ENGLISH SKEET RULES

TARGET & TRAJECTORIES
In calm conditions both traps shall be set so that one target shall emerge from a trap house (High House) at a point 91cms beyond the Station Marker
1 (measured along the base chord extended), and 3.05m above the level of station 1 - The other target shall emerge from a trap house (Low House) at a point 91cms beyond Station Marker 7 (measured along the base chord extended), and 76cms from the base chord extended (measured on the side of the target crossing point), and 1.07 metres above the level of station 7. The targets shall fly a distance of 50m to 52m after passing within 45cm of a point 4.57m above the ground known as the Target Crossing Point (see plan). Where the Referee is satisfied that a variation in target trajectory is such that the equity of the competition can not be maintained he may ask the jury to reset the targets.
2 Targets to be used shall comply with ISU Rules.
3 Regular Target: One which having been set as in Rule 1 appears instantly when the shooter calls.
4 An Irregular Target:
(a) An unbroken target which has not conformed to the definition of a regular target.
(b) Two targets thrown simultaneously in singles.
(c) Targets thrown broken: under no circumstances shall the result of firing upon a broken target be counted.
5. Regular Doubles: A regular target thrown from each trap house simultaneously.
6. Irregular Doubles:
(a) if either or both targets of a double are thrown as irregular targets.
(b) if only one target is thrown.
ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIONS
7. Shooting is normally conducted in squads of 5 competitors. If it becomes necessary, squads of less than 5 members may be formed but squads of more than 5 must be avoided for control and safety reasons.
8. The targets will be shot at in the following sequences
Station 1: 2 singles and a double
Station 2: 2 singles and a double
Station 3: 2 singles
Station 4: 2singles and a double (the shooter must nominate the first target of the double.
Station 5: 2 singles
Station 6: 2 singles and a double
Station 7: 2 singles shooting Low House first, then High House and then a double
Optional or repeat target = first target missed, or a single from either 1 High or Low from station 7. This shall be scored as the twenty fifth shot.
9. The first target to be shot at in Doubles on Stations l and 2 will be the high house, .and on stations 6 and 7 it shall be the low house.
10. Each shooter shall complete his shooting on one stand before leaving that stand.
11. At the beginning of each round when the squad is assembled at Station 1, they shall be entitled to observe one regular target from each trap house. A competitor may also ask to have one regular target thrown after each irregular target, except when the irregular target was fired at.
12. If a shooter is not present when his squad is called, the referee must call the name 3 times loudly within the period of 1 minute to shoot in that round A late member must arrive in time to shoot his first bird before the No.1 man of his squad has taken his position at station 2. If no good reason is forthcoming from the shooter he will be fined 3 targets.
13. If a breakdown occurs to a trap during the shooting, the referee will decide if the shooting will be continued on another layout or on the same layout after the breakdown has been repaired. The squad shall be entitled to observe one regular target from each trap house before the shooting continues.
REFEREES AND JURY
14. The shooting shall be conducted by a referee with wide experience in skeet shooting. His main function is to make immediate decisions regarding 'dead' or 'lost' targets, and he is to give a distinct signal for all lost targets.
15.The referee shall make an immediate decision whether a repeat target is to be thrown due to an irregular target or some other reason. If possible he shall call 'No bird" before the shooter has fired his first shot.
16.A jury shall be formed consisting of five members representative of the competing shooters, who shall elect a chairman. The jury shall make decisions by majority vote. The jury can make decisions when the Chairman and two jury members are present to vote. As an exception in urgent cases two members who agree upon a decision may act as a valid jury after having consulted with the referee.
17. It is the duty of the jury:
a) to ascertain that the ranges and the targets thrown conform to regulations.
b) to see, during the shooting, that the rules are adhered to and to examine the guns, ammunition, and targets by random tests or other suitable procedures.
c) To make. decisions in connection with technical defects or other disturbances in the shooting, if those are not made by the referee.
d) to deal with protests.
e) to make decisions regarding penalty if a shooter does not adhere to the regulations or conducts himself in an unsportsmanlike manner.
f) to agree upon a plan so that at least two members of the jury are always present on the ranges.
GUNS AND AMMUNITION
18. All types of guns, including semi-automatics, 12 gauge and smaller may be used for shooting. No handicap will be given to competitors using guns of a calibre smaller than 12gauge. Changing of guns (or properly functioning parts) between stations within a round is not permitted unless the referee has accepted a gun malfunction which cannot be quickly repaired.
19. The length of the cartridge, before being fired, not to exceed 70mm (except for .410 cartridges). The skeet load not to exceed 28gms or size larger than 2mm dia. (No.9 shot English). Cartridges must be of normal loading, no internal changes may be made. Each round of skeet will be completed with cartridges of one type only, those being the ones with which the round was started. Different loads or shot sizes will not be used within the round. (The referee may at any time remove an unfired cartridge from a shooter's gun for inspection. Black powder and tracer cartridges are forbidden.
20. When a gun fails to function and the referee on inspection finds that it is disabled in such manner as to render it not quickly repairable, and that this has not been caused by the shooter himself, the shooter should have the option of using another gun If one can be secured without delay, or dropping out of the squad and finishing the remaining shots at a later time when a vacancy occurs and the referee gives his permission. If his gun is repaired before the end of the round, the shooter may be permitted to join the squad providing the referee gives his permission. In other cases of malfunction of either guns or ammunition which result in the shot not leaving the gun(provided this is not the fault of the shooter) he has the choice of changing his gun or continuing with the same one. A competitor is allowed two (2) repeat targets (malfunctions of gun and ammunition combined) during each round of 25 targets, one for each malfunction whether he has changed his gun or not. A shot will be considered a misfire (valid malfunction) if there is no detonation after the primer has been struck. Should the shooter not release the trigger sufficiently to fire the second cartridge of a double or to cause (Automatic) fan-firing, this will be considered a fault of the shooter and will not entitle him to a repeat target.
SHOOTING RULES
21. One shot only may be fired at each target during its' flight within the shooting bounds - an area 40.2m in front of the traphouse from which the target is thrown.
22. Shooting position: Standing with both feet entirely within the boundary of the shooting station. Gun-position optional.
23. When the shooter is ready to shoot he calls loudly "pull" or some other verbal command after which the target shall be thrown instantly.
'DEAD' AND 'LOST' TARGETS
24. A target is declared 'Dead' when it is completely destroyed or a visible piece falls as a result of being fired upon according to these regulations. The referee shall be the sole judge of a 'Dead' or 'Lost' target.
25. The target shall be declared 'Lost' if: a)the target is not broken or it is hit outside the shooting boundary. b)the target is only dusted c)the shooter has been unable to fire because the safety catch has not been released, or because the gun has not been properly loaded or closed. d)the third or subsequent malfunction of gun or ammunition occurs to a shooter in a 25 bird round. e)when firing a double a competitor is unable to fire his second shot because he has failed to load a second cartridge; or he has incorrectly set a semi-automatic gun; or the recoil from the first shot has applied the safety catch; or the second round is discharged by the recoil from the first shot; or for any other reason whatsoever attributable to the shooter. f)during doubles, the second shot does not leave because the competitor using single trigger, has not released it sufficiently after the first shot. g)after a misfire or malfunction, a competitor touches the safety catch or opens the gun before the referee has inspected it. h)the shot is not fired due to some other reason which does not entitle the shooter to a repeat target. i)the doubles are fired in inverse order, both targets shall be scored 'Lost'.
'NO BIRD'
26. under the following circumstances 'No Bird' shall be declared and another target thrown WHETHER OR NOT THE COMPETITOR HAS FIRED:
a) if the target breaks on throwing.
b) if the target is thrown from the wrong trap house.
c) if two targets are thrown simultaneously in singles.
d) if the target is of a colour manifestly different from that of the others used in the competition.
e) if the first target in doubles is regular and the second is irregular.
27. "No Bird" to be declared and another target thrown IF THE COMPETITOP HAS NOT FIRED:
a) when the target is thrown before the shooter has called.
b) when the target does not appear immediately.
c) when the target flutters, has insufficient velocity or takes an irregular course on leaving the trap.
d) when the shooters position is not according to Rule 22 and the shooter has not been warned in the round. No claim of irregularity shall be allowed where targets were actually fired upon and the alleged irregularity consists of deviation from the prescribed line of flight, or because of an alleged 'quick' or 'slow' 'pull, unless the referee has distinctly called 'no bird' prior to the firing of the shot in the event of the 'quick pull', or prior to the emergence of the target in the event of the 'slow pull'. Otherwise if the shooter fires, the result shall ho scored.
28. In the case of a misfire or other malfunction of gun or ammunition through no fault of the shooter "no bird" shall be declared and a repeat target thrown a maximum of two times for each shooter in a round of 25 targets regardless of whether the shooter changes his gun or not. Upon the third and succeeding malfunctions the targets are scored as lost targets.
The referee may also permit a new target to be thrown if:
a)the shooter has been visibly distracted.
b)another shooter fires at the same target.
c)the referee cannot for some reason decide whether the target was hit or. missed. The referee will not declare a 'no bird' if the shooter misses a target for reasons other than those covered by the rules regarding 'no bird'.
30. The foregoing Rules also apply to doubles and will be interpreted as follows: a)the double will be declared 'no bird' and the competitor MUST SHOOT A REGULAR DOUBLE to determine the results of both shots if:
(i)the first target is regular and the second is irregular regardless of whether the first target is dead or lost.
(ii)a malfunctioning gun or ammunition prevents the shooter from firing at the first target.
(iii) either target of the double is irregular and the shooter does not fire. If the alleged trajectory consists of a deviation from normal, insufficient initial velocity or a fast or slow pull and if both targets have been shot at, the results must be counted.
(iv)the shooter misses his first target and it collides with the second target before the shooter fire, his second shot, or if fragments from the first target break the second target before he has fired his( second shot. v)the referee prevents the shooter from shooting his second shot because of violation of Rule 22.
If the shooter has already been warned of the same violation during the same round, the result of the first shot will be recorded and the second target will be declared 'Lost'.
"Lost' Targets will be declared:
(i) upon the third and subsequent malfunction of the gun or faulty ammunition in the same round.
(ii) if the shooter (without legitimate reason) does not fire at a regular double both targets will be declared 'Lost'.
(iii) if the shooter (without legitimate reason) does not fire at the second target of a regular double, the result of the first target will be recorded and the second target declared 'lost'.
(iv) if, in a regular double the first target is lost and the second shot cannot be fired because of a malfunction of the gun or ammunition the first target is scored Lost" and the double repeated to determine the result of the second shot only.
31. a) If in the course of shooting at doubles, both shots are discharged simultaneously, the double is declared 'no birds' and is repeated as a regular double TO DETERMINE THE RESULTS OF BOTH SHOTS if the first target was hit. Note: If the 1st target is missed the target shall be scored 'lost' and the double repeated to determine the result of the 2nd shot only.
b) If the shooter breaks both targets with the same shot, the double will be declared 'no bird' and repeated. The shooter is allowed three attempts on one station. ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT IF THE SAME SITUATION OCCURS, THE DOUBLE WILL BE SCORED 'DEAD AND LOST'.
c)If in shooting at a regular double, the shooter misses the first target and accidentally hits the second target with the same shot, he will be scored 'lost' first target and shoot again at a regular pair of doubles to determine the result of the second shot only. The shooter is allowed three attempts on one station. On the fourth attempt if the same situation occurs, the double will be scored 'LOST and LOST'.
32. Shots will not be scored:
a) If the shooter fires out of turn.
b) If the shot is discharged involuntarily before the shooter has called for his target. Accidental discharges may be cause for penalty or elimination from a competition for unsafe gun or gun handling. RULES OF CONDUCT
33. All guns, even when empty, shall be handled with the greatest care. Conventional double barrel guns are to be carried with the breech open and the muzzle in a safe direction, up, or down at the ground. Straps or slings on guns are prohibited. When a shooter puts his gun aside it must be placed vertically in a gun stand or another place intended for this purpose. It is forbidden to touch or handle another competitor's gun without the owner's SPECIFIC permission.
34. Shooting and sighting may only be practised on the shooting station. Shots may only be fired when it is the shooters turn and the target has been thrown, It is forbidden to sight or shoot at another competitors targets. It is also forbidden to wilfully sight or shoot at live birds or animals.
35. At roll call before the beginning of a round the shooter must be ready to shoot immediately and take with him sufficient ammunition and other necessary equipment.
36. No member of a squad shall advance to the shooting station until it is his turn to shoot and the previous shooter has left the shooting station. No member of the squad having shot from one station shall proceed towards the next station in such a way as to interfere with another shooter.
37. It is prohibited to place cartridges into any part of the gun before the shooter is standing on the station with the gun pointed in the direction of the target flight area and the referee has indicated that shooting may begin. During shooting of singles it is permitted to load one or two cartridges in the gun at a time.
38. If the target is not thrown instantly the shooter is to denote that he refuses the target by remaining in his 'Ready' position. (The referee shall be the sole judge of determining a slow or fast pull).
39. After a shot has been fired or after a regular target has been thrown without the shot being fired the competitor must not turn away from the target flight area before opening his gun. When an irregular target (no bird) is thrown or the shooting interrupted, the gun shall be opened. It is NOT to be closed again until shooting can continue.
40. In the case of a misfire or other malfunction of gun or ammunition the shooter shall remain standing with the gun pointed to the flight area without opening the gun or touching the safety catch until the referee has inspected the gun.
41. The shooting shall be carried out without interruption. The shooter shall indicate he is ready and call for his targets, or indicate a protest if necessary. The shooter shall answer any of the referees questions.
42. The referee, under the supervision of the jury shall see that these regulations and safety precautions are adhered to.
PROTESTS
43. A referee shall not be interfered with or interrupted unnecessarily. Protests submitted to a member of the jury, either verbally or in writing shall be accompanied by a fee to be set by the jury. (if the protest is upheld by the jury then the fee shall be returned.
44. If a competitor disagrees with the referees decision regarding a shot, protest should be initiated immediately by raising the arm and saying 'protest' or 'appeal'. The referee shall then interrupt the shooting and make his decision. It is not allowed to pick up a target from the field in order to find out whether it has been hit or not.
45. The referees decisions can be appealed against verbally or in writing to the jury. If the jury finds the protest justified it can give the referee directions for future decisions or appoint a new referee, or alter his decision, if this does not concern hits, misses, or irregular targets where the referees decision is final.
46. If the shooter is of the opinion that the score which is read aloud when the round is finished is incorrect, he should make protest verbally to the referee immediately. The referee shall then, as soon as possible, examine the score sheet, after which he shall announce his decision. If the person protesting is not satisfied with the decision, a short written protest shall be made to the jury.
47. If a competitor, or official, observes anything which does not conform to these rules, he must not interfere with the shooting, but shall report his finding to the referee or a member of the jury. Action shall then be taken.
PENALTIES, ETC.
48. Every competitor is obligated to acquaint himself with the rules insofar as they apply to shooters. By entering the competition he thereby agrees to submit to any penalty that may be incurred through failure to comply with the rules or with the referees decisions.
49. If the shooter uses guns or ammunition which are not in accordance with Rules 18 and 19, all shots fired with such gun or such ammunition shall be counted as misses. If the jury finds that the fault has been committed with intent, it can in consequence hereof exclude the shooter from the competition. If the jury finds that the shooter could not be reasonably aware of the fault and that he, through the fault, has attained no essential advantage, it can decide to approve of the shooting results, providing the fault is corrected as soon as the shooter has become aware of it.
50. If the shooter is not present after the referee has called his name and number three times and this is not due to circumstances beyond his control the shooter is to be fined three birds and given the opportunity to shoot the remaining targets of the round at a time to be decided. If the competitor leaves his group for one of the reasons cited in the Rules a penalty of one target shall be imposed for each interruption and he shall be permitted to shoot the remaining targets at a later time.
51. Should the jury find that a shooter delays the shooting or conducts himself in an unsportsmanlike manner, it may give him a warning or fine him one bird, or exclude him from the match.
52. When the jury fines a shooter one bird and the decision is not occasioned by any special target, the first dead target after the decision has been made known is to be counted as lost, If the shooter has completed the day's shooting or the whole competition one bird shall be deducted from the score of the last round. If a shooter has been designated as an assistant referee and is late or fails to present himself or provide an acceptable substitute without delaying the squad, he shall first receive a warning in the case of being late and shall be penalised by one target by the jury if he fails to appear or provide an acceptable substitute.
TIES
53. If two or more shooters obtain equal scores, precedence for the first three places in championships (and in other competitions where this has been announced in the programme) are decided by tie-shooting in 25 bird rounds until a difference in scores occurs. The round or rounds shall be shot according to these rules in such a way, however, that the squads may consists of less than five men. Unless the tie-shooting is to be held at a pre-arranged time, the shooters involved shall keep in touch with the management, so that the tie-shooting can be carried out at the latest 30 minutes after the shooting proper is finished.
54. For the remaining scores the last 25 bird round is to decide precedence; thereafter, the 2nd to last and so forth. If all stages are equal, precedence is decided by counting the last target forward until a zero is found and the shooter with the most hits in succession takes precedence.
55. If two or more teams obtain the same scores ranking will be determined by the total score of the team members in the last series of 25 targets and then next to the last series, etc, until the tie is broken.
UNFINISHED COMPETITION
56. a) Should any competition fail to be completed due to extreme bad weather, darkness or major equipment failure then the competition may be curtailed or suspended.
b) If curtailed, the award of prizes should be decided at some point in the competition equitable with fair play. It is recommended that a proportional refund should be made to each competitor.
c) If suspended it shall be announced publicly at the suspended shoot a date at and the terms under which the competition shall continue. Such date should be not more than four weeks from the date of the original competition.
d) Any competitor who fails to attend on the new date set for the postponed competition shall forfeit all rights and standing in the competition.
A refund of entry fee should be paid.



End