SOUTHWEST ENGLAND FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION
Field Target Class – March 2020 Onwards
1) AIRGUNS (Regional Rules & Guidance Notes)
Rule 1 Airguns
Rule 2 Sights
Rule 3 Ammunition
Rule 4 Classes
Rule 5 Entry Times
Rule 6 Range Officers & Chief Marshal
Rule 7 Targets
Rule 8 Course of Fire
Rule 9 Marshalling & Pairs
Rule 10 Scoring
Rule 11 Shooting
Rule 12 Timing
Rule 13 Penalties
Rule 14 Leaving the Firing Line
Rule 15 Range Conduct
Rule 16 Insurance & Rules
Rule 17 Intoxicating Substances
Appendix 1: BFTA Main Shoot Rules (7 Course of Fire)
Note: If the FT course includes firing points and / or targets that are also used by the HFT
course, and the shooter intends to shoot both FT and HFT, then the HFT course must be
shot first.
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 bi-pods (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.
SWEFTA FT Rules 1 of 9 Version 4 (01/03/2020)
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.
Any form of sighting system may be used.
The use of a laser attached to a telescopic sight is not permitted.
Any design of pellet that is completely made of lead or lead alloy may be used.
Pellets made from other materials excluding steel may be used provided that there is no
risk from rebounds, ricochets or fragments returning to the firing line. Due to the high risk
from rebounds and ricochets steel ammunition must not be used.
SWEFTA operates three classes in FT; the GRADED class, the PISTON class, and the
OPEN class.
Newcomers to FT competitions must be cleared by an official of their SWEFTA club before
they can take part in a competition.
4a) 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, if they do, they will remain in that grade until the end of the season.
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.
4b) 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.
4c) 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: prone, seated, kneeling and standing. No other
positions are permitted.
4d) SHOOTING MORE THAN ONE CLASS.
Shooters can enter more than one class at an event, but competitors who enter the graded
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2) SIGHTS
3) AMMUNITION
4) CLASSES
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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.
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.
Last entry into any competition will be accepted at 12.00 noon. Scorecards must be
submitted back to the organisers by 3.30pm to be considered valid for the day’s
competition. Any cards submitted after that time will be void.
Event organisers (clubs or region) are expected to and will provide Range Officers (ROs)
& a Chief Marshal (CM) to ensure safe and efficient running of the event. The ROs 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 ROs will
signal a cease-fire by a single blast on a whistle, horn or similar audible device. Any ROs
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.
ROs shall ensure that rules are observed and the CM shall have absolute discretion in
attending to any matter not specifically encompassed by these rules (or the guidance
notes).
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.
The minimum distance for any target (for safety reasons) shall be 10 yards (9.1 metres)
and the maximum target distance shall be 55 yards (50.3 metres). Enforced positional
shots shall not be set beyond a distance of 45yds.
Standard target apertures shall not be less than 1½ inches (38mm) nor exceed 1¾ inches
(45 mm) in diameter.
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5) ENTRY TIMES
6) RANGE OFFICERS & CHIEF MARSHAL
7) TARGETS
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The course may also contain targets with reduced diameter apertures, provided that the
number of such targets does not exceed the following totals and restrictions:
Target apertures between 1 inch (25.4mm) and less than 1½ inches (38mm) shall
be restricted to 20% of the total number of targets in a course (e.g. 8 in a 40 target
course) and shall not exceed the maximum range for freestyle targets of 35 yards
(32 metres). A maximum of 2 of these targets can be positioned between 30 and 35
yards with the remainder being set at distances less than 30 yards (27.4 metres).
1 of these targets can be used on a Standing shot providing it doesn’t exceed 20
yards (18.3 metres) and 1 can be used on a Kneeling shot providing it doesn’t
exceed 25 yards (22.9 metres).
b) Target apertures between ½ inch (12.7mm) and less than 1 inch (25.4mm) shall be
restricted to 10% of the total number of targets in a course (e.g. 4 in a 40 target
course) and shall not exceed a maximum range for freestyle targets of 25 yards
(22.9 metres). These target apertures must not be used for positional shots.
Enforced positional targets must be shot in pairs i.e. stand/stand or kneel/kneel and where
practicable not mixed with freestyle targets in the same lane.
Positional lanes will have a maximum total length as follows:
a) A Standing lane has a maximum combined length of 60 yards (54.8 metres).
b) A Kneeling lane has a maximum combined length of 70 yards (64.0 metres).
Note: Course designers should bear in mind prevalent conditions when using small
aperture targets. The maximum number 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.
Kneeling and standing lanes are to comply with Article 7 of the BFTA Main Shoot Rules.
(See Appendix 1).
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 14
(Leaving the firing line).
All shots must be taken from within a designated firing area.
The muzzle of the rifle must be over the firing line and the shooters trigger finger must be
behind it.
All targets shall be clearly numbered in sequential order and must be shot in numerical
order.
In the case of lanes comprising mixed freestyle and positional targets the shooter may
elect to take the positional targets last, but must inform their marker beforehand.
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a)
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8) COURSE OF FIRE
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:
a. Rectification of faulty targets.
b. Unsighted shots with the knowledge of partner, RO or CM.
c. In a shoot off situation.
d. 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.
e. Regardless of any circumstances such as forgetting to load a pellet, not shutting the
loading bolt or if the trigger is pulled before aiming at the target, if the gun goes off
(air released) the shot is considered as having been taken and will be scored
accordingly. If this does happen, the competitor should make sure the pellet has left
the gun by dry firing safely into the ground over the Firing Line with the consent of
their shooting partner.
The use of any electronic device, including phones, tablets, laptops or other similar device
to run ballistic, windage, elevation, range finding or other related applications or
programmes is not permitted.
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. Except for the following:
a. A first time competitor may shoot with a member of their own club. However, both
score cards must be marked “New Shooter”.
b. A junior is partnered by 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) see Rule 2.1.1 of the Shooting and
Grading Rules.
Exceptions to the above must be cleared by the CM.
The same pairs must not shoot together more than twice in a season. If pairs choose to
shoot together more than twice both will be awarded a score of 0 for that competition and
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9) MARSHALLING & PAIRS
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each repeat occurrence during that season.
Only a member of the shooting group is permitted to record scores on a scorecard. Under
no circumstance is a shooter allowed to score his/her own scorecard. If an error is entered
on any scorecard the shooting partner who made the mistake must seek a marshal or a
third party from another group who will amend this error for you and sign the card.
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.
Scoring shall be on the basis of:
a. 1 point for a hit where the faceplate falls and requires resetting.
b. 0 points for a miss where the target does not fall.
Hits shall be marked on the scorecard 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 RO or CM 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, the use of designated eliminator targets shall decide the final
placings.
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 no longer possible for a competitor’s rifle
to be discharged due to mechanical breakdown. Shooters not handing in their cards will
receive no score.
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 will receive no score.
Upon completion of the course one of your shooting partners should sign your scorecard,
this is to signify that they have checked the card & agree with its scoring, the shooter
should always check that their own scorecard is correctly filled in & signed before handing
it in as they are the one who will be penalised for any irregularities.
If a competitor hands in a scorecard that is incomplete, unreadable or has any alterations
not counter signed by a marshal or a third party from another group their score will be
amended or the competitor disqualified.
SWEFTA organisers reserve the right to amend and adjust any shooters scorecard at any
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10) SCORING
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time during the series if infringements of the rules or evidence of cheating is subsequently
discovered during or after the scheduled events.
The use of a seat (bean bag) is allowed; the maximum height for any form of seating is 6
inches (150 mm), including any backrest. The seat may be used as an aid to sitting or
kneeling shots. Bean bags cannot be used to gain extra support for shooter or rifle.
Variations on this rule may be applied to at the discretion of the event organiser in
recognition of a competitor’s disability, providing that no unfair advantage is gained.
Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter
or other competitors.
Lasers or electronic range finding devices are not allowed to be used.
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:
a. 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 competitors back
must not rest against any support that is not part of the competitors’ seat (bean bag,
sit mat).
b. shall not use a bag in the prone position for resting rifle or the forearm.
c. shall make it known to the event organiser or CM 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.
d. adopting the same rules as the BFTA, the disabled positions for standing & kneeling
shots are no longer applicable; competitors should now shoot in the Open class.
e. adopting other marshals shall be made aware of any special arrangements with a
competitor.
There are no formal timing devices provided in SWEFTA competition as no one is routinely
timed, however, 3 minutes is deemed as a reasonable amount of time from addressing the
Firing Line for a lane with two targets. A further minute would be added for each additional
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11) SHOOTING
12) TIMING
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target in that lane.
If any competitor believes someone is delaying the shoot by repeatedly taking too much
time, they should in the first instance time them with a personal device. If they are found to
be taking more than 3 minutes, they should be politely reminded of rule 12. Alternatively,
or if no personal device is available or they persist, an RO or the CM may be approached
who may remind the competitor and time them in a subsequent lane if they believe it
appropriate.
Only during an officially timed lane by an RO or the CM may any target not taken within
the time be recorded as a 0.
The penalty for unsafe practice or any form of cheating is disqualification, with the club or
regional association reserving the right to take further action.
The competitors may leave the firing line under the following conditions:
a. Voluntary abandonment of the shoot, in which case their score to that point will be
presented as a valid result.
b. To affect 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). The CM or
RO 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 CM or RO.
c. Any other occurrence, which is deemed valid by the CM or RO (e.g. extreme
weather conditions that may cause a safety hazard).
Competitors must be aware of muzzle sweep. The muzzle/barrel must be kept pointing
down to the ground at all times; this includes moving in and out of the Firing Line. Guns
will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged on a recognised Firing Line.
Guns will always be kept unloaded and un-cocked when not in use.
In the event of a ‘cease-fire’ order; guns will be discharged into the ground a minimum of
10 yards forward of the Firing Line, the muzzles dropped and actions left in the open
position.
Targets must not be sighted during a cease-fire.
The host club shall display a current and valid Certificate of Insurance and also a current
copy of the regional rules.
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12a) DELAYING THE SHOOT
13) PENALTIES
14) LEAVING THE FIRING LINE
15) RANGE CONDUCT
16) INSURANCE & RULES
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17) INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES
The possession and/or consumption of any intoxicating substance (alcohol or illegal drugs)
on the Firing Line is strictly prohibited. If the organiser, RO or CM discover that any
competitor is believed to have consumed and/or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal
drugs, will be asked to leave the Firing Line/club premises.
The club and/or region reserve the right to pursue further action following any such
misconduct.
Appendix 1:
BFTA Main Shoot Rules
Rule 7. COURSE OF FIRE
All positional lanes must be situated on as flat an area as possible. i.e. the shooting area
between the lane pegs must be as flat as is reasonably possible on the course.
All targets should be clearly visible down to a height of 21cm measured at the centre of the
gate on firing line.
The total number of targets designated as standing and/or kneeling must not exceed 20%
of the total of targets on that particular 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.