5 Stands within cages set side by side in a straight line numbered one to five starting from the left when viewed from behind the stands
Each cage will measure 1200mm X 1200mm plus or minus 200mm.
Cages will be set at 3m centres.
Entry to all cages will be from the rear only with a restraining bar at the front at a maximum height of 60cm.
A maximum of 5 traps (minimum 4) starting from the left when viewed from behind the stands to be used placed anywhere the organiser decides with each trap position indicated by a letter in front of the trap visible from all stands.
Boards in front of each stand measuring 300mm X 300mm will list the targets in order that they are to be shot.
Note: If any traps are placed near the shooters or spectators or will deliver a target in the same area, consideration must be given to ensure safety is paramount to all concerned.
Format:
Competitors will be squadded, maximum of 5 per squad.
A round will comprise of twenty-five targets. Competitions may be made up of multiples of twenty-five.
Order of Shooting:
Singles
-The competitor in number one cage will call for and see one individual target from each trap on request, no further viewing of targets is permitted.
Number one competitor will then shoot at the designated single target for that stand having full use of the gun.
Competitors two through five will follow the same order in turn.
Doubles
The competitor in number one cage will call for and shoot at the first double (simultaneous or report) for that stand.
Competitors two through five will follow the same order in turn.
The competitor in number one cage will call for and shoot at the second double (simultaneous or report) for that stand.
Competitors two through five will follow the same order in turn.
Once all singles and doubles have been shot in sequence by all competitors from that stand competitors one through four move one stand to the right and number five moves to stand one. Guns must be open and empty when moving between stands for all competitors.
With all shooters in position the sequence begins again with the original number one competitor now shooting from stand two calling for his targets. After each move the original number one shooter begins the sequence of targets.
1. Targets - FITASC targets (mini, midi, battue, rocket, ZZ and rabbit targets) may be used as well as standard or 'flash' ISU targets. The FITASC targets shall not exceed 30% of the total number of targets in the competition. Targets may be of any colour.
2. Targets Thrown - Targets may be thrown as singles, report pairs or simultaneous pairs.
Targets will be thrown by non-verbal and non-visible instruction by the referee after the shooter has pronounced the word 'ready' or 'pull'.
3. Guns - All shotguns including semi-automatics are allowed providing their calibre does not exceed 12 gauge. No handicap will be given to shooters using guns of less than 12 gauge.
Shotguns must not be loaded with more than two cartridges. Straps on guns are forbidden except for handicapped persons who have been given express permission by the organisers.
In the case of a shooter not complying with these regulations all targets on that particular stand or stands shall be counted as lost.
It is forbidden to use another person's gun without his permission.
4. Cartridges - The load of cartridges shall not exceed 28 grams of shot. The shot shall be spherical shot of normal production lead, diameter no larger than 2mm, (English sizes 6) plated shot may be used. Home leads may not be used. The referee may at any time take an unfired cartridge out of a shooter's gun for examination. If the cartridge is found not to comply with the regulations, all targets on that particular stand will be counted as lost.
5. A Report Pair - Is a pair where the second target is launched at the sound of the gun firing at the first target.
6. A Simultaneous Pair - Is a pair where both targets are launched simultaneously from either one or two traps.
7. Trajectories - At each stand, the trajectories shall be the same for each shooter in height, distance and speed. It must be possible for all the targets to be hit within the effective range of a 12-bore shotgun. Before a shoot, organisers will establish a scheme for the trajectories of targets: these trajectories, established and calculated in calm weather, may be altered by wind, but if so altered, will remain regular targets.
8. Target Killed - The target is killed when it has been launched and the shooter has shot it according to the rules, and at least one visible bit of it has broken off, or it has been totally or partially pulverised.
9. Target Missed
a) When it has not been hit.
b) If only dusted or deflected.
c) If the shooter is unable to fire because he has left the safety catch on, has forgotten to load or cock, if the gun has been insufficiently broken or closed or if the shooter has forgotten to take the necessary measures to load the chamber or for any other reason attributable to the shooter.
d) If it is the third or more malfunction of the gun, or ammunition occurring at the same stand.
e) If the shooter is unable to fire his second shot, having not put in a second cartridge, or if he has not cancelled the locking device of the loading chamber of an automatic weapon, or if the safety catch engages due to recoil of the first shot, or if the second cartridge is ejected by the recoil or opened and emptied by the recoil for any other reason.
f) If the second shot cannot be fired because a shooter using a single trigger gun has not released the trigger sufficiently having fired his first shot.
g) If the shooter, in the case of a malfunction, opens the gun himself or touches the safety catch before the referee has examined the gun.
h) If the shot is not fired for another reason which does not give right to another target.
i) If the shooter (without legitimate reason) does not shoot at a regular target or pair.
j) If the shooter (without legitimate reason) does not shoot the second target of a regular pair, the result of the first is scored, and the second declared lost.
10. Shooting Position - The shooter will position himself within the area of the shooting stand. He is allowed to load his gun only on the stand, his gun always pointing down the range, and only when the referee has given the signal to start shooting. In no case may a shooter move to the stand before the preceding shooter has left the stand and it is his turn to shoot.
Shooting stands shall be clearly defined squares of 0.91m side.
11. Gun Position - Gun position in relation to the shoulder shall be optional when the shooter calls for the target, providing it complies with rule 11 (shooting position).
12. Viewing Point - Any shooter who has not had an opportunity to see targets on any stand, i.e: at the commencement of the competition each day, shall have the right to be shown it/them. He must watch these from a position specified by the shoot organiser or the referee.
13. Shooting and Sighting - Shooting and sighting practice with a gun is not allowed outside the shooting stand. A shooter can only fire on his turn, and only when a target has been launched. It is forbidden to aim at or shoot other shooter's targets; it is also forbidden to aim or fire on purpose at living animals/birds. Any such action shall lead to immediate disqualification without the return of entry fee.
14. Roll Call - On roll call, the shooter must be ready to fire immediately and must take with him sufficient ammunition and equipment for the stand. The referee shall warn the following shooter to be prepared to shoot.
15. Gun Malfunctions - The shooter shall be allowed two gun or ammunition malfunctions not attributable to him on each stand without being penalised. The third or later malfunction shall be counted as lost or pairs lost.
In the case of jamming of the gun which in the referee's opinion cannot be repaired on the spot without being the shooter's fault, the shooter will be allowed to fire with another gun if he can get one immediately. Otherwise he may shoot his remaining targets later but only with the referee's permission.
In the case of misfiring or malfunctioning, the shooter has to remain where he is, the gun pointed down the range, not opened, and without touching the safety catch before the referee has examined the gun.
Two cartridges can be used on each single target, but the shooter will only be allowed two cartridges for each pair.
In the case of a gun or ammunition malfunction on a single target, provided the shooter has been able to fire one shot, the result shall be scored.
In simultaneous pairs the shooter has the right to shoot either of the targets first. Should the shooter kill both targets together with either the first or second shot, then the result will be scored pair killed.
In any pair the shooter having missed his first target may fire his second cartridge at the same target, the result being scored on the first target, the second target being counted as lost.
16. No Target - The clay will be declared "No Target" and a new target will be launched, the shooter having fired or not if:
a) The target is broken at the start.
b) The target is launched from the wrong trap.
c) Two targets are launched simultaneously when a single should have been thrown.
d) The target is definitely of another colour than the targets used for the competition at that stand.
e) The first or second target of a pair is irregular.
f) Two targets are launched simultaneously during a report pair or a following pair.
g) The target is launched before the shooter has said 'ready'.
h) The target is launched after a delay of more than three seconds.
i) The target zigzags, or its initial speed is not sufficient, or if its trajectory is irregular.
j) The shooter misses his first target and this target collides with the second before the shooter has fired his second shot.
In the case of a "No Target" in simultaneous or following pairs the shooter will be asked to fire at a second pair to determine the scores of the two shots. This will also apply in the case of the malfunction of gun or ammunition not attributable to the shooter, provided that it is not the third time on that stand.
The referee may also order the launching of a new target when:
a) The shooter has been materially disturbed.
b) Another competitor fires at the same target.
c) The referee cannot decide for any reason if the target has been killed or lost.
The referee cannot in any case give a "No Target" if the shooter has missed for any reason other than those stated in the "No Target" rules.
The shooter must not turn round before he has opened his gun and removed the cartridges. In the case of a "No Target" the gun must be opened and the cartridges removed. It can only be closed when firing resumes.
17. Report Pairs
a) When a second target of a report pair is declared "no bird" the result of the shot at the first target will stand.
b) When re-shooting the pair, the shooter must take a reasonable attempt to hit the first target.
c) Referees must ensure that shooters adhere strictly to 18(b). If a violation of 18(b) takes place, the referee shall ask the shooter to repeat the pair (1st bird established). If the shooter violates 18(b) on three occasions then at the third occasion the second target will be declared "lost".
18. Referee's Duties - The referee's decision can be brought to the attention of the jury in writing. If the jury finds the protest valid it can give the referee direction for the future decisions or elect a new referee or finally over-rule the referee's decision, insofar as this DOES NOT CONCERN LOST OR KILLED TARGETS OR "NO TARGETS", WHERE THE REFEREE'S DECISION IS FINAL.
If the shooter or the team's captain does not agree with the referee about a shot, a complaint must be made immediately the incident occurs, by raising an arm and saying 'protest'. The referee must then stop the shooting and give his decision. In no case will it be permitted to pick up a target to see if it has been shot.
The referee under the control of the jury shall see to the application of the rules, keep onlookers silent and out of the way, and see that the shooters have a clear view from the shooting stand.
If a shooter or team's captain is of the opinion that the score announced is not correct, he must immediately make a complaint to the referee. The referee must then immediately check the result after which he shall make his decision known. If the complainant does not agree with this decision he shall present the jury with a short written notice of the incident.
A referee can, in exceptional circumstances, interrupt the shooting at any time. This interruption may only take place when a shooter has finished shooting and before another one commences.
The referee may be assisted by a marker, particularly in big championships. The principle function of the marker is to keep a record on a score sheet of the results of each shot as it is called by the referee.
The referee has to decide immediately if a new target is to be launched due to irregularity. He should say "No Target" before the shooter fires.
19. Jury - A jury consisting of no less than five persons shall be appointed and posted up before shooting starts at all Registered events for the purposes of supervising the running of the event, checking the target settings, carrying out the duties and responsibilities allocated to them as per this rule book, and to make all decisions directly relating to the fairness of the competition.
Whenever possible the appointed persons shall be highly experienced in the roles of juries and have deep knowledge of all technical aspects and rules of the discipline being shot. The jury must include a representative of the shoot organiser, a senior representative of the shooters, and if possible a qualified referee and/or the most experienced of the persons available.
A minimum quorum of three jury members will be required for all decisions.
Any protest to the jury shall be accompanied by a protest fee of £10, non-returnable should the protest be dismissed.
If the shooter uses guns or ammunition not corresponding to rules, all shots fires with these weapons or ammunition are considered "lost". If the jury finds that the violation has been done intentionally it can disqualify the shooter. If, however, the jury finds the shooter could not be aware of the violation and has not gained real advantage, it may be decided to accept the result under condition that the fault is corrected and acknowledged.
Other than in rules concerning disqualification, violation of the rules will normally incur a first warning from the referee or a member of the jury. In the case of further or more important offences, the jury may fine the shooter with a lost target or in more serious cases disqualify him from the competition.
If in squadded events a shooter does not present himself after being called three times within one minute, he will normally forfeit three targets from his final score for each occasion. The jury may give him the opportunity to shoot his remaining targets later, at a time specified by the referee.
If the jury notices a shooter deliberately delaying the competition or acting in a dishonest or dishonourable, or intemperate manner, it may give him a warning or fine him one target, or disqualify him from the competition.
20. Tie Breakers - In the event of a tie, whenever practicable and in accordance with the jury's instructions, a shoot-off will decide the High Gun and the winner of all article and/or trophy prizes. All cash-only prizes shall be awarded on an 'add and divide' basis unless there are any titles or trophies at stake in which case a shoot-off will determine all the prizes. The 'count back' system shall not be used at CPSA Registered events except in special circumstances in International disciplines.
a) Ties will be broken by shooting initially at 5 pairs from a stand(s) decided by the jury or organisers. Scoring will be out of 10.
b) If a tie still exists, a sudden death shoot-off on pairs will follow (scoring out of 2) until the tie is broken. All shooters must shoot at an equal number of pairs.
21. Conduct of Events - The minimum number of stands required to operate simultaneously at a registered shoot is as follows:
* At all National selection shoots a minimum of 12 stands will be used.
A maximum of 10 birds is permitted at any one stand.
All shooters are obliged to take good care of the score card handed to them at the time of entry and must return it to the organisers by the required time whether they have completed the course or not and regardless of their scores.
In addition to the shooters card, a master register of scores made by each shooter at each stand must be kept by the organisers for checking purposes and to obtain total scores should a card be mislaid.
In cases of discrepancies with the cards, the scores recorded in such master sheet will take precedence and will be used by the club for calculating the total score to be returned to the CPSA for classification purposes and/or for prize awarding purposes.
At all National selection shoots the use of waterproof score cards and master score sheets is now compulsory. Stocks of these items can be purchased by clubs from the CPSA.
