BFTA Main Shoot Rules for 2011
1 Guns
Air rifles of any calibre, which comply with the Statutory Regulations and BFTA Limitations in force at the time of the event, may be used. In an event specified for Air pistols, the Statutory Regulations together with the BFTA Limitations for Air pistols shall apply.
2 Sights
Any form of sighting system may be used with the exception of Laser sights. No separate device, designed specifically for range-finding may be used.
3 Equipment testing
The Organisers must reserve the right to Chronograph any Rifle or Pistol used at any shoot that is subject to the BFTA rules. This can be done before, during, or after the shoot at the Chief Marshals discretion
a. The BFTA has declared a maximum pellet speed for rifles of 5 fps below the 12 ft/lbs limit, this is for the actual pellet being used by the shooter on the day.
5 fps below 6 ft/lbs will apply for pistols.
b. A maximum of three shots will be allowed over the chronograph. Failure of the gun to comply with 3) a. above will disqualify that gun for the whole event. Any competitor whose gun fails the chronograph test will have their card marked as void but they may complete the course if they wish with another gun (see Rule 17 - Firing line conduct) to help maintain the group they are shooting in.
c. Deformed pellets may not be used for the testing process (see Rule 14 - Penalties).
4 Ammunition
Any design of pellet that is completely made of lead or lead alloy may be used.
5 Chief Marshal and interpretation of the rules
Prior to each shoot, the organisers will appoint and clearly identify a Chief Marshal and, if required, a Deputy. The responsibility of this appointment is the implementation of these rules and the overall safety and conduct throughout the shoot. The Chief Marshal or the Deputy will be present and contactable throughout the duration of the shoot. In any matters arising from, or not covered by these rules, the Chief Marshals decision shall be final.
The BFTA marshalling system shall be used on all BFTA events unless the BFTA declare otherwise, or the particular event format and/or rules state an alternative marshalling system, e.g. Partner (Buddy) shall be employed.
6 Main event targets
Fall when hit targets shall be used. All targets shall be clearly and consecutively numbered both at the target and the firing line. The hit zones shall be circular and of a contrasting colour to the faceplate. Course builders should allow for shooters, who are affected by colour blindness, recommended target colour combinations are black and white and/or black and yellow. The use of simulated hit zones on any other part of the faceplate is prohibited. Standard hit zones shall be between 40 and 45 mm in diameter. The course may contain targets with reduced diameter hit zones, provided that they do not exceed 25% of the total number of targets in the course.
The following limitations shall apply to reduced hit zone targets...
a. The hit zone shall not be less than 25mm in diameter.
b. The furthest target shall be no more than 35 yds (32 metres) from the firing line.
c. No enforced positional shots are allowed on these targets, eg standing or kneeling.
7 Course of fire
A full course of fire shall consist of not less than 25 targets.
A full course of fire must be completed for a score to be deemed valid excepting any circumstance under Rule 15. (Leaving the firing line)
The minimum distance for any target from the firing line shall be 8 yards (7 metres) and the maximum distances of any target from the firing line shall be 55 yards (50 metres) it should be made clear at each shoot which measure has been used.
Any targets designated as standing and/or kneeling should be clearly visible from all shooting positions within the respective lane (see Rule. 10 Shooting i. ia. ib. & ic.)
The total number of targets designated as standing and/or kneeling must not exceed 20% of the total of targets on that course and these positional targets should be divided as equally as possible.
For example:
On a 30 target course (4 standing and 2 kneeling targets or 2 standing and 4 kneeling targets)
On a 40 target course (4 standing and 4 kneeling targets
On a 50 target course (6 standing and 4 kneeling targets or 4 standing and 6 kneeling targets)
No enforced positional shots shall be set beyond a distance of 45yds (43 metres)
8 Target sequence
All targets must be shot in numerical order. In the event of a target being shot out of sequence, the competitor shall forfeit the omitted target, being credited with a 'miss' and resume shooting at the target immediately following it. Out of sequence shots involving targets in another lane require the above procedure to be followed. In this case the target shot out of sequence shall be shot as normal upon reaching that lane if not already scored from a previous lane.
9 Scoring
Scoring shall be on the basis of one point for each hit and zero for a miss. A hit shall be awarded when the target falls. Any movement of the plate which does not result in the target or the hit zone falling shall be scored a miss. A Hit shall be marked with a X and a Miss marked with a 0. Any declaration on the score card must be correctly filled in. The declaration shall state "To the best of knowledge and belief the equipment listed by me conforms to the current legal requirement".
10 Shooting
i. Any shooting position is allowed, but some lanes may be designated as 'standing', or 'kneeling'. In the event of a competitor not being able to conform to the above disciplines the following shall apply.
a. The competitor shall make it known to the Chief Marshal before the commencement of his/her round that they are unable, for whatever medical reason, to comply with a particular shooting position.
b. The Chief Marshal shall agree to the use of an alternative position or aid providing that no unfair gain or loss of advantage is obtained from any special arrangements.
c. Other Marshals shall be made aware of any special arrangements.
ii. All shots, from whatever shooting position must be made with the competitor wholly behind the firing line but able to touch it.
iii. Fully adjustable Rifle Stocks are permitted to accommodate various shooting styles and positions with no limitation as to design. Additional attachments are not permitted to be added or removed during the course of the event.(except in cases related to i.b. above).
a. A single rifle sling and/or a butt hook are permitted as a means of steadying the aim.
b. Competitors shall not gain extra support by resting their feet against any post or similar object that forms part of the course. Equally, the back must not rest against any support that is not part of the shooters seat.
c. Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or others. Clothing may be padded to reduce the pressure of the rifle stock resting on the arm or knee. The padding may be e.g. felt, or layers of cloth. The surface of the pad on which the stock rests must be flat and not shaped to provide lateral support to the stock. Separate pads may be worn over non-padded clothing provided that they conform to the above specifications.
vii. Only one shot is allowed at any one target. Shots taken at any one lane shall not exceed the total number of targets in that lane with the following exceptions:
a. Rule 8.
b. Rule 13
c. Rule 17. c. Unsighted shots with the knowledge and consent of partner/s or Marshall.
d. Shots taken in a shoot-off situation.
Definitions of the shooting positions:
Prone: The Gun and forearm, from elbow to fingertips, must be clear of any artificial or natural support.
Kneeling: There shall be only 3 points of contact with the ground (2 feet and 1 knee). The rear foot shall be upright and straight in line with the knee. A legal seat may only be used to support the rear foot and/or ankle, or to keep the knee clean provided that the foot has contact with the ground. Only the leading hand may support the gun and the leading hand must be unsupported from the wrist forward. The wrist is deemed to be the centre of the hinged joint between the forearm and the hand.
Standing: Shots taken in a standing position without the aid of any support other than the ones previously mentioned in these rules.
Disabilities: Paraplegic competitors and others with physical disabilities may use aids and/or varied positions as agreed with the Chief Marshal. Each case will be judged on its own merit ensuring there is no unfair gain or loss of advantage. ( please see i. ia. ib. & ic. above)
11 Time per lane
In the event of a competitor delaying excessively, the Marshall may time the lane, with the time starting when the eye is put to the sight. The time will be continuous, with the number of minutes allowed equating to the number of targets in that lane. (Timing is mandatory for all BFTA events)
If the total time exceeds 2 minutes the competitor will forfeit any `hit` obtained after the expiry of the allotted time.
12 Seating
The maximum height for any form of seating is 4 inches (100 mm), including any backrest. Beanbags should be measured when flattened between 2 boards. The seat may only be used as an aid to sitting or kneeling shots using the above rules and for no other purpose.
Variations on this rule may be applied at the discretion of the Chief Marshal in recognition of a competitor's disability, providing there is no unfair gain or loss of advantage.
13 Disputed scores
Any disputed score must be made prior to leaving the target. Under no circumstances should the competitor touch the reset cord until the dispute has been resolved. Targets should be checked by the Chief Marshal or his/her deputy whose decision shall be final. Any target found to be defective should be repaired or replaced and re-shot.
14 Penalties
The penalty for un-safe practice, or any form of cheating is disqualification, with the governing bodies reserving the right to take further action.
15 Leaving the firing line
A competitor may only leave the firing line with the permission of a marshal and under the following conditions:
a. Voluntary abandonment of the shoot, in which case his score to that point will be presented as a valid result.
b. To effect a repair to equipment which has been rendered unsafe or incapable of firing a shot by whatever means. This does not include zero-shift of optical equipment or poorly zeroed systems.
(Rule 15) b. is NOT applicable when a shot-gun start is employed, in this circumstance please see Rule 17 - Firing line conduct.
c. Any other reason deemed valid by the Chief Marshal or Deputy. (Personal Comfort etc.)
Note: In Rule 15) b, the competitor may replace the offending part or equipment with the permission of the Chief Marshal or Deputy. A visit to the zeroing range is not permitted by the competitor or any person on his behalf, using the repaired or exchanged equipment, before re-commencing the shoot. (Unless the Chief Marshal grants specific permission).
In all the above cases the competitors scorecard must be handed to the Chief Marshal or Deputy and his/her permission obtained to leave the firing line, with a stipulated time for return. The card will be marked with the time of departure. Any card not claimed within the designated time will be submitted for scoring.
16 Tied scores
In the event of tied scores a shoot-off shall decide the final placings. The course of fire and the targets must be representative of the event.
17 Firing line conduct
Coaching or persistent barracking of a competitor in competition is not allowed. Rifles and/or equipment will NOT be shared on the firing line (except in the circumstances below). In the event of a 'cease fire' order, guns will be discharged safely into the ground and the muzzle kept angled downwards. Targets must NOT be sighted during a cease fire. Guns will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged over a recognised firing line. Guns will always be kept un-loaded and un-cocked when not in use.
Should a competitor's gun, sight or any other equipment break down having begun a shotgun start competition, the following will apply.
1 ) The competitor may not leave the firing line, but, a replacement gun may be given to him/her and the faulty gun etc. removed from the course. The replacement gun will be tested over the chronograph at the earliest opportunity.
2 ) If the competitor's partner/s are in agreement he/she may continue by sharing a gun with one or more of them, again the faulted equipment shall be removed from the course.
Either 1 ) and 2 ) above must take place in agreement with the chief marshal.
(Coaching may be allowed by team members for certain team events at the discretion of the Chief Marshal). All practice shooting or zeroing must be restricted to the zeroing range. No practice shots may be fired on the main course until all shoot-offs have been concluded.
18 Class of entry
If used, there will be classes of entry per the BFTA Grading system. Shooters may elect to shoot in a higher grade. This does not effect their listed grading unless results alter their grading percentage. Supervision of shooters under the age of 17 years will be in accordance with legal requirements.
NOTE: A shooting partner in competition does not necessarily constitute supervision of a shooter under 14 years of age. The above age limits are subject to variation if the law changes at any time during the shooting season.
19 Drugs, alcohol and general behaviour
The carrying and/or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited, handling or usage of a gun will not be permitted by any person who has consumed alcohol or illegal drugs.
Offensive language or anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
20 Display of rules and insurance
A current copy of the BFTA General Shoot Rules shall be clearly displayed at the booking-in point of all shoots, together with a current and valid Certificate of Insurance.
21 Rules
The above rules must be strictly adhered to.
