ß Request for suggestions on how to run RFP Finals on paper targets ß

1. The ISSF has changed the format for Finals – note that in line with past practice, these changes will not be introduced for PA competitions until after the 2011 Nationals, Adelaide. For the latest version of the ISSF Finals rules click here.
However, we need to have a workable proposal ready for adoption at the 2011 AGM/ECM on 25^th April.

2. For the ISSF Pistol events PA follows the ISSF rules as closely as possible, allowing for our range facilities: e.g. for ranges without EST or Pit Marking we have ‘Australian Conditions’ for ISSF 50m Pistol/IPC Free Pistol, we run Finals on paper targets on ranges without EST, etc.

3. The 2011 changes to Finals can be easily accommodated for 10m Air Pistol, 25m ‘Sport’ and 50m Pistol: the changes for these events relate to the presentation of Finalists after the Sighting Series instead of before the Sighting Series.

4. Rapid Fire Pistol finals are a completely different kettle of fish!

Some (not all, you might come up with a better mousetrap) considerations:

a. With two shooters per group of 5 targets, the targets will have to be scored between shooters. Possibly best to have the shooters over three range sections with a group of targets per shooter otherwise we will have to score and patch between the left and right shooters.

b. Some ranges (e.g. CoB) have structural bits in the way of shooters if they stand to the edge of the 1½ m firing bay.

c. Malfunction reshoots in RFP Finals (only) are scored as the number of ‘hits’ in the reshoot: the malfunction series will need to be patched out.

d. Scoring is ‘hit or miss’ with a hit being a 9.7 (i.e. 124mm scoring zone) or better.
For other than 25m EST (all ranges except SISC) we have discussed:

i. A falling plate mechanism – this has been considered, but would present a different appearance for each ‘hit’ and while quite feasible the mechanisms would take quite a bit of setting up. The targets could remain stationary with an over-time lockout as for International 1920 Match.

ii. A 124mm acoustic plate has also been considered, but rejected as if the ‘clang’ is loud enough to be clearly it would be a distraction to the shooter

iii. A 124mm electronic sensor plate attached to the rear of the target has possibilities. As with an acoustic plate it could be workable with turning targets. A working version does not exist (yet!) – it is only a proposal.

iv. Which leaves us with the existing paper targets and mechanisms scored with;

1. The existing RFP target PA plug gauge,

2. A dedicated 9.7 plug gauge, or

3. A 9.7 overlay with the 10-ring as a reference – at this stage a favoured option over plug gauges as it could be used without removing the target from its backer.

v. Overtime shots need to be identified. In effect this means that for d.ii, d.iv and possibly d.iii above, on paper targets we need turning mechanisms.

vi. Shoot-offs to resolve ties will need to be scored and patched out before the Finals continues

e. For paper targets I feel that shot placement needs to be indicated so that shooters can adjust sights as needed.

f. RFP Finals are run (sort of) ‘hot’.
Under full ISSF rules there is only one LOAD command at the beginning of the RFP Finals (similarly, there is only one LOAD command for the sighters) but shooters may not insert a magazine until their name is called individually by the CRO: on EST shooters may recharge their magazine once they have completed a series. We will need to have the pistols ‘cleared’ by a RO and placed on the bench before anyone goes forward to score/patch.
On EST the next shooter’s name is called and inserts the magazine shooter about 15 seconds after the previous shooter has fired – on paper targets we will have to score and patch: there will be a considerable delay between Finalist #6 completing a series and Finalist #1 commencing the next series.

ß Revision of RO Guides for ISSF Finals ß

All the PA RO Guides for ISSF Pistol Finals need to be updated/revised for the new ISSF Finals formats.

I will continue working on the guide for RFP Finals, but they all need revision.

ANY VOLUNTEER/s? I will be fairly ‘flat chat’ between now and the Adelaide Nationals... It is the text bits that need the work: I can do the formatting and publishing.