Appendix 1 - 2022-2024 National Standard 3PAR Rules.pdf

2022-2024

NATIONAL STANDARD

THREE-POSITION

AIR RIFLE RULES

NLU # 775

$4.95

11/17/22

This rulebook is published by the CMP in cooperation with the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council.

Council members are the Civilian Marksmanship

Program, American Legion, Daisy Shooting Education Program, National 4-H Shooting Sports, Orion Scoring

Systems, The U. S. Army Marksmanship Unit, USA Shooting and the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and

Air Force JROTC Commands.

14th Edition Effective 1 November 2022

For the 2022-2024 Competition Years © National Three-Position Air Rifle Council

TM

Safety Rules for Air Rifle Ranges

Note: References to “right” or “left” in these rules are given for right-handed athletes.

“Right” and “left” must be reversed for left-handed athletes.

The most important rules to follow in any range or target shooting activity are safety rules. This applies equally for air rifles and all types of firearms. These air rifle safety rules must be enforced at all shooting ranges by Match Officials and coaches and followed by all athletes. All athletes, coaches and Match Officials are responsible for knowing and following these rules.

1. MUZZLE – Always keep rifle muzzles pointed in a safe direction. Rifle muzzles must never be pointed at other persons under any circumstances. On a range, the safest direction to point a rifle muzzle is usually up or downrange towards the targets.

2. CBIs – CBIs (Clear Barrel Indicators, also called safety flags) are synthetic monofilament cords (0.065” – 0.095” dia.) in fluorescent orange or a similar bright color. CBIs must be inserted in air rifle bores so that the ends of the CBI protrude out of both the muzzle and open breech. CBIs confirm that air rifles are unloaded. CBIs must be inserted in all air rifles when they are brought to a range or removed from a gun case on the range. CBIs may be removed only during Preparation and Sighting, Record firing, Changeover (after the athlete is in a firing position) and Sighting times.

The use of CBIs is mandatory in all Three-Position Air Rifle competitions.

3. RIFLE ACTION – Always keep rifle actions open, with CBIs inserted, except when the rifle is on the firing line between the beginning of the Preparation and Sighting Stage and the end of record firing. When firing is finished or the rifle is laid down for any reason, the action must be opened, and a CBI inserted. The action may be closed and the CBI removed when an air rifle is placed in a gun case, but the action must be opened, and a CBI inserted when the air rifle is removed from its case.

4. TRIGGER – Keep the trigger finger off of the trigger until after shouldering the rifle and beginning to aim at the target. It is especially important to keep the finger outside of the trigger guard when loading the rifle and when lifting it up into position.

5. RANGE OFFICER – A Range Officer is in charge of firing on every range. The commands and instructions of the Range Officer or person in charge of firing must be obeyed. Range Officers must check rifles brought to the range to be sure actions are open with CBIs inserted. When shooting is finished, Range Officers must check rifles to be sure actions are open with CBIs inserted.

6. GROUNDED RIFLES – Grounding a rifle means opening its action, inserting a CBI in it, and placing it on the firing point. Grounded rifles may not be touched until a Range Officer authorizes rifle handling. Then picking up a rifle and getting into a firing position with it is authorized. However, removing the CBI, closing the action or dry firing is not authorized until a Preparation and Sighting Stage begins. When a firing stage is finished, actions must be opened, a CBI inserted, and the rifle grounded on the firing line. Rifles must remain grounded until the Range Officer gives instructions to handle rifles again.

SAFETY RULES CONTINUE ON INSIDE BACK COVER

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Note: References to “right” or “left” in these rules are given for right-handed athletes.

“Right” and “left” must be reversed for left-handed athletes.

When the term “rifle” or “rifles” is used in these rules, it refers only to air rifles that are used in Three-Position Air Rifle Competitions.

Table of Contents

1.0 GENERAL REGULATIONS

1.1 NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY

1.2 INTRODUCTION

1.3 PURPOSE OF RULES

1.4 INTENT AND SPIRIT OF RULES

1.5 OPEN PARTICIPATION WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION

1.6 APPLICATION OF RULES

1.7 AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES

1.8 NATIONAL JURY OF APPEAL

1.9 SANCTIONED COMPETITIONS

2.0 SAFETY

2.1 CARRYING AND HANDLING RIFLES

2.2 CLEAR BARREL INDICATORS (SAFETY FLAGS)

2.3 CLEARED RIFLES

2.4 GROUNDING RIFLES

2.5 LOAD

2.6 START

2.7 COMPLETION OF FIRING

2.8 STOP

2.9 LOADED RIFLE AFTER STOP COMMAND

2.10 GOING DOWNRANGE

2.11 REMOVING RIFLES FROM THE FIRING LINE

This is the 14th Edition of the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules. This edition is valid for two years, from November 2022 through September 2024. New rules or rules that were substantially changed from the 13th Edition August 2021 Update are underlined and shown in red type. Editorial or stylistic changes are not marked. These Rules incorporate numerous recommendations from junior shooting coaches and Match Officials and, to the extent possible, have been coordinated with current International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Rules.

RULES HOTLINE

The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council operates a Rules Hotline to answer questions, offer advice on how to organize competitions or provide official rule interpretations. Any coach, athlete or Match Official may request assistance from the National Council Rules Hotline by calling 419-635-2141, ext. 702 or 731, or via email at 3PAR@TheCMP.org.

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2.12 USING RIFLE CASES

2.13 RANGE SAFETY EMERGENCY

2.14 PERSONAL SAFETY

2.15 ENFORCEMENT

3.0 ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE

3.1 INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES

3.2 TEAMS

3.3 EQUIPMENT CLASSES

3.4 SPECIAL CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS

4.0 AIR RIFLES AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 EQUIPMENT CLASSES

4.2 SPORTER AIR RIFLE

4.3 SPORTER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

4.4 PRECISION AIR RIFLE

4.5 PRECISION RIFLE SIGHTS

4.6 PRECISION CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

4.7 OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR SPORTER AND PRECISION CLASSES

5.0 COMPETITION CONDITIONS

5.1 SHOOTING POSITIONS

5.2 COACHING

5.3 COMPETITION EVENTS AND TIME LIMITS

5.4 TARGETS

5.5 RANGE SPECIFICATIONS

5.6 MATCH PROGRAM

6.0 MATCH OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES

6.1 MATCH DIRECTOR

6.2 RANGE OFFICERS

6.3 JURY

6.4 EQUIPMENT CONTROL OFFICER

6.5 STATISTICAL OFFICER

6.6 TECHNICAL OFFICER

6.7 SCORERS

6.8 TEAM COACH

7.0 COMPETITION PROCEDURES

7.1 ENTRIES

7.2 FIRING POINT ASSIGNMENTS (SQUADDING)

7.3 EQUIPMENT CONTROL

7.4 FIRING PROCEDURES AND RANGE OFFICER COMMANDS

7.5 CALL TO THE FIRING LINE

7.6 PREPARATION AND SIGHTING STAGE

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7.7 RECORD FIRE STAGES

7.8 POSITION CHANGEOVER STAGES

7.9 SIGHTING STAGES FOR STANDING & KNEELING (OR PRONE & STANDING)

7.10 LEAVING THE FIRING LINE OR REMOVING EQUIPMENT

7.11 DRY FIRING

7.12 RELEASE OF PROPELLING CHARGE

7.13 SIGHTING AND RECORD SHOTS

7.14 SPORTS PRESENTATION AND MUSIC

7.15 IRREGULAR SHOTS

7.16 INTERRUPTIONS

7.17 MALFUNCTIONS

7.18 LATE ARRIVALS

7.19 SPECTATORS AND MEDIA

7.20 PENALTIES FOR RULE VIOLATIONS

8.0 SCORING TARGETS

8.1 VALUES OF SHOTS

8.2 SCORE PROTESTS

8.3 VISUAL IMAGE SCORING SYSTEMS

8.4 ELECTRONIC TARGETS (EST)

8.5 MANUAL PAPER TARGET SCORING

8.6 BREAKING TIES

8.7 RESULTS LISTS

9.0 PROTESTS AND APPEALS

9.1 PROTESTS OF COMPETITION CONDITIONS

9.2 APPEALS OF PROTEST DECISIONS

10.0 FINALS

10.1 COMPETITIONS WITH FINALS

10.2 RULES APPLYING TO ALL FINALS

10.3 PROCEDURES FOR STANDARD FINALS

10.4 ISSF THREE-POSITION FINAL

10.5 ISSF STANDING FINAL

11.0 NATIONAL RECORDS

11.1 SCHOOL AGE NATIONAL RECORD EVENTS

11.2 YOUTH SHOOTING PROGRAM RECORDS

11.3 AGE GROUP RECORDS

11.4 STANDARDS FOR ESTABLISHING RECORDS

Appendix A

TEAM ENTRY AND ELIGIBILITY DECLARATION

Appendix B

THREE-POSITION AIR RIFLE FOR ADULTS

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Appendix C

NATIONAL THREE-POSITION AIR RIFLE COUNCIL PROGRAMS

Appendix D

JUNIOR EIC AWARD PROGRAM

SILVER AND BRONZE EIC BADGES

Appendix E

FIRING PROCEDURES AND RANGE OFFICER COMMANDS FOR REGULAR COURSES

OF FIRE (3X10 & 3X20) AND FINALS

COMMANDS FOR STANDING (60-SHOT) COURSE OF FIRE

COMMANDS FOR THREE-POSITION (3X10 OR 3X20) COURSES OF FIRE ON RANGES

WITH AUTOMATED PROCEDURES

COMMANDS FOR A STANDARD FINAL (3X10 OR 3X20 + 10 SHOTS)

COMMANDS FOR AN ISSF STANDING FINAL (24 SHOTS START-FROM ZERO)

COMMANDS FOR AN ISSF THREE-POSITION FINAL (45 SHOTS START-FROM ZERO) 88

INDEX

1.0 GENERAL REGULATIONS

1.1 NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY

The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council is the primary National Governing Body for Three- Position Air Rifle shooting in the USA. The Council consists of representatives of major organizations in the USA that actively promote and serve Three-Position Air Rifle shooting for school-age juniors. Council Members agree to use the Council’s national standard rulebook for their Three-Position Air Rifle competitions. Council members are The American Legion, Civilian Marksmanship Program, Daisy Shooting Education Program, 4-H Shooting Sports, Orion Scoring Systems, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force Cadet Commands, the U. S. Army Marksmanship Unit and USA Shooting. Council membership is open to other national shooting sports or youth-serving organizations that actively promote Three-Position Air Rifle shooting.

1.2 INTRODUCTION

Three-Position Air Rifle is a widely practiced shooting sport discipline for school-age youth.

Three-Position Air Rifle events originated from Olympic and ISSF three-position rifle and air rifle events and are designed to have broad appeal both to youth who want an accessible recreational sport and youth who aspire to participate in high-performance competition. There are two different Three-Position Air Rifle equipment classes. Precision Air Rifle is modeled after ISSF and Olympic-style shooting and allows the use of specialized target air rifles and equipment. Sporter Air Rifle is designed for organizations and athletes that want to compete with a minimum of equipment and expense. In both classes, athletes fire at targets at a distance of 10 meters in three positions, kneeling, prone, and standing. Three-Position Air Rifle provides young athletes with competitive shooting opportunities that foster good sportsmanship, respect, and positive life skills in a safe, enjoyable setting.

1.3 PURPOSE OF RULES

The purpose of these Rules is to establish a national standard rulebook for Three-Position Air Rifle competitions in the United States. All Match Officials, team leaders, coaches and athletes must be familiar with these Rules and ensure that they are followed and enforced.

1.4 INTENT AND SPIRIT OF RULES

The Rules are intended to ensure fair competition for all athletes. Anything that may give an athlete an advantage over others and that is not specifically authorized by these Rules, or that is contrary to the intent and spirit of these Rules, is prohibited (see also Rule 4.1.5). Range Officers and Juries may decide cases not provided for in these Rules, but any such decisions must be based on the intent and spirit of these Rules. A Match Director, Range Officer or Jury may not make any decision or ruling that is contrary to these Rules.

1.5 OPEN PARTICIPATION WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION

The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council is a federation of national youth-serving organizations that are dedicated to promoting gun safety, marksmanship training and marksmanship competitions for youth. All National Council competitions, competition events and programs are open to all school age youths regardless of their race, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

1.6 APPLICATION OF RULES

These Rules govern all Three-Position Air Rifle competitions that are organized, conducted, or sanctioned by Council Members. Other organizations that promote youth shooting competitions are encouraged to use these Rules to govern their Three-Position Air Rifle competitions. These Rules may also be used to govern non-sanctioned Three-Position Air Rifle competitions.

1.7 AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES

The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council establishes these rules and has the sole authority to amend or modify them. Council Member representatives may meet in person or electronically to decide rules issues and programs. Recommendations for rule changes may be submitted to the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council at this address:

National Three-Position Air Rifle Council Camp Perry, P. O. Box 576

Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 3PAR@TheCMP.org Tel. 419-635-2141, ext. 702 or 731

1.8 NATIONAL JURY OF APPEAL

The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council appoints a National Jury of Appeal consisting of three experienced, expert Match Officials. The National Jury issues rule interpretations, decides team eligibility cases, resolves protests, and makes Rule 5.1.4 rulings regarding athletes with physical impairments. The National Jury may decide protests appealed to it by participants in sanctioned competitions (see Rule 9.2). National Jury decisions on protests are final and cannot be appealed. Anyone who wants a rule interpretation or who wants to resolve a protest or dispute should contact the Council at the above address.

1.9 SANCTIONED COMPETITIONS

Sanctioned competitions are competitions that are officially recognized by the National Three- Position Air Rifle Council. The Civilian Marksmanship Program administers the Council’s competition sanctioning program. National Championship competitions conducted by organizations that are members of the Council are considered to be Council-sanctioned competitions without any further requirement to apply for sanctioning. Any team, club, JROTC unit or other group affiliated or enrolled with a Council Member may apply to have those matches sanctioned by the Council. All competitions sanctioned by the Council are listed in a national registry of upcoming events that is posted on the CMP website at http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming. Athletes in sanctioned matches are eligible to earn National Council achievement awards and establish National Records. Types of matches that may be sanctioned are postal matches, leagues, regular shoulder-to-shoulder matches, CMP Cup Matches and State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships. To submit a sanctioning application, complete a copy of the Application to Conduct a Sanctioned Three-Position Air Rifle Match that can be downloaded from the CMP web site at http://thecmp.org/air/sanctioned-three-position-air-rifle-matches/. Send completed applications, with sanctioning fees and a copy of the match program to:

CMP Competitions—3-P Air Rifle P. O. Box 576

Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 Email: 3PAR@TheCMP.org

Tel. (419) 635-2141, ext. 702 or 731 Match applications, with a Match Program and associated fees must be received at CMP at least one month prior to the competition. This ensures that there is enough time to process the application, ship requested materials and advertise the competition.

2.0 SAFETY

Safety is the foremost priority in all shooting sports activities. The safety of athletes, Match Officials and spectators require constant, disciplined attention to safe gun handling. Applicable safety rules for Three-Position Air Rifle competitions include both this rule (Rule 2.0) and the SAFETY RULES FOR AIR RIFLE RANGES printed on the inside front and back covers of this rulebook.

2.1 CARRYING AND HANDLING RIFLES

Air rifles must always be carried and handled with maximum care. Air rifles may be carried to or from the ready area behind the firing line if rifle actions are open with CBIs inserted. While in the ready area, athletes may adjust their rifles in preparation for firing if rifle actions are open with CBIs inserted, but they may not remove CBIs, close rifle actions, point them or get into firing positions with them.

2.2 CLEAR BARREL INDICATORS (SAFETY FLAGS)

The use of CBIs (safety flags) made of fluorescent orange (recommended color) or a similar bright colored material and long enough to visibly protrude from both the breech and muzzle when inserted in rifle bores is mandatory in all Three-Position Air Rifle competitions. CBIs must be inserted before an air rifle is brought to the range or when it is removed from a gun case. CBIs may only be removed during Preparation and Sighting, Changeover (only after the athlete is in a firing position), Sighting and Record Fire Stages. If a special dry fire area is designated for athlete warm-up, CBIs may also be removed when athletes are in position in that area. When a Record Fire stage is completed, a CBI must be inserted, and the rifle must be grounded. CBIs must remain inserted after cleared rifles are removed from the firing line and as long as the rifle remains uncased and on the range. CBIs may be removed after the Range Officer gives the YOU MAY DISCHARGE AIR DOWNRANGE command, then must be reinserted after discharging air and left inserted until air rifles are placed in gun cases.

2.3 CLEARED RIFLES

A CLEARED rifle is a rifle that has its action open, a CBI inserted in the full length of its barrel and that has been checked by a Range Officer. All rifles must be CLEARED after each Record Fire stage and before they are cased or removed from a firing point.

2.4 GROUNDING RIFLES

A grounded rifle is a rifle with its action open and a CBI inserted that is placed on the floor, shooting mat or bench. No one may handle a grounded rifle without a Range Officer’s approval.

When the Range Officer authorizes athletes to move their equipment and air rifles to the firing line (Rule 7.5), they may be instructed to ground their rifles on the firing point if it will be necessary to go downrange to hang targets. Rifles must always be grounded with CBIs inserted after a Record Fire stage is completed (Rule 2.7) so that the Range Officer can check them.

2.5 LOAD

A rifle is considered to be loaded when a pellet contacts the rifle. Rifles may only be loaded on the firing line after the command LOAD or START is given. The rifle barrel must be pointed up or downrange during loading. In competition events with a separate Preparation and Sighting or Sighting Stage (Rule 5.3), the command START is given without the command LOAD. In this case, the command START authorizes athletes to begin loading and firing their rifles when they are ready to do so. If there is a Final, the command LOAD is used to initiate each record shot in the Final and is followed by a START command five (5) seconds later.

2.6 START

Athletes may begin to fire at their targets only after the Range Officer gives the command START.

The command “START” must only be used to signal the start of live-fire sighting or record fire stages, but not to begin a call to the firing line (Rule 7.5) or Changeover Stage when live fire shooting is not permitted. If electronic targets with red-green START-STOP signals are available, the green START signal will be a START command.

2.7 COMPLETION OF FIRING

After athletes fire the last shot in a Record Fire Stage, they must open their rifle actions, insert CBIs, and ground their rifles on the floor or bench. After grounding or benching their rifles, athletes may make sight, stock or accessory adjustments or changes on their rifle, but they may not handle their rifles after the commands STOP or STOP-UNLOAD are given, and the line is cleared.

2.8 STOP

When the command STOP or STOP-UNLOAD is given, shooting must stop immediately. After the command STOP-UNLOAD, all rifles must be in a safe, unloaded condition, with CBIs inserted and grounded or benched on the firing point. After the command STOP, no further firing is authorized. If electronic targets with red-green START-STOP signals are available, the red STOP signal will be a STOP command.

2.9 LOADED RIFLE AFTER STOP COMMAND

If an athlete has a loaded rifle after the command STOP-UNLOAD, the athlete must remain in position with the muzzle pointed down range and raise their hand to inform the Range Officer that they have a loaded rifle. The Range Officer will then direct the athlete to clear the rifle by firing into a pellet discharge container (PDC) or towards an area of the backstop where there are no targets (Rule 7.15.5).

2.10 GOING DOWNRANGE

Whenever anyone goes downrange to change or retrieve targets or for any other purpose, this must be authorized by the Range Officer and all rifles on the firing line must be grounded with actions open and CBIs inserted. No one may touch or handle rifles while anyone is downrange.

2.11 REMOVING RIFLES FROM THE FIRING LINE

Rifles may be removed from the firing line only after all rifles are grounded or benched with actions open and CBIs inserted, the firing line is cleared by the Range Officer and the Range Officer gives instructions to remove rifles from the firing line. Any rifle that remains loaded must be unloaded before it can be removed from the firing line (Rule 2.9). No rifle may be removed from the firing line during a competition until it is cleared by a Range Officer.

2.12 USING RIFLE CASES

Rifles may be brought to the range in hard or soft gun cases. The Range Officer will announce in advance whether gun cases may be opened or closed in the ready area behind the firing line or whether rifles may only be removed from or replaced into gun cases on the firing line.

Regardless of where gun cases are opened, rifle actions must be opened, and CBIs inserted when gun cases are opened. When cases are opened on the firing line, they must be oriented so rifle muzzles point downrange when cases are opened. When a rifle is returned to a case, the CBI may be removed, the action may be closed, and the trigger released prior to closing the case if this procedure is done on the firing line. Closing the action and releasing the trigger to discharge air or gas after the line has been cleared may only be done when authorized by the Range Officer who will instruct athletes to DISCHARGE AIR DOWNRANGE.

2.13 RANGE SAFETY EMERGENCY

Any person who observes an unsafe situation anywhere on the range must notify a Range Officer immediately. If a Range Officer is not immediately available, any person may command STOP- STOP-STOP (announce STOP three times in rapid succession) in a safety emergency.

2.14 PERSONAL SAFETY

2.14.1 Eye and Hearing Protection

All athletes, team coaches and Match Officials who are on or near the firing line are urged to wear eye protection. The wearing of hearing protection is optional for air rifle shooting. If special regulations for a competition or range require athletes or officials to wear eye or hearing protection, that requirement must be published in the Match Program (Rule 5.6).

2.14.2 Personal Hygiene

All athletes and other personnel who handle lead pellets must not handle food during shooting and must wash their hands immediately after completing shooting.

2.15 ENFORCEMENT

Any athlete who handles a rifle in an unsafe manner or who violates safety rules may be given a warning or deduction of points in accordance with Rule 7.20. Any athlete who handles a rifle in an unsafe manner that endangers the safety of another person may be disqualified in accordance with 7.20.3.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE

3.1 INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES

An athlete may compete in School Age Three-Position Air Rifle competitions until 31 August of the year in which they graduate from high school or the equivalent. There is no minimum age.

Athletes who represent schools must meet the eligibility requirements of their school or school’s governing organization. Athletes who graduate from school at mid-semester or during the current school year continue to be eligible to compete until 31 August following that school year.

3.2 TEAMS

Clubs or schools that enter team events are governed by strict eligibility requirements that are designed to promote the development of local shooting club and school teams and prevent the formation of all-star teams that recruit the best athletes from other shooting programs. All-star or pick-up teams that select athletes from two or more programs are not allowed. Teams must comply with these Rules:

3.2.1 Team Composition

All teams, except Best-Four-Count Teams (Rule 3.2.2), consist of four athletes. Teams must represent a club, school, JROTC unit or other similar organization. Each team member must meet the eligibility criteria for the category in which a team is entered. All team members must have been club, team, school, or sponsoring organization members for at least 90 days prior to the date of the competition, except that this restriction does not apply to a new athlete who has no previous experience with any shooting club or team or to an athlete whose family has moved as result of a permanent change of residence. All team members must be entered as members of that team before the first team member(s) start(s) the Preparation and Sighting Stage of a competition.

3.2.2 Team Categories

Match Programs may provide for team competitions in the following categories:

a) Scholastic Teams. Scholastic Teams consist of eligible athletes that represent one school or one JROTC unit. All team members must be enrolled in or be members of that school or JROTC unit. A single JROTC unit that enrolls students from more than one school may compete as a Scholastic Team.

b) Club Teams. Club Teams consist of eligible athletes that represent a club or other eligible organization. All team members must be members of the club or organization.

c) Best-Four-Count Teams. Best-Four-Count Teams are teams where more than four team members fire in a four-person team event with the four highest team member scores counting as the team score. The Match Program must clearly state that Best- Four-Count Teams are allowed and specify whether teams are restricted to five or a limited number of team members or an unlimited number of team members. The team score of a Best-Four-Count Team is the total of the four best scores from among all athletes entered by that organization in the team event. Best-Four-Count Teams many not establish National Records.

3.2.3 Geographic Proximity

All team members must reside in the geographic proximity of the city where the club, team, school, or other organization is located. Note: As a guideline, all team members should live within a reasonable travel distance (60-90 min.) of the team’s location, however, exceptions are possible if there is a valid reason for including them on the team (i.e., no home club, home club does not shoot precision, etc.).

3.2.4 Regular Participation

All team members must participate regularly in club or team activities such as training sessions or club meetings. An athlete who attempts to join a team only to participate in selected competitions is not eligible to shoot with that team. Note: Virtual coaching through electronic communications alone does not qualify as “regular participation. Regular participation must include a physical presence at least once a month.

3.2.5 Determining Team Eligibility

When a team is entered in a competition, the coach or an adult team leader must complete and sign a Team Eligibility Declaration (see model form at Appendix A, page 55) affirming that the team is a local shooting team or club complying with Rule 3.2.3 whose members reside within a reasonable travel distance (60-90 min.) of the club location and participate regularly in its activities. If there is doubt or a protest about team eligibility, a Jury appointed in accordance with Rule 6.3 may make a preliminary eligibility determination at a competition. The National Jury of Appeal (1.8) is authorized to make binding eligibility rulings after receiving requests for team eligibility rulings or protests regarding team eligibility. If a Jury at a competition rules that a team has an ineligible member, this must be reported to the National Jury of Appeal so that a binding eligibility ruling may be made. In other cases where doubt exists regarding team eligibility, teams are urged to request in advance an eligibility ruling from the National Jury of Appeal. To request a National Jury ruling, contact the National Council by calling 419-635-2141, ext. 702 or 731, or via email at 3PAR@TheCMP.org.

3.2.6 Membership on More than One Team

A person may belong to two or more clubs, schools and/or a JROTC unit or other similar organization and may compete as a member of different teams in different competitions.

However, no one may compete as a member of more than one team in one competition

Note: An athlete could not fire on a school sporter team and a club precision team in the same competition.

3.2.7 Team Member Substitutions

If an illness or disciplinary issue arises over the course of a two- or multi--day competition, the coach may replace an athlete with an alternate with the approval of the Match Director or Jury. Note: Firing a low score on the first day of a competition is not considered an illness or disciplinary issue.

3.3 EQUIPMENT CLASSES

Three-Position Air Rifle competitions usually have two equipment classes, Sporter and Precision.

If a Sporter Class is offered, all rifles and equipment in that class must comply with Sporter Class equipment rules. If a Precision Class is offered, all rifles and equipment in that class must comply with Precision Class equipment rules. If both Sporter and Precision Class events are offered in the same competition, individual athletes or teams may not enter in both the Sporter and Precision individual or team events in the same competition. A club, school or other organization may, however, enter individuals and one or more teams in Sporter Class competition and different individuals and one or more teams of different athletes in Precision Class competition.

3.4 SPECIAL CATEGORIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS

Competition sponsors are not required to use special categories or classifications in Three- Position Air Rifle competitions. Competition sponsors may, however, at their option, use any of the special categories listed here to establish separate athlete ranking lists and offer awards based on those categories. Categories that may be used include, but are not limited to:

3.4.1 Sex

Athletes may be divided into male and female categories.

3.4.2 Organizations

Athletes may be divided into special categories for different types of organizations such as JROTC units, 4-H clubs, American Legion clubs, Boy Scout troops, BSA Venturing crews or other defined groups.

3.4.3 Age Group Categories

Athletes in the School Age category may be subdivided into the following age categories:

U19 Age Group. Athletes who are over the age of 17 but under the age of 19 as determined by the date of their birthday on the first day of a competition (U19).

U17 Age Group. Athletes who are over the age of 15 but under the age of 17 on the first day of a competition (U17).

U15 Age Group. Athletes who are under the age of 15 on the first day of a competition (U15).

3.4.4 Skill-Level Classifications

Athletes may be divided into classifications based on average scores in previous competitions.

3.4.5 New Shooter Category

Athletes who have limited experience in organized target shooting may be designated as “New Shooters” and special awards may be given to members of this category. The match program must define New Shooters. Note: New Shooters typically are athletes who began competition shooting within the past six, nine or 12 months and who are below a specified maximum age. The Council recommends defining a “New Shooter” as an eligible athlete who has not participated in a competition prior to the most recent 1st of April.

4.0 AIR RIFLES AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 EQUIPMENT CLASSES

Competition sponsors may conduct competition events in any of the following equipment classes.

Each is based on the type of air rifles that athletes are permitted to use. The Match Program must state which equipment classes are offered. If both Sporter and Precision Class events are offered in the same competition, the same individual athletes or teams may not enter in both the Sporter and Precision individual or team events (Rule 3.3).

4.1.1 Sporter Class

In a Sporter Class event, all rifles and equipment in that event must comply with the Sporter Air Rifle Equipment Rules (Rules 4.2, 4.3 and 4.7).

4.1.2 Precision Class Competition

In a Precision Class event, all rifles and equipment in that event must comply with the Precision Air Rifle Equipment Rules (Rules 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7). If no Sporter Class event is offered in the competition, athletes may fire Sporter Class rifles in a Precision Class event.

Precision Class teams may include one, two or three athletes who fire Sporter Class rifles.

An athlete who uses a legal Sporter Class rifle and clothing while firing as a member of a Precision Class team may be ranked in the individual rankings as a sporter class athlete if there are Sporter and Precision Class events in the same competition.

4.1.3 Open Class Competition

In an Open Class event, all athletes compete in the same class or event and all rifles and equipment must comply with the Precision Air Rifle Equipment Rules. Sporter Air Rifles may be used in open events. Sporter air rifles do not have to comply with the Sporter Class Rules when used in Open Class competition.

4.1.4 Use of Special Equipment

Any rifles, devices, equipment, accessories, or apparel that could give an athlete an advantage over others, that are not specifically approved in these Rules or that are contrary to the spirit of these Rules are prohibited. The use of any special devices, means or garments that immobilize, provide artificial support, or unduly reduce the flexibility of the athlete’s legs, body or arms is prohibited. The athlete is responsible for submitting equipment to Match Officials for inspection in cases where doubt exists. Match Officials have the right to examine the athlete’s equipment at any time to be sure it complies with these Rules.

4.1.5 One Rifle Per Athlete

No athlete in a Sporter or Precision Class event may use more than one rifle with one butt-plate, one cheek-piece and one set of sights in a competition unless that rifle or rifle part has a malfunction that cannot be repaired and is replaced with another rifle or rifle part in accordance with Rule 7.17.1.

4.1.6 600 FPS Velocity Restriction The 600-fps muzzle velocity restriction given for both Sporter and Precision air rifles is a guideline to preclude the use of high velocity air rifles that can damage pellet traps and cause safety problems on air rifle ranges. Match Directors do not need to check velocities, but they may do so if the use of a high velocity air rifle is suspected. Note: It is possible that air rifles producing velocities below 600-fps with lead pellets may produce velocities slightly above 600-fps when lighter, non-lead pellets are fired.

4.2 SPORTER AIR RIFLE

The Sporter Air Rifle is intended to be a low cost, entry-level rifle without specialized modifications that add to the cost of the rifle. Sporter air rifles must be .177 caliber (4.5 mm) pneumatic, spring air, compressed air, or CO2 rifles with a muzzle velocity of 600 fps or less that comply with these requirements:

4.2.1 Approved Air Rifles

a) Air Rifles officially approved for Sporter Class air rifle competitions are the Air Force

Air Guns Edge, Crosman CH2000 (CO2), Crosman CH2009 (CO2 or compressed air), Crosman CH2021 (CA), Daisy M599 Competition Air Rifle, Daisy M853/753/953/853CM (pneumatic), Daisy 888/887 (CO2), Daisy XSV40 Valiant (compressed air), Air Arms T200 (compressed air, with non-adjustable cheek-piece and butt-plate) and the Champions Choice T200 (CZ 200T, compressed air, with adjustable cheek-piece and butt-plate). Daisy 887/888 rifles may have 2010 model replacement stocks.

b) Rule 4.2.1 approval of an air rifle as a legal Sporter Class air rifle confirms that a specific air rifle fulfills Rule 4.2.1 requirements for velocity, function, cost, weight, 1548209524C Highlight trigger pull and general configuration. Any air rifle not included in the list of approved Sporter air rifles that complies with this rule must be submitted to the National Three- Position Air Rifle Council for approval before it can be added to the list of approved rifles.

c) Any approved Sporter Class air rifle that is not currently available to junior clubs or teams at a cost of $650.00 or less will lose its Sporter Class approval. Air rifles of that model that were purchased at a cost of less than $650.00 may continue to be used in Sporter Class competitions. The price ceiling specified in this rule may be a price that is available to junior shooting clubs or team through a manufacturer’s special marketing program. Note: For information on Special Marketing Programs contact the manufacturer or distributor directly.

d) At competitions below the national championship level, Match Directors may authorize the use of other lighter, lower-cost air rifles provided that only .177 cal.

pellets are fired in them at velocities of less than 600 fps.

4.2.2 Weight of the Rifle

The total weight of the rifle with sights and attachments (sling not included) may not be more than 7.5 pounds (3.402 kg). If a compressed air or CO2 rifle is used, the cylinder (full or empty) must be weighed with the rifle. Weight may be added to the rifle as long as the total weight of the rifle does not exceed 7.5 pounds. Weights may be added in any internal location. Any external weights (visible from outside the rifle) must be placed on the barrel or on the fore-end. Barrel weights must be within a radius of 40 mm (1.6 in.) from the center of the barrel. Weights on the fore-end may not extend more than 50 mm (2.0”) from the fore-end. Note: Weights attached to the barrel may extend no more than 40 mm in any direction from the centerline of the bore. Weights may be attached to the fore-end rail as long as they protrude no more than 50mm from any surface of the fore-end.

4.2.3 Trigger Weight

The minimum trigger pull for a Sporter air rifle is 1.5 pounds (680.4 grams). The cocked trigger must be capable of lifting a weight of 1.5 pounds. Trigger pull weights must be checked with a fixed, hanging weight. When triggers are tested, the test weight must be lifted so that its entire weight is clear of its support surface. Note: Merely shifting the weight on the support surface is not sufficient; the entire trigger weight must be lifted so that it is suspended above the support surface. If a rifle does not lift the weight on the first attempt, a maximum of three total attempts may be made. The weight must be lifted on at least one of the three attempts. The athlete or athlete’s coach may make one of the three attempts. If a trigger is weighed before a competition as part of an equipment inspection and it does not pass, the trigger may be adjusted and resubmitted for additional trigger weight tests. Match Officials may check trigger pull weights before a competition (during equipment control), during a competition or immediately after a competition. If a trigger is tested and fails to lift a 1.5-pound trigger weight during or after a competition, all scores fired with that rifle up to that time in that event (course of fire) must be disqualified. Electronic trigger testing devices may be used to check rifles, but any decisions regarding whether the trigger passes must be confirmed with a 1.5-pound trigger weight.

4.2.4 Stock

a) Stock Configuration. Sporter air rifle stocks must be symmetrically shaped so that either a right or left-handed athlete can use them. The stock may be refinished or painted any color. The cheek-piece or pistol grip may not be anatomically formed (special shaping to fit or hold the hand or fingers). Except for modifications to the butt-stock length, cheek-piece height, or pistol grip or the addition of a fore-end riser that are authorized by this rule, no other external modifications to the stock are permitted.

b) Length of Pull. The length of pull of any Sporter Class stock may be adjusted by the use of spacers or other means. Stocks may be shortened so that they are shorter than the original factory length of pull.

c) Cheek-piece. The stock may have one fixed or adjustable cheek-piece. The cheek-piece may be altered in height and/or thickness by the addition of wood, cardboard, tape, and other material, by extending the length of the cheek-piece attachment pins or the cheek-piece may be cut, and a higher replacement cheek-piece installed. Any addition must conform to the existing form and may not be anatomically shaped.

The cheek-piece must be straight without any special shaping (no index point for the head).

d) Butt-plate. The butt of the stock may be rough, checkered or scored to provide a non-slip surface, or covered with a non-slip material such as rubber or similar material or a rubber slip-on recoil pad, but the butt-plate of one approved air rifle may not be substituted for the butt-plate of another approved air rifle. The original butt-plate may also be removed.

e) Butt-plate Adjustment. Only one butt-plate may be used. If the stock has an adjustable butt-plate with vertical or length of pull adjustments, the butt-plate may be changed during the competition. The butt-plate must remain vertical and may not be rotated on its horizontal axis.

f) Pistol Grip. Wood, plastic wood or other material may be added to the lower, forward surface of the pistol grip, but the modified pistol grip may not be anatomically formed, its dimensions may not exceed the maximum width of the original pistol grip and no part of the modified pistol grip may extend further forward than a line perpendicular to the bore that is 1.50 inches from the center of the forward surface of the trigger.

g) Fore-end and Fore-end Riser. The depth of the fore-end as measured from the centerline of the bore to the bottom of the fore-end may not exceed 100 mm (3.94”), with or without a fore-end riser. The fore-end may have a removeable fore-end riser, provided the depth of the fore-end with the riser attached does not exceed 100 mm (3.94”). If a fore-end riser is used, its dimensions may not exceed 127 mm (5.0”) in length and 60 mm (2.375”) in width. A fore-end riser may be moved or removed between positions. Fore-end risers may have a sling swivel that can be used in the prone and kneeling positions (Rule 4.2.7) or an attachment device that are not included in stock depth measurements. Any attachment device may not be used as a reference point for hand placement in the standing position.

h) Barrel Supports. Metal barrel supports may be substituted for plastic Daisy XSV40/AA T200 barrel supports provided the replacement supports have the same dimensions as the original barrel support.

4.2.5 Internal Modifications

The functioning of internal parts may be smoothened or improved, but only factory manufactured parts designed for that specific model rifle and functioning as they were originally intended to function may be used. It is permitted to polish, file, or otherwise reduce the dimensions of the hammer rim or sear or to install a setscrew in the trigger guard of Daisy 853/753/953/887/888 air rifles as a means of reducing sear engagement. It is permitted to shorten the factory trigger spring as a means of adjusting trigger tension provided the trigger complies with Rule 4.2.3.

4.2.6 Prohibited Modifications

Any alteration or modification of the external or internal dimensions of factory-manufactured parts of approved Sporter air rifles or the substitution of factory-manufactured parts from other air rifles or the substitution of parts that were not manufactured by the original manufacturer that is not specifically authorized by these rules is prohibited.

4.2.7 Sling Swivel/Hand Stop

A sling swivel or hand stop that is attached to a rail in the fore-end may be used. The sling swivel or hand stop, with the sling swivel folded flat, may not exceed 25 mm in depth, except that the adjustable hand stop provided with the Daisy 853CM is permitted. The sling swivel must be removed in the standing position, except that on sporter rifles where it cannot readily be removed, the sling swivel must be adjusted so that it does not contact the hand or glove in the standing position.

4.2.8 Sights

a) Corrective lenses may be worn by the athlete but may not be placed in or on the sights. Telescopic sight systems, sights with corrective lenses or light filters in the rear sights are not permitted. Spirit levels on any part of the rifle are prohibited.

b) Only one set of sights may be used. Only sights manufactured for and sold with that particular Sporter air rifle are permitted, except when sight exchanges are specifically authorized in this rule. Sights not manufactured for and sold with a specific, approved Sporter air rifle (see Rule 4.2.1) are not permitted.

c) Sights for the Daisy 753/887 air rifle (El Gamo-type sights) may be used on any Daisy 853/953/888 air rifle. The Crosman Micro Click Sight is approved for use on the Crosman CH2009.

d) Modifications may be made to the El Gamo-type sight to reduce the play or movement of the rear aperture holder.

e) Riser blocks manufactured for the initial series of Daisy XSV40 air rifles may be used with the front and rear sights of those rifles, however, any XSV40 air rifle sold in 2003 or later that has a serial number with the letter “X” may not be used with riser blocks. Riser blocks may not be used on any other sporter air rifles.

f) No part of the front sight may extend beyond the apparent end of the barrel or barrel weight. A longer barrel or barrel weight may not be used to extend the sight radius beyond the rifle’s original sight radius as provided by the manufacturer. Non-adjustable interchangeable front sight apertures or inserts, metallic, synthetic, or colored, may be used in approved Sporter air rifle front sights. Different size apertures may be used in different positions.

g) An adjustable iris or adjustable aperture may not be used in the front or rear sight.

h) Metal front sight bases may be substituted for plastic Daisy XSV40/AA T200 front sight bases, provided they have the same dimensions as the original sight base.

4.3 SPORTER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

4.3.1 Clothing

a) A maximum of two loose fitting shirts or sweatshirts may be worn. A light, loose-fitting T-shirt or undershirt may be worn under the two shirts or sweatshirts. Hooded sweatshirts may be worn, but the hood must be down when the athlete is on the firing line. A sweatshirt with a zipper or button closure may be worn. Jean jackets made of denim or similar material are prohibited. Undergarments or clothing sold or known as “compression clothing” or “compression apparel” may not be worn.

b) One pair of ordinary, sport or casual trousers or jeans is allowed. Trousers must not fit so tightly as to provide additional support. If a skirt is worn, it must fall loosely over the legs so that it does not support the legs or restrict their movement in the standing or kneeling positions. If shorts are worn, the bottom of the legs must be no more than 15.0 cm (6.0 in.) above the center of the kneecap, as measured while standing normally.

c) Shooting jackets and special shooting pants are not permitted. Special shooting sweaters, shirts, or jackets with additional or special pads are not permitted.

d) Shirts or sweatshirts may not be twisted, rolled, or otherwise configured to provide additional layers of clothing thickness or to provide additional support for a position.

Note: This prohibits the rolling or shaping of clothing to provide additional layers of support for the support arm in standing. Shirts or sweatshirts may not be tucked into the trousers (does not apply to the T-shirt or undershirt). Pockets or double layers of material are not permitted on shirts, sweatshirts, or trousers in any of the normal rifle or position contact areas (shoulder, sling location, under the standing support arm or knee).

e) A normal waist belt that is not more than 40 mm wide and 3.0 mm thick may be worn with the trousers. The belt buckle or fastener or a doubled extension of the belt must not be used to support the left arm (right-handed athlete) or elbow in the standing position.

f) A hook, safety pin or button attached to the sling arm or shoulder is allowed to prevent the sling from slipping.

4.3.2 Shoes

Normal low-cut, street-type or athletic shoes, including toe shoes, must be worn in all positions. Shoes may not extend above the mid-point of the ankle and must have a flexible sole. Only one pair of shoes may be used, and they must be a matched pair. Athletes may not wear sandals or socks or shoot without footwear (i.e., bare footed). All types of high-top boots, including military issue or “combat” boots, commercial shooting boots or special low-cut commercial shooting shoes are prohibited.

4.3.3 Sling and Sling Swivel

A shooting sling is permitted in Sporter air rifle events in the prone and kneeling positions, provided it is no more than 32.0 mm (1.26 in.) in width. The sling must be a simple web, leather, or synthetic strap, with no padding or special (asymmetrical) shaping. The arm loop may have a thin non-slip lining. Top Grip™ or a similar material may be stitched to the inside of the arm loop, but the lining may not be so thick as to provide padding. The sling may have a means of adjusting its length and a means of tightening the sling around the upper arm.

Sling closure may be accomplished with a buckle, Velcro™ or other similar means. The sling must be worn only around the upper left arm (right-handed athlete) and from there be connected to the fore-end of the rifle stock. The sling must pass along one side of the hand or wrist only. No part of the rifle may touch the sling except at the sling swivel/hand stop.

The sling swivel may be adjusted between positions, but it may not be adjusted so that it contacts the hand or glove in the standing position.

4.3.4 Glove

One ordinary glove or shooting glove may be worn on the left hand only (right-handed athlete). There is no thickness limitation for Sporter Class gloves. The glove may not have an adjustable closure or means of tightening the glove around the wrist. The glove may not be so stiff or tight that it artificially supports or binds the wrist so that it cannot bend.

4.3.5 Corrective Lenses and Eyeglasses

Corrective lenses may be worn by…