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REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD TO COMPETE
As the governing body for the sport of shooting in Trinidad and Tobago, the TRA is recognized by the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), the Ministry of Sport, the Commissioner of Police, The Comptroller of Customs and a host of other authorities as the organization whose endorsement is needed by persons or teams wishing to take part in competitions abroad.
As such, the TRA has established procedures to follow in this regard as outlined below:
Written application must be sent to the Secretary at least 30 days before departure requesting permission to attend the event. The application must include the name and date of the event, tentative departure and return dates, names of persons wishing to attend, and the make, model and serial numbers of firearms to be carried on the trip. The names of any prospective attending officials such as the Manager and Coach (es) and the quantity, caliber and make of ammunition to be carried must also be included. The Executive Committee will meet and decide on the application. Once approval is given, the TRA will apply for an import/export permit on behalf of the group as well as forward the relevant information to the host Federation as required. It shall be the responsibility of the Small Bore Secretary or the Club Captain to ensure that copies of the relevant travel documents are made available to the Comptroller of Customs and Excise as well as the Officer in Charge of Customs at Piarco as soon as these become available. Copies must also be made available to the Team Manager. Each member of the team including officials must sign a copy of the Association’s “Code of Conduct” before leaving the country. It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to ensure that this is done. In the event that the competition falls under the ambit of the TTOC, that body’s “Code of Conduct” will suffice. Travel to the USA requires prior approval of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) Forms and these have to be furnished to the US Customs at least one (1) month in advance of travel. A copy of the invitation from the host Federation has to be submitted along with a BATF Form for each competitor who intends to carry firearms and ammunition (air weapons are exempt) into the US. Previously, the US Customs would have accepted a copy of the invitation and a completed copy of the BATF Form on entry but this procedure has been changed to the one outlined above. Copies of the BATF Form are available at the office. Again, all forms must come through the Secretariat who will stamp and authenticate the information being furnished to the relevant authorities. Members of affiliates who require letters for time-off must request these at least 30 days in advance. The Executive Committee will appoint attending officials who will submit a written report within two weeks of returning from the event. Persons traveling without the prior approval and knowledge of the Committee are subject to disciplinary action.
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