Equipment
1. Air guns
1.1. All rifles shall be in good working condition and safe in handling.
1.1.1 Any air gun declared to be unsafe to people and/or property will be banned from use by the Shooting Director.
1.2 The caliber of the air rifle can not exceed 5.50mm.
1.3 All type of air guns can be used as long as the stipulated maximum caliber is not exceeded.
1.4 Multi shot air rifles can also be used. Before shooting only one pellet must be loaded into the magazine, and it must be reloaded before every shot.
1.5 The use of more than one air gun is not permitted during the competition, except in the event of malfunctioning of the equipment and with the permission of the Director of Competition. In this case the rifle can be exchanged only to the same category air rifle. Zeroing of the exchanged rifle is not permitted.
1.6 Adjustments of muzzle energy is prohibited after the first shot of the competition. Adjustments to the rifle stock is permitted only in the firing line within the time allowed for shooting at each lane. Competitors should inform the Shooting Director
in case of any equipment break down. The competitor may fix the fault only with the
permission of the Shooting Director. The competitor may continue the competition
only with the permission of the Shooting Director.
1.7 For both classes PCP and Spring, the maximum muzzle energy can not exceed
16,3 Joule – 12ft/lbs.
2. Classification of the rifles
2.1. Categories:
•Spring: air rifle with a spring, that operates the piston which compresses the air
during the shot, below 16,3J – 12ft/lbs of firing energy.
•PCP : every kind of air rifle, where the shot is performed by a previously
compressed gas, below 16,3J – 12ft/lbs of firing energy.
2.2. The Organizer of the competition can decide on any other Rifle Category if MAAC previously agrees.
3. Sights
3.1 Any form of sighting system may be used with the exception of Laser sights.
3.1.1 No separate device designed especially for or used for range-finding may be used to view the targets (digital or laser).
3.1.2 Only the scope can be used for range-finding.
4. Pellets
4.1 Any design of pellets that is completely made of lead, lead
alloy, zinc or zinc alloy, or other soft material may be used.
5. Other equipment
5.1 Bean bag: The seat may be used as an aid to sitting or kneeling shots. The maximum height of the bean bags must not exceed 125 mm.
5.2 List of accessories that can be mounted onto the rifle or the scope:
•spirit level
•sunshade
•rubber scope enhancer
•thermometer
5.3 Glove: any type of short gloves can be used as support.
5.3.1 The glove can not contain steel or any other hard material. (ISSF gloves are
permitted.)
5.4 A single rifle sling is not permitted as a means of steadying the aim.
5.4.1 Any other type of rifle sling, or strap to steady the rifle including harnesses are forbidden.
6. Clothing
6.1. Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or others.
6.1.1. Shooting glove is permitted based on rule 5.3
6.2. The clothing can be stuffed in order to reduce stress of the rifle on the arms or on
the knees.
6.4. No surface can be formed on the clothing that is suitable to hold the rifle. The fully adjustable forearm of the rifle can be used in any shooting position; there is no
restriction on these forearm modifications.
6.5. The shooter must not lean on any outer aid (natural or artificial).
7. Equipment Testing
7.1. Before, during and after the competition, the Shooting Director may verify the
equipment of any competitors.
7.2. The Organizers reserve the right to chronograph any rifle used at any shoot that is
subject to MAAC rules, to ensure compliance with the legal requirements. This can
be done before, during or after the shoot at the Shooting Director’s discretion.
7.3. The following formula should be used to determine the muzzle energy of the rifle: pellet mass(grns) x pellet mass(grns) x pellet velocity(fps) / 450240 = ft/lbs.
7.4. Process of the speed/power measurement:
•The competitor gives the type of pellet used to the Marshal. The measurement
of the muzzle energy is governed by the average (or nominal) pellet weight
specified by the manufacturer.
•The competitor handles over his weapon and the pellets to the Marshal.
•The Marshal loads one pellet into the competitor’s gun and shoots through the
Chronograph.
•If the energy (calculated from the speed and the weight) is within the tolerance
range, (below 16.3J – 12ft/lbs) the Marshal places a certification sticker on the gun, and validates the scoring sheet by his signature.
•If the speed is above the tolerance range during the first shot, the shot must be
repeated. If the second shot is appropriate, a third (confirmation) shot is needed to
justify the rifle energy. If this third shot is also within the tolerance range, the
Marshal places the certification sticker on the gun, and validates the scoring sheet
by his signature.
•If the second and third shots both are also above the tolerance range, the rifle is
not considered to be appropriate.
7.5. If the rifle is not certified, it is still possible to modify the rifle energy, and to certify the rifle before the first shot of the competition. But if the measurements carried out during or after the competition show inappropriate values, the shooter will be disqualified.
7.6. The pellets used for Chrono Test will be chosen by MAAC organizers.
8. Safety Regulations
8.1. Shooting line / firing line, shooting point: There must always be a shooting line on shooting ranges or on Field Target competitions. The shooting line may only be crossed by anybody after declaring cease-fire. The shooting lanes are set up according to special rules that are controlled by the Shooting Director before the competition
starts.
8.2. When on the shooting line the following rules must be kept:
8.2.1. The rifle may only be cocked and loaded if the shooter in the shooting line is ready to shoot.
8.2.2. The cocked and loaded rifle may only be unsecured if the muzzle is pointing towards the target.
8.2.3. If the Shooting Marshal orders the shooter to stop, the safety-pin of the rifle must be secured, the loading port must be opened, and if possible the bore must be emptied, or the pellet must be shot into the ground in front of the shooter immediately.
8.2.4. Aiming with the rifle, looking through the scope is only allowed for the shooter in the shooting point. It is forbidden to anyone else to aim with the rifle or look through the scope if she/he is not in the shooting point.
8.2.5. Should any dispute be raised on safety questions, the Shooting Marshal has the right to decide in all cases.
8.2.6. Children must not be in the shooting line. Parents are obliged to take care of their children or they are obliged to organize appropriate supervision in all circumstances.
Junior shooters must be aware of the safety regulations.
8.2.7. Spectators can accompany the shooters, but they are not allowed to go closer than 4 meters from the shooting point. They must not disturb the shooters. If they violate the rules, they can be banned from the Shooting Range. If the spectator is a
competing shooter at the same time, he can be disqualified.
8.2.9. The shooters who are not in the shooting point, and waiting for their turns must
control if the rules of the competition are kept by others. If any violation of the rules
occurs they have to remind the Shooting Director, or his Deputies. If the infringement
of the rules is tolerated, its consequence can affect the whole shooting group. Each
violation of the rules will be marked onto the Score Sheet of the shooters by the
Shooting Director or his Deputies.
8.3. Transport and operation of the rifles.
8.3.1. Rifles can be transported only if emptied. It must be clearly visible if the rifle is
empty. The rifle must be always unloaded, except when sitting in the shooting point.
8.3.2. The rifle can be transported only in a case, or if the rifle is supplied with shoulder strap, it can be transported on the shoulder with the barrel facing upwards or
downwards, and the loading tray must be opened and/or a load indicator must be
inserted.
8.3.3. The barrel must never be pointed to any person.
8.3.4. If a single whistle is heard the competition must be stopped at once. Shooters must empty their rifles by shooting into the ground in front without any delay. The
competition can be continued only after a double whistle is heard. The competition
can be stopped and re-started only by Shooting Marshals.
8.3.5. Multi shot air rifles can also be used, if the magazine is removed during the
transportation between the shooting points. Before shooting only one pellet must be
loaded into the magazine, and it must be reloaded before every shot.
8.4. Promoting safety is compulsory for all of the shooters. If anyone experiences a not safe rifle handling, or infringement of the safety regulations it must be brought to the attention of the Shooting Marshals or the Shooting Director.
8.5. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, use any drugs or medicines that can influence the consciousness of the shooters. It is even forbidden to be present in the Shooting Range under the influence of those substances.
9. Officials at the Competitions
9.1. The Organizer and Shooting Director will take full responsibility during the competition.
9.2. The Official persons during competitions:
•Shooting Director / Director of Competition
•Shooting Marshal for Rifles and Equipment Control
•Lane Shooting Marshal
•Organizer of the Competition
9.3. The Shooting Director is responsible that rules are observed, successful and safe performance of the competition, and scoring. In situations, where this rulebook cannot be applied, the Shooting Director has the right to take decisions.
His decision is final and there is no right to appeal.
9.4. The number of the Shooting Marshals is decided according to the circumstances of the competition. The Shooting Marshals must be supplied with identification signs. The Lane Shooting Marshal is responsible for the appointed lanes, he has to control the shooters in that sector, and responsible for the safety of the shooters and the spectators who are moving from one lane to the next one, and responsible observation of the rules
.
9.5. The Shooting Marshal Director and his Deputies have the right to disqualify a shooter if rules are broken.
10. Registration, orders, group formation during a competition
10.1. By filling the entry forms, the competitor accepts the MAAC Field Target rules.
10.2. The Shooting Marshal briefs the shooters before any competition.
10.3. Scoring of targets will be by using the buddy system (2 shooters per lane).
10.3.1. The shooting buddies can be selected either by drawing or by personal selection of the organizer. The selection method depends on the level of the competition or the number and classification of the shooters.
10.4. The Shooting Director has the obligation to place a copy of the rulebook in an
accessible place. If at the competition other nations other than Maltese will be participating, an English copy of the rules must be displayed as well. Any competitor shall be helped to know and understand the legal regulations, and the safety and MAAC FT rules.
11. Lanes
11.1 On the location where the competition will be held, the practice area, the check point and the lanes should be marked clearly.
11.2 The route between the lanes must not cross the firing line.
11.3 On each lane, the firing point shall be marked with a Lane Number plate. This plate also stands as the firing line. The Shooter must shoot his target from behind the number plate within 1 meter radius.
11.4 In a 50 targets match, 13-25 lanes shall be placed and every lane should have 2 to 3 targets.
11.41 In a 30 targets match, 15 lanes shall be placed and every lane should have 1 target to be shot twice on 2 separate rounds or shot twice in one round according to the instructions given on the scoring sheet and during the shooters briefing.
11.5 The course can be planned longer than one day. In this case, the lanes for each day must not be the same, the competitors should not shoot the same lanes twice. The
total of each day scores will be the final result.
11.6 On every lane the following should be clearly marked: lane number, number of
targets, and the mandatory shooting position if any. In case of an international
competition, every target should be numbered from 1 to 50.
11.7 Any modification on the lanes by a competitor is forbidden.
11.8 Before the start of the competition, competitors are not allowed on the lanes area.
11.9 During shooting the gun barrel shall be between the markers exceeding the firing line, pointing to the targets, and the trigger shall not cross the fire line.
12. Practice area
12.1 A safe practice area shall be provided for the competitors at least 1 hour before the competition. The practice area shall be in the same area where the competition will take place.
12.2 The safety rules are mandatory in the practice area as well.
12.3 At the practice area targets have to be placed on different distances. The distances have to comply with the minimum and maximum possible distances of the
competition. The number of these targets has to be in accordance with the number of shooters.
12.4 The practice area shall be used only before the match. During the competition the
practice area can be used only with the Shooting Director’s permission.
13. Targets and their placements
13.1 Silhouette: knock down targets resettable from the firing point are used.
13.2 The kill zones diameters of the targets are in accordance with the distances where they are placed. The kill zones have to be 15mm, 25mm and 40mm. The kill zone will have a round shape.
13.3 The targets can be placed under and above the firing line level and in variable lighting conditions as well.
13.4 The Shooting Director has the obligation to control that each target has a clearly
marked firing point.
13.5 Targets shall not be closer than 10m and not further than 50m from the firing line. (During FT Malta Nationals range distance might follow the distance that will be shoot during the FT Worlds hosting country until the current WFTF Core Rules are not enforced in all hosting countries during the Worlds.)
13.6 Target placements are the following:
•the 15mm kill zone targets may be placed not further than 20m
•the 25mm kill zone targets may be placed not further than 35m
•the 40 mm kill zone target may be placed not further than 50m.
13.7 In 50 target competitions, kneeling positional shots shall to exceed 7 targets and standing positional shots shall not exceed 5 targets.
13.8 In 30 target competitions, kneeling positional shots shall not exceed 6 targets and standing positional shots shall not exceed 3 targets.
13.9 A clear and unobstructed view of the kill zone of all targets must be afforded from ALL shooting positions.
13.10 If the target’s kill zone cannot be seen from any one shooting positions, the Shooting Director must be brought to attention.
13.11 Freestyle position targets should have a white face plate with yellow KZ. Kneeling positional targets should have a yellow face plate with red KZ. Standing positional shots should have a red face plate with a yellow KZ.
14. Target sequence
14.1 The targets shall be shot in numerical order. If the targets are not numbered, they must be shot in the following sequence:
•from left to right
•if the targets are on the same line then from close to far
•if the targets are on the same line and same distance then high to low
14.2 In the event of a target being shot out of sequence, the competitor shall forfeit the
omitted target, being credited with a “miss” and resume shooting at the target
immediately following it.
15. Target failure
15.1 If the resetting cord brakes or other mechanical problem occurs the Shooting Marshal should be informed who will solve it.
15.2 Any disputed score should be indicated to Shooting Director and
•the target will be used for other competitors;
•if the target will fall at least one time the protest will be over ruled.
15.3 If the target is really malfunctioning the Shooting Director shall exclude it from the competition.
16. Shooting positions
16.1 Any position is allowed unless mandatory position is specified. Any support for
supporting the body or the weapon (bipod, tripod, chair, artificial or natural support)
is prohibited. Competitor can support the gun only with his/her hand and body.
16.2 In prone position the gun and the forearm must be clear of any artificial or natural support with the exception of a bean-bag.
16.3 In seating position: bean-bag is permitted.
16.4 In kneeling position: There shall be only 3 points of contact with the ground – one sole, one knee, and toes of the kneeling leg. Bean-bag may be used to keep the knee clean and should support the ankle.
16.5 In standing position: only soles of feet are in contact with the ground.
17. Time per line, time measurement
17.1 There is a time limit for the completions of the lanes. Competitors shall be informed about the time limit before the competition starts.
17.1.1 The time measurement is continuous, the length corresponds the number of the
targets in that line.
17.1.2 Time limit is 1 minute per target plus 1 minute for preparation (i.e. for a 2 targets lane there are 3 minutes, for a 3 targets lane there are 4 minutes) Timing is mandatory for all MAAC events.
17.2 The preparation time is part of the timing, and should start when the competitor
enters the shooting line.
17.3 If it takes too much time for the shooter to occupy the firing point on purpose, he can be penalized by the Shooting Marshal with shooting time reduction.
17.4 Shot after time limit shall be credited as a miss.
17.5 In the event of a cease fire order, guns will be discharged safely into the ground. Timing shall be stopped. After the cease fire event finished, the timing shall be continued.
17.6 The stopwatch shall be placed in a clearly visible place. The stopwatch can’t be kept in hand.
17.7 If the stopwatch is not started by the competitor while undertaking the targets, the whole lane results in missed targets. It is the ethical obligation of the buddy to control if the stopwatch is started, they also can help to indicate time remaining to the shooting buddy.
18. Score Sheet
18.1 The shooter is allowed to enter the course only if the score sheet is filled prior to the shoot with personal data. Score sheet has to contain the following information: name of competitor, type of air gun, scope and pellet.
18.2 Competitor control each other, Marshal must be involved only in case of disputed issues.
18.3 During the competition, the score sheet is filled with the results of the shooter (1:
means hit, 0: means miss). The completed Score Sheet must be returned to the
Shooting Director immediately after the competition. Competitor and his/her buddy
must sign the Score Sheet. Not fully filled or unreadable Score Sheet shall be
rejected. If a competitor does not return his Score Sheet to the Shooting Director,
his/her result will be “0”.
18.4 No correction can be made on the Score Sheet. If a correction is needed, the nearest Range Marshal has to sign the correction.
19. Scoring
19.1 Shot means when compressed air leaves the weapon through the barrel or breech with pellet or without pellet with the exception of cease fire situations or un-aimed shots with the knowledge and consent of the buddy or Marshal.
19.2 Only one shot is allowed at each target.
19.3 One point for each hit and zero for a miss.
19.4 A hit shall be awarded only when the target is hit in the kill-zone and falls.
19.5 Additional shot to targets must be penalized.
19.6 Penalty means minus one point.
19.7 Results shall be announced immediately after the competition. Protests can be
placed within 30 minutes after the annunciation.
19.8 The competitor with most points wins.
19.9 The awards presentation must be held before the removal of the targets. The removal of the
targets is the duty of the organizer.
20. Disputed scores, protest
20.1 Any disputed score must be announced prior to leaving the target. Under no
circumstances should the competitor touch the reset cord until the dispute has been
resolved by the Range Marshal.
20.2 If the Range Marshal cannot solve the problem the Shooting Director shall be
informed, who must decide. This decision is final.
20.3 A protest can be passed only in written form to Shooting Director within 30
minutes after results are announced. Competition Director has to investigate it.
21. Tied Scores
21.1 In the event of tied scores a shoot-off shall decide the final rankings.
21.2 The Shooting Director chooses a 15mm KZ target and is placed no more then 20m from the firing line. Each shooter will in turn shoot in a standing positional at the target. Sudden death system is used in shoot-offs. First shooter to miss loses the shoot- off.
21.3 A shoot-off shall be applied only for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
21.4 From the 4th position the competitors who have equal points will get equal place.
22. Interruption of the Competition
22.1 The Shooting Director has the right to interrupt the competition. If this happens, all shooting activities must be stopped at once. The scores must be written on the Score Sheet whether the lane was finished or not.
22.2 The maximum time for an interruption is 1 hour. If the interruption is longer than 1 hour, the competition must be considered to be finished.
22.3 If the circumstances change within 1 hour, the Shooting Director orders the
competition to be continued. The shooter who was in the shooting lane at the
interruption has to continue the competition from the point it was finished. The
shooting time must be set according to the number of the targets
23. Penalties
23.1 The shooter, who deliberately violates the shooting rules or the safety regulations, or cheats must be disqualified immediately. The shooter who behaves unsportsmanlike, or slightly offenses against the rules, must be notified. The notification must be recorded on the Scoring Sheet by the Marshal. After the second notification the shooter must be disqualified.
23.2 If the shooter is disqualified he is not allowed to register for the next event of the
same tournament.
