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NRA
Sanctioned Tournament Information
The purpose of this page is to inform you how an NRA sanctioned tournament
is operated. The NRA plan for competitions is designed to give the greatest
possible enjoyment to the competitor and, at the same time, to allow
the control necessary to maintain nationwide standards.
There are terms which are used in discussing shooting tournaments (just
as is the case with other sports) andyou should understand them. Those
following are, for the most part, abbreviated from definitions found
in various NRA official rule books. The numbers in parentheses indicate
the pertinent rule number.
NRA COMPETITION: (1.0)
A tournament sponsored by an NRA Affiliated Club or Association that
has received the approval of the NRA in advance of firing. There are
three types - Approved Tournaments, Registered Tournaments and Sanctioned
Leagues.
TOURNAMENT: (1.1)
A series of matches covered by an official program.
PROGRAM: (Sec. 21)
The brochure published to give information about the planned tournament
to prospective entrants. This includes such information as the name,
date and location of the tournament; courses of fire; equipment allowed;
eligibility to participate; fees involved; classification and award
system to be used; person to whom entry cards are to be mailed; and
any special regulations desired by the sponsor.
SPONSOR:
The organization or club which conducts the tournament by publishing
the program, establishing dates, etc.
HOST:
The organization that conducts the tournament operations. (Generally,
the sponsor and host are synonymous, but NRA Sectionals, Regionals and
most National Championships are sponsored by the NRA and hosted by the
organization conducting the tournament operations. State Associations
sponsor State Championships but generally specific clubs host the tournaments.
MATCH: (1.7(a))
The basic competition unit. May consist of one or more stages.
STAGE: (1.7(b))
All or part of a match based on the shots fired at one range or one
type of firing.
AWARD SCHEDULE:
The method of giving awards. This is generally based on classification.
It may be modified by use of categories.
CLASSIFICATION: (Sec. 19)
The NRA system of dividing shooters into different skill levels for
award purposes. See the section entitled "The NRA Classification System"
in this page for additional details
CATEGORIES: (Sec. 2)
A breakdown of tournament entries based principally on stated groups
not related to skill level. A more complete description of categories
follows later in this page.
OFFICIAL BULLETIN: (13.4)
A final listing of the results of the tournament showing all shooters
scores, award winners, etc. It may be a posted list of a list printed
for distribution.
Approved Tournament
Any well-organized Saturday afternoon club practice session can be operated
as an NRA Approved Tournament with little extra effort. A well-run practice
session will require the same operating personnel and organization that
a sanctioned tournament requires.
The following are required by the NRA before a tournament will be sanctioned
as an Approved Tournament:
1 - An application form (available from the NRA Competitive Shooting
Division) submitted in duplicate to the NRA at least thirty days before
the tournament. This application lists the club number, type, name,
date and location of the tournament, and names the following: Match
Director, the contact person, and the Supervisor (who is selected by
the sponsor and who acts as Referee for the tournament but who does
not have to be an appointed Official NRA Referee (Club Jury Representative
for Silhouette)). A telephone number for contact during normal working
hours must also be listed.
2 - Two copies of the proposed program are submitted with the application.
The program is reviewed and one copy returned with an NRA sanctioning
signature or with suggested changes. (In an Approved Tournament, the
program does not have to be reproduced by the sponsor. A single copy
may be posted on the range bulletin board. We recommend reproduction,
however, for distribution to prospective entrants and to answer inquires).
3 - Any publicity concerning your tournament (or any programs you send
out) should carry the information that there will be a charge of $4.25
per shooter payable to the NRA. (Of course, you will have to add this
fee to your fees in order to have sufficient funds to pay tournament
expenses, including target costs, awards, etc.) This fee is not charged
in Silhouette matches.
After the tournament is completed, the sponsor is expected to do the
following promptly: 1) mail in appropriate NRA registration and Score
Reporting Cards with correct name, address, NRA ID number, scores and
number of shots posted for each entry so these can be made part of each
competitor's classification record (silhouette competitors have scores
posted in their classification score record books) and, 2) submit the
NRA registration of $4.50 per competitor. (The Supervisor cannot compete
in the tournament but all other officials may). Tournament sponsors
who fail to submit scores and fees required by NRA Rules may be prohibited
from conducting further sanctioned tournaments. DO NOT submit applications
for future tournaments with the scores and fees.
Registered Tournament
The Registered Tournament is fundamentally the same as the Approved
Tournament but is more formal. The differences listed below appear to
be many and great, but in actual operation there is very little difference.
Most of the requirements of a Registered Tournament are met in a well-run
Approved Tournament.
What are the differences? Briefly,
1) Except for High Power Rifle, an Official NRA Referee (when available)
is provided at no cost to the tournament sponsor for State, Regional
and Sectional Championships. When a Referee is not available, a Jury
(composed of 3 members) may be formed.
2) Competitors must be NRA members (Juniors may be members of an NRA
affiliated club);
3) National Records will be recognized, if fired and properly reported
on the NRA- supplied form;
4) The Referee, Match Director, Deputy Match Director, Chief Range Officer,
Chief Pit Officer, and Chief Statistical Officer cannot compete in the
tournament, except in silhouette tournaments;
5) Some specific courses of fire must be offered;
6) NRA classification and an awards schedule must be used;
7) Earlier notification to the NRA is required (at least 45 days);
8) The Program must be available for distribution and a Final Results
Bulletin must be printed and distributed to each competitor and to the
NRA.
9) The NRA Registration fee is $5.25 per competitor.
We advise that sponsors run Approved Tournaments before scheduling a
Registered Tournament.
As with the Approved Tournament, a Registered Tournament application
packet is available from the NRA.
Need more help? The NRA has a Tournament Operations Guide that goes
into detail. This guide is an excellent checklist and is used extensively
by experienced, as well as new, tournament sponsors.
The NRA Classification System
The NRA Classification System was devised to help maintain interest
among shooters, by breaking down the shooters into groups of approximately
equal skill.Tournament sponsors may award prizes within each group.
This is simply a form of handicapping and has an advantage over a score
handicap system because it permits the use of scores actually fired.
Except in silhouette, upon entering any tournament, a shooter must complete
an NRA SR-1 (for conventional) card and SR-1A (for NRA style international),
an SR-27 (for shotgun events) or an SR-45 (for Action Pistol). Information
which must be supplied includes the full name, address, and most important,
the NRA identification number (non-members who are classified are assigned
an identification number). Shooters should be sure to use the same name
and address of record with NRA in the same way every time. For example,
if initials are used, such as "J.D. Smith," then continue to use initials,
rather than sometimes using "Joe Smith." This will speed up the classification
system because cross checks will not have to be made to determine if
it is the same person. Additional information needed on the SR-1, SR-1A,
SR-27 or SR-45 card includes the type of shooting fired, the classification,
if any, and the place and date of firing.
Competitors are classified as High Master, (High Power Rifle, Action
Pistol, Pistol and Police Pistol only), Master, Expert, Sharpshooter,
or Marksman (Master AA through D for shotgun and Master through B for
Silhouette). A shooter is placed in one of these classes after he has
fired a required number of shots for the type of shooting involved.
Individual and team scores must be fired in NRA Registered or Approved
Tournaments or in Sanctioned Leagues to be used for classification.
After the required number of shots has been fired, the score average
is determined, establishing the classification to which the shooter
belongs, except in Silhouette in which no averaging is done.
When new shooters enter their first NRA sanctioned tournament, they
MUST fire in the Master Class. This is in effect for the first tournament
only. The new shooter should ask for and receive a Temporary Score Record
Book from the Sponsor or Referee. This Temporary Score Record Book will
help to determine the shooter's temporary classification until he or
she has fired sufficient shots which have been reported to NRA to earn
a regular classification card.
After the first tournament, the new competitors are required to maintain
the Temporary Score Record Book as their temporary classification. They
must use this temporary classification and keep their Score Record Book
up to date until they receive their official NRA classification. Each
classification card has an effective date which makes the Score Record
Book obsolete. The shooter must compete in the classification earned
in all tournaments of that type of shooting or a higher one if they
so choose (NRA Rule 19.8). NRA noes not issue Temporary Classification
Cards. See Rule 19.6 for use of "Assigned Classification."
As new scores are received from tournament sponsors, they are recorded
at NRA Headquarters and averages are checked in accordance with the
specific number of shots required as listed in the pertinent rule book.
As a shooter progresses, scores improve and averages increase, to the
point where the shooter will be assigned a higher classification and
a new card will be issued.
Team shooting is also based on the classification system. The method
of arriving at a team's classification is explained in each rule book
and amounts to an average classification for all the team members involved.
Provisions in the system allow for for lowering a classification when
justified and requested, in writing, by the shooter.
Classification Averages:
A competitor's classification is based on a percentage as listed in
the appropriate NRA Rule Book. A minimum number of shots must be posted
to the competitor's record before a card is issued. This minimum varies
with each shooting program as shown in the proper Rule Book.
The Silhouette classification system is handled in a different way.
Check Section 19 of a current NRA Silhouette Rule Book for details.
Categories
The term "category" is used to separate competitors into distinct groups
without regard to any skill level. Regular award categories are normally
divided into classes for skill level awards. There can be several Regular
Award Categories which are in common use (Check the appropriate Rule
Book for the precise definition).
1) Civilian - Defined in Rule 2.2; Generally, competitors who do not
fall into the following categories:
2) Police - As defined in Rule 2.4. This is also a specific group and
limited as far as interpretation is concerned. A person, based on employment,
either falls into the police category or does not.
3) Service - Defined in Rules 2.5 (National Guard), 2.6 (Regular Service)
and 2.7 (Reserve Components); Competitors who are members of the Armed
Forces generally fall into one of these categories. Exceptions are based
on duty status and/or military support to the competitor during the
calendar year.
4) Junior - Rules 2,3; 2.3.1; and 2.3.2,
The Regular Award Categories above are normally subdivided into classes
determined by skill level.
In addition to the Regular Award categories mentioned, there are several
Special Award categories. These apply to certain individuals regardless
of their place in the Regular Award categories. Special categories most
commonly used are listed below, although this is not an all-inclusive
list because of their nature. Special categories can be established
by any tournament sponsor. Special awards are normally given only to
one person in a match or an aggregate, and are not necessarily given
by skill level as are Regular Award Categories.
1) Senior - A person who has reached an age as defined in Rule 2.2.1.
Such a person could also win Regular Awards and/or other Special Awards.
2) Women - The comment under "Senior" would also apply to women shooters.
They, too, would also fall into one of the standard categories as well
as this special one.
3) College - School - ROTC - These are special in that shooters are
also in one of the standard categories.
4) Junior - In some tournaments Juniors can be either in the Special
Award or Regular Award area. Generally, the "Junior" category is used
as a Regular (classified) category only in Smallbore Rifle competitions.
When a tournament sponsor decides to use the category award play, he
is responsible for clearly defining in the tournament program the categories
he intends to use. This does not mean awards must be provided in each
standard category but only that the program must stipulate which categories
are established.
For example, a sponsor may decide to give awards in two categories -
Regular Service and Civilian. He must then state in the program that
the Service category will be as defined in Rule 2.6 and that all others
shall enter as Civilians. Under different circumstances, the sponsor
may state that awards will be given in two categories, such as civilian
and police, police to be as defined in Rule 2.4 and all others to enter
as civilians. In each of these examples, all competitors will be covered.
But, when a program merely states there will be a Service category and
a civilian category without any further elaboration, there will be confusion.
As an example, if a police officer wanted to enter such a tournament,
he would find in Rule 2.2 (under the example given) that police may
not compete as civilians. Since he knows that he is not eligible for
the Service category, he can find no category to enter. A statement
such as, "Awards will be given in a Service category and a non-Service
category," with the specification that the Service category will consist
of those who fall in the categories as defined by Rules 2.5, 2.6 and
2.7, with all others entering the non-service category, informs everyone
exactly how they should enter the tournament.
Sponsors may wish to provide special awards for those people who may
fall into special categories. The program of the tournament should list
each such special award, the eligibility for these awards, and any limitations
such as: only one award per match, priority of awards, etc.
Sponsors who use the classification-category award system generally
provide for the contingency of only two or three competitors entering
in a given class and category. The program should clearly state the
method of combining categories and classes, and the manner in which
this will be done. We recommend that categories be combined within the
same class (skill level) before different classes are combined. It is
fairer to the individual shooter to be entered with competitors from
other categories of the same skill level than to be forced to compete
with people who are recognized to be better shooters and in a higher
classification. If groups cannot be put together in the same classification,
then there is no alternative but to combine classifications in order
to get a base for giving awards.
Qualifications
The Classification System is used solely in formal competitions. The
Qualification System, on the other hand, provides a program for individual
training and achievement. The Classification System is used by the NRA
Competitive Shooting Division; the Qualification System is used by the
NRA Education & Training Division.
In contrast to a formal "classification" which can only be earned in
NRA sanctioned competition, qualification ratings can be earned by participating
in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.
Questions & Answers
Q: Where does a tournament sponsor
get entry cards (NRA SR-1, SR-1A, SR-45, SR-27, SR-500 cards)?
A: These may be obtained free from the NRA Sales Dept., Box 5000, Kearneysville,
WV 25430-5000, (Be sure to use the correct item numbers when ordering.
These can be found in the NRA Competitive Shooting Division Price List
available from NRA or by clicking here [links ).
Q: Where do you get statistical forms
for use in operating a sanctioned tournament?
A: These may be purchased from the NRA. A tournament supplies list and
order form are included in each tournament packet. (This is the packet
that contains the application for Registered or Approved Tournaments).
Q: Should competitors use their full
name when completing the entry card?
A: Competitors should at least use one given name, one initial, and
their surname as well as their NRA ID number. Their complete address
as shown on their NRA membership card must also be given. Because of
the large number of competitors for which the NRA maintains classification,
it is extremely important that all competitors use exactly the same
name for every tournament in which they enter. The NRA is unable to
determine in many cases whether "R.O. Smith" is the same person as "Robert
O. Smith", even if they have the same address.
Q: What is the advantage of advance
entries?
A: Advance entries permit the tournament sponsor to assign firing points
and times to "squad" his tournament. The sponsor will have some idea
of the number of relays that will be required and also the number of
awards that must be provided. Shooters should send in their entry to
a tournament at the earliest possible date.
Q: How much should a tournament sponsor charge for an entry fee?
A: There is considerable variation in the fees charged. The total cost
for attending a tournament may vary anywhere from five dollars per match
to as much as one hundred dollars per match. It is up to the tournament
sponsor to keep his fee at the lowest possible figure to permit shooters
to attend. This can be done by using volunteer labor and keeping the
awards reasonable.
Q: What use is made of NRA tournament
registration fees?
A: These fees are used to offset a portion of the costs of the administration
of NRA sanctioned tournaments and maintenance of the NRA competitor
classification system. These fees are also used to pay the referee's
expenses in the case of Championship Tournaments.
Q: Why should the statement "NRA Rules shall govern," be in every program?
A: The tournament program is the vehicle which is used to cover all
regulations concerning the tournament operation. For this reason, it
is necessary that some such statement be made in order to let all competitors
know the specific rules under which they are firing. The tournament
sponsor has, in some cases, the privilege of specifying which NRA Rule
will be in effect.
Q: Who is eligible to enter an NRA sanctioned tournament?
A: Only individual NRA members, or juniors who are members of an NRA
Affiliated Club, may participate in a Registered Tournament. NRA rules
do not require membership for participation in either Approved Tournaments
or Sanctioned Leagues. If other restrictions are made by the tournament
sponsor, they must be clearly stated in the Tournament Program. Restrictions
placed on participation must not be in violation of any local, state
or federal legislation.
Q: May special regulations in a program?
A: Yes. Such special regulations cannot contradict NRA tournament rules
but may set up special "ground rules" for the range, a special firing
procedure, a special award program, etc.
Q: What reports must be made to the
NRA after a tournament has been completed?
A: The Referee, Jury Chairman, or appointed Supervisor is responsible
for making a personal report to the NRA and forms are provided for this
purpose. An SR-1 card is also required for each competitor (SR-1A for
international, SR-45 for Action Pistol and SR-27 for shotgun). The bottom
part of this two part card is to have the total number of shots and
total score posted by the sponsor and be forwarded to NRA to be used
for classification purposes. The tournament sponsor must also remit
registration fees to the NRA, and a tournament report form must be submitted.
A copy of the final results bulletin must be forwarded to the NRA for
every Registered Tournament; Approved Tournaments which publish such
official bulletins should also sent a copy to the NRA. This must be
done within 30 days of firing (Rule 19.13) at the same time as the scores
and fees are submitted. Programs and applications for future tournaments
MUST be sent separately from the scores and fees of a previously fired
tournament.
Q: Can a computer generated report be
sent to NRA instead of the SR cards?
A: Yes. However, the report must include the tournament date, location
and type of tournament (rifle, pistol, etc.). It must also include the
following information for each competitor: NRA ID number, complete name
& address, total shots fired and total score for the tournament. Do
not include averages. The type size must be large enough to read for
data entry purposes.
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