One of the new Rules below says that music must be used at Finals and should be used at Elimination and Qualification matches if possible.  
Click here for ISSF's  Play-List of approved music.

Approved changes in 2017-2020 ISSF Rules

The ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations are revised every four years.  The ISSF Administrative Council has now approved the 2017-2020 ISSF Rules that will be effective from 1 January 2017.

Key changes to affect Smallbore are:

10m and 50m Single Position Events FINALS.  The two 3-shot series at the beginning of each Final were increased to 5-shot series to be fired in 250 seconds (150 seconds for 50m Rifle Prone).  These Finals will now consist of 24 shots.

Results, Timing and Scoring (RTS).  The term “classification” has been changed to “results, timing and scoring” to bring Shooting terminology in line with terms used to describe these procedures in other Olympic sports.

World Records/Qualification Records.  “World Records” in events with Finals will now be recognized for scores in Finals.  Records for scores fired in Olympic event Qualification competitions will now be recognized as “Qualification Records.”

Paper Target Rules.  All rules pertaining specifically to paper targets were removed from the main body of the General Technical Rules and were compiled into a separate annex titled “Rules for Paper Target Scoring.”  This will eliminate some of the confusion caused when judges tried to apply the wrong scoring rules.

Paperless (Sustainable) Competitions.  Organizing Committees will have the option of using paperless, electronic systems to distribute start lists, results lists and information bulletins if wireless Internet connections are generally available on the shooting venue so that officials, coaches and athletes can view these documents on their handheld communication devices.

Disqualification.  If an athlete is disqualified during any phase of an event (Qualification or Final), the athlete’s scores for all phases of the event must be deleted.

Definition of Loading.  The new rules clarify that “a gun is considered loaded when a cartridge or pellet or a magazine with cartridges contacts a gun.”  Loading may only be done after the command “LOAD.” 

Finals Production and Music.  The use of music and commentary in Finals is now required.  Music should also be used during Elimination and Qualification competitions if possible.

Sound-Enhancing Hearing Protection.  Athletes may, of course, wear sound reducing hearing protection, but they may not wear sound-enhancing hearing protection on the firing line or shooting stations.  Competition officials are allowed to wear sound-enhancing hearing protection.

Mobile Phones.  Athletes may not use mobile phones or hand-held or wrist-worn communication devices on their firing points or shooting stations.

Coaching.  The 2013 Rules permitted non-verbal coaching in Shotgun.  The new Rules permit non-verbal coaching in all events.

Blinders.  Rifle, pistol and shotgun athletes can use one front blinder (30 mm maximum width).  Only shotgun athletes will be permitted to wear side blinders (60 mm maximum depth).  Rifle and Pistol athletes may no longer wear side blinders. 

Corrective Lenses in Rifle Sights.  Rifle athletes will be allowed to place a single corrective lens in or on their rear sights.

Air Rifle Specifications.  The current limitation on how low the butt-plate may be extended was eliminated (was 220 mm below the centerline of the bore).  No part of the butt stock between the butt plate and pistol grip may be more than 140 mm below the centerline of the bore.  The maximum fore-end depth was increased from 90 mm to 120 mm.

Air Rifle Butt Plates.  With the advent of multi-part butt-plates, the method of measuring butt-plate offsets had to be changed.  Measurements will now be made from the outside edge of any part of the butt-plate.  No part of the butt-plate may be more than 30 mm from the butt stock center.

50m Rifle Specifications.  No part of the butt-stock between the butt plate and pistol grip may be more than 140 mm below the centerline of the bore.  Any devices projecting downward or outward from the butt-stock are prohibited.

Rifle Weights.  Weights attached to any part of the rifle except the barrel “must be within the fundamental shape of the stock” (weights cannot protrude out from the stock). Tape cannot be used to attach weights.

Rifle Clothing Rules.  Rifle clothing rules remain unchanged, but strict no-tolerance post-competition testing for stiffness and thickness will continue.

Rifle Bipods.  Rifle bipods may not remain on rifles during firing times.

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ISSF Rule changes 2017-20

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