FITASC INTERNATIONAL SPORTING REGULATIONS

CHAPTER ONE - GENERAL RULES
1.01 Shooting Stand In keeping with the topography of the grounds, an International Sporting course must be equipped with a sufficient number of traps so that competitors may shoot under conditions resembling wild game shooting, i.e. partridges, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, etc. - outgoing, low flying, driven, crossing and quartering, in fields or in woods; the targets may or may not be partly obscured by trees and bushes.
1.02 Approval This course must have been approved by the national federation for the organization of national competitions, and by the international federation for international competitions.
1.03 Traps There shall be a minimum, of 4 traps per layout (parcours) set up under the traditional system. Under the new system, there shall be a minimum of 3 traps per station for a minimum of 12 traps per layout. Manual, automatic or semi-automatic machines are permitted, and they shall be identified by alphabetical letters (A, B, C, etc.) from the left to right of the shooting station.
1.04 Targets Targets to be used are the standard trap, skeet and rabbit targets, as well as the thinner targets and smaller diameter targets that are faster. These may include 110 mm rockets, 90 mm midis (the French call these minis), battues, 60 mm minis (the French call these super-minis, or bourdons), flash targets and ZZ-birds.
1.05 Waiting Position The shooter must be standing, his feet within the limits of the shooting stand, the heel of the gun touching his body beneath a horizontal line marked on the shooter's vest. (This line shall be indicated by tape affixed to the shooter's vest, by embroidery, or other means.) This horizontal line shall be located 25 cm (9.85 in.) below an imaginary line drawn over the top of his shoulder. The shooter shall maintain this unshouldered position until the target(s) are in sight.
1.06 For report, simultaneous or following pairs, there are no constraints as to gun position between first and second targets.
1.07 If the shooter positions himself wrongly, or shoulders his gun before the target appears, he shall receive a warning, and this warning shall be noted by the referee on his scorecard.
1.08 After the first warning on the same Parcours, the target shall be scored: a. for a single target thrown, "lost" b. for a report pair, "lost and no bird" c. for a simultaneous pair, "lost and lost".
1.09 The shooter has no right to refuse a target unless he has not called for it. The referee shall be the sole judge of the regularity of the target trajectory or no birds.
1.10 Shooting stations shall be delimited by squares of approximately 1 meter (3 feet, 3 inches) per side, or circles of approximately 1 meter diameter.
1.11 When the targets are within view, the shooter must shoot with the gun shouldered, even at rabbits.
1.12 Under no circumstances, after a referee has clearly announced a target to be no bird, may the target be shot at. After the first warning, the shooter shall be penalized as follows:
a. for a single target thrown, "lost"
b. for a report double, "lost and no bird"
c. for a following or simultaneous pair, " lost and lost".
CHAPTER 2 - ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIONS THE JURY
2.01 International competitions shall be supervised by a Jury composed of representatives of each participating country, with the representative of the organizing country acting as Chairman.
2.02 The Jury makes decisions by majority vote. In the case of a tied vote, the Chairman's vote shall decide the issue.
2.03 The Jury can make valid decisions only when the Chairman or his delegate are present and are accompanied by one-quarter of the members of the Jury.
2.04 In emergencies (for example, when shooting may have to be suspended), two members of the Jury, designated by the Chairman, may make a decision with the agreement of the referee, which decision is subject to ratification by the Jury.
THE ROLE OF THE JURY IS:
2.05 To verify, before shooting begins, that the course conforms to the relevant regulations and that the preparatory arrangements are suitable and correct.
2.06 To appoint a Technical Committee whose responsibility shall be to set, on the day before the competition, the various trajectories, the locations of the shooting stations, the choices and speeds of the targets which will be shot during the event.
2.07 No practice will be permitted, before the events begin, on the competition layouts or the layouts fixed by the Technical Committee.
2.08 Prior to the commencement of the events, the Shoot Official shall set out at each station a detailed plan (menu) showing the trajectories for each of the traps. Trajectories shall be established and calculated in calm weather. However, should these trajectories be altered somewhat during the shooting by wind, they will be considered regular.
2.09 To see that, during shooting, rules are adhered to, and to check guns, ammunition and targets as appropriate, through technical tests.
2.10 To make the necessary decisions in the event of technical failures, if these decisions have not been made by the appropriate referee.
2.11 To deal with protests.
2.12 To decide on penalties to be imposed on a shooter who does not observe the rules or who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.
2.13 To ensure that there are always at least two members of the Jury present on the shooting grounds.
APPEAL JURY
2.14 An appeal jury shall be set up for each international competition.
2.15 In the event of objection to a decision of the jury by shooters or by FITASC, an appeal jury may be referred to. This appeal jury shall consist of: the President of FITASC or his representative, the President of the Technical Commission or his representative, the Technical Director of FITASC or his representative. This appeal jury shall be formed at the same time as the Jury.
2.16 During international competitions, shooters from the same country shall be assigned to different squads insofar as is possible. The organizing committee will announce a time at which there will be a drawing by lot, by which the squads will be formed. Delegates of participating nations may be present should they so desire.
2.17 Shooting shall take place following the draw, in squads of six. Rotation of the order of the shooters shall continue not only at each new station, but also for the shooting of pairs. At each shooting station, the six shooters in a squad will first shoot single targets, then pairs.
2.18 At each station all target presentations shall be shown to the first shooter of each squad, who must observe them from within the station.
2.19 During the showing of targets, no shooting or simulation of shooting may take place; violations shall be penalized under the Articles 1.07 and 1.08.
2.20 Only simultaneous pairs and following pairs shall be shown to the first shooter of each squad; report pairs shall not be shown.
2.21 Report pairs shall be composed only of targets that have first been shot as singles.
2.22 For international competitions, a single Parcours shall consist of 25 targets; however, the Technical Commission may by exception, change this number should it so deem necessary.
2.23 Shooters shall foresee all eventualities in order to be at their designated stations on time. If one of the shooters is not present when his name is called, the referee must call loudly the name and placard number of that shooter three times during a period of one minute. If he has not missed his turn for singles, on station 1, the shooter may rejoin his squad. If he has not missed his turn for doubles on station 1, the shooter may rejoin his squad. If he has missed his turn for singles or pairs, all the singles or pairs which he has not shot at in his turn will be scored as "lost". If the shooter presents himself on a subsequent station, all the targets which he has not shot on preceding stations shall be scored "lost"; under no circumstances shall the shooter be allowed to shoot his Parcours in another squad.
2.24 If the shooter believes that he has a valid reason for his lateness, he must: a. not rejoin his squad shooting on the Parcours b. notify the jury in writing c. comply with the decision of the Jury. d. only the Jury may authorize him to re-shoot his Parcours in another squad e. if the Jury judges that the shooter's reason is unacceptable, he shall be scored 25 "lost" for 25 targets not shot at.
2.25 In the event of a trap malfunction during shooting, the referee shall decide whether the sequence should be continued or interrupted for mechanical difficulties. After necessary repairs, the shooter has the right to be shown the normal, regular targets before resuming shooting.
2.26 During international competitions scores shall be recorded by a referee or his delegate, who may be a shooter. Scores of each Parcours shall then be displayed on a central scoreboard.
2.27 On leaving each shooting station, the shooter must verify his score recorded on the scorecard. If the shooter contests this score, he must immediately so inform the referee, but the final decision is solely the referee's. However, the referee may seek further information or counsel before making his final decision. No objections may be accepted after this control point.
CHAPTER 3 - GUNS AND AMMUNITION
3.01 All guns, including autoloaders, may be used as long as their caliber does not exceed 12 gauge and the barrel is no less than 66 cm. (26 in.).
3.02 All firearms, even if unloaded, should be handled in as safe a manner as possible.
3.03 Autoloaders must be carried with the action open and all other guns must be carried broken; all guns must be carried with the muzzle pointing upward or downward, in a safe direction.
3.04 The use of gunslings is prohibited.
3.05 When the shooter is not using his gun, he must place it vertically in a gunrack or similar storage place designated for each use.
3.06 It is forbidden to handle another shooter's gun without permission.
3.07 It is forbidden, during a competition or an official championship, for two shooters in the same squad to use the same gun.
3.08 As an exception, solely in the case of malfunctioning of his gun, a shooter may borrow another shooter's gun, with that individual's permission, in order to finish his parcours.
3.09 Changing guns totally, as well as changing chokes or barrels, is authorized, whether within a Parcours, between two shooting stations, or between singles or doubles at a station. However, no delay shall be permitted for any of these reasons.
3.10 Once a shooter is on the shooting station, he is no longer permitted to make any such change.
3.11 The maximum time permitted to shooters between targets, whether singles or doubles, is 20 seconds. In the event that a shooter exceeds that time limit, after one warning to the shooter, the referee may apply Article 1.08.
3.12 In the event of gun malfunctions verified as such by the referee, the shooter shall be allowed up to two additional attempts at targets within the same Parcours. The third, as well as subsequent malfunctions, shall be scored "lost". If the referee agrees, the shooter shall be permitted to continue shooting with his squad, as long as he obtains another gun without delay (Article 3.08). Otherwise, he must abandon his turn, leave the squad and finish the remaining shots of that Parcours once there is room within another squad and after the Jury has authorized him to do so. Should his gun be repaired before his squad has finished the sequence at that station, the shooter may resume his place within the squad, with the referee's authorization.
3.13 Should both barrels fire simultaneously, as a result of gun malfunction, and not the shooter's error, whether at a single target, or at the first target of a pair, the shot will be declared "no bird" with nothing established, and Article 3.12 above will be applicable.
3.14 The cartridge load may not exceed 36 grams of shot (1 1/4 oz.). The shot shall be spherical with a diameter between 2 and 2.5 mm. +/- 5% (U.S size 7 1/2 to 9).
3.15 The use of dispersion devices or other unusual loading of cartridges is prohibited. Reloaded cartridges are not permitted.
3.16 The use of black powder and tracers is prohibited.
3.17 Two cartridges may be used for each single, but the shooter may use only two cartridges per pair.
3.18 If for a pair, both targets are broken by a single cartridge, the pair will be scored "dead and dead".
3.19 The referee may at any time remove one or two live cartridges from the shooter's gun chamber for examination by the Jury.
CHAPTER 4 - STANDARDS OF ATTIRE, RULES OF CONDUCT
4.01 Competitors must be properly attired. Short shorts are prohibited, and only long shorts (Bermuda type with hem about 5 cm. above the knee) are permitted. Shirts must have a minimum sleeve, with or without collar, and with minimum crew-neck (tee-shirt). Wearing sandals is prohibited for safety reasons. The shooter's placard displaying his competition number must be worn in its entirety and all of it must be visible. All violations of these rules of dress will first be penalized by a first warning from the referee; subsequent violations may result in penalties up to and including barring the shooter from the competition, at the Jury's decision.
4.02 A shooter may shoot only in his turn and only when a target has been thrown, unless the referee has otherwise authorized him to shoot (such as specific authorization for test firing).
4.03 Aiming at, or shooting at, another shooter's targets is prohibited.
4.04 Aiming at, or intentionally shooting at, live animals is prohibited.
4.05 Any simulation of shooting is prohibited, whether on the shooting station or outside it.
4.06 If the shooter simulates shooting on a station, before saying "ready", or involuntarily fires a shot, the referee shall issue him a warning. After one warning, each further simulation shall result in a score of "lost" for the first target otherwise scored "dead" in that sequence.
4.07 When his name is called, the shooter must be ready to shoot immediately and he must have with him the ammunition and equipment necessary for that sequence.
4.08 Under no circumstances may a shooter move onto a shooting station before the previous shooter has departed and it is his turn to shoot.
4.09 The shooter may load his gun only when he is on the shooting station where he has taken his designated place, his gun pointing in a safe direction toward the target presentation area, and only when the referee has authorized him to start shooting.
4.10 Autoloaders must never be loaded with more than two cartridges.
4.11 The shooter on the station must not turn around until he has opened his gun and removed the cartridges, whether or not they have been fired.
4.12 During the showing of he targets, or when shooting is temporarily suspended, the shooter is required to keep his gun open and unloaded. The gun may not be closed again until authorized by the referee.
4.13 In the event of misfiring or other malfunctioning of the gun or ammunition, the shooter must remain in position, the gun pointed safely toward the target presentation area, not opened, and without touching his safety, until the referee has examined the gun.
4.14 Shooting must proceed without interruption, shooters being authorized only to speak the necessary commands such as ready, pull, go (or other), and to answer the referee's questions.
4.15 If a member of the Jury observes a violation of the rules, he must so inform the referee. If the referee cannot immediately take appropriate action, he must so inform the Jury.
CHAPTER 5 - REFEREES
5.01 Referees must be approved by the Jury before the competition. In a case where a large number of referees do not have adequate credentials, they must be supervised by international referees.
5.02 A referee must be highly experienced in clay target shooting, have a currently valid referee's license from FITASC, and be in possession of a card indicating that he is a member in good standing of his appropriate national organization. Otherwise, the Jury must accept auxiliary referees.
5.03 Referees shall maintain order and decorum on the course, as well as during shootoffs.
5.04 The referee makes his decisions alone. If the shooter disagrees with the referee's decision, he must protest immediately on the station by lifting his arm and saying "protest" or "appeal". The referee must then suspend shooting and immediately give his definitive decision.
5.05 The shooter may appeal the referee's decision; his protest shall be made in writing to the Jury, accompanied by the protest fee in the amount required as of the day of the competition. This deposit will be returned to him if the Jury rules in his favor. If the Jury rules that the appeal is justified, it may give the referee instructions for future such situations, or appoint a new referee, or change the referee's decision. Under no circumstances may such an appeal bear on whether a target has been hit or missed, nor whether a target was defective; under these circumstances, no appeal may be made against the decision of the referee.
5.06 When the competitor is prepared to shoot, he must say "Ready" to the referee, and the target must then be launched within 0 to 3 seconds after the referee has transmitted the command of the shooter to the trappers.
5.07 The referee must transmit the shooter's command to the trappers in as short a time as possible.
5.08 In exceptional cases, the referee may suspend shooting in the event of heavy rain or violent storm which appears to be one of short duration; however, he must inform the Jury if it appears that the interruption will continue for some time.
5.09 Under no circumstances may the shooter recover a target to determine if it was hit or not.
CHAPTER 6 - SINGLE TARGETS, HIT OR MISSED
The target is scored hit or "dead", when:
6.01 It has been launched, the shooter has shot according to the rules, and at least one visible piece breaks off, or the target is totally or partially pulverized; this is equally applicable to flash targets. The target is scored missed, or "lost":
6.02 If it is not hit and no visible piece breaks off or if only dust is seen coming off the target (dusted target).
6.03 If the shooter is unable to fire his gun because he has put on the safety, has forgotten to load or cock his gun, if the gun has not been sufficiently broken or closed, or if he has neglected to chamber a cartridge (in the case of an autoloader).
6.04 If it is the third malfunction of the gun, on the same Parcours; Article 3.12 will then apply.
6.05 If the shooter cannot fire the second shot because he has forgotten to put in a second cartridge, or if he has not canceled the locking device of the loading chamber in an autoloader, or for any other reasons.
6.06 If the second shot is not fired because the shooter, using a single trigger gun, does not release the trigger sufficiently after the first shot.
6.07 If the shooter, in the case of malfunction or misfiring, opens the gun himself or touches the safety before the referee has examined the gun.
6.08 If the shooter adopts a waiting position which is not in conformity with the articles 1.05 -1.08 and 1.11, and if he has received a warning on the same Parcours.
CHAPTER 7 - SINGLE TARGET NO BIRD
7.01 The target will be declared no bird and a new target launched, whether or not the shooter has fired:
a. if the target is broken on launching
b. if the target is launched from the wrong machine
c. if, while a single target is being launched, another target is also launched from another trap serving the same station, the single target shall be declared "no bird", whether or not the shooter was disturbed by the other target(s).
d. On a rabbit, if the clay breaks after having been missed on the first shot but before the second shot has been fired, the rabbit will be called "no bird", and must be re-fired, the first shot being placed nearby (but not hitting), and the target may be broken only with the second shot.
7.02 If the target is of noticeably different color than the other targets used on the same trajectory at the same station.
7.03 If the target is launched before the shooter has said, "Ready".
7.04 If the target is launched after more than 3 seconds following the command by the referee.
7.05 If the trajectory is judged irregular by the referee.
7.06 If, when using an autoloader, the ejection of the first cartridge prevents the proper chambering of the second. (In this case, when the target is attempted again, the first shot shall be directed near the target without hitting it and only the result of the second shot shall be scored.
7.07 If the first shot cannot be fired due to a cartridge misfire or gun malfunction which is not attributable to the shooter and the shooter does not fire the second shot. If he fires the second shot, the result shall be scored.
7.08 The referee may call a no bird when the shooter clearly has been disturbed.
7.09 If another competitor shoots at the same target.
7.10 If the referee, for some reason, cannot judge whether the target has been broken or missed.
7.11 All targets not declared "no bird" by the referee must be shot. However, the referee may announce "no bird" after the target or targets have been attempted (such as in the case of a premature or late launch, or an irregular trajectory).
7.12 In the event of cartridge misfire or malfunction of the gun not attributable to the shooter, the target will be declared no bird and a new target launched. After two misfires or two malfunctions of the gun on the same Parcours (whether or not the shooter has changed guns) further misfires or malfunctions shall be scored "lost". (See Article 3.12).
CHAPTER 8 - REPORT PAIRS DEFINITION OF A REPORT PAIR
8.01 Two targets launched from one trap, or from two different traps, The second target being thrown within 0 to 3 seconds after a shot is attempted at the first.
REPORT PAIR - NO BIRD
8.02 If two targets are launched simultaneously.
8.03 When, in a report double, the shooter does not shoot at the first target, whether through being taken by surprise or because of visibility problems, the result of the first target shall be established and the score shall be declared "lost and no bird", as the second target cannot be launched except at the sound of a shot. In this case the pair will be repeated in order to determine a score for the second target.
8.04 If the target is launched from the incorrect trap.
8.05 If the first target is regular and the second is irregular, the result of the first target is established as "dead" or "lost".
8.06 The pair shall be declared "no bird" and the shooter shall be required to shoot another pair to determine the results of the two shots if:
a. the shooter violates Article 1.05, waiting position on the first target (Article 1.07, 1.08)
b. in the course of a double, both shots are fired at the same moment, it is a malfunction and declared "no bird". The double must be re-fired even if the first target has not been broken. (Article 3.12 and 3.13). c. the shooter involuntarily fires his gun on the shooting stand, be it while loading the gun or by accident, before saying the word "Ready".
8.07 On a report pair, when the second target is irregular ("no bird"), the double must be re-fired, the result of the first target shall be scored "dead" or "lost", and the shooter will not have the opportunity to re-score the first target if it has been lost. The pair will be re-fired if:
a. the shooter misses the first target which then collides with the second target before he has fired the second shot
b. fragments of the first target break the second target before the shooter fires his second shot c. in a pair when the second shot cannot be fired due to malfunction of the gun or the cartridges (Article 3.12 and 3.13).
8.08 If the gun malfunctions or the cartridge misfires preventing the shooter from firing at his first target, then Articles 3.12 and 3.13 shall apply.
8.09 If the shooter does not shoot in his turn, he will receive a warning; at the second such incident on the same Parcours, the target shall be scored:
a. "lost" for a single target
b. "lost and no bird" for a report pair
c. "lost and lost" for a simultaneous or following pair.
8.10 For report pairs, Articles 6.01 to 7.12 apply.
CHAPTER 9 - REPORT PAIR SCORED: DEAD AND LOST, LOST AND DEAD, OR LOST AND LOST
9.01 If the shooter does not shoot at the second target of a regular report pair, the result of the first target is scored and the second target is declared "lost".
9.02 If the shooter, without a legitimate reason, does not shoot at a regular report pair, both targets shall be scored "lost".
9.03 The target shall be scored "lost" on the third gun malfunction or cartridge misfire, on the same Parcours.
9.04 When a shooter, for a pair, fires both shots at the same target, the result is scored and the second target is declared "lost".
9.05 Rules of Articles 6.01 to 7.12 apply to the shooting of pairs.
CHAPTER 10 - SIMULTANEOUS PAIRS
10.01 A simultaneous pair is defined as being two targets launched at the same time by one or two traps.
10.02 In a simultaneous pair, neither score is established in the event of a "no bird" applying to either target.
10.03 Both targets may be broken by a single shot and in this event will be scored "dead and dead".
10.04 The two targets of a simultaneous pair may be shot in any order.
SIMULTANEOUS PAIR -"NO BIRD"
10.05 A pair shall be declared "No bird" and the shooter shall attempt the pair again to determine the results of both shots if:
a. one or both of the targets break on launching
b. one or both of the targets are launched from the wrong trap
c. one or both of the targets are of noticeably different color than the other targets used in the same pair
d. one or both of the targets are launched before the shooter says "Ready"
e. the pair is thrown after a time lapse exceeding 3 seconds after the command to launch by the referee
f. one of the trajectories is deemed irregular by the referee
g. the shooter misses his first target and it collides with the second before the shooter fires his second shot
h. fragments of the first target break the second before the shooter fires his second shot
i. Articles 1.05 and 1.06 are violated, regarding the correct waiting position for the first target (1.07 - 1.08)
j. gun malfunction or cartridge misfire prevent the shooter from firing at this first target(s) (Articles 1.07 - 1.08)
k. in a pair, the second shot cannot be fired due to gun or cartridge malfunction (Articles 3.12 and 3.13)
l. in a pair, both shots fire simultaneously due to gun malfunction which is not due to shooter error, the pair is scored "No bird" and may be re-attempted (Articles 3.12 and 3.13)
m. the shooter on the station fires his gun involuntarily, either on loading it or by accident, before saying "Ready".
10.06 Rules of Article 6.02 to 6.08 apply to simultaneous pairs.
CHAPTER 11 - FOLLOWING PAIRS DEFINITION OF A FOLLOWING PAIR
11.01 Two targets from the same trap, on the same trajectory.
11.02 Two cartridges may be fired at one target.
11.03 The targets may be shot in any order by the shooter.
11.04 In a following pair, in the case of a "No bird" for either or both targets, no score is established.
11.05 All rules for simultaneous pairs also apply to the following pairs (see Articles 10.04 to 10.06).
11.06 Articles 6.02 to 6.08 apply to following pairs.
CHAPTER 12 - PENALTIES
12.01 All shooters are expected to be familiar with these rules for FITASC International Sporting. These may also be called Parcours de Chasse (French), Recorrido de Caza (Spanish) or Jagdparcours (German). In taking part in competitions, they accept the imposition of penalties and other consequences resulting from the violation of regulations or referee's orders.
12.02 Deliberate violation of these rules first results in a warning by the referee or the Jury. In the event of repeated violations or of more important transgressions, the Jury may penalize the shooter one target "lost", or in a more serious case, bar him from shooting the current sequence of the Parcours, or even bar him from the entire competition.
12.03 In the event that the Jury concludes that the competitor is deliberately delaying shooting or acting in an unfair manner, it may give him a warning, or penalize him one target lost, or exclude him from the competition.
CHAPTER 13 - SHOOT-OFFS
13.01 In the event of a shoot-off, if time permits, the Jury shall put a new layout into place.
13.02 Shoot-offs for the first three places shall consist of a series of 25 targets and, in the case of a tie there shall be a sudden death series on a second layout. In this case the first target on which scores differ, the shooter with a target lost will drop below the others, and so on. Should there be a tie among the remaining shooters in the original competition, they will share their ranking.
13.03 Shooting takes place in accordance with the preceding regulations; however, empty position standings are not filled.
13.04 When shoot-offs are not carried out at a previously specified time, the shooters concerned must stay in touch with the shoot officials in order to be ready to shoot within 15 minutes' notice.
13.05 Shooters absent at the time of the shoot-off shall be declared defaulted.
13.06 The Jury may decide that, for exceptional reasons, the shoot-offs may be postponed until the next day. Shooters absent in this case shall be considered defaulted.
RATIFIED BY THE TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR FITASC INTERNATIONAL SPORTING (PARCOURS DE CHASSE), NOVEMBER 14, 1991 Note: In the event of apparent discrepancy between this translation and the original FITASC regulations issued in French November 14, 1991, the original rules issued in French shall take precedence.
Supplementary Notes General:
Every attempt has been made to exactly translate the original French to English. However, for various good reasons, and on a few occasions only, the text was changed slightly to better conform to English idiom after discussion with FITASC headquarters. The numbers of each item below refer to the appropriate Article in the rules above.
1.01 The Traditional method of shooting FITASC International Sporting has usually approximated the following: A layout (parcours) consists of three shooting stations set around a rough oval, with approximately 4 fixed traps arranged around the periphery. Viewed from successive stations, the targets present the shooter with different trajectories. It is customary never to repeat the same single at any station. Usually the target menu shows four singles and two pairs of doubles at each station, however in order to total 25 targets on the layout, one of the three stations must present five singles. Thus a large variety of target presentations is possible with only a a few machines and only one referee per parcours, making for a very economical yet challenging layout. However the one disadvantage of this approach has been that only one squad at a time can be on the layout since the machines are shared among all three stations. The New way of shooting FITASC International Sporting first originated at the World Championships at Geelong, Australia, several years ago. International shoots had so grown in popularity that major changes were required to push more shooters through. The new system organizes four discrete stations into Parcours totaling 25 targets .Each station has its own dedicated machines (minimum three), trappers and referee, permitting all four stations to be operated simultaneously. This means that the configuration of the parcours is linear rather than oval. With the new FITASC the usual target presentation is four singles and one doubles pair for a total of six targets on each of three stations; in order to total 25 on the parcours, a fourth station offers three singles and two pairs of doubles to total seven. For the purposes of this translation, the term "Parcours" is a layout (normally 25 targets) set up under either system. The 25 targets shot in a Parcours are generally referred to as a sequence.
1.05 There is a precedent for this vest-marking approach. International skeet has long required such a visible horizontal line on the shooter's vest, for the purpose of judging gun position before mounting. The required position of this line can be found by stretching a flexible measuring tape against the body, from the top center of the shoulder and down to the front of the chest to 25 cm. (9.85 in.) Any kind of marking can be used to indicate the horizontal line, whether tape, embroidery, or other means. The referee may require a permanent marking of a contrasting color, depending on the country. In ready position, the heel of the buttstock must rest against the body anywhere below this line, from the side (below the arm) to the center of the chest. 1.08 Lost = Zero (French); Dead = Bon (French). Also, the shooter will get one warning, after which he will be penalized a target or targets for each succeeding breach of rules 1.05 and 1.07.
2.03 One quarter of the members of the Jury is calculated without counting the Chairman or his delegate who are also to be present. (Note: The term "President" is used in the original French text but the organizational context is such that the term Chairman is more precise in English.)
2.19 At no time may the shooter shoulder his gun and follow the target, but tracking the target otherwise is not prohibited (i.e. following it with the finger). Following it with the muzzle, even with the gun open and unshouldered, is not recommended, as this could lead to confusion on the field, especially with less experienced referees.
2.20 Report pairs are almost always composed of the previously viewed singles; as such they are not presented for viewing prior to shooting the doubles. However simultaneous or following pairs must be presented for viewing prior to the doubles. If simultaneous pairs are launched from the same trap, then both clays will have trajectories different from the singles (true pairs are usually lower and slower). If they are launched from different traps the shooter will see each clay somewhat differently from how he saw them as singles. Similar considerations also apply for following pairs, and they to must be presented for viewing before the doubles.
2.23 If the shooter has missed his turn for singles but not for doubles, he may resume shooting for pairs but his singles shall be scored "lost". 3.09 and 3.10 The intent is that a shooter may change his gun, chokes or barrels at any time, other than when he is on station to shoot, and as long as others are not delayed by his doing so.
4.05 See note above for Article 2.19
13.02 The scores of a hypothetical tournament example follow below: shooter score A 180 B 180 C 179 D 178 E 178 F 178 G 177 H 176 I 175 etc. In the first round of the shoot-off, shooters A and B, being among the top three, and having tied, are each required to shoot a complete Parcours of 25 targets. The higher scoring shooter (let's say B) then wins first place and A accordingly places second. The rankings are then as follows: 1st Place B 2nd Place A 3rd C 4th D 4th E 4th F 7th G 8th H 9th I Note that shooters D, E, and F are all listed as being fourth, as the rule calls for shooters below the first three to share rankings in the event of a tie. In some countries, the count-back system of tie-breaking is used. Example: The scores of D, E, and F, for a previous Parcours shot, are then examined. Based on who missed first in the series, who missed second, and who missed third, the one who missed last is ranked 4th; the one who missed second to last is ranked 5th, etc. Note also that shooter G is listed as being in 7th place. This is because the total ranking must correspond to the total number of shooters, i.e. if there are 345 shooters in a competition, the bottom ranking shooter must be ranked 345th. If in this first shoot-off sequence of 25, A and B had tied again, they each then would shoot another series. The shooter who misses earlier in the sequence loses the shoot-off to the other. For example: SINGLES A B Dead Dead Dead Dead Dead Dead DOUBLES Dead Dead Dead Lost Dead Lost Since B missed earlier in the sequence than A, he loses to A. 13.07 The procedure described in Article
13.02 is followed as if each team were one shooter. In other words, if Teams A and B are tied, each team member first shoots a sequence of 25 targets. If their total team scores fail to determine a winner due to a tied score, each team then shoots another sequence. As with the sudden death procedure for individual competitors, the team with the earlier miss in the sequence loses. (Translation and supplementary notes by Sentry)