How do I perform range checking?

[FrameUserToo]

I've got some programming experience (from a long time ago), but I'm having some real problems understanding how to perform range checking on a date field in LiveCycle Designer 9.

I more-or-less understand Javascript, but the object model is giving me fits. The field is dtHireDate, and it's a "standalone" field, i.e. it's not in a subform (other than page 1). I need to perform three checks:

1. Make certain the date is a date, in format mm/dd/yyyy.
2. It cannot be earlier than the birthday of the company.
3. It cannot be later than the current date.

I will need this code for several forms I've created. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.