SOUTH WEST ENGLAND FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION
Field Target Class – 2015 season
(Regional Rules & Guidance Notes)
(accepted at 2014 AGM 31/10/14 for immediate adoption)
1) CLASSES
SWEFTA operates three classes in FT, the GRADED class, the PISTON class, and the OPEN class.
1a) GRADED CLASS.
The graded class is divided into four grades, AA, A, B and C. Existing shooters are placed in a grade at the start of the season, by the scores and grading secretary. Grading rules are detailed in a separate grading document. Shooters may elect to shoot in a higher grade. Newcomers to SWEFTA will be placed in C grade. After they have completed three league shoots their grade will be re-assessed by the scores and grading sec and the Comp Sec, and a new grade confirmed for the remainder of the season. If the person moves from C grade to another grade at this time, their scores to date will move with them. Scores from the graded class will be eligible for the club championship table. In the graded class, all standing and kneeling targets must be taken in the specified position.
1b) PISTON CLASS.
This class includes all piston operated air rifles, including sliding action, and contra piston systems. There are no grades in the piston class. Scores from the piston class will be eligible for the club championship table. In the piston class, all standing and kneeling targets must be taken in the specified position.
1c) OPEN CLASS
This class includes all air rifles, PCP and piston based. There are no grades in the open class. Scores from the open class will be eligible for the club championship table. In the open class, there are no compulsory standing or kneeling targets and all targets can be taken in any of the defined legal positions, viz., prone, seated, kneeling and standing. No other positions are permitted.
1d) SHOOTING MORE THAN ONE CLASS.
Shooters can enter more than one class at one event, but competitors who enter the graded and piston classes can have their score allowed for grading and team positions for one class only; this must be nominated when booking in, and shot first. Competitors who enter the open class and another class must shoot the open class second. Only their first score will be valid for grading and team positions. The second round score counts for the day only.
2) ENTRY TIMES
No league shoots shall commence before 09.00am. It is intended that shoots will run on a shotgun start basis, with pairs commencing at each lane simultaneously. Late arrivals will be fed in as circumstances permit. Priority will be given to those pairs already on the course.
Shooters who do not have a pre-arranged partner for the event should be willing for the Competition Secretary or the stats office on the day to allocate a partner.
Last entry into any competition will be accepted at 12.00 noon. Scorecards must be submitted back to the organisers by 3.00pm to be considered valid for the day’s competition. Any cards submitted after that time will be void.
3) INSURANCE AND RULES
Event organisers shall display a current and valid Certificate of Insurance and also a current copy of the regional rules.
4) RANGE OFFICERS & CHIEF MARSHALL
Event organisers (clubs or region) are expected to and will provide range officers (R.O.’s) & a CHIEF MARSHALL to ensure safe and efficient running of the event. The R.O’s should be clearly identifiable by the use of armbands or high-visibility vests.
In the event of target related problems or any other down range problem the R.O. will signal a cease-fire by a single blast on a whistle, horn or similar audible device. An R.O. may request assistance from any person on the firing line to ensure rapid clearance of any problem encountered. When the problem has been rectified, the firing line will be reactivated by a double blast of a whistle or other audible device.
R.O.’s shall ensure that rules are observed and shall have absolute discretion in attending to any matter not specifically encompassed by these rules (or the guidance notes).
5) MARSHALLING
The normal marshalling system shall be the “buddy” type where partners score each other. Normally this will be based on pairs, however should circumstances dictate, groups of three can be allowed.
Competitors are expected to find different partners from match to match. Partners shall be from different clubs. An exception will be allowed where a junior is partnered with a parent or guardian to fulfil the legal requirement of supervision by an appropriate person of over 21 years of age. Supervision of shooters who are under 18 years of age will be in accordance with current legal requirements (a shooting partner in competition does not necessarily constitute supervision of a shooter under 14 years of age).
Exceptions to the above must be cleared by the range officer.
6) 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).
All shots must be taken from within a designated firing area.
All targets shall be clearly numbered and must be shot in numerical order.
In the case of lanes comprising mixed freestyle and positionals the shooter may elect to take the positionals last but must inform his marker beforehand.
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 on 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.
Shots taken at any one lane should not exceed the total number of targets in that lane with the following exceptions:
Rule 14. Paragraph 2 (rectification of faulty targets). Un-sighted shots with the knowledge of partner or R.O’s. In a shoot-off situation.
7) AIRGUNS
Competitors may use any air rifle that abides by the relevant categories as defined within the current legislation. It is the responsibility of the individual person in possession at the time to ensure that their rifle complies with all statutory limits.
There will be no limitation on the design of the rifle. The rifle may be fitted with a fully adjustable stock or incorporate such home-made or other after-market modifications as deemed suitable by its owner. A single rifle sling, separate or otherwise, and/or a butt hook are permitted as a means of steadying the aim.
The use of bipods (or other devices that touch the ground) for supporting the rifle while taking a shot is not allowed. However they may be used for resting the rifle (with the muzzle facing in a safe direction) when not in use.
Where multi-shot magazine fed rifles are used, the magazine must be removed from the rifle between lanes. Rifles that are fitted with non-detachable magazines should only be loaded with sufficient pellets to complete a lane. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.
8) SIGHTS
Any form of sighting system may be used. The use of a laser attached to a telescopic sight to give a low cost range finding system is permitted.
The use of separate electronic laser range finders is not allowed. 9) AMMUNITION
Any design of pellet that is completely made of lead or lead alloy may be used. Pellets made from other materials may be used provided that there is no risk from rebounds, ricochets or fragments returning to the firing line. Due to the risk from rebounds steel ammunition must not be used.
10) TARGETS
Reactive targets shall be used. In this context the term reactive means that following a successful hit the target will give some visible indication, whereby a change in target profile, movement of the target or fall of the target occurs. The trip plate shall be of a contrasting colour to the faceplate (course builders should allow for shooters affected by colour blindness or other visual impairment). Target kill zones must be circular, clear and unobstructed.
The faceplate will be of a highly contrasting colour to the trip plate, preferably white or yellow. If the target is in a dark location the faceplate shall be light and the kill-zone dark.
Standard apertures shall not be less than 11⁄2 inches (38mm) nor exceed 13⁄4 inches (45 mm) in diameter. The minimum distance for any target (for safety reasons) shall be 10 yards (9.1 metres). The maximum target distance shall be 55 yards (50.3 metres).
The course may also contain targets with reduced diameter apertures, provided that the total number of such targets does not exceed 40% of the total number of targets in the course with the following limitations:
Apertures of not less than 1 inch (25.4mm) may be used on freestyle targets to a maximum distance of 45 yards (41.1 metres).
Apertures of not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) may be used on freestyle targets to a maximum distance of 25 yards (22.9 metres).
Apertures of 1 inch (25.4mm) may be used on positional targets to a maximum distance of 20 yards (18.3 metres).
No reduced apertures are permitted on any targets over 45 yards in distance.
Apertures smaller than 1⁄2 inch (12.7mm) are prohibited.
The number of 1⁄2 inch apertures shall be less than the number of 1inch apertures.
Note: Course designers should bear in mind prevalent conditions when using small aperture targets. A maximum of 40% of reduced targets, should allow effective use of most areas of land where the number of distant targets is restricted due to lack of space, while allowing good usage of close terrain without making courses too easy or placing too much emphasis on the need for high price range finding scopes.
11) SHOOTING
Definitions of shooting positions:
Freestyle: This can encompass the sitting and prone positions. No part of the rifle or any attachment may touch the ground or artificial / natural features for support. In the prone position the supporting arm forward of the elbow may not touch the ground or any object for support. Use of a sling is acceptable.
Kneeling: There shall be only 3 points of contact with the ground (2 feet and 1 knee). The fore-end of the rifle must be supported by the weak hand, and that wrist must be unsupported and take the weight directly. A legal seat may be used to support the rear foot or ankle, or to keep the knee clean provided that the foot has contact with the ground.
Standing: Any shot taken in a standing position without the aid of any support other than a sling if the competitor wishes to use one.
In all cases, competitors:
(i) shall not gain extra support by resting their feet against any post, tree or similar adjacent object or structure on or around the course. Equally, the competitor’s back must not rest against any support that is not part of the competitor’s seat (bean bag, sit mat)
(ii) shall not use a bag in the prone position for resting rifle or the forearm.
(iii) shall make it known to the event organiser (Chief Marshall) prior to shooting if they are unable, for whatever reason, to comply with a particular shooting position and obtain permission to use an alternative position provided no unfair advantage is gained.
(a) Adopting the same rules as the BFTA, the disabled positions for ‘standing’ & ‘kneeling’ shots are no longer applicable, and competitors should now shoot in the Open class.
(b) Other Marshals shall be made aware of any special arrangements with a competitor.
Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or other competitors.
The use of a seat is allowed; the maximum height for any form of seating is 4 inches (100 mm), including any backrest. The seat may be used as an aid to sitting or kneeling shots. Variations on this rule may be applied at the discretion of the event organiser in recognition of a competitor’s disability, providing that no unfair advantage is gained.
12) RANGE CONDUCT
In the event of a ‘cease fire’ order, guns will be discharged into the ground, the muzzles dropped and actions left in the open position. 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.
13) TIMING
In the event of a competitor delaying excessively, the R.O. 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.
If the total time in minutes exceeds the number of targets on a lane, the competitor will forfeit any successful hit obtained after the expiry of the allotted time.
14) LEAVING THE FIRING LINE
The competitors may leave the firing line under the following conditions:
1. Voluntary abandonment of the shoot, in which case his score to that point will be presented as a valid result.
2. 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, an exception to this being should a rifle take a fall or severe knock on the firing line (e.g. by failure of sling or similar).
3. Any other occurrence, which is deemed valid by the R.O.’s (e.g. extreme weather conditions that may cause a safety hazard).
Note: In item 2, the R.O. can allow a competitor to replace the faulty part or equipment, but no visit to the zeroing range is allowed, unless permission is given by the R.O.
15) 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 faceplate falls and requires resetting. If there is no visible reaction from the target a miss shall be scored. Hits shall be marked with an X and misses marked with a 0.
Any challenge to the above must be made prior to leaving the target. Any dispute not resolved at that time shall be referred to the R.O., whose decision shall be final.
Any target found to be defective shall be repaired / replaced and re-shot. However, if upon examination, the trip plate has moved to a point where it has to be reset, the target shall be scored as a hit.
In the event of tied scores a count back of designated eliminator targets shall decide the final placings. In the event that scores remain tied a shoot-off may be used to decide positions. Shoot off targets to be decided by the event organiser.
It is compulsory to hand in scorecards, regardless of whether the full course of fire has been completed or not. The only exceptions to this are if for medical reasons, the competitor is no longer able to continue; or if it is not longer possible for a competitor’s rifle to be discharged due to mechanical breakdown. Shooters not handing in their cards will be credited with 1 hit.
Cards when handed in must be marked in ink, not pencil. Any mistakes, such as marking the wrong target or the wrong card, shall be corrected in such a way that the original mistake is still clear to be seen, but leaving no doubt as to the correct marking. Alterations should be witnessed by a third party signing adjacent to the correction.
Defaced cards, or cards that prevent proper audit of corrections will be treated as not handed in and credited with 1 hit.
16) SCORES to BFTA
Scores shot for the season by individuals who hold a current BFTA registration card will be sent (by request only) to the BFTA grading secretary for national grading purposes as well as being used for their SWEFTA regional grading. Scores gained by those who are not BFTA card holders will be retained for SWEFTA regional grading purposes only.
Effectively this means:
1. The shooter has to inform the Scores Sec that they want their scores submitted for national grading.
2. The shooter accepts that ALL the league scores FOR THE YEAR will be submitted, shooters cannot ‘select’ shoots.
3. The shooter has to hold or have applied for, a current BFTA registration card. 17) PENALTIES
The penalty for un-safe practice or any form of cheating is disqualification, with the club or regional association reserving the right to take further action.
18) INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES
The possession and/or consumption of any intoxicating substance (alcohol or illegal drugs) on the firing line is strictly prohibited. A competitor will not be permitted to handle or use a gun if the organiser discovers that they have consumed alcohol or illegal drugs prior to shooting, and will be asked to leave the club premises. The club and/or region reserve the right to pursue further action following any such misconduct.