There is still ongoing dis- cussion about dropping the qualifi cation score. Selection matches will announce, both in the match program and in the specifi c selection proce- dure what format will be used during the match.
For the most part, the match directors and clubs can elect how to go forward with the new rule changes. The em- phasis will be on continuing to support the junior and club programs in the United States while getting the athletes ready to compete on the world stage. Some rules will have a natural progression to the new ones outlined by ISSF, others will remain open for the programs and clubs to use, old or new, based on the range and club capabilities.
Feel free to contact USA Shooting at any time with any additional questions you have about the rules or conduct of matches.
For complete 2013 rules information, scan this QR code
Notes on 2013 Competition Rules BY ROBERT MITCHELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rule changes for 2013 are
the most signifi cant in the his- tory of Olympic-style shooting. The changes are a frequent topic of conversation and controversy from the international to the club level.
The ISSF is a well-respected
sport by the International Olym- pic Committee (IOC). That repu- tation has been earned through good leadership and progressive actions. Veteran coaches and athletes may recall when “fi nals” where introduced in 1986. This dramatic change was not well received. However, over time fi nals have become an excit- ing aspect of our sport making shooting spectator and television friendly—a requirement of the IOC. The intent of the 2013 rule
changes is to advance our sport and also accommodate the de- sires of the Olympic Broadcast System (OBS). I forecast that many of the new rules will be- come increasingly accepted over time. The ISSF realizes the rule modifi cations are wide-ranging and is using 2013 as a test year. If there are better ways to con- duct our events and meet the desired objectives, changes will be made. The new rules impact each
discipline. Finals procedures are dramatically amended for all events except 25m rapid fi re pistol where fi nals and scoring changes were made in 2010. The ISSF’s primary focus is on inter- national championship competi- tion. The ISSF is aware that not all newly adopted rules function well for member federations at the national and club level. For instance, decimal scoring for men’s prone and air rifl e is only feasible with electronic targets. The new sequence for three-po- sition rifl e is only appropriate for advanced shooters. Additionally, there are safety
concerns with beginning and developing shooters using the block time format requiring the handling of rifl es and changing positions while others are shoot- ing. Rifl e clothing rules require modifi cations to equipment or the purchase of new gear which is not feasible for club and col- legiate programs. At the ISSF competition level these changes are effective for 2013. However, USA Shooting (USAS) rules allow considerable fl exibility for sanc- tioned USAS matches. Notes accompany USAS Rules where variances are permissible or even encouraged. Current USAS
Rules are posted on the website at the “Resources” tab followed by clicking “Rules.” While allowing rule fl exibility
for USAS sanctioned matches is in the best interest of promot- ing our sport, we are faced with the challenge of transitioning our advanced athletes and prepar- ing them for ISSF championship competition. To that end, the new rule provisions will be used at USAS selection matches and National Championships (ex- cluding the Rifl e/Pistol National Junior Olympic Shooting Cham- pionships). Also, variances will be permit-
ted for rifl e clothing. It will be the responsibility of team members to have their gear compliant with current ISSF clothing rules for international competition. At selection matches and national championships, the event staff will gladly assist athletes who are not experienced with the new match procedures and fi nals. It is our objective to help shooters learn and enjoy their shooting experience. The new rules and match pro-
cedures will be a learning experi- ence for all. Safety continues to be our top priority. We will work together to make our competi- tions interesting and enjoyable. Please feel free to call or email with your questions—we will be happy to respond (member- ship@usashooting.org). We look forward to receiving your sugges- tions and comments that will be combined with ours and passed to the ISSF at the conclusion of the competition season. Have a great shooting year