SOUTH WEST ENGLAND FIELD TARGET ASSOCIATION
Hunter Class – 2016 season
(Regional Rules & Guidance Notes)
(Accepted at 2015 AGM (15-11-2015) for immediate adoption.)
If the FT course includes targets that are also used by the HFT course, and you intend to shoot both FT and HFT on the same day, then you must shoot the HFT course first.
1) CLASSES
SWEFTA operates three classes in HFT, the PCP class, the PISTON class and the OPEN class.
1a) PCP CLASS. The PCP class is divided into two grades, A and B. 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 B 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 B grade to A grade at this time, their scores to date will move with them. Scores from the PCP class will be eligible for the club championship table.The use of bipods, monopods or crossed sticks for supporting the rifle while taking a shot is strictly forbidden in this class.
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. For the purposes of the club championship only, scores achieved in the piston class will be augmented by one point for every ten targets on the course, or part thereof. The use of bipods, monopods or crossed sticks for supporting the rifle while taking a shot is strictly forbidden in this class.
1c) OPEN CLASS. This class allows the use of bipods, monopods and cross sticks as a means of support the rifle when taking a shot.
1d) SHOOTING MORE THAN ONE CLASS.
Shooters can enter more than one class at one event. Only one score can be used towards the club championship, and this will be the higher of the two scores.
2) ENTRY TIMES
From the start of the 2014 season until further notice, no league shoots will commence before 09.00am.
Shooters who do not have a pre-arranged partner for the event should be prepared for the Competition Secretary or 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 3.30pm to be considered valid for the day’s competition. Any cards submitted after that time will be classed as not handed in.
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. The use of any natural or artificial objects present within the firing area as a rifle rest is allowed.
Some part of the shooter’s body, must touch “the PEG.” This may be a separate white peg hammered into the ground, or a white mark on a string post, tree, etc.
Where the peg is also used as the string post, then it will be constructed in such a way to avoid causing damage to any rifle or sight should the shooter choose to support themselves or the rifle on the peg.
The peg designates the firing line, so the shooter’s trigger finger must not be forward of this line.
All targets shall be clearly numbered and 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 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:
1. Rule 14. Paragraph 2 (rectification of faulty targets).
2. Un-sighted shots with the knowledge of partner or R.O’s.
3. In a shoot-off situation.
7) AIRGUNS
Competitors may use any single shot or multi shot 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, monopods or crossed sticks for supporting the rifle while taking a shot is only allowed in OPEN CLASS. (Any such device is limited to having a maximum of two supporting legs.)
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 abide by this rule will result in disqualification.
8) SIGHTS
Any form of sighting system may be used, however telescopic sights are restricted to a maximum of 12x magnification. A zoom scope capable of more than 12x magnification shall be taped to restrict it to 12x.
The use of a laser attached to a telescopic sight is permitted. The use of separate electronic laser range finders is not allowed.
All parallax and magnification adjustments for each target must be made unsighted, ie, without looking through the scope and before raising the scope to the eye. Once the rifle is mounted, no changes may be made. (If the safety whistle blows after mounting and before the shot is taken, the scope cannot be altered in the period before the “All Clear!”)
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 should 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 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 trip plate dark.
Standard apertures shall not exceed 1¾ 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 30% of the total number of targets in the course with the following limitations:
No reduced apertures are permitted on any targets over 45 yards in distance.
Apertures smaller than ½ inch (12.7mm) are prohibited.
The number of ½ inch apertures shall be less than the number of 1 inch apertures.
11) SHOOTING
Definitions of shooting positions:
There are no defined shooting positions in HFT and all targets may be shot from any position, standing, kneeling, seated or prone.
Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or other competitors.
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:
Miss – 0
Hit on silhouette – 1 point
Target reacts (knock down and requires resetting, etc) 2 points.
If there is no audible or visible reaction from the target a miss shall be scored.
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 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 point.
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 point.
16) Not used.
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.