INTERNATIONAL HUNTING RIFLE SHOOTING ASSOCIATION (IHRSA) RULES AND REGULATIONS Preamble: This is the sport for the hunter; it’s the closest you will find to real hunting, and designed exclusively as a test for hunters with hunting rifles under hunting conditions. The purpose of the competition is to test and promote a hunter’s abilities: our ability to judge distance, knowledge of the bullet’s external ballistics, judging wind strength and the influence of the wind on the bullet’s path, ability to shoot from various positions and also shooting under pressure (against time limits). The competition is structured so that all the above elements are tested during an event. It is a shooting contest of variable and non-standard format that examines practical marksmanship as it occurs in the hunting field. The competitor is ultimately tested on correct shot placement, achieved by applying all of the honed abilities. The objective of range designs is to simulate field hunting conditions very closely in order to test the ability of the hunter, and not only the accuracy of the rifle. A shooter’s rifle must be accurate at reasonable distances for the shooter to perform well, but competition events will be arranged in such a way that specialist rifles such as single shot Bench Rest, F-Class, Tactical or Silhouette rifles do not enjoy an advantage over a good, reliable hunting rifle. The IHRSA are continuously looking at interesting ways and means to develop and improve the sport and attract more hunters and shooters. Index Section: 1. SAFETY 2. GENERAL RULES 3. EQUIPMENT 4. AT FIRING POINTS 5. TARGETS AND SCORING 6. CLASSIFICATIONS APPENDIX: A SHOOTING POSITIONS B PREPARATION GUIDELINES C PROTEST AND APPEALS COMMITTEE Page | 2 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) 2016 Rev 3 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR COMPETITIONS The rules below shall apply for centre fire and .22 long rifle rim fire hunting rifles, while the minimum calibre for centre fire hunting rifles will be .20 (5mm) calibre. 1. SAFETY 1.1 Hearing protection is mandatory and eye protection is recommended at all shooting competitions. 1.2 Safety rules specific to the country hosting the competition will be communicated at least two (2) months before the competition to bodies of all participating countries and will be adhered to by all visiting shooters. 1.3 Before a competition commences, the IHRSA Safety Officer or his appointed delegate will review and approve every range setup. No shooting shall commence until the range is deemed acceptable. 1.4 Where an ambulance is not available or is not on standby, the following minimum arrangements should be made: There must be a dedicated vehicle, identified for this purpose, ready to transport the injured to the nearest medical facility. The route to this facility and the contact details thereof as well as a first aid kit must be available in this vehicle. 1.5 No competitor shall be allowed to compete if under the influence of alcohol or drugs or found consuming alcohol or drugs during a match. Depending on the severity of the offence, such a competitor may be suspended for a period of up to sixty months. Match fees for that competition will be forfeited. 1.6 IHRSA manages a drug free sport. The use of substances listed on the current version of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list shall not be allowed. During a competition of the association, any competitor can be required to undergo a drug test at any time before, during or shortly after a competition. Depending on the severity of the offence, a competitor testing positively may be suspended for a period of up to sixty months. Match fees for that competition will be forfeited. 1.7 Any competitor or spectator exhibiting behaviour, which in the discretion of the Range Officer or competition organizers is considered unsafe or unsportsmanlike, may be disqualified or requested to leave the shooting range immediately. 1.8 Range Officer's commands must be followed and competitors are not allowed to aim or load any rifles before the Range Officer has given the order to do so. Any competitor loading his or her rifle before instructed to do so by the Range Officer, will be disqualified from the competition. 1.9 Rifle bolts will always be in the OPEN position, this will apply on the sight in range, moving between ranges, waiting for instructions from the Range Officer on on a range, and also when rifles are bagged. If the rifle does not fit into the container with an open bolt, the bolt must be removed. More specific safety rules are included in the relevant sections below. Competitors with closed rifle bolts between ranges, will be disqualified from the competition by the Range Officer. 2. GENERAL RULES 2.1 Where the rules and regulations of this document deviate from the law of a host country, the law will take precedence. 2.2 All National and Regional (Provincial, State, etc.) competitions shall consist of at least 30 shots divided over a minimum of 6 events. The maximum points per shot shall not exceed 30.1 points. 2.3 International competitions will be conducted at a standard of at least that of a National Championship, but may be expanded according to conditions determined by the international governing body. Competitors at an organised event such as a World Championship will be randomly selected into the required number of even sized squads by the match organizers at least one day before the start of the competition. The organisers may make provisions if necessary to accommodate competitors unable to hear Range Officers or understand English. Once assigned, shooters will remain in the squad they are assigned to for all matches of the event. The sequence in which each group completes the ranges for the match will be determined by a draw before the start of the match. The range design and targets to be used will be determined by the governing body of the country hosting the competition, presented to IHRSA, and will include local targets as well as targets from attending countries. Targets are covered under Section 5. 2.4 Electronic copies and scaling information of the targets and steel plate (shapes and sizes) shall be made available to all competing countries at least two (2) months before the start of any international competition. 2.5 When the organizers of any international event publish a closing date for entries, no late entries will be accepted. 2.6 Every competitor shall sign an indemnity form before the commencement of any competition. No competitor will be allowed to compete without a signed indemnity form. Page | 3 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) 2.7 A sighting range of at least 100 but preferably 200 metres, manned by a Range Officer, must be available at least two (2) hours before the competition commences. 2.8 Dispute Committee: The organizing committee shall, before commencement of the competition, appoint a panel of at least three (3) experienced members to act as arbitrators to resolve any disputes regarding interpretation of these rules, or any other matter not covered by the rules. (Appendix C). 2.9 A briefing will be held where competitors are briefed on the day’s proceedings by the match organizers before the commencement of the match. Competitors must strictly adhere to these instructions, which will be repeated during the Range Officer’s briefing at the applicable lane. Failure to follow the instructions can lead to disqualification. 2.10 Competitors will not be allowed to start shooting an event after the closing time for registration (as set by the organizers) for the day. 2.11 Range Officers or other officials may be excluded from the requirements of Section 2.10 due to their officiating duties. 2.12 Competitors may complete the course of fire of a specific event in any order, unless there are specific instructions during the briefing, or instructions from the organisers and Range Officers to follow a specific sequence. 2.13 It is the responsibility of the competitor to provide for any delays and to make sure he/she completes all events in time. The fact that an entry was accepted does not mean the competitor may continue with events after the closing time for the day. The closing time may be extended by the organizers for unexpected delays experienced during the competition. 3. EQUIPMENT 3.1 If a breakage or malfunction occurs during any event, the competitor will not be allowed to re-shoot that event at a later stage, and if a competitor’s rifle becomes unserviceable, (as verified by the dispute committee) he/she may shoot the remainder of the events with a different, approved rifle. 3.2 With the exception of Section 3.1, the competition must be completed with one rifle. 3.3 Any person, who is not the registered owner of the firearm he/she is using, will be required to be accompanied by the registered owner. 3.4 No Semi-Automatic or Pump-Action rifles are allowed. 3.5 The triggering mechanism of any rifle should be absolutely safe and will be subjected to a safety check by the Range Officer, if necessary. In the event of it being unsafe, the competitor will not be allowed to continue with that rifle. Section 3.1 will then apply. 3.6 Telescopes of any magnification are allowed, but no telescope with electronic range finding functionality may be used. If found that the competitor used a range finding telescope during the competition, he or she will be disqualified from the competition. 3.7 No electronic ballistic calculator, mechanical distance or wind ranging equipment is allowed on the competition premises as well as on the sight in range or in a vehicle of any competitor or visitor, except by the organizers of the day, by prior arrangement, for official use only. No mobile phones, laptops, computers or electronic devises may be used or carried by any person competing or any person accompanying any competitor for the duration of a competition. Spectators using their cellphones will be ask to leave the area immediately. Competitors will be disqualified from the competition if they accept information from spectators using these devises to acquire this information or by using their own cellular / mobile phones in obtaining this information. 3.8 Muzzle breaks are allowed. In the spirit of the competition, shooters not using muzzle breaks cannot be forced to shoot alongside a shooter with a muzzle brake. Therefore, shooters using muzzle breaks can be assigned to a muzzle break detail or squad. Suppressors and silencers are allowed in events where host countries legally permit its use. 3.9 Rifle slings may be adjustable and can be a single or double strap sling, but must be attached to the rifle at a point ahead of the barrel /action joint, and a point behind the action tang. 3.10 No bipods or any other attachments for steadying the rifle may be used, except when allowed by the match organizers. If bipods will be allowed at any competition, the organisers will communicate this at least two (2) months in advance. 3.11 Gloves may be used for protection only, no padded gloves or gloves that strengthen the wrists are permitted. If a shooter's gloves are not according to the specifications, the shooter will not be permitted to use these specific gloves for the duration of the competition. 3.12 Elbow protectors and hunting or shooting jackets that are usually worn while hunting will be allowed, but no clothing or jackets with any artificial support will be allowed. Jackets are merely to protect against the environment and elements. If a shooter's jacket is not according to the specifications, the shooter will not be allowed to use that specific jacket for the duration of the competition. Page | 4 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) 3.13 The use of cover materials by organisers to protect shooters and their equipment at shooting points shall be permitted. The match organizers must supply the materials under conditions that require cover as per Section 4.14, to ensure uniformity. Competitors may be shielded from inclement weather with e.g. umbrellas if the Range Officer deems it safe. 3.14 .222/.223 Rem class rifles shall: be chambered for standard .222 Rem / .223 Rem. rounds, maximum weight of rifle is 6 kg including silencer (suppressor), have a barrel that extends no more than 26" (660.4mm) from the front end of the action, be free of a muzzle break, have scope turrets sealed for the duration of the match as no "dialling" is allowed. Turrets will be sealed by the match organizers before the start of the match. Any shooter adjusting his or her telescope turrets while shooting or between ranges, will be disqualified from the competition. The magnification of the telescope must always be on 14 x or less, and if found to be on higher than 14 x the competitor will be penalized with a Nil score for the relay by the Range Officer.. 4. AT FIRING POINTS 4.1 Firing points for each event must be clearly demarcated, with sufficient room to safely accommodate the whole detail. 4.2 Regulations provided by the shooting range where a shoot will take place, must be obeyed. 4.3 Live ammunition may only be placed in the rifle or magazine (when the magazine is fitted to the rifle) on the command of the Range Officer. Any competitor placing ammunition into his rifle before the command was given by the Range Officer, will be disqualified from the competition. 4.4 The Range Officer at every shooting point will brief each competitor thoroughly before commencing with the event. No competitor will be allowed to repeat an event due to the fact that he/she did not clearly understand what was required. 4.5 The Range Officer will call out the names of the competitors who are next in line to shoot and they will prepare themselves to be ready by the time the competitor preceding them has completed the event. 4.6 Targets may not be scrutinized through any optical device, including telescopes on rifles and binoculars, by anyone other than the spotters, unless a shooter is asked to do so by the Range Officer. Any shooter scrutinizing the targets through his telescope or binoculars will be disqualified from that specific relay. 4.7 The standard Range Officer commands will be: (alter number of rounds and time limitations as required) a) “You may load 5 rounds”, followed by “Are there any shooters who are not ready?” at which point the competitor must indicate his/her readiness to start; b) “Stand by”; c) 3 to 5 seconds later the Range Officer will give the “START” signal; d) Typical time allocation is 90-120 seconds for 5 shots on steel plate ranges and 60-180 seconds for 5 shots photo target lanes (excluding short, rapid fire target lanes); e) During any event, the time remaining will be read out to the competitor where applicable as: “90 seconds remaining”, “60 seconds remaining”, “30 seconds remaining” and “10 seconds remaining”. Count down follow from 5 seconds to ‘cease fire’. Organizers are urged to make Range Officer Commands available in English on CD or electronic media. 4.8 Competitors are not allowed to take up the prescribed shooting position before the starting signal is given; this must be done in the time allowed for the event. Where a special shooting aid is supplied that require extra time for safe setup, a 15 or 30 second interval may be allowed in addition to the shooting time. 4.9 Bolts will always be open unless the rifle is fired. After starting an event, the bolt of the rifle may not be closed before or while going into the shooting position. The bolt may be pushed forward to prevent a round from falling out, but must not be locked down before the shooter’s body is settled into the shooting position. See Appendix A on shooting positions. 4.10 Malfunctions and jams: In the event of a malfunction or jam, the competitor shall notify the Range Officer. An attempt will be made by the competitor to make his/her rifle safe, under supervision of the Range Officer. If the rifle cannot be cleared or repaired in a reasonable time, the rifle shall be made safe and removed from the range to a competent person for repairs. Under no circumstance is an attempt to be made to remove a stuck live round by insertion of a cleaning rod or similar object from the muzzle end of the firearm. A replacement rifle may be used, subject to the requirements of Section 3.1. No additional time will be allowed to complete the detail. 4.11 Only the nominated number of rounds, as indicated by the Range Officer, may be fired per lane. No fouling shots or testers are allowed. An accidental discharge or round that was fired at an unintended time may not be repeated. (Section 5.8). Cameras may be used to identify shooters who fire more than the designated number of rounds. 4.12 No coaching will be allowed while a competitor is busy shooting an event. Any shooter found to be guilty of breaking rule 4.11 and/or 4.12 will be disqualified from the competition. Coaching means receiving information, support or help from any person shooting or not shooting (including fellow competitors, spectators and any other non-shooters) in the same relay as the competitor. This can happen from the moment the competitor enters the demarcated area until the Page | 5 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) moment the "stop shooting" signal is given. Assistance from the Range Officer does not form part of this rule. During a team shoot, this rule will not apply and team members only are allowed to help each other. 4.13 No disturbing comments, remarks or noise are allowed at any shooting point while a competitor is shooting. 4.14 Where shooting is to commence over rocks or other objects that may hurt, or damage a competitor’s equipment, a thin, blanket type cloth may be supplied by the organizers for protection. The use of shooting mats, maximum thickness of 5mm, shall be permitted to protect shooters when wet soil, burned down grass or similar issues poses a problem. This supplied coverage must stay on the shooting point for the total duration of the competition to ensure uniformity and is the only coverage that is allowed. Where no coverage is supplied the competitor may use his glove or remove his/her hat or cap and use it as protection, but no gun bags, shooting jackets or other items are allowed for this purpose. 5. TARGETS AND SCORING 5.1 The targets used will be steel plates, paper targets as well as colour or black and white photographic prints of animals typically hunted, especially of animals indigenous to countries which are members of the IHRSA. These targets can be a full scale print of an animal or just a part of the animal, which simulate partly obscured animals. 5.2 Full size examples of the paper targets used for that specific lane must be displayed at the shooting stations. 5.3 Only rim fire rifles chambered for 22 Long Rifle shall be used for rim fire events, where a maximum shooting distance of about 150m will apply. Metal gongs of diameter sizes between 25mm and 100 mm will be used in rim fire events. 5.4 For centre fire rifles, the maximum shooting distance will be approximately 400 meters. The maximum shooting distance from a freestanding (offhand) position will be 150 meters. The minimum shooting distance at steel plates for centre fire will be 150 meters. The size and shape of steel plates can vary and combinations of different sizes may be used on any range. The maximum size plates will have a diameter of 200mm. As range finding equipment may not be used to range these targets, these distances will be judged by the organizers, and are approximate. 5.5 No competitor may touch or advance to his/her target at a distance closer than two (2) meters before the target is scored, and the score signed off by the competitor. Competitors touching their targets BEFORE the targets were scored by the Range Officer, will be penalised with a NIL score for that relay. 5.6 No competitor shall be allowed to approach the targets before they have completed firing all the required shots for that lane. Approaching the targets shall be for scoring by competitors only. If found guilty of walking up to the targets (more than ¼ the distance to the targets) before he or she finished shooting that specific range, he or she will be penalised with a nil score for that specific lane. 5.7 After signature of the scorecard, no adjustments to the score will be allowed. 5.8 All shots fired before the command to commence firing, or after the command to stop firing, will result in the shooter being penalized by 30 points per early or late shot fired. If any competitor fires before the command to commence firing or after the command to stop shooting on a steel plate, a miss will be scored to that plate. 5.9 If found to practice misconduct in any way, including firing additional shots on his/her own target or on any other target to either benefit or to sabotage, or using or participating in using range finding equipment for the purpose of enhancing anyone’s performance in the competition, a competitor will be disqualified and can be banned from the sport for a period that will be determined by the IHRSA governing body. 5.10 A shot on an incorrect target is regarded as a miss for the shooter, but the shot counts on the target of the competitor whose target is hit; he or she will be credited with the best five scoring shots unless the extra shot can be distinguished e.g. through a difference in calibre. Shooters must report cross fires. If six shots were fired on a target and all adjacent targets have 5 instead of 4 shots showing on these targets, the target with the 6 shots will be scored by counting from the lowest score upwards and the highest scoring shot will be eliminated. Range Officers check all targets to ensure every shot is patched before returning to the shooting point and the Range Officer will therefore make the final decision where extra shots are found. Repeating of the event will not be allowed. Appeals can be lodged as per Appendix C. 5.11 Range Officers will be issued with hole plugs or similar items which will be inserted into every hole whilst scoring to ensure all holes are patched. 5.12 In the event that any competitor wishes to appeal the judgment of the Range Officer, the written appeal describing the detail of the dispute must be accompanied by a deposit as determined prior to the match. The deposit is refundable if the appeal is upheld. The dispute will not be investigated before the written appeal is received. (Section 2.8 & Appendix C). 5.13 The Range Officer’s judgment is final, except under Appendix C. 5.14 Steel plates must be visible to the naked eye, clearly marked and numbered for easy identification. The marking of the steel plates must be contrasting light and dark colours and at least A4 sized, for example an A4 sized black number on white paper, attached to the frame supporting the steel plate or located right next to it. Page | 6 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) 5.15 Scoring of steel plates: The Range Officer (or designated person) will visually confirm a hit on a designated plate in the sequence of fire through detecting impact on that plate surface. Binoculars or spotting scopes may be used by the spotters or Range Officers for this purpose. Gongs engaged out of the prescribed sequence will be scored as a miss. 5.16 If a competitor shoots an incorrect gong (for instance shooting the gong on the left instead of the right side) and in the process prevents a fellow competitor from shooting due to the gong being in motion, the disadvantaged shooter will be allowed an extra 30 seconds. 5.17 The inner circle of some identified 30 point score areas will be scored as 30.1 to help distinguish between competitors in the event of competitors having the same total score. In case of a tie of any scores, the scores will be counted out, starting from event 1 to 6, except if any other sequence was determined and communicated before the start of the competition. 5.18 If a bullet hole on a particular target touches a scoring line, the higher score will apply. “Touch” means that there is no visible gap between the calibre size hole and the line (see yellow block in example below). THE EXCEPTION: If a bullet hole touches a scoring line between an area considered a miss (zero score, outside the target scoring area) and a negative score area, the negative (lower) will count. For example: The lines between • 30 and -15 scores 30, but the line between • -15 and 0 scores -15 (line on edge of target) while the line between • 30 and 0 scores a 30. 20 25 - 1 30 B D G K J E A H C I F Scoring zones and resultant score A. Miss (Score = 0) B. V-bull (Score = 30.1) C. Miss/negative (Score = -15) D. Negative/positive (Score = 30) E. Miss/negative/positive (Score = 30) F. Miss (Score = 0) G. Miss/positive (Score = 25) H. Miss/negative (Score = -15) I. Miss/positive/positive (Score = 25) J. Negative/positive (Score = 25) K. Positive/positive (Score = 25) Hit/miss bullet holes • 1 and 2 = miss • 3 and 4 = hit 1 2 3 4 Page | 7 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) 6. CLASSIFICATIONS 6.1 Competitors can compete in the following classes: a) Performance Classes as determined by previous performance as recorded on National or International Ranking List i. Bronze (below 60%, or first time entrants) (0 – 539 / 900) ii. Silver (60% to below 80%) (540 – 719 / 900) iii. Gold (80% and above) (720 – 900 / 900) b) Demographic Classes. i. Juniors (18 years and younger on the starting day of the competition) ii. Ladies iii. Men iv. Seniors (50 years up to one (1) day short of 60 years old on the starting day of the competition) v. Veterans (60 years and older on the starting day of the competition) Page | 8 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) APPENDIX A SHOOTING POSITIONS In the spirit of the competition, freedom is usually allowed to find a position within the general common sense guidelines for a target being engaged. From time to time specific conditions for positions may be prescribed in the briefing for completing a lane, in addition to the general guidelines below. In describing these positions it is assumed that the competitor is right handed, if left handed, the reverse applies. A sling that meets the specified prescription in Section 3.9 may be used in all positions unless specified otherwise. A.1 Standing unsupported is defined as: standing erect on both feet without support of any kind for either the rifle or the competitor, with no part of the body or limbs to touch the ground or any other object, except the soles of the boots/shoes. The rifle must be held in both hands, with one hand forward of the pistol grip. A.2 Standing supported is defined as: standing erect on both feet and placing the left hand or rifle, or both, against a support supplied for this purpose, while holding the fore-end of the rifle with the left hand, or resting the fore-end of the rifle on the left wrist or forearm. A.3 Kneeling unsupported is defined as: kneeling so that the competitor touches the ground only with the underside of the left foot and the lower underside of the right leg, including foot and knee, the buttocks resting on only the heel of the right foot, and the left elbow on the left knee, no other part of the body is to touch any support or object. No kneeling roll is to be used under the right instep. No other part of the competitor’s body shall touch the ground or any other support. A.4 Kneeling supported is defined as: kneeling so that the competitor touches the ground only with the underside of the left foot and the lower underside of the right leg, including foot and knee, the buttocks resting on only the heel of the right foot and the left elbow on the left knee. No kneeling roll is to be used under the right instep. The provided support may be used by placing the left hand or rifle, or both, against a support supplied for this purpose, while holding the fore-end of the rifle with the left hand, or resting the fore-end of the rifle on the left wrist or forearm. A.5 Sitting unsupported is defined as: sitting with only buttocks, legs and feet touching the ground. No other part of the body is to touch any support or object. A.6 Sitting supported is defined as: sitting with only buttocks, legs and feet touching the ground. The provided support may be used to stabilise the rifle. A.7 Prone unsupported is defined as: Lying on the ground with the rifle held in both hands, with one hand forward of the pistol grip. No part of the rifle shall make contact with the ground. No part of the body or limbs to touch any other object apart from the ground. Forearms or hands may not touch the ground. A.8 Prone supported is defined as: Lying on the ground with the rifle held in both hands. The provided support may be used to stabilise the rifle. A.9 Safety: In the interests of safety, all competitors must keep their bodies behind the firing line at all times while shooting is in progress and be subject to the Range Officer's commands. A.10 Shooters with a proven medical condition may take up a less stable shooting position than the position prescribed by the organizers. The positions in order of decreasing stability are prone, sitting, kneeling and standing. No addition or modification to the specified support is allowed. Page | 9 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) APPENDIX B Preparation checklist EVENT PREPARATION CHECKLIST – Some suggestions # What? Time frame Who? By When? 1 Set competition date & arrange invitations 2 Entry forms, starting time, closing date for entries. 3 Conceptual range planning & lay-out 4 IHRSA governing body evaluate standard Concept ready 5 Communicate: Electronic copies and scaling information of the targets 2 months to go 6 Communicate: Law & Safety rules specific to the host country 2 months to go 7 Communicate: If bi-pods are allowed. Urge competitors to read rules. 2 months to go 8 Identify potential Range Officers and run through RO training manual. 2 months to go 9 Squadding of entrants (muzzle breaks) and confirmation of indemnity forms Entries closes 10 Create scorecards and set up scoring sheet on computer. Entries closes 11 Arrange ambulance & first aid 1-2 days to go 12 Appeal form – set a $ rate for an appeal 1-2 days to go 13 Build range and compare to the rules – full size examples at firing line. 1-2 days to go 14 Safety Officer – Inspect range & confirm safe compliance. Range complete 15 Governing body - confirm compliance to standard, rules & regulations Range complete 16 Mats & cover? 2m approach demarcated? Matte tape to patch holes? Range complete 17 Appoint a dispute committee and establish communication protocol. Range complete 18 RO’s and officials review all rules, commands & specific requirements. Range complete 19 RO’s briefed and simulated sequence, confirm what to bring along. Range complete 20 Appoint a dispute committee. Issue appeal / dispute resolution forms. Range complete 22 Day of competition: Sighting range available 2 hours prior 23 Range briefing – communicate order in which to complete Briefing 24 Scrutinise 222/3 Rem class rifles and prompt RO’s for regular checks. Page | 10 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) APPENDIX C: PROTEST AND APPEALS COMMITTEE The Appeals Committee’s proceedings and deliberations should be completely objective, free of personal preference and conducted away from the public gaze and distractions from the ongoing competition. The rules are as follows: C.1. At all registered tournaments there shall be a Protest and Appeals Committee (hereinafter called "Appeals Committee") which shall be formed by the host association or organisers to hear and decide protests and appeals. C.2. The Appeals Committee shall consist of a minimum of three people including the IHRSA chairman, any one of whom may be a competitor. The IHRSA chairman or their appointed nominee will chair the Appeals Committee. At least one person should be identified before the start of the competition to serve in the event of one of the members of the Appeals Committee not being able to perform their duties. In no case shall an appellant, protester or accused person be included as a member of the Appeals Committee (not withstanding any Rule or Rules of law to the contrary). In competitions where more than one sporting body is represented a delegate from any of the sporting bodies represented may be appointed to be a member of the said Committee and such appointments shall be at the discretion of the IHRSA chairman or their appointed nominee. C.3. A protest may be lodged by any competitor who feels aggrieved by a decision of the Range Officer, the target scorers, or any other organisational matters or methods of conducting the competition. A competitor may protest the conduct of another competitor(s) or that another competitor(s) has not fulfilled his obligations according to these rules, or has not properly obeyed the Rules. C.4. The protest must be lodged in writing and accompanied by a fee set by the IHRSA chairman. If the protest or appeal is upheld, the applicant is to be refunded the amount of the fee. If the protest is disallowed, then the fee shall be forfeited to the organisers conducting the competition. C.5. The protest is to be lodged with the Range Officer or other persons nominated by the IHRSA chairman or their appointed nominee to receive appeals. A protest may be lodged during the conduct of a competition or after the competition has been completed but not later than 30 minutes after the scores for that competition have been announced or posted. When received, the protest or appeal must be given to the Chairman of the Appeals Committee as soon as possible. C.6. The Chairman shall convene the Appeals Committee without undue delay and the Appeals Committee shall be empowered to hear evidence from the protester, the appellant, the accused person and any other person(s) involved in the protest. The Appeals Committee shall require the Range Officer, Scorers or organisers to produce targets, score sheets or other material relevant to the protest; to call evidence from any other person(s) who may be able to help the Appeals Committee and to perform any other activity that the Appeals Committee believes will enable it to reach an unbiased and just decision. C.7. Any accused person shall: C.7.1. Be informed of the evidence or allegations made. C.7.2. Be supplied the details of verbal or written statements made against that person or persons. C.7.3. Be advised of the time and place the Appeals Committee shall hear evidence of the protest or appeal. C.7.4. Have a right to be heard before the Appeals Committee and to remain in attendance during each session of the Appeals Committee. C.7.5. Be entitled to remain in attendance before the Appeals Committee until the Appeals Committee adjourns the proceedings to make its decision. Page | 11 IHRSA Rules and Regulations (Revised November 2016) C.7.6. Be given an opportunity before the Appeals Committee to correct or contradict any accusations or allegations made. C.8. Immediately after the Appeals Committee has made a decision, the Appeals Committee Chairman shall verbally announce it to a gathering of competitors summoned to hear the decision; or post the decision on a notice board. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final and binding on the matter of the protest and on all persons concerned therein. The Appeals committee will also consider and recommend changes to the rules where applicable, based on the event. Appeal - Dispute Resolution Data collection. Raised by Name: Match Entry # Member number Event Date: Time: Deposit NOT Collected / Collected Location Range Officer Lane # Target # and type Main Issue? Key question? Rulebook reference Outcome UPHELD / REJECTED Notes: PRINTED NAMES and SIGNATURES: Competitor _________________________________________ Range Officer________________________________________ Committee member/s________________________________, __________________________, ________________________