(The most prestigious NSW event)
SHOOTER/HOST EVENT GUIDE
Rev: 24/11/2008
The NSW SSAA State Championships is the most prestigious and heavily supported event by SSAA members throughout NSW. This event attracts all kinds of shooters from those who are dedicated to supporting all state matches run throughout the year, to this once-per-year event.
This event is available for any branch or affiliated club to host. Ranges or clubs who wish to host this event simply apply to the State Chairman by completing a “Application to Host” form. This form is then tabled at the discipline AGM, along with any other applications, where delegates vote on what they think will be the best venue.
Unlike the other discipline state events, this particular championship is endorsed by the SSAA of NSW offering the host branch or affiliate financial assistance to run the event. Therefore, unlike many matches, the execution of this event is performed by the host branch/range under the supervision of the State Discipline Chairman.
This event carry’s no special “story” (if you will), as this type of championship is similar to that of any discipline under any association.
This is an event that EVERY SSAA shooter “should” want to be part of. It is the biggest of all NSW competitions and just being part of the experience, history and enjoying the event is enough for any shooting enthusiast to enjoy.
The inaugural running of the NSW State Championships took place at the Hornsby range 17-18 June 1995 run by Ray Halls - a Silverdale regular. It was a credit to Ray and the Silverdale regulars who put the successful event together only to out-do themselves in September that year by doubling up to run the 1995 Nationals.
Unfortunately, Ray took ill resulting in no further NSW State Championships until 2000 when Noel Cross of SSAA Mudgee took the bull by the horns and got the discipline back off the ground.
Since the efforts and hard work by Noel, the discipline has come on leaps and bounds to now be one of the most contested disciplines in SSAA NSW. It continues to grow today after his unfortunate passing at the hands of illness. For this reason, Noel has been nick named the “NSW Military Service Discipline Pioneer” and enjoys his name in the NSW MSD Hall of Fame as an honorary member for his work and vision.
From the early years of the state championships to current day, the format of the event has retained its core matches, but the overall festival has grown to contain the LARGEST range of firearm matches and challenges of any shoot in the state.
Shooters were happy to participate in the state championships in accordance with the national rule book, but growth of the discipline that had new shooters joining brought many new and exciting idea’s that fit within the “spirit” of the discipline.
It wasn’t long before new matches made their way to the big event. From a simple change to a typical course of fire under the label of a “local match” to the creation of completely new and radical ideas that incorporated uncommon or rarely used firearms, it was clear that the discipline was growing.
Now days, the course of the championships incorporates the matches and ethics of its pioneer days combined with the new and “special supplementary matches” that combine to an event that offers something for everyone.
There are infinite reasons why any and every shooter should participate in this event beyond what has already been mentioned. Some of the other reasons:
- accumulate Hall of Fame points,
- shooter of the year points,
- accumulate points for the State Teams selection,
- proficiency awards,
- participation and competitor awards,
- practice and experience,
- social reasons and exercise.
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.
Every host branch and range that runs a State Championships has always moved on to bigger and better things thanks to the champs being a great advertising tool for the hosts. Apart from the revenue raised by hosting such an event, shooters will leave with great memories of the event and the hope of one-day returning to a similar event at that range.
As this event moves from range to range across the state, it will hopefully attract shooters from new surrounding regions and/or ranges, which ultimately will increase exposure of this great discipline – something like a travelling showcase.
To handle the shooter numbers and the large course of fire that is to be expected for an event of this magnitude, usually the event takes place over the course of an entire weekend.
Normally it is the case for this discipline that the pistol events take place on Friday, followed by practice for rifle. Rifle events normally take place Saturday getting through as many matches as time and daylight will permit, before the Saturday AGM and State Dinner. Sunday is used to finish off the left over rifle events before the closing presentation and championship close.
Requirements to host a state championship are detailed in the national rulebook. Exceptions to the national rulebook by way of specific NSW amendments and by-laws imposed by the state SSAA and the state discipline must be adhered to at all times. It is advised for any branch or range to be familiar with these requirements well in advance of hosting such an event.
Historically, the discipline championships followed the national rulebook minimum requirements which suited the times. These days, the discipline is so popular and by definition or rules, just about any firearm can find a place in the championships.
In the time space permitted/available, it is expected that the hosts will support as many categories as possible in accordance with the national rulebook. It is also expected that the hosts will run and support the matches/events that are NSW specific such as:
- Rifle Martini Cadet (3P),
- Rifle Carbine (Rapid Fire),
- Rifle Lever Action (3P and Rapid Fire),
- Rifle Black Powder (3P and Rapid Fire).
At the host’s discretion, they may allow additional “local” events to take place during the championships. Local events are matches that are shot for local prizes and are NOT part of the main championships but rather “put on” for fun or supplementary prizes.
All state championships are an individuals event. However, groups of shooters may choose to create teams amongst themselves, but this is beyond the scope of the championships and will remain between the involved parties and NOT involve or hinder the progress of the championships in any way.
RIFLE Competitions should include:
- Standard/As-Issued rifles (known as Classes A, B and C) – (compete combined),
- Modified Issued rifles (Class H),
- Lever Action rifles in standard issue condition (Classes A, B & C) – (combined),
- Martini Cadet rifles in standard condition (within reason),
- Black Powder rifles (both rifled-bore and smooth- bore) in standard condition (Classes D & E),
PISTOL Competitions should include:
- Standard/As-Issued “Military” pistols (Class 1) but not broken into sub categories,
- Standard/As-Issued “Service” pistols (Class 2) but not broken into sub categories,
- Modified classes may run as “supplementary events”.
Following is a list of matches that should run to make up a firearm and category championships. Described are matches that are mandatory for the championships PLUS additional matches that are encouraged to be part of the championships festival.
Standard/As-Issued (Class A, B, C) National Std/A-I rules strictly enforced.
Mandatory matches (from National Rulebook):
- 3 Position Core Event,
- Rapid Fire B,
- Action M,
- Long Range (use Deliberate format) at 300+ metres/yards.
Special NSW events:
- Carbine Rapid Fire (refer to NSW match CoF information).
Additional matches (host’s discretion):
- Deliberate at 300m (if the long range event is greater than 300),
- Snap (choose 1 or more of A, B or C by national rulebook),
- Rapid Fire 50,
and/or other matches from the National Rulebook.
Note: NSW discipline does not condone the match “Rapid Fire A”.
Modified Issue (Class H)
Mandatory matches (from National Rulebook):
- 3 Position Core Event,
- Rapid Fire B,
- Long Range (use Deliberate format) at 300+ metres/yards.
Additional matches (host’s discretion):
- Deliberate at 300m (if the long range event is greater than 300),
- Snap (choose 1 or more of A, B or C by national rulebook),
- Rapid Fire 50,
and/or other matches from the National Rulebook.
Note: NSW discipline does not condone the match “Rapid Fire A”.
Optical Rifles (Classes F1, F2, G, J/T)
Mandatory matches (from National Rulebook):
- Sniper Event (must run matches for F1, F2, G & T)
(Note: If running class T, then by default class J should also compete and may do so under class T forming the class J/T).
Additional NSW matches (host’s discretion):
The popularity of this discipline, and the growth in optical rifles amongst the discipline shooters has increased the need to run additional matches for these classes beyond the “sniper match”. Consideration of matches to run as “supplementary” should be given to the following:
- 3 Position event (refer to NSW match CoF information),
- 300 Tactical (refer to NSW match CoF information),
- Long Range Application (refer to NSW match CoF information).
Standard/As-Issued (Class D & E) - Black Powder
Notes: - Class E is broken down into Smooth-bore and Rifled-bore and compete separately but may shoot side by side.
- If using class D in nitro form, allowances will be made to shoot in matches with class A, B or C rifles.
- Standard/As-Issued rule will be liberally applied. Closeness to original is encouraged.
Mandatory matches:
- 3 Position (refer to NSW match CoF information),
- Rapid Fire (refer to NSW match CoF information).
Special NSW event:
- Martini Cadet 3P (refer to NSW match CoF information).
Class 1 & Class 2 including all sub-categories shoot combined under respective class (matches should be selected based on lowest capacity pistols).
Mandatory matches (from National Rulebook):
- 3 Range Core Event,
- Rapid Fire (any or all matches),
- Long Range (suggest use match suitable for revolvers).
Additional matches (host’s discretion):
- 3 Position match,
and/or other matches from the National Rulebook.
Special NSW events:
At this time, NSW does not recognise any “special” events, but host’s may run local events at their discretion.
This championship event is expected to run as many of the events as possible from the rulebook. This being the case, foremost consideration should be given to time restraints, target/shooting position quantities and projected/expected participation and competitor numbers. Matches should be scheduled on the basis that they will be completed by all competitors by a reasonable finish time Sunday, or the last day of competition.
Typically in the past for our state championships AND other states championships, the schedule has been as follows:
- Thursday - This day may be socially scheduled for pistol and rifle practice. Usually, targets used for these matches are old and newer/fresher targets are used for the main championships.
- Friday - All pistol events
- Supplementary and/or local rifle matches and events,
- Saturday - All main stream rifle championship events,
& Sunday - Supplementary and/or local rifle matches if time permit,
(preferable for championships to finish by 2pm Sunday).
- Saturday Evening is reserved for the State Championship dinner and the discipline AGM however AGM can be moved forward to Friday.
- Sunday and championships conclusion, the presentation takes place.
ALL rules for the running and executing of the NSW State Championships must be in accordance with the National Discipline Rulebook and NSW amendments and by-laws.
Every effort should be made by the host’s to familiarise themselves with all these rules and seek advice from the state chairman or alternate if unsure of any matters.
Since the humble beginnings till today, our discipline, like any sport, continues to evolve – whether it by due to competitor demands, competition/discipline improvements or legal requirements.
Unfortunately, we like many groups must learn to adapt to restraints that are placed upon us rightly or wrongly. This being the case, the matches, competitions and events that were perhaps run some years ago may be completely different to the events of today. None the less, we must at all times try to accommodate the majority with consideration to the minority and do our best to leave nobody, or firearm, in our wake.
Ultimately, it must be OUR responsibility to cater for everybody whenever possible, learn to adapt to new idea’s and CONTINUE to enjoy our sport, and the discipline.
Rewards (Achievements)
It is the disciplines aim such that each fully paid competitor will receive a competitor patch as a token of the event.
Medals for the event are purchased from the SSAA State Co-ordinator (SC). Medals are allocated in accordance with the National rule book, or as agreed between the hosts, SDC and SC. Occasionally, it may not be feasible to offer medals as per the rule book due to interest and competitor numbers. This makes competitor nomination a preference. These are organised by the SDC months in advance of the competition.
Additional medals beyond the rule book are at the cost and expense of the host club only or any sponsors they may acquire.
It is the hosts requirement to organise State Event competitor patches that will be made available at every state championship event. If a sponsor can not be found to fund such patches, then hosts are responsible to factor patch costs into their nomination fees.
TARGETS
Targets are available through the SSAA. Either, check the targets section of the discipline web site or contact the State Chairman, or Alternate, for details.
The running of the black powder matches causes the life of the targets to be reduced dramatically. Host clubs may choose to use old targets for these matches.
It is preferred that new or near new faces be used for the beginning of the main core matches of the championships.
After determining which matches will run, a schedule should be drawn up with a “proposed” shooter nomination form. This form should at least carry details such as:
- Dates and Timings,
- Match schedules,
- Courses of fire,
- Basic outline of facilities,
- Rules and guidelines used beyond the national rule book,
- Local rules and standing orders,
- Possible suggestions for accommodation,
- General firearm and ammunition requirements,
- Map to range for area’s not well known etc.
No warm up period will be provided on the day of competition. All practice and sighting in will take place on the day before the competition that has been allocated for this purpose, there is just simply no time for a warm up period on the day of competition.
Results for past events may be found at in the RESULTS section of the discipline web site.
All results for the event, including all supplementary matches, must be forwarded to the State Chairman for recording. Preferably, these results should be in electronic format.