As you may or may not be aware, there has been a major change to the FITASC Sporting Rulebook with an effective date of January 1st 2008.
To assist both FITASC Sporting Competitors and Referees, I will attempt to draw a brief comparison of the replaced, amended and introduced rules for next season.
The first changes are of more interest to the course designers.
Chapter 2 (2,5.1) 'Trajectories', requires that the competitor must be able to discharge 2 shots at the presented single target. There is no real problem here; however, it also introduces degrees of difficulty that corresponds to the number of targets you would expect an 'average' competitor would or would not break. There is a table for assistance however, the important word in the text is 'Recommended'.
With regards to introducing degrees of difficulty at UK registered and GB Selection events, as Chairman for BICTSF FITASC Sporting I see this as a recommendation and will trust our course designers to use a common sense approach to this inclusion.
Targets may now be of any colour that stands out against the presentation background. Previously they will have been Black or Orange.
Also new to this chapter is the statement; 'Doubles must be shot at targets already launched as singles from that position'. In other words, you can no longer introduce a Rafale or Simultaneous pair unless you have shot at both of these targets at that shooting position.
Chapter 5 is new and covers the issue of referees. This chapter reminds the referees that they shall remain impartial to the competitors regardless of Nationality or Reputation. It also reminds the referees that the competitor can protest their (the referees) pronounced decision and not be influenced by other competitors or spectators.
Chapter 6 reminds the competitors/squad that they are not entitled to intervene or express their opinions on target rulings (made by the referee) What this inclusion is trying to eliminate is the relentless and obvious attempt from members of the squad to claim a target for their friend or, during Shoot Offs attempts from individual spectators to influence the referees decision on a difficult call.
Chapter 6 also introduces tables that make it easier for the referee and competitor alike to understand calls of 'No Bird'. It also informs us that the 'Gun/Cartridge Malfunction rule has changed. You are now allowed one (previously 2) Gun or Cartridge malfunction without penalty in a round of 25 targets.
On the second occurrence of a Gun/Cartridge malfunction you will start to loose targets, auto users may fall foul of this amendment.
I recommend you read the table provided in the rulebook to understand the variations on the 'No Bird' theme but I will highlight one important change for the benefit of the competitor and the referee.
When shooting doubles on report. If you miss with the first shot and then the referee calls "No Bird" on the second target i.e. a broken second target or Gun/Cart malfunction of the second shot. The referee will now call "No Bird first shot established repeat to establish the second shot".
Previously the referee would have established the first target lost. Now the competitor can chose to shoot at the first target again but must miss with their first shot if they choose to do so.
This now also allows the referee to score both targets should the competitor break both of the targets with the second shot.
In short it is the shot that is now established not the target.
In Chapter 7 of Weapons and Ammunition, the main inclusion is the exclusion of Pump Action Shotguns and the inclusion of a + 2% tolerance to the 28 gram load.
In Chapter 8 we have an extensive set of requirements with regards to competitors conduct, most of which has existed for some time. However, 8.1 is specific to attitude and abusive language. There are now stiff penalties against the competitor should they fall foul of this rule.
8.10 removes the option to remove eye protection in inclement weather.
It is now mandatory in all countries.
Chapter 9, Appeals.
9.1 lays the onus on the competitor to break his/her targets in places that are visible to the referee.
9.5 tabulates the ability of a competitor to appeal and how to appeal on a referee's decision, it also informs both parties how to address such an appeal.
More importantly in Chapter 10 Refusal to comply, once the referee announces their decision the competitor must call for their next target within 20 seconds (or leave the stand if it is their last target) or they will be subject to penalties listed in Chapter 13.
In brief penalties that may be awarded by the Jury include loss of 1 or 25 targets or exclusion from the competition.
I have attempted to stick to the most salient points of change. There are many more new inclusions. - C I recommend you read the new book and compare against the old one, only then will you become fully aware and comfortable when you start to compete or referee in 2008.
Good luck and good shooting/refereeing.
Hugh Smith
Chairman BICTSF FITASC Sporting
GB FITASC Sporting Technical Committee.
Nov 7 2007
© Alan Rhone Limited 2007