SSAA NSW MILITARY/SERVICE RIFLE / PISTOL DISCIPLINE
Rev: 24/11/2008
Note: Following is a guide for shooters and organisers relevant to the NSW GRAND PRIX series.
It should be used in conjunction with:
- National Rulebook,
- Hosting State Event guide
- Any other guide relevant to the course of the weekend.
During 2002, many of NSW shooters involved in this discipline one way or another, felt the urge to run a championship series where shooters could participate without being disadvantaged if they could not be available to participate in an event. This reduces any chance of a shooter to be competitive for a title that although his skills could give him, other commitments prevent. What could be done to achieve this was the big question.
Regional branches and ranges wanted to host and run large events that would attract shooters from all over the state, and other states, similar to lure of shooters for the State Championships. But, only 1 state championship per year to be shared by a number of ranges just doesn’t go. An idea was put forward that each range run a state level shoot. Then to come up with an overall winner, shooters are simply sorted by their best few scores. This conceived the Grand Prix series.
Most typical shooting events or competitions are based on shooters showing up, shooting, having a good time, finding out their score then going home. Unless you are at these events, you simply miss out. With current times, it is hard for shooters to make “every” event, as family, time and finance must come first.
Although each of the GP rounds does carry rewards and medals, each and every member should treat this GP series as simply wanting to be part of it. Whether finishing first or last, it doesn’t matter. For shooters just to be part of its history is considered by many as one of the most important things.
For the competitive minded, this format reduces the luck factor experienced at “one off” events and increases the ability for shooters to do well based on being consistent. Only a series such as this can offer that.
Thanks to a lot of hard work and planning by Bathurst, Mudgee, Armidale, Tamworth, Northern Rivers and Sydney members, plus many dedicated and greatly appreciated members scattered throughout the state, the series became a reality in 2003. Since conception, the NSW Grand Prix series has certainly fulfilled all the expectations, and wants, of NSW shooters.
Ranges, branches and affiliated clubs hosting these rounds have proved very valuable to “show case” their facilities and attract shooters from other and new regions. Of course, we all enjoy the new challenges offered at new ranges, but also meeting new faces on the firing line, and around the camp fire later that evening.
Time changes most things relevant to shooting. Wherever possible, this event needs to evolve that will encourage and accommodate as many participants as possible using any reasonable means within the spirit of the discipline. Ideas for changes to the series should be put before the SDC, which may then be decided on by the SDC, a sub-committee or the shooters themselves.
There are infinite reasons why any and every shooter should participate in this series or any associated rounds. Everybody is different which may result in a magnitude of reasons shooters participated. From a state organizations point of view, some of the regimented reasons could be:
- grade card maintenance,
- practice and experience,
- social reasons and exercise.
- proficiency awards,
- participation and competitor awards,
- accumulate Hall of Fame points,
- shooter of the year points,
- accumulate points for the State Teams selection,
For many competitors, the time spent socialising is equally important as the time actually shooting. Every effort should be made to have a successful event on all levels of competitor preferences.
The Grand Prix series allows clubs that are not scheduled to host individual official state matches like the City Vs Country, or State Championships etc, the ability to hold a local championship event on a state level. Apart from raising revenue and attendance for the hosts, hopefully this will also spread the experience of hosting/running state events and increase exposure of the discipline to regional and/or new ranges and areas.
It is accepted that the GP series may not suit everybody. But the series is there for everybody to participate in – at any level. Where ever possible, the series equally rewards the novas as much as the competitive.
This series should be promoted to be the best it can be. No matter what shooters reasons are for participating, steps must be made to offer something for everybody and a reason for every excuse.
The following list represents the possible series that may be run. Each series is run individually/separately and the scores do not cross over.
A) Rifle Class A, B, C - Standard/As Issued - Iron Sights
B) Rifle Class H - Modified - Iron Sights
C) Rifle Class F, G, J, T - Open Class - Optical/Telescopic Sights
D) Pistol Class 1 Service - Standard/As Issued - Iron Sights
E) Pistol Class 2 Military - Standard/As Issued - Iron Sights
Hosts may choose to run 1 or all of these GP categories. How they do so in relation to available time and facilities is their choice and responsibility.
For example, the hosts may run a 2 day shoot incorporating A) and C) on day 1 and D) and E) the following day etc etc. If it were a 1 day event, and all A), C), D) & E) are being run, then time may require shooters to participate in selected events. In this case, it is the competitor’s responsibility to choose.
Note: In no way does this list indicate that each of these series is actually being run. The following is simply a list of possible series that may be run. This list may increase or decrease over time. Appropriate advertising and range discipline captains should be consulted for confirmation.
The GP series is based on an arranged number of GP rounds held by successful branches and clubs through the course of the discipline year (from state championships to the following state championships).
There is no maximum number of rounds to be run in the year, but ranges should consider clashing events, or events run close to each other that may detract competitor numbers (each range is responsible for it’s event success). From a state perspective, the number of rounds run will depend on how many ranges are willing to host GP rounds and the dates/timings in relation to factors such as conflicting rounds, holidays etc etc.
Shooters simply have to:
- attend a minimum of 2 GP rounds held throughout the discipline year during the GP series calendar. This will then give the shooter 2 GP rounds results,
- if a shooter participates in more GP rounds than the minimum requirements, then that shooter gets to drop their worst scores, leaving that shooter with their best 2 GP round scores.
- submit scores for any additional matches that may be part of the GP series as agreed and advertised, such as State Postal competitions etc.
- the aggregate of the GP series is based on each shooters BEST 2 GP round results in addition with any other matches/events that may make up the series.
The GP rounds and series is an individual event. This does not stop members organising private teams amongst themselves for friendly rivalry. If this does happen, all team issues are beyond the control of the hosts and organisers. If in the case a dispute should arise, at no time should this in any way inconvenience the hosts or organisers in running the event.
Although this is a NSW event, it is open to SSAA national member. NSW SSAA members are based on the fact that their membership branch is located within NSW.
Residents and members from other states are welcome to participate at individual rounds and in the series. However, shooters from outside of NSW are NOT eligible for state based achievements (State teams selection etc).
Only matches listed in the national discipline rulebook may be used in the GP series. These matches are, however, subject to NSW rule amendments.
The following courses of fire (matches) are what are expected to make up the GP rounds and series. The matches may change from series to series (year to year) but the matches MUST NOT change during the course of any series (within the year).
The following GP matches must be shot along the guidelines of the NSW state and national rules. Refer to the NSW discipline web site and national discipline rulebook for further information.
- 3 Position Core
- Rapid Fire B
- 3 Position Core
- Rapid Fire B
- 3 Position Core
- Deliberate
- 3 Range Core
- 3 Position
Additionally, other matches may be shot during the course of GP rounds at the discretion of the host club. However, only the above rounds will count towards the round or series.
Matches that make up the GP round/series must be:
- shot on the same day
- shot back to back
The schedule of the event is up to the host branch/club. The GP round may be run as an individual event or in conjunction with, or as part of, a club or an official state competition (e.g. City Vs Country).
Note: All proceedings must be in accordance with the national discipline rulebook and state rule amendments and by-laws.
The matches that make up the GP series must be shot in accordance with the NSW rule amendments and the national discipline rulebook. All other matches shot at the event are treated as supplementary local events, or as advertised, and pertain to the host club arrangements only.
Shooters simply qualify by participating in the minimum number of rounds as specified each series. This is normally a small percentage of the total number of rounds on offer. This was strategically planned to allow the extreme travellers to participate at as many rounds as they wish to and they could then select their most appropriate dates.
If a shooter participates in more than the minimum number of scheduled rounds, then that shooters worst round scores are dropped only leaving the shooters best round aggregate scores to be used as a series aggregate.
Under no circumstances can a shooter use, or mix and match, scores from various rounds to get the best scores of matches used in the GP series aggregate.
For example, if a shooter had shot 5 rounds in a 3 round series which each round is made up of 2 matches. The shooters aggregate is NOT based on the best scores of each match that makes up the GP series. The aggregate series scores are made up of aggregate rounds scores in total.
The disputes committee should be made up of 1 person from the host club and at least 1 delegate from each of the ranges currently hosting a round of the GP series. The State Discipline Chairman is to chair the committee. In the absence of the Chairman, the Discipline Chairman Alternate, otherwise the senior event officer of the host club/branch.
Ultimately, the sport of shooting is no different to any other sport. Therefore, any competitor found not enjoying themself should be disqualified – joke! Competitors are expected to co-operate at any time when required. Also, they should be willing to help if require and when asked. A reminder of this should be voiced at the event briefing.
A shooters grade may change from the beginning of the series through to the end. In this case, the final grade for that shooter in the series will be equal to that of the grade shot under when that shooter participates in the last registered match during the series.
E.g.. If a B grade shooter, at the beginning of the series, participates in 5 rounds of a GP series (even though only best 3 round scores are used), and over the series, the shooter has climbed up in grades to become a M (master) grade shooter, then that shooter will be in Master grade for the series aggregate.
The series schedule should be spread across the calendar as evenly as possible but priority is the consideration of available ranges and range time. This is aimed to allow shooters who find finance and spare time difficult the ability to plan ahead and fit in rounds most suitable to their personal schedule.
It is a very easy and a very fair series, offering something for everybody. The more you do for the discipline, the more the discipline will do for you.
The GP series is to be kept as interesting as possible to maintain competitor enthusiasm, but not take away serious competition, character, fun and good sporting values. To achieve this, subtle changes of the GP series format may be made from year to year. Although the current format works very well, every step should be taken to remain flexible so the series reflects the current trends of shooters and legislation.
Trophies/Achievements
Each qualifying competitor to the series should receive a competitor memento (finance pending).
Being that the GP series is made up individual events, each event none the less carries significant rewards. Shooters that don’t qualify for the series aggregate may still reap many rewards just by participating in a round on it’s own.
Like any state shoot, there are many achievements for all shooters to aim for when participating in state matches and events. Although self-satisfaction and simply enjoying shooting is the main reason to participate for many, travelling to other clubs / ranges and meeting new people. Let’s not forget the practical reasons also like earning Hall of Fame points, maintaining your grade card, or shooting for proficiency’s.
These should be organised by the host club for the event. They should also be engraved to correctly recognise the event.
Top Guns and top graded shooters should be awarded at each GP round and GP grand aggregate series. GP round rewards are funded by the host branch/club from entry fees. GP series aggregate rewards are funded from a mandatory fee per competitor at each round of the GP series.
IDENTIFICATION
There is a specifically designed logo for the GP series. This logo should be present on anything pertaining to the GP wherever possible. Example - documents, patches, certificates etc.
A formal “Application to host GP” form should be filled out and returned to the SDC at least 3 months before the state discipline AGM. Branches and clubs interested in hosting a GP round should first contact the SDC for an informal update of the following series and it’s details.
Results should be shown in full at the end of every GP round before the presentation. These do NOT have to be in any particular order with relation to medal awards or other.
If any challengers arise, the challenger should raise it with an RO which should then be forwarded to the disputes committee.
The final results MUST be given to the SDC by day end, or next working day – latest.
Results for events may be found in the RESULTS section of the NSW discipline web site.
Each range, branch or club participating in the GP series must contribute to the final grand aggregate trophies and awards. A reasonable donation to the SDC towards this after each GP round is expected.
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2004 GRAND PRIX PATCHES
