the instructor’s certification may be revoked after notification by certified mail. If an instructor’s certification is revoked due to inactivity, the instructor may reapply pursuant to rule 571—12.22(321G,321I,462A,483A). Based upon the period of inactivity, some of the requirements in rule 571—12.23(321G,321I,462A,483A) may be waived by the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist.
	12.24(3) A certified hunter, bow hunter, or fur harvester education instructor must attend one continuing education instructor workshop every two years. A certified ATV, boating, snowmobile, or snow groomer operator education instructor must attend one continuing education workshop every three years.
	12.24(4) A certified instructor or mentor shall represent the department in a professional and positive manner that supports the department’s goals and mission. The certified instructor or mentor shall avoid even the appearance of impropriety while instructing or mentoring students.
	12.24(5) A certified instructor must teach the education course with another adult present unless prior approval is obtained from the department. It is the department’s preference that the certified instructor is assisted by another certified instructor. A noncertified assistant over 18 years of age may assist and must meet the same standards and expectations for character and behavior as the department has for its instructors and mentors. The certified instructor is responsible for the conduct of the noncertified assistant. The certified instructor is subject to suspension or revocation of certification based upon the actions of the noncertified assistant. A parent or legal guardian of a student in the class who is present as a direct result of the student’s participation is not eligible to assist with the class.
This subrule does not apply to a conservation officer or any other department representative who is teaching an education course alone.
	12.24(6) A certified instructor shall not use private residences for classes and shall limit instruction to public buildings or facilities unless a private, nonresidence venue is approved beforehand by the program coordinator or outdoor skills specialist.
	12.24(7) All recreation education courses shall be made available to the public except for special circumstances that are preapproved by the department, such as courses being held in conjunction with schools, camps, and other special events.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.25(321G,321I,462A,483A) Grounds for revocation or suspension of instructor certification or a mentor’s approved status. The department may, at any time, seek to revoke or suspend the mentor status or instructor certification of any person who:
	1.	Fails to meet the instructor or mentor responsibilities and requirements as outlined in rule 571—12.24(321G,321I,462A,483A).
	2.	Fails to follow the policies and procedures of the department.
	3.	Falsifies any information that may be required by the department. Falsifying information is understood to mean purposefully supplying information that is inaccurate or misleading or the intentional omission of information.
	4.	Handles any equipment in an unsafe manner, or allows any student or other instructor to handle equipment in a reckless or unsafe manner.
	5.	Is convicted of or forfeits a bond for any fish and game, snowmobile, ATV, or navigation violation of this state or any other state. Anyone who has a privilege to operate a motor vehicle suspended, barred, or revoked shall not be eligible to be an instructor for the snowmobile, ATV, or snow groomer operator education programs.
	6.	Uses profanity or inappropriate language, such as any type of lewd, sexist, or racial references or generalities; engages in any kind of discriminatory conduct due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation; or otherwise acts in an unprofessional manner.
	7.	Engages in the physical punishment of a student, including the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to cause pain, or any type of indecent contact with a child as defined by the Iowa Code.
	8.	Participates in a course while under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug or while ingesting prescription medication in a manner contrary to the dosing directions given by the prescribing physician. The physician shall be a licensed physician, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner.
	9.	Has substantiated complaints filed against the instructor by the public, department personnel, or another certified instructor.
	10.	Is under investigation for committing, is in the process of a judicial proceeding based on the allegation of committing, or is convicted of committing a felony or a misdemeanor as defined in the statutes of this state or another state, except for simple misdemeanors under Iowa Code chapter 321 or its counterparts in other states. Every certified instructor or mentor is subject to a criminal history check and conservation violation check at any time during the instructor’s or mentor’s tenure as an instructor or mentor.
	11.	Receives compensation directly or indirectly from students for time spent preparing for or participating in an education course or mentorship.
	12.	Teaches an education course without another adult present without prior department approval.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.26(321G,321I,462A,483A) Temporary suspensions and immediate revocations of instructor certifications or approved mentor status.
	12.26(1) Any complaint made against a certified instructor or a mentor will be taken seriously and will be investigated by a program coordinator or a conservation officer. If convincing evidence exists that a certified instructor or mentor engaged in any of the activities listed in rule 571—12.25(321G,321I,462A,483A), the instructor’s certification or mentor’s approved status will be temporarily suspended. A letter detailing the reason(s) for the suspension will be sent via certified mail to the last-known address of the instructor or mentor. The letter will detail the length of the suspension and any corrective action to be taken before the instructor or mentor can be reinstated.
	12.26(2) At the conclusion of the department’s investigation, any certified instructor or mentor who is found to have engaged in the activities listed in rule 571—12.25(321G,321I,462A,483A), numbered paragraph “3,” “5,” “7,” “8,” “10,” or “11,” shall immediately have the instructor’s certification or mentor status revoked.
	12.26(3) At the conclusion of the department’s investigation, if a certified instructor is found to have engaged in the activities listed in rule 571—12.25(321G,321I,462A,483A), numbered paragraph “1,” “2,” “4,” “6,” “9,” or “12,” the suspension shall be exercised at the department’s discretion based upon the nature and seriousness of the misconduct.
	12.26(4) For the hunter education program, bow hunter education program, and fur harvester education program, the results of the department’s investigation shall be supplied to the Iowa hunter education instructor association (IHEIA), which shall review the results and supply a disciplinary recommendation to the department. The department shall consider IHEIA’s recommendation when exercising its discretion to suspend or revoke the instructor’s certification, based upon the nature and seriousness of the misconduct.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.27(321G,321I,462A,483A) Termination of certification or mentor status. Any certified instructor or mentor has the right, at any time, to voluntarily stop teaching or mentoring. If a certified instructor voluntarily terminates the certification or the instructor’s certification is terminated by the department, the instructor must return to the department the certification card and all materials that were provided to the individual.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.28(321G,321I,462A,483A) Compensation for instructors and mentors. Instructors and mentors shall not receive any compensation for their time either directly or indirectly from students or mentees while preparing for or participating in a course or mentorship. However, instructors or mentors may require students and mentees to pay for actual, course-related or mentorship expenses involving facilities, meals, or materials other than those provided by the department. All certified instructors and mentors shall keep all records, bills, receipts, etc., relating to student payments for at least five years after the course and shall submit such documents to the department upon request.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.29 and 12.30   Reserved.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321G.23, 321G.24, 321I.25, 321I.26, 462A.12, 462A.12A, and 483A.27.
DIVISION II
RECREATION EDUCATION PROGRAMS
571—12.31(321I) ATV education program.
	12.31(1) The department has developed a course designed to meet the statutory requirement in Iowa Code section 321I.25. The education course is designed to teach ATV riders the principles and behaviors of safe and responsible ATV riding.
	12.31(2) Reciprocity. The department recognizes safety courses taught by ATV Safety Institute (ASI)-certified instructors and those sanctioned by a governmental authority of another state. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training and are eligible to receive an education card issued by the department upon proof of completion of the course and payment of the certification fee.
	12.31(3) The following criteria apply to the ATV education program:
	a. 	Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certificate shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
	b. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	c. 	Students engaging in the rider-based course must provide their own protective riding gear and a properly sized ATV. The student will follow all applicable requirements of Iowa Code chapter 321I.
	12.31(4) The department will establish requirements and standards for curriculum, security protocol, and course delivery for an online education offering. Only vendors that have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the department will be allowed to offer an online course that results in the issuance of a department education certificate. Vendors will be allowed to charge for the courses identified in the memorandum of understanding and must collect the department’s education certificate fee on behalf of the department.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.32(321G) Snowmobile education program.
	12.32(1) The department has developed an education course designed to meet the statutory requirement in Iowa Code section 321G.23.
	12.32(2) The following criteria apply to the snowmobile education program:
	a. 	Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certification shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
	b. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.32(3) The department will establish requirements and standards for curriculum, security protocol, and course delivery. Only vendors that have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the department will be allowed to offer an online course that results in the issuance of a department education certificate. Vendors will be allowed to charge for the courses identified in the memorandum of understanding and must collect the department’s education certificate fee on behalf of the department.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.33(462A) Boating education program.
	12.33(1) In accordance with Iowa Code sections 462A.12(6) and 462A.12A, the goal of the boating education program and education course is to promote safe and responsible boating practices.
	12.33(2) Reciprocity. The department also recognizes safety courses taught by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club/United States Power Squadrons-certified instructors. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training or testing from the department and are eligible to receive an education card issued by the department upon proof of completion of the course and payment of the certification fee.
	12.33(3) The boating education course is taught by certified instructors virtually or in a classroom setting and shall be six to eight hours in length.
	12.33(4) The following criteria apply to the boating education program:
	a. 	Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certification shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
	b. 	Students will be given a written examination that they must pass with 80 percent accuracy in order to earn an education certificate.
	c. 	A home study course may be offered at the discretion of the department. The home study packet will contain the same written material provided in the classroom-based setting. An attestation form must be signed by the parent or guardian stating that the student completed the work. A student must pass a written examination with 80 percent accuracy in order to earn an education certificate.
	d. 	The cost of the education course, for both the instructor-led class and the home study option, is $5 per student. Payment may be made when the student registers for the course or to the instructor at the time of class. Home study students must mail in payment with their completed course paperwork. Payment shall be made by check or money order made payable to the department. Course fees are nonrefundable.
	e. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.33(5) The department will establish requirements and standards for curriculum, security protocol, and course delivery. Only vendors that have the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators seal of approval and have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the department will be allowed to offer an online course that results in the issuance of a department education certificate. Vendors may charge for their courses as agreed to in the memorandum of understanding and must collect the department’s education certificate fee on behalf of the department.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.34(483A) Hunter education program.
	12.34(1) The hunter education program is designed to teach students basic survival and first-aid skills, water safety, wildlife identification, and the basics of wildlife management, hunting laws, and firearm/archery safety. The education course also stresses the importance of individual responsibility and outdoor ethics.
	12.34(2) The education course is taught by certified instructors and shall have both classroom and hands-on components unless otherwise exempted by law. Where permitted, live fire exercises may be taught.
	12.34(3) The hunter education program also offers an online course/field day. The online course, offered by an approved third-party vendor, covers the same subject taught in the lecture portion of the department’s course and meets the standards set forth by the International Hunter Education Association—United States of America (IHEA—USA). A field day voucher must be obtained from the approved vendor upon the student’s successful completion of the online course. The field day voucher is valid for one year from the date of issuance and authorizes entrance into a field day course. The field day is designed to meet the additional required elements of the hunter education program as set forth in Iowa Code section 483A.27.
	12.34(4) Reciprocity. The department recognizes hunter education courses sanctioned by a governmental authority of another state, province or country that meets the current IHEA—USA content and delivery standards. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training and are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license as long as they meet all other licensing requirements.
	12.34(5) The following criteria apply to the hunter education program:
	a. 	Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certificate shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday. If the certificate is lost, a replacement certificate may be obtained during regular business hours or online.
	b. 	A student successfully completes the course by passing both the classroom-based instruction and a hands-on firearm component. A student successfully passes the classroom-based instruction by achieving a score of 75 percent or higher on the end of course exam. A student passes the hands-on component by demonstrating the safe handling of a firearm. Upon successful completion of the course, a student shall be issued a certification of completion.
	c. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.34(6) An online-only course is available through the department’s website. The online-only course is available for students 18 years of age or older. The online course meets the standards set by IHEA—USA. The online-only course has the same general content as the traditional classroom-based course and online/field day combination courses but requires state-specific information to be covered. To pass the course, a student must score at least 75 percent on the final exam. Upon successful completion of the course and payment of any applicable online course fees directly to the approved vendor, a student will be issued a permanent certificate that the student can download and print immediately.
	12.34(7) The department offers a dual online-only handgun safety/hunter education course for Iowa residents 21 years of age or older. This course has the same general content as the traditional classroom-based course and online/field day combination course, but requires state-specific information to be covered, plus additional handgun safety curriculum. To pass the course, a student must score at least 75 percent on the final exam. Upon successful completion of the course and payment of any applicable online course fees directly to the approved vendor, a student will be issued a permanent certificate that the student can download and print immediately. This course meets the educational requirements necessary to qualify for the Iowa permit to carry.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.35(321G) Snow groomer operator education program.
	12.35(1) The department has developed a program to educate snow groomer operators to meet the statutory requirement of Iowa Code section 321G.2.
	12.35(2) The snow groomer operator education program includes review of the department’s policies and procedures, course materials, operator certification requirements, paperwork requirements, and the department’s equipment agreement and completion of an apprenticeship.
	12.35(3) The following criteria apply to the snow groomer operator education program:
	a. 	An operator must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
	b. 	Operators shall agree to follow all policies and procedures as set forth by the department.
	12.35(4) A student who wishes to become a certified operator must complete an apprenticeship. A student must operate the equipment under the direct supervision of a certified operator until the certified operator is confident that the student can successfully operate the equipment. Operation of snow grooming equipment is allowed only by certified operators or by an apprentice under direct supervision of a certified snow groomer operator. Proof of certification must be in the snow groomer operator’s possession when the equipment is being operated.
	12.35(5) Certified operators must attend a recertification course once every three years to maintain their certification.
	12.35(6) The department may revoke an operator’s certification if it finds that equipment was used or maintained in violation of the equipment agreement, that there are founded cases of misuse of the equipment, or that an operator does not possess a valid driver’s license.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.36(483A) Bow hunter education program.
	12.36(1) The education course for the bow hunter education program is designed to teach bow hunters safe and ethical hunting techniques and to instill responsible attitudes toward people, wildlife, and the environment. The education course is based on the National Bowhunter Education Foundation’s publications and is administered by the department. The education course covers topics such as responsibilities of a bow hunter, knowledge necessary before hunting, shot placement, tree stand safety, blood trailing, and game care.
	12.36(2) The education course is offered in both a classroom and an online setting.
	a. 	The classroom course is taught by certified instructors and consists of both a lecture and hands-on exercises. Students will be given a written examination, which they must pass with 75 percent accuracy in order to earn a certificate of completion.
	b. 	An online course is available through the department’s website. The online course meets the standards set by IHEA—USA. The online-only course has the same general content as the traditional classroom-based course. To complete the online-only course, a student must pass a final exam with a score of 75 percent or higher. Upon successful completion of the course and payment of any applicable online course fees to an approved vendor, the student will be issued a permanent certificate that the student can download and print immediately.
	c. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.36(3) Reciprocity. The department recognizes bowhunter education courses sanctioned by a governmental authority of another state, province or country that meets the current National Bowhunter Education Foundation and IHEA—USA content and delivery standards. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training.
	12.36(4) Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certification shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.37(483A) Fur harvester education program.
	12.37(1) The fur harvester education program is designed to teach trappers safe and ethical trapping techniques and to instill responsible attitudes toward people, wildlife, and the environment.
	12.37(2) The education course is offered in both a classroom and an online setting.
	a. 	The classroom course is taught by certified instructors, and students will receive instruction and hands-on training on the history and heritage of the fur trade, biology and management of Iowa furbearers, wildlife regulations and their purpose, ethics and responsibility, fur harvesting equipment, the basics of harvesting Iowa furbearers, marketing furbearers, public relations, and the basics of outdoor safety and survival. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the education program.
	b. 	An online course is available through the department’s website. The online course meets the standards set by IHEA—USA and has the same general content as the traditional classroom-based course. To complete the online course, a student must pass a final exam with a score of 75 percent or higher. Upon successful completion of the course and payment of any applicable online course fees to an approved vendor, the student will be issued a permanent certificate that the student can download and print immediately.
	c. 	Students shall register as described on the program’s website.
	12.37(3) Reciprocity. The department recognizes fur harvester education courses sanctioned by a governmental authority of another state, province or country that meets the current IHEA—USA content and delivery standards. Students who successfully complete such a course are not required to take any additional training.
	12.37(4) Any student who is 11 years of age or older may enroll in a course and receive a certificate if the student successfully completes the course; however, if the student is 11 years old, the certification shall not become valid until the student’s twelfth birthday.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.38 to 12.59   Reserved.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 321G.23, 321I.24, 321I.25, 321I.26, 462A.12, 462A.12A, and 483A.27.
DIVISION III
SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAM
571—12.60(481A) Purpose. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 481A.17, these rules set forth the department’s shooting sports programs.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.61(481A) Definitions. For the purpose of this division:
“Athlete” or “student” means a member of a department-approved shooting sports team.
“Certified coach or instructor” means a person who wishes to coach a shooting sports team and who meets all criteria in rule 571—12.24(481A) and the specifics contained in the department’s certified coach policies and procedures manual.
“Trainer” means someone who has received specialized advanced training and is certified to train coaches or instructors in a national program.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.62(481A) Department-recognized shooting sports programs. The following shooting sports programs are recognized by the department:
	12.62(1) Archery. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) or other equivalent nationally recognized archery program including bullseye and 3D target training, education, and competition.
	12.62(2) Rifle and pistol. The Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) or other equivalent nationally recognized rifle and pistol program, which may include centerfire, rimfire, and air-powered disciplines.
	12.62(3) Shotgun. The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) or other equivalent nationally recognized clay target shooting program that includes both American and international clay target disciplines.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.63(481A) Administration of shooting sports programs.
	12.63(1) Program coordinator. The department shall assign a program coordinator for the programs identified in rule 571—12.62(481A).
	12.63(2) The program coordinator’s responsibilities shall include the following:
	a. 	Coordinate the overall program in the state.
	b. 	Coordinate regular coach certification and development training opportunities.
	c. 	Coordinate athlete competitions and state championship events and serve as the shoot director for championship events.
	d. 	Develop policies and procedures for the program, including any state-specific eligibility criteria and rules of play for the program. Such standards shall be published on the department’s website prior to the start of the season.
	e. 	Enforce and uphold all national and state-specific program rules.
	f. 	Conduct outreach for the program and serve as the primary point of contact in the state for the program.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.64(481A) Certified coach or instructor requirements and responsibilities.
	12.64(1) Registration procedure. The certified coach or instructor applicant must register with the applicable program and meet the minimum requirements in subrule 12.64(2). The applicant shall completely and accurately fill out the registration form.
	12.64(2) Minimum requirements. Failure to meet the following requirements shall result in the denial of the applicant’s registration. The applicant shall be notified of the denial by the program coordinator.
	a. 	Minimum age. The applicant must meet the minimum age of the program.
	(1)	For archery, certified coaches must be 18 years of age.
	(2)	For rifle and pistol, certified head coaches must be 21 years of age. Certified assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
	(3)	For shotgun, certified head coaches must be 21 years of age. Certified assistant coaches must be 18 years of age.
	b. 	Training. The applicant must satisfactorily pass a designated training course.
	c. 	Background check. The applicant must authorize a background check that includes, but may not be limited to, a criminal history check. A record of a felony conviction will disqualify the applicant. A record of a misdemeanor conviction (not including simple misdemeanors under Iowa Code chapter 321) within the last three years may disqualify the applicant.
	d. 	Fish and wildlife violation check. The applicant may be disqualified if the applicant has accumulated any habitual offender points pursuant to rule 571—15.6(483A) within the last five years or had a license suspended by a court of law or the department.
	12.64(3) Certified coach or instructor responsibilities. A certified coach or instructor has the following responsibilities:
	a. 	Complete required data management and reporting, including updating and maintaining athlete and coach information in the online data management systems, recording shooting sports competitions and results, and recording volunteer coaching hours when required.
	b. 	Follow all applicable administrative rules, policies, and procedures as set forth by the department for the specified shooting sports program.
	c. 	Follow any applicable national program or state-specific program rules or policies including but not limited to handbooks, rules, and sportsmanship contracts.
	d. 	Represent the department and associated program in a professional and positive manner that supports the department’s goals and mission, and avoid even the appearance of impropriety while instructing or coaching athletes or students.
	e. 	Recruit students and volunteer coaches for shooting sports teams.
	f. 	Actively promote shooting sports.
	g. 	Maintain order and discipline on the shooting sports team, model good sportsmanship, and ensure safe handling practices of the relevant shooting sports equipment at all times.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.65(481A) Athlete or student requirements and responsibilities.
	12.65(1) Registration. The athlete or student shall contact the athlete’s or student’s local shooting sports team to participate. The head coach will provide the athlete or student with an electronic link to register online with the applicable program.
	12.65(2) Requirements. An athlete or student participating on a department-approved shooting sports team shall abide by the following requirements. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program, disqualification from competitions, or both.
	a. 	Complete any national program or department-required documents prior to participation.
	b. 	Follow any applicable national program or state-specific program rules or policies including but not limited to handbooks, rules, conduct requirements, and sportsmanship contracts.
	12.65(3) Fish and wildlife violations. Prior to participation on a department-approved team, the athlete or student shall be subject to a fish and wildlife violations check. If the athlete or student has accumulated any habitual offender points pursuant to rule 571—15.6(483A) within the last five years or has had a hunting, fishing, or trapping license suspended by a court of law or the department, the athlete or student may be ineligible to participate on a department-approved shooting sports team for the current season. Eligibility will be reviewed prior to the beginning of the next season.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.66(481A) Certified trainer requirements and responsibilities.
	12.66(1) Registration. A certified trainer applicant must register with the applicable program. The applicant shall completely and accurately fill out the registration form. A certified trainer applicant must have successfully completed certified coach or instructor training before being eligible to become a certified trainer.
	12.66(2) Responsibilities.
	a. 	The trainer applicant must register with the applicable program and meet the program’s minimum requirements. The applicant shall completely and accurately fill out the registration form.
	b. 	A certified trainer shall represent the department and respective program in a professional and positive manner that supports the department’s goals and mission and shall avoid even the appearance of impropriety while instructing.
	c. 	The certified trainer will work with the program coordinator to identify and schedule training classes around the state.
	d. 	Trainers will utilize the online class registration system for the program to create coach training classes for which coach applicants can register.
	e. 	Certified trainers must conduct at least one class per year to remain an active certified trainer.
	12.66(3) Acceptance of new trainers. If the number of existing certified trainers meets the demand for the program, the department may choose not to add additional trainers.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
571—12.67(481A) Grounds for revocation or suspension of certification of a certified trainer, coach, or instructor. The department may, at any time, seek to revoke or suspend the certification of a certified trainer, coach, or instructor who:
	12.67(1) Fails to meet the responsibilities and requirements as outlined in rule 571—12.64(481A) or 571—12.66(481A), as appropriate.
	12.67(2) Fails to follow the policies and procedures of the department.
	12.67(3) Falsifies any information that may be required by the department. Falsifying information is understood to mean purposefully supplying information that is inaccurate or misleading or the intentional omission of information.
	12.67(4) Handles any shooting sports equipment in a negligent, reckless, or unsafe manner, or allows any student to do so.
	12.67(5) Is convicted of or forfeits a bond for any fish and game, snowmobile, ATV, or navigation violation of this state or any other state.
	12.67(6) Uses profanity or inappropriate language, such as any type of lewd, sexist, or racial references or generalities; engages in any kind of discriminatory conduct due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation; or otherwise acts in an unprofessional manner.
	12.67(7) Engages in the physical punishment of a student, including the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to cause pain, or any type of indecent contact with a child as defined by the Iowa Code.
	12.67(8) Coaches while under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug or while ingesting prescription medication in a manner contrary to the dosing directions given by the prescribing physician.
	12.67(9) Has substantiated complaints filed against the trainer, coach, or instructor by the public, department personnel, or another certified volunteer coach.
	12.67(10) Is under investigation for committing, is in the process of a judicial proceeding based on the allegation of committing, or is convicted of committing a felony or misdemeanor as defined in the statutes of this state or another state, except for simple misdemeanors under Iowa Code chapter 321 or its counterparts in other states. Every certified trainer, coach, or instructor is subject to a criminal history check and conservation violation check at any time during the individual’s tenure as a certified trainer, coach, or instructor.
	12.67(11) Is suspended or expelled by a national governing body for a shooting sports program.
[ARC 7890C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 481A.17.
[Filed emergency 2/14/03—published 3/5/03, effective 2/14/03]
[Filed ARC 8816B (Notice ARC 8463B, IAB 1/13/10), IAB 6/2/10, effective 7/7/10]
[Filed ARC 7012C (Notice ARC 6816C, IAB 1/11/23), IAB 5/3/23, effective 6/7/23]
[Filed ARC 7890C (Notice ARC 7234C, IAB 12/27/23), IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]