TRI COUNTY RIFLE TEAM  ASSOCIATION  (T.C.R.T.A.)

 

MATCH RULES

 

REVISED SEPTEMBER 2002

 

 

 

 

1.  These rules govern the conduct of all TCRTA scheduled rifle matches.  They modify or interpret NRA rules as deemed necessary and give other information required for the orderly operation of the league.  A copy of these rules will be furnished to all TCRTA officers. club range officers and secretaries.

 

2.  These rules may be altered, added to, or amended by a majority vote of affiliated club representatives at the Annual Fall Meeting, or at a special meeting called for that purpose.  The TCRTA secretary will give notice in writing containing the substance of the proposed alteration, addition or amendment to all club secretaries two weeks before the date of the meeting for their consideration.  In order to allow time for such notifications, all requests for alteration, addition  or amendment to these rules must be sent to the TCRTA secretary in writing, not less than four weeks in advance of the meeting date at which they are to be considered.

 

3.  The current edition of  the NRA smallbore rifle rule book will govern all matches, except as modified herein.  A copy of the current NRA smallbore rifle rule book should be in the possession of the league range officer and all club range officers.  The current NRA smallbore rifle rule book shall be the rule book in effect as of the league start date and will remain as the current NRA smallbore rifle rule book until the completion of the league.

 

4.  To be considered eligible to compete in any scheduled TCRTA rifle match, competitors must be qualified in all of the following:

 

a.  Must not, by their participation, be in violation of any Federal,  NY State or local laws.

 

b.  Must be 18 years of age, except junior NRA members, or persons 12 years or older providing they hold a certificate of Safe Firearms Instruction or it's equivalent.

 

                c.  Must be a bonefied paid up member, in good standing           within the club he or she represents.

 

d.  Must have paid the individual TCRTA competitor fee in accordance with rule  five of this document.

 

e.  Must be registered with the TCRTA secretary in accordance with rule six of this document.

 

f.  Must not be under the influence of liquor or controlled substance (drugs). No alcohol will be made available prior to the completion of the team match. 

 

g.  Must be in compliance with rule seven of this document.

 

h.  Must be in good standing within TCRTA.  Competitors will be automatically in  good standing and may only lose this status by a unanimous vote of the team representatives at a regularly scheduled meeting or a special meeting that  conforms with the notification requirements of a match rule change as set in rule two of this document.

 

5.  The individual competitor fee amount shall be determined at the Annual  Fall Meeting this amount must be paid to the TCRTA secretary before such competitor competes in a scheduled league match.  This fee is in addition to the TCRTA club dues as specified within the TCRTA bylaws.

 

6.  All team secretaries will submit a roster of eligible members, together with their individual competitor fees , giving full name and address and NRA number (if available) to the TCRTA secretary  before the first match.  All team officers titles, names, addresses and telephone numbers will be designated on each club's roster.  Additional names may be added after the start of the season, but each full name and competitor fee must be submitted to the TCRTA secretary not less than 36 hours before the individual fires his first match to be eligible to compete .

 

7.  No one will compete in a TCRTA match as a member of more than one team.  Individuals transferring from one team to another (after the first match of the season) must notify the TCRTA secretary at least two weeks in advance of the effective date of the transfer.  Such transfer will become effective on the date of the third match following the postmark on the individuals letter of notification. An individual whose transfer is posted may compete with the newly designated team for individual record only. This rule will not apply in the event that a team withdraws from league competition or in the event that the rule is waived by a majority vote in an emergency meeting at which at least 2/3 of the member clubs are represented The meeting may take the form of a series of telephone calls to representatives of member clubs providing no member club objects or requests a convened meeting. 

 

8.  The team score for any scheduled match shall be the total of the highest five scores attained by that teams competitors in that match.  The use of a handicap shall be determined at the Fall Annual Meeting. 

 

 

9.  INDIVIDUALS SHALL COMPETE within TCRTA according to the classification attained during the last TCRTA season.  To gain classification a competitor must have fulfilled the requirements to be eligible for awards (as set in  rule 27 of this document) for the season that the classification is based on.  Competitors who are not classified by the above procedure will be placed in the class determined by the current year's scores for both the current year and the next year.  Classification will be based upon the average of all scheduled matches fired, according to the following table :

 

                distinguished master                              TO          200.00

                MASTER                                                               TO          192.99

                DISTINGUISHED EXPERT                                TO          189.99

                EXPERT                                                 TO          186.99

                SHARPSHOOTER                                               TO          182.99

                MARKSMAN                                                      TO          177.99

In instances where there are fewer than 3 competitors in a class the class may be expanded by temporarily increasing the lower cutoff value of the next higher class sufficiently to include at least 3 competitors in the class.

 

10.  Annually the League Range Officer will prepare a match schedule according to the number of teams registered for the current season. Each team will be scheduled to shoot other registered teams at least two times with each team facing each opposing team an equal number of times. This schedule should be arranged as near as possible so that each team fires an equal number of matches at home as they do away. Normally all scheduled matches will be fired on Thursdays, but in the case of Christmas Eve or Day and New Years  Eve or Day falling on a Thursday , the scheduled match day would be Tuesday or as agreed by the opposing teams.

 

11.  Targets will be furnished by the home team. Official NRA bull targets will be used.  Half targets may be used for any position as long as it is properly labeled and has a sighting bull.

 

12.  The course of fire will be the standard four positions (prone, sitting, kneeling, off hand) with five rounds in each position, fired in that order.    

 

13.  Any sight permissible in the NRA "Any Sight" category is allowed.

 

14.  Coaching and spotting will be permitted, providing it is done in a sportsman like manner.

 

15.  The time limit is 35 minutes and is enforceable only when a common timer is visible to each shooter or if a range officer is immediately available to give the remaining time.  Included in the 35 minutes are all preparation periods, position changes, sighting shots and shots for score.  Target changes will not be included in the time limit.  Whenever possible all score and sighter bulls for all positions of a given competitor will be posted at the same time. At the digression of the range officer the time limit may

be extended to compensate for disabled weapon, emergency, range malfunction or other similar unforeseen event that disrupts a competitors ability to continue to fire.

 

16.  One shot is to be fired per record bull. There is no limit to sighting shots on the sighting bull.

 

17.  Targets are to be scored and checked by one member from each of the two teams. A NRA approved scoring gauge (plug) will be used at all matches.  All close shots will be plugged.  Any score value not agreed upon by the two team members performing the scoring will be assigned the higher of the disputed scores.  The scoring of a target may be challenged to the league by a team captain in accordance with rule 32.

        Individuals who perform scoring are cautioned to be fair and impartial but to avoid being too lenient.  As individual averages are compared across the league it is important that the scoring be consistent.  Also individuals who are scoring are requested to not spot the targets prior to scoring to avoid possible subconscious influence of the score.

 

18.  No name or identifying marks shall appear on the target face.  However relay letter and lane number as well as position name will be placed on the front of each target in an area visible to the competitor.     

 

19. Score sheets of all regular league matches will be made in triplicate.  Score sheets must be signed by both team captains or their designees. Challenges and protests must be noted on each copy of the score sheet in accordance with rule 32 of this document prior to the signing of the score sheet. The original score sheet will be immediately mailed to the TCRTA secretary or person in charge of publicity (directions to be given to team captains each season). One copy will be furnished to each of the two competing teams.  In order to facilitate better posting of the score sheets, and to eliminate errors, score keepers should print clearly each competitor's full given name and carefully recheck the scores for errors.

 

20.  Matches will start at 8:00 PM unless postponement has been arranged in advance or it is obvious that road conditions or other  hazards have delayed the visiting team. With the agreement of both teams present at the match site the match may begin before 8:00 PM.

 

21.  Postponement of matches must be made 36 hours in advance. However, in the case of emergency, postponements may be made by competing teams by arrangement as soon as possible after becoming aware of such emergency.  All postponements must be completed by 7 days following the last scheduled match.  Failure to observe this rule will result in the forfeit of the said match by the offending teams.  If the opposing team claims a forfeit, in order to be credited with a win, all facts must be submitted to the Executive Committee for consideration. A shortage of team members does not constitute grounds for a postponement.  

 

22.  Before or during the conduct of a match , no team captain or range officer shall hold up a scheduled match to wait for contestants. If contestants are not on hand and ready to go on the firing line, the opposing team may proceed to fire. (Note that targets must be scored in accordance with Rule 17 or 29.)

 

23.  Any competitor arriving at a match after the last relay has started firing with a vacant position is ineligible to fire unless said competitor has a legitimate excuse, and his team captain has so notified the opposing team captain or range officer at the start of the match, that the said competitor will be late, but will arrive before 11:00 PM.  However if the last relay commences prior to 9:00 PM  and the competitor arrives during the course of that relay then the competitor shall be allowed to shoot and his score shall be valid.

 

24.  When teams fire the same aggregate score in a match, the victor will be determined by the team firing the highest aggregate standing score.  Should the aggregate standing scores be the same, the highest aggregate score in the kneeling position will determine the winner, and if necessary the high aggregate score in sitting will be used. If the tie remains unbroken an additional shooter's score, if enough shooters are present (otherwise the match will be recorded as a tie), will be added to the team aggregates and the resultant scores again compared. (and so on).

 

25.  For the purpose of breaking ties for TCRTA awards to Teams or individuals, the following rules will apply:

 

                1.  When two or more teams are tied for first place the winner will be decided by a shoot off at a neutral range. Ties for second through fourth place will be decided in favor of the greater combine aggregate team scores fired in all matches among the tied teams.

 

                2.  Individuals firing tie scores with identical tallies in each position will be awarded duplicate trophies or prizes.  Other ties will be determined by the aggregate totals in standing, kneeling, sitting.

 

26.  Any competitor found using illegal positions or artificial means of support for their rifle, piece or body other than those sanctioned by the NRA smallbore rifle rules shall be challenged by the supervising range officer .  Should this violation continue the competitor will be automatically disqualified and his score will not be counted for team or individual scores in any way.  The supervising range officer shall submit a written report to the Executive committee, and to each participating team captain, with a full description of the violation. The team captain may protest the range officers decision to the league range officer in accordance with rule 32.

 

 

27.  Awards

                1.  Team trophies will be awarded as follows :

 

1.  TCRTA Champion - TCRTA Championship Trophy

 

2.  Second Place -           TCRTA Second Place Trophy

 

3.  Third Place -             TCRTA Third Place Trophy

 

4.  Fourth Place -           TCRTA Fourth Place Trophy

(The above will be rotating trophies with each winning               team also receiving a certificate of accomplishment.)

                               

                                5.  High Team Single Match Score    Rotating High Score Plaque

                                               

2.  Medals or trophies will be awarded individuals with the top scores in :

 

                                1.  First, Second, Third highest score.

 

                                2.  First, Second, Third highest average                                          

 

                                3.  First, Second, Third highest grand aggregate

 

4.  First, Second, Third highest Distinguished Master

 

                                5.  First, Second, Third highest Master

 

6.  First, Second, Third highest Distinguished Expert 

 

                                7.  First, Second, Third highest Expert

 

                                8.  First, Second, Third highest Sharpshooter

 

                                9.  First, Second, Third highest Marksman

 

                                10. Most Improved Shooter

 

11. Rookie of The Year (must have established an average within 2 years Must have been a TCRTA competitor for no more than two years.  Must not have competed in another league, school, or open competition as evidenced

by NRA smallbore classification for more than one year. Awarded to the rookie with the highest average.)

 

                                12. New Shooter of the Year The high average

experienced  shooter new to TCRTA at the disgression of the TCRTA officers.

 

13. "50" offhand (Not awarded if recipient of a high score award based on a 200 score)

 

14. 20,30,40,50 Years of Competition Award -  to  be noted if  consecutive.

 

15. T.C.R.T.A. Invitational Match:

  Awards shall be given to all winning team members. The TCRTA president or Vice president shall select, at random, 3 members from each team from a list (furnished by each team captain) of interested competitors. To be considered competitors must have fired in at least 4 of the first 10 matches. Additional names may be selected from total group of interested competitors to fill “vacant” slots from teams that submitted fewer than three competitors or to “fill out” all relays at the match. Additionally alternate competitors may be designated. Each team shall consist of  competitors selected at random from those invited to attend the match. Team score shall be the highest 10               competitors providing there are sufficient shooters present

otherwise the team will  be the highest 5 shooters.

 

16. High female shooter (Must be at least 3 female shooters in league competition.)

 

17 High senior shooter (65 as of 4/1 of the shooting season).

 

18. Perfect Attendance certificates shall be presented to each member club listing those team members that participated in all of the season’s matches.

 

19. Perfect Position Aggregate Trophy awarded to competitors who participated in every match and attained a perfect aggregate position score.

 

20. Perfect Low Position Award to competitors who achieved a score of 50 prone, 50 Sit, 50 kneel in at least one match during the season. 

 

21: Sportsman of the Year award: Rotating plaque to the outstanding competitor of the year based on the individuals contribution to the shooting sports and to the league. Awarded at the digression of the League officers to candidates submitted by team captains.

 

22. The Gunning memorial award Rotating trophy to the team selected as demonstrating outstanding achievement in the previous season. The recipient of this award is determined by the Ticonderoga team and the prior year recipient of the award.

 

                3.  In order to be eligible for awards competitors must have fired in not less than 50% of the scheduled matches within the current season. Additionally three of  the matches must have been completed at a range other than the competitor's home range. This eligibility rule does not apply to the Years Of Competition awards.

 

                4.  In the case of a single score or average that warrants the award of more than one trophy, only the highest ranking trophy will be awarded.

 

                5.  Recipients of high aggregate or high average awards will not be eligible for  class awards.

 

28.  Disputes and difficulties not covered by these rules are to be presented to the League  Range Officer, who will make a determination.  Such determination will be final, however recommendations should be made immediately to alter, add to, or amend these rules to cover the situation.

 

29.  After any voluntary forfeit of a scheduled match, the opposing team may shoot at their option and send their targets to the league range officer for scoring. If this match cannot be fired on the scheduled date then the League Range Officer must be notified as to the date it will be fired. A score sheet bearing the names of the match participants and a competitor number should accompany the targets. The targets should  also bear the competitor number. These scores will be used for individual purposes only. An individual member of a team that forfeits a match may at his or her choice fire a  score for individual credit at another scheduled match location. This score must be recorded obviously separate from the other teams scores and be accompanied with a note of explanation.

 

30. Clarification / modification of NRA rules :

 

                1.  The use of a sling will be allowed in any of the four positions including the standing position. This also means that the sling will be allowed on any given rifle  and not have to be removed in the standing position.  However, in offhand the sling may not be used to support or steady the rifle : it must not attach to the firearm and the shooter.

 

                2.  In the sitting position the rifle must be supported against the shoulder area, and in no way be cradled in the elbow area or supported by the forearm.

 

3.  In the event of excessive hits on a target in a match where no backers were used the target will be scored as the lower value minus a point for every excessive hit. However, in the instance of another competitor admitting the crossfire and identifying the shot the competitor will not be penalized. The individual that cross fired will receive a miss. The shooter whose target received the cross fired will be given the value of the shot not identified as a crossfire. In the event that the correct shot cannot be selected for score or where the competitor bypassed the bull as it already contained a hit the competitor will be allowed to refire the bull on a fresh target at the end of the relay (the refired shot will not be given a value higher than the value of the highest shot value on the bull with excessive shots). 

                If the competitor claims that they did not fire excessive shots they will be given the option of accepting the shot of lower value or will be allowed to refire the bull on a fresh target at the end of the relay (as above).  A competitor who discovers a crossfire on their target prior to firing on the effected bull should immediately report the problem to the range officer and arrange for a refire opportunity in accordance with the range officer's instructions.

 

               

4.  A hole in a competitor's target obviously caused by a ricochet will be ignored. The competitor who accidentally discharged their weapon not first striking any posted target will not be scored a miss for the errant shot. All accidental discharges must be reported to the range officer as soon as is practical before the targets are scored.

 

5.  If the first shot striking any of a competitor's targets in

 a given match exceeds the sighter bull area and the competitor immediately notifies the range officer the shot will not count. However, this applies only to the first shot in prone.

 

6.  A competitor may apply NRA Smallbore Rifle rule 13.2 "Temporary Disability : Substitute Position" without the normally required "current written medical opinion".  The competitor's statement that he or she cannot assume a given position (and will substitute the next more difficult position) will be sufficient to allow them to do so.

 

31.  Member teams may adopt reasonable safety rules that apply to their range during a scheduled match. These rules may include the use of hearing and eye protection. However these rules must be delivered to the TCRTA secretary at least 14 days prior to the first scheduled match at which they will be enforced. TCRTA encourages the consistent use of ear and eye protection while shooting and disavows itself from any responsibility regarding the injury or increased severity of injury to an individual member who refused to use the proper hearing and eye protection. TCRTA also encourages competing teams to provide a range officer to be readily available to the shooters at all times.

 

32.  Challenges and protests must be filed prior to the signing of the match results.  .All pertinent targets and other information must be retained and forwarded to the League range officer. Where the team captain signs the match score sheet the word  "challenge" or "Protest" (as appropriate) followed by the captains signature should appear. A league officer must be notified of the disagreement within 36 hours and a  written statement of the basis for the protest/challenge filed by one or both parties  within 7 days. The one exception to this is the correction of obvious errors in  addition or translation that occur. In these instances if the result of the match is  altered the league secretary will contact the involved teams who then have 7 days to file a protest/challenge. Note that an obvious error will not include a score which has  been "written over" or which is illegible or in any way questionable so if you have to make a correction to a score start a new line on the score sheet and reenter the scores.