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**Frank Ettin** · March 12, 2012, 12:01 AM

Too many open issues to provide much of an answer. For example, how is the club organized? Is it a corporation? What do the bylaws say? Does someone becoming a member fill out and sign any sort of an application? With some "fine print" perhaps? What sorts of responsibilities do members have in connection with the operations of the club (e. g., volunteer for range officer duties or to provide various services when/if the club hosts competitions or classes)?

In general, I would not expect a member to be liable for liabilities or debts of the club -- but

If the club is not formed as a corporation, things could get a little murkier.
A member could have liability for his acts when serving the club as a volunteer. But the club should have an obligation to defend and indemnify the member (if the club has sufficient assets), and the club should be carrying insurance to cover that risk.
In some clubs members can be financially responsible for special assessments in addition to dues as might be needed by the club to cover extraordinary expenses -- such as arising from a lawsuit.

March 12, 2012, 12:01 AM	#7
Frank Ettin Staff Join Date: November 23, 2005 Location: California - San Francisco Posts: 9,471	Too many open issues to provide much of an answer. For example, how is the club organized? Is it a corporation? What do the bylaws say? Does someone becoming a member fill out and sign any sort of an application? With some "fine print" perhaps? What sorts of responsibilities do members have in connection with the operations of the club (e. g., volunteer for range officer duties or to provide various services when/if the club hosts competitions or classes)? In general, I would not expect a member to be liable for liabilities or debts of the club -- but If the club is not formed as a corporation, things could get a little murkier. A member could have liability for his acts when serving the club as a volunteer. But the club should have an obligation to defend and indemnify the member (if the club has sufficient assets), and the club should be carrying insurance to cover that risk. In some clubs members can be financially responsible for special assessments in addition to dues as might be needed by the club to cover extraordinary expenses -- such as arising from a lawsuit.