WORLD

BENCHREST SHOOTING

FEDERATION

OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

CONTENTS

SECTION A ADMINISTRATION

SECTION B RULES OF COMPETITION

SECTION C CONDUCT OF CHAMPIONSHIP

SECTION D APPROVED EVENTS

SECTION E TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

SECTION F RANGES AND FACILITIES

SECTION G MEDALS AND AWARDS

SECTION H ENTRY FEES

SECTION I RANGE SAFETY AND PROCEDURES

SECTION J COMPETITOR REQUIREMENTS

APPENDIX A RIFLE DIAGRAM AND SPECIFICATIONS

APPENDIX B TARGET

SECTION A Administration

A.1 Authority:

The World Benchrest Shooting Championships are conducted on the authority of the World Benchrest Shooting Federation and approved by the Delegates Committee.

A.2 Recognition of Member Countries:

There is no restriction on the number of countries that may join the World Benchrest Shooting Federation, subject to them meeting the admission criteria established within these rules, fulfilling financial obligations and meeting the appropriate standards of behaviour and sportsmanship.

A country may be expelled and membership cancelled by the delegates attending a meeting duly called and constituted by these rules. Such expulsion will be by a 2/3^rd majority ballot of those country delegates present.

A.3 Recognised Body:

It is for each member country, to establish the body within its jurisdiction that will be recognised for participation at any championship conducted under the auspices of the World Benchrest Shooting Federation.

A.4 Full Membership:

Each country accepted for membership is entitled to appoint a representative to care for their interests and attend any meetings of the WBSF Delegates Committee.

A.5 Multiple Representation:

Where more than one organisation pursues the interests of Benchrest Shooting within a particular country, it is for that country to determine representation. However the Delegates Committee will only recognise one such body in any one country.

A.6 International Affiliation:

It is expected that any country / association recognition, should be capable of/or recognised by the controlling body of sports shooting in that country, to ensure full international status can be conveyed on the countries representatives.

A.7 Delegates Committee Meetings:

As a minimum, there will be a Delegates Committee Meeting held at each World Championship. The Delegates Committee will be conducted by an elected President and appointed Secretary. Representation will be by a delegate from each approved country who may be accompanied by an official observer. Each delegate present at the meeting will hold one vote. The President may hold his countries vote or a casting vote, but not both.

A.8 Membership Fees:

Member countries will be responsible for the payment of any membership fees or levies determined from time to time by the Delegates Meeting. Failure to meet deadlines set for the payment of such fees will result in the non-acceptance of shooters from that country in any events conducted by the World Benchrest Shooting Federation.

A.9 Conduct of Events:

A World Championship shall be conducted every two years. All events at such Championships will be conducted in accordance with these Rules.

Where the HV300yd/m event cannot be conducted due to range or other limitations, the host country can offer an alternative event. (see A.11)

Should the host country traditionally conduct events in metric distances, same will be allowed, however all events for that Championship will be conducted in the metric distances

A.10 Changes to Rules to be used at World Championship:

Should changes be required to the rules, these should be advised to the Delegates Committee at least one year prior to competition, and confirmation of such changes approved by postal ballot. Should no such changes be advised, then the competition will proceed on the basis of the published information. A temporary change for a specific Championship can be approved by the President and/or Secretary in consultation with the Organising Committee, subject to all competing countries approving in writing that such change has their agreement.

A.11 New Competition Events:

These Rules contains all events that are currently approved by the Delegates Committee for competition. Should a member wish to provide an alternative competition or include an additional event on the programme, such detail must be submitted to the Delegates Committee meeting two years prior to competition. Such application must be accompanied by the Rules of Competition under which the event will be conducted and confirmation that all administrative matters (medals, teams etc) as provided in these Rules will prevail.

A.12 Competitor Accreditation:

Only competitors nominated by their affiliated country/association who have met their financial obligations and who hold that countries citizenship or residency qualification will be accepted.

A.13 Territory or Protectorate:

The recognised National Shooting Association of such territories or protectorates may seek direct membership of WBSF. For entry to be accepted into a championship, all competitors must have been resident in that territory or protectorate for a minimum of two years.

A.14 Minimum Number of Individual Competitors:

For a World Championship to be conducted there must be thirty competitors representing a minimum of five countries.

The minimum number of competitors from each country shall be one competitor.

A.15 Maximum Number of Individual Competitors:

Each participating country may enter a maximum number of eight competitors

in each event of the championship.

A.16 Extension of entry numbers:

The numbers of competitors from each country may be extended to twelve if sufficient range space is available. In determining which countries are granted such extension, the Team Grand Aggregate from the immediate past World Championship will determine the order of acceptance.

(For clarity, the winning country would be offered the first opportunity. Offers will first be made to countries that are able to enter a full team.)

A.17 Team Competition - Minimum Number of Teams:

One team from each of four participating countries.

A.18 Size of Teams:

Each country is entitled to enter two teams of four shooters in each event which may be extended per A.16.

A.19 Reserves:

It is recognised that countries may wish to have reserves available in the event of difficulties within a group. Subject to range space being available, one official reserve per country may be permitted to participate during the championship. Such reserves however will be unable to have their performance included within the official results, establish records, or receive any official awards or medals. Should the Organising Committee wish to provide some form of unofficial recognition, same will be at their discretion. Full entry fees are payable by all reserves.

A.20 Use of Reserves:

Up until such time as a competitor fires the first shot in an event, they may be replaced by a reserve. Following such first shot in a warm-up match or competition, replacement is not permitted.

A.21 Teams Competition participants:

For a Team score to be recorded, all team members must complete both the Light Class and Heavy Class competition (i.e. 2 Gun)

A.22 World Championship Records:

World Championship records can be established and are recorded in the WBSF Championship Manual. Small group records can be established in warm-up matches.

A.22.a Un-confirmed Records:

The results as published at each championship can be used to indicate that an unconfirmed new World Championship Record has been established.

A.22.b Confirmed Record:

The Delegates Committee shall appoint a Technical Group for the final measuring of proposed new records. Such group are able to meet in person or by correspondence.

All targets that constitute the record shall be made available to the Technical Group by the Team Leader via the WBSF Secretary, accompanied by appropriate application form.

The Group shall personally inspect and independently re-measure each target, providing to the Secretary the results of their efforts.

The Secretary shall co-ordinate all results, and determines the average of each individual's re-measure. It will be for the Secretary to announce any new records so obtained. There shall be no appeal available to the results of Technical Group or the Secretary in this matter.

SECTION B Rules of Competition

B.1 DEFINITIONS

B.2 Championship:

The Championship shall be defined as the conduct of the total tournament.

B.3 Event:

The Event will be those events separately listed in Section D.

B.4. Aggregate:

An Aggregate will be the averaged score of a distance or combined distances.

B.5 Match:

A Match will be single event (one target) in a Championship.

B.6 Rifle Specifications

B.6.1 Light Class:

Any centre fire rifle with a safe manually and mechanically operated firing mechanism, weighing not more than 10.5 lbs / 4.7638 kg’s inclusive of sights with a stock having a flat or convex forearm, with a total stock width of not more than three (3) inches / 76.2mm and a barrel not less than eighteen (18) inches / 457mm long. All other specifications are to be in accordance with Class Rifle Diagram; see Appendix A.

Manually and Mechanically actuated firing mechanism includes an electric trigger with an arming feature that is manually operated. All components must be within the rifle.

Note: The use of pressure fluid or remote actuation is not permitted.

B.6.2 Heavy Class:

Any Centrefire rifle not more than thirteen and half (13.5) pounds / 6.1236kg’s in weight inclusive of sights and otherwise meeting the requirements of the Light Class rifle.

B.7 Rests:

A front rest shall only support the front portion of the rifle. The rear rest shall only support the rear portion of the rifle. Neither rest may be attached to the bench, the rifle or each other. Both parts shall be moveable independently of each other.

B. 7.1 Front Rest:

The front rest must incorporate a pliable bag containing sand. The front portion of the rifle shall contact no portion of the rest (other than a stop at the front of the rest that can be used to locate the distance that the rifle is moved towards the target) other than the bag containing the sand. The bottom of the fore end of the stock must form a 100% contact with the top of the sand bag. The rest can incorporate vertical and horizontal adjustments.

B.7.2 Rear Rest:

To be a bag or series of bags containing sand. The rear bag can incorporate a vertical spacer as long as it does not contain horizontal or vertical adjustments. The vertical spacer shall not contain any protrusions which can be inserted into the bench top or the sand bag. The rear bag/s shall not be contained in any way.

B.8 Sand Bag:

The front and rear sand bag will be a bag without additions, containing sand only and at least ½ inch / 12.7mm thick over its entire surface. A bag must be able to be indented at least ¼ inch / 6.4mm with finger pressure at any point other than the base.

B.9 Restraint of Rifles:

Rifles shall be fired from rests which may be supported on a pedestal, which shall not co-act with the sandbag to restrain recoil or form a guiding means; and a rear rest, comprising a sandbag supporting the rifle between the rear of the pistol grip and the toe of the butt stock. The rifle must be able to be lifted freely from the sandbag in a vertical direction with all attachments in place. Tape on the sandbag is legal.

B.10 Guiding means:

Any device, addition, contour or dimension on a rifle, designed to co-act with any equipment to guide its return to the firing position, without the necessity to re-aim the rifle optically for each shot shall be deemed illegal.

B.11 Firing Line:

The firing line shall preferably be coincident with the forward edge of the bench. If not, the line must be clearly marked on the bench.

B.12 Bench:

A bench shall be a rigidly constructed table approximately 32 inches / 812mm in height at which a shooter may sit. The shooter should be able to adjust personal height by the provision of a seat or stool which is adjustable. Benches should be constructed to allow firing by either right or left handed competitors.

B.13 Position on the bench:

The rifle shall be so placed that the muzzle extends forward of the bench and the entire receiver of the rifle is behind the firing line.

B.14 Unused Benches:

No competitor or Team Official shall occupy any bench in any match in which they personally are not competing.

SECTION C Conduct of Championships

C.1 Targets:

Targets to be used in the Championship, shall be the Official WBSF targets as defined in these rules (WBSF 100, WBSF 200 WBSF 300) or other targets as approved by WBSF. Should a local print be used, this will require prior approval from the Officials of the Federation

C.2 Official Set of Targets:

One set of targets per match shall be provided per competitor, these to be clearly marked with a “Competitor Number” that is clearly visible at all ranges.

C.3 Lost Targets:

If a target is lost (the fault of the range) and the shooter has four other completed targets at that range, the score for the lost target will be the average of the best and worst of those remaining four targets.

C.4 Everyman Targets:

It is required that “everyman” targets be established for all ranges. It is preferred these be attached above the target frames to avoid impinging on competitor wind flags. At least one target should be established for each five competition targets and evenly spread across the range.

C.5 Posting of Targets:

All completed targets are to be posted in a common area (Wailing Wall) and displayed for all competitors to view. No competitor shall remove from the display area, any targets until the aggregate for that course of fire has been completed, and the protest time for that aggregate has expired.

Should a Team or individual wish to lodge a protest in regard to target marking etc, refer Section E.15 Re-measurement of group.

Should an issue arise in regard to Aggregates, the Protest Committee may require the targets to be produced. However it should be noted that re-marking of targets cannot be undertaken after expiration of the protest time of the Two-gun aggregate.

C.6 Removal of Targets:

Early removal of targets by a competitor prior to the expiry of the notified protest time for each aggregate automatically negates all protest rights. The Organising Committee shall provide adequate storage for targets during a championship for those competitors who do not wish to remove their targets until completion of the Championship.

C.7 Target Marking facilities:

` The availability of a separate target marking facility is necessary, with restricted access to competitors and the public. All target marking should be conducted by two delegated Technical Officials, one to undertake primary scoring using approved equipment, the other to act as check scorer and recorder. Target measurement to be displayed on the face of the target.

C.8 Measurement of groups:

Groups shot at imperial distances will be measured using the imperial system to the nearest 0.001 inch.

Groups shot at metric distances will be measured using the metric system to the nearest 0.01mm.

C.8a Conversion to Minute of Arc (MOA)

Measurements that require conversion to Minute of Arc, shall be calculated to three decimal places as follows:

100 yard measurements will be divided by 1.047198.

200 yard measurements will be divided by 2.094395

100 metre measurements will be divided by 29.08882

200 metre measurements will be divided by 59.17764

C.8b Posting of scores results (Group size)

Individual Groups scored using Imperial measurement will be displayed as Imperial measurement (to 0.001)

Individual Groups scored using Metric measurement will be displayed as Metric measurement (to 0.01).

C.8c Posting of score results (Aggregates).

Aggregates of scores measured in Imperial will be displayed in both Imperial ( to 0.0001) and MOA (to 0.0001 ).

Aggregates of scores measured in Metric will be displayed in both Metric (to 0.01) and MOA (to 0.0001).

C.9 Tie Breaking

A tie is considered to have occurred if two or more competitors have the same measurement for an Individual or Aggregate score. Tie breaking procedures will only be applied to groups/aggregates for which Medal/awards presentations will be made, or for the establishment of new World Championship records.

C.9.a Individual Group Tie:

In the event of an individual group tie, scores will be converted to MOA to three decimal places. If the tie continues, the competitor with the highest placed aggregate score for that yardage will prevail.

C.9.b Aggregate Score Tie.

In the event of an Aggregate tie, the measurements in MOA will be used. If the scores are still equal, then each competitors smallest group for each distance aggregate applicable to the tie, will be averaged and the smallest result will prevail.

C.10 Moving Backers:

A moving backer strip or card is required for all matches conducted at the World Championships. Such systems must be suitable for all weather conditions to ensure fair competition. Should the system fail, the following procedures are to be implemented:

a) Targets and backer cards are not to be removed or disturbed.

b) Targets (including moving and stationary backers) on which all required shots cannot be counted must be inspected by the Championship Director or appointed official prior to removal with each target individually marked as to the visual outcome.

c) Targets and backer cards will then be delivered to Chief Scoring Officer for inspection under magnification. If correct number of shots can be identified, the matter proceeds as normal. If doubt still exists, the matter will be referred to the Protest Committee for a judgement to be made on acceptability of targets for the purposes of inclusion in the championship.

d) Targets determined as indecisive but acceptable, will count for all matters related to the Championship, however will not be acceptable for inclusion in World Championship Records.

C.11 Stationary Backers:

Stationary Backer located behind the target frames, are required to be placed as follows;

100 yds/m events 3 feet/1m behind target frame

200 yds/m events 6 feet/2m behind target frame

300 yds /m event 9 feet/3m behind target frame

C.12 Standard Range commands – First Match General Instructions:

Prior to each relay of the first match of the day, general instructions shall be announced by the Range Officer. They should be the same or similar to the following, acknowledging local requirements:

“During the match, should an emergency arise which requires an immediate ceasefire, I shall command

“Emergency – cease fire – unlock your bolts”

This will permit all rifles to be in a safe condition without extracting the case from the chamber. This command will only be given in cases of such emergency that we cannot permit you to clear your rifle by firing.

If a condition should arise which requires temporary suspension of firing, I shall command

“Hold your fire – clear your rifle by firing or by removing your bolt”

Do not place any ammunition in the action until the command ‘Commence Firing”

C.13 Standard Range Commands – Each Match:

To ensure the championship is conducted without confusion, the following range commands are to be used.

Range

1) This is Relay………Match………..

2) Are all shooters ready

3) You have ………..minutes to complete this match.

4) Place bolts in your rifle

5) Commence Fire

6) Half Time

7) You have two minutes to complete your firing.

8) You have one minute to complete your firing

9) You have 30 seconds to complete your firing.

10) five seconds

11) “Sound of whistle” - Cease Fire

12) Remove bolts from rifles.

Interpretations

a) No live ammunition may be placed in the rifle until the Commence Fire command is given.

b) Timing commences at the beginning of the word “commence”.

c) Timing ceases at the end of the blowing of the whistle.

d) Any shots fired before the command “Commence Fire” or after the “Blowing of the whistle” for cease fire, will result in the shooter being disqualified from, and not taking part in the rest of the days shooting.

C.14 Emergency Commands:

In the event of an emergency, the Range Officer will issue a “cease fire” command per C.9. Such command must be obeyed immediately and no further shots fired. Prior to recommencement of firing, the Range Officer will assess the additional time allowed and advise the shooters accordingly, however this allowance cannot exceed the original time for the match.

C.15 Protest Committee:

It is the responsibility of the Organising Committee to arrange a Protest Committee to hear any grievances raised by competitors in regard to any matters associated with the conduct of the championship.

C.16 Composition of Protest Committee:

The Protest Committee shall consist of the Championship Director, and two Competitors (not from the host country) appointed at random from those entered. It is preferred that competitor appointees are changed daily for the period of the championship. Alternatively, the Organising Committee may appoint a Technical Committee of experienced individuals to act as the Protest Committee, who are not competitors and who have the ability to act independently of competing teams.

C.17 Lodging Protest: