General Technical Rules and Regulations

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Down The Line
National Skeet
National Sporting
Automatic Ball Trap
And Derivatives

INTRODUCTION

INDEX

PLEASE REFER TO THE SUBSEQUENT WEB PAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL DISCPILINE RULES

Individual page numbers have been inserted in all of the Rule documents for your convience if printing
Page
3       Foreword                                                      
4       Registered Event Definition                              
5       Eligibility to Enter                                            
6       General Rules - Competitor                             
17     General Rules - Referee                                
21     Technical Rules-DTL                                    
28     Technical Rules-Double Rise                         
31     Technical Rules-Single Barrel                         
32     Technical Rules-Handicap-by-Distance          
33     Technical Rules-English Skeet                        
43     Technical Rules-Skeet Doubles                      
45     Technical Rules-English Sporting                    
51     Technical Rules-Sportrap                               
55     Technical Rules-ABT                                      
  
64     Technical Layout Drawing for DTL                 
65     Technical Layout Drawing for ESK                 
66     Technical Layout Drawing for ABT                 
67     Technical Layout for ABT Vertical Angles       
67     Technical Layout For Cage                             
68     Technical Data for Gun & Cartridge Use         
  

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FOREWORD

The Scottish Clay Target Association Ltd.Is the Governing Body of Clay Target Shooting in Scotland.Its primary function is to organise, regulate and promote the development of the sport of Clay Target Shooting within Scotland.

These rules have been formulated by the SCTA for all disciplines and events controlled by them. Taking into consideration all the relevant rules from the ICTSC that relate directly to the events described herein.

Any National ISSF or FITASC events held by the SCTA will be run under the current rules issued by the governing body of that particular discipline.

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REGISTERED EVENTS
THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT AND ADMINISTRATION OF SCTA REGISTERED EVENTS AND ARE BINDING BOTH ON COMPETITORS AND SHOOT ORGANISERS. THEY ARE A PRIMARY CONDITION OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP OR CLUB REGISTRATION/ AFFILIATION

DEFINITION
A. SCTA Registered events can be held in all the official disciplines listed in the SCTA's Bulletin or equivalent publication and must comply with the following conditions:

B. Have been registered in advance with the SCTA by the organising ground within the time limit required to achieve their inclusion in the Association's list of Registered events that appears in the appropriate SCTA publication

C. Are held at a SCTA Registered Ground that has been approved to hold events in that discipline and are shot over layouts previously inspected and Registered by the SCTA or its authorised representative(s), or at certain grounds outside Scotland as authorised by the SCTA.

D. Consist of a minimum of 50 targets, and re-entry and/or practice is not permitted. Area Championship shoots must be held over a minimum of 50 targets and National Championships over a minimum of 100 targets in all disciplines except Double Rise where 30 to 80 pairs respectively will be permitted.

E. Are run in strict accordance with these rules and the current technical rules regulating the discipline as issued from time to time by the SCTA, the ISSF or FITASC and no deviation from these rules will be permitted unless previously sanctioned by the SCTA and published in advance. No special conditions regarding cartridge types can be imposed at any SCTA National or Area Championship shoot without prior notice and published by the SCTA. (i.e. fibre wads only, steel shot, etc.)

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F. All National, and Area Championships, of 100 targets, in all disciplines are by definition Registered Events.

ELIGIBILITY
G. Registered events are open exclusively to current SCTA members or members of other national clay shooting associations recognised by the SCTA, provided that:

H. A current SCTA membership card (or proof of membership of another recognised national clay shooting association) must  produced at the time of entry or registration. Shooters may join the SCTA via the organising club when entering a Registered shoot. New members'scores should be marked "N/ M" on the official score return forms. All subscription renewals must be made direct to the SCTA Treasurer and NOT via the Grounds / Clubs 

I. They enter and pay the required fee by the published entry closing time, or

J. They enter in strict accordance with other alternative pre-published entry conditions (i.e. by telephone, pre-paid or postal entries, etc.).

K. They fully comply with all the provisions contained herein and in the current rulebook for the discipline concerned and/or any additional conditions approved by the SCTA and published in advance.

L. Winners of trophies, titles or badges at Area Championships must be members of the SCTA and resident in the relevant Area as stated on their membership card.

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GENERAL RULES
1.00 Referees during competition will apply the following General Rules across the disciplines of DTL - NSK- NSP- ABT and their derivatives.

COMPETITOR
1.01 It is the responsibility of all members of any association recognised by the SCTA to adhere to any unique requirements of their shooting association, as well as ensuring that they are conversant with the rules contained herein.

1.02 Every competitor is obligated to acquaint themselves with the rules insofar as they apply to shooters. By entering the competition competitors thereby agree to submit to any penalty that may be incurred through failure to comply with the rules or with the Referee' decisions.

DULY NOTIFIED
1.03 A competitor is "Duly Notified" to compete when their name is called out by a referee, scorer or other person authorised to do so. If a competitor is absent after being called, the Referee shall call the name on the card loudly three times equally spaced within one minute. If the competitor is still not present they will be "Declared Absent" and will not be allowed to join the squad during that round. See Penalties 1.05 and Technical Rules for Sporting.

PENALTIES
1.04 Competitors shall be at the firing mark when DULY NOTIFIED, and take sufficient cartridges to complete each stage. Any competitor failing to take enough cartridges to complete the round/stand will incur a one-target penalty on each occasion.

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DECLARED ABSENT
1.05 If a competitor is declared absent they will be fined two targets [6 points in DTL] by the jury and given the opportunity to shoot the remainder of the targets in/on that round/stand at the jury's discretion.

TIME LIMITS
1.06 All competitors must call for their target within 10 seconds of the Referee acknowledging that shooting may commence. Competitors failing to call within 10 seconds will be warned on the first occasion and a one-target penalty for each subsequent occurrence shall be imposed. See Technical rules in all disciplines for further clarification.

1.07 A competitor who is not present when their name is called in accordance with "Duly Notified" for a "Shoot Off" shall be "Declared Absent" and lose by default.

CODES of CONDUCT
1.08 All competitors will conform to the Dress and Disciplinary Codes of Conduct of the SCTA.

SHOOTING STATION
1.09 Competitors must shoot only from the designated firing mark with both feet entirely within the boundary of the shooting station, at the designated clay target(s) in flight, and will not shoot at or "sight" any birds, beasts, other objects, or other competitors' clay targets. The gun position is optional prior to firing, but at the point of firing the gun must be seen to be in the shoulder. [See rule 1.40 for penalty]

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FOOT FAULT
1.10 Competitors must stand with both feet entirely within the boundary of the shooting station whilst calling for and shooting at any target[s]. Failure to do so will incur a warning by the referee in the first instance and a deduction of one target [three points DTL] for the second and any subsequent offences.

1.11 In the case of squadded disciplines shall remain on the final firing mark or range until all the competitors in the squad have completed the final stage.

SCORECARDS
1.12 All shooters are obliged to take good care of their score card, be it individual or squad, if handed to them at the time of entry.

1.13 Competitors must return all / any cards to the organisers whether they have completed the course ( National Sporting) or not and regardless of their scores.

1.14 Each shooter is entitled (and advised) to inspect the completed scorecard before it is taken for posting to the main scoreboard. No claim for an error on the scorecard can be made beyond this point.

COACHING
1.15 Once a Registered event has commenced no coaching or tuition from any quarter will be permitted while the competitor is actually on the shooting mark or in the process of completing a round [Penalties 2.19-2.24].

SAFETY
1.16 It is the responsibility of the user of any shotgun to behave in a safe and sportsman like manner at all times.

1.17 Competitors must always treat every gun as if it is loaded.

1.18 Guns must be kept open and unloaded at all times, except when on the shooting mark and permission has been given to load by the Referee. It is expressly prohibited to dry mount a gun in any area other than on the shooting stand with the express permission or the referee, or an area designated for practice mounting.

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1.19 Semi-automatics and pump action guns are to be carried with the breech open and the muzzle either pointing at the ground or straight up in the air. Always check that the barrels are clear before commencing shooting.

1.20 Guns are only to be loaded when a competitor is on the shooting mark, and then only with the barrels pointing out over the shooting range.

1.21 Before turning from the firing mark at the cessation of shooting, competitors must remove any cartridge case or unfired cartridge from the gun, those using semi-automatic and pump action shotguns should take particular care (see DTL & ABT technical rules relating to walking from stand 5 to stand 1).

1.22 Any violation of rule 1.18 / 1.19 will in the first instance incur a warning; any further repetition will mean immediate disqualification from the event. 

1.23 In the event of a malfunction or misfire, a competitor must keep the gun pointing out over the shooting range until the Referee gives permission to do otherwise.
 
1.24 Competitors should only use guns that are in proof, and in a safe and sound condition.

1.25 Nobody should carry cartridges of different gauges together in their shooting vests.

1.26 It is forbidden to shoot at anything other than clay targets, any violation (Referee's opinion) of this will result in a request to the Jury for immediate disqualification and the offender(s) will be reported to their Governing Body.

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BANNED SUBSTANCES
1.27 No alcohol, drugs or performance enhancing substances in any form (other than those that have been prescribed) may be consumed by anybody who intends to use a shotgun, either before or during the shooting of any targets for that day.

GUNS
1.28 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 12 gauge.

1.29 It is not permitted to use guns with straps or slings (In the case of handicapped persons Referee's permission may be sought.)

1.30 Changing of guns (or properly functioning parts) between stations within a round / stand is not permitted unless the Referee has accepted a gun malfunction, which cannot be quickly repaired.

1.31 If a gun fails to function and the Referee on inspection finds that it is not quickly repairable and that it has not been caused by the shooter, options 1.32 and 1.33 are open to the shooter.

1.32 Use another gun providing one can be secured without delay (time allowance 3 minutes).

1.33 Drop out of the shooting rota (with the Referee's permission) and complete the sequence of targets left on that round/stand at a later time when a vacancy occurs and the Referee gives permission. 

1.34 Should the gun be repaired before the end of the round, the shooter may be permitted to rejoin the squad providing the Referee gives permission.

1.35 In other cases of malfunction of either guns or ammunition which result in the shot not leaving the gun at the time of discharge, (provided this is not the 3rd or subsequent malfunction) the target will be declared "No Bird" and another target thrown.

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1.36 If requested, the Referee may allow competitors to clear their guns out over the shooting layout, providing it is done in a safe manner. This will only be allowed immediately prior to the individual commencement of the competition (or each day of the competition.)

1.37    No person other than a Referee or Jury member may handle another competitors gun, and only then in that person's presence and with their full knowledge.

1.38 If a shooter is using a gun with any form of release trigger it is mandatory to notify the referee on every stand or round prior to shooting.

PORTED BARRELS
1.39 For the disciplines of Skeet, Skeet Doubles, Sporting and Sportrap the use of guns with ported barrels, ventilated or otherwise choke attachments and recoil reducers in any form are allowed.

1.40 For the disciplines of Down The Line, Single Barrel, Double Rise, Handicap by Distance and Automatic Ball Trap, stock recoil reducers and Ported Barrels are allowed but ventilated barrel attachments are not. 

GUN POSITION
1.41 Gun position in relation to the shoulder shall be optional when the shooter calls for the target, providing the competitor complies with "shooting position" in that discipline.

PENALTY
1.42 At the point of firing the gun must be seen to be "in the shoulder". Anyone firing the gun from anywhere but the shoulder will be warned in the first instance and a request by the Referee to the Jury will be made for disqualification for any subsequent offence.

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DOUBLE DISCHARGE
1.43 If in the course of shooting at singles or doubles, both shots are discharged simultaneously the following rules will be applied.

1.44 The Referee will try and ascertain the reason for the malfunction and make a decision on whether to allow the competitor to continue using that gun on the grounds of safety.

1.45 Following the Referee's decision on the continued use of the gun the target(s) will be declared "No Bird" and a new target[s] will be called for and shot at again with the result[s] being scored. [See Malfunctions]

MALFUNCTIONS
1.46 Competitors are allowed a maximum of two malfunctions (gun or ammunition) in any one round or in sporting one stand, whether or not they have changed their gun or ammunition. Any regular target on which any additional malfunction of either gun or ammunition occurs will be declared lost. In all cases when malfunctions / warnings / faults occur, a mark should be made against the competitor's name on the score sheet for later reference.

1.47 See Technical Rules for Procedure for Second Barrel Malfunction in the discipline concerned.

AMMUNITION
1.48 The length of the cartridge, before being fired, is not to exceed 70mm (except for .410 cartridges). Cartridges must be of normal loading with no internal changes, and shall not exceed 28 grams of shot. [For ISSF and FITASC disciplines different rules apply, see current rulebook.]

1.49 The shot shall be spherical shot of normal production and no larger than 2.6mm in diameter (English size 6): plated shot may be used.

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1.50 Home load, black powder and tracer cartridges must not be used. The Referee may at any time take unfired cartridge(s) out of a shooter's gun for examination and analysis. Any competitor found using prohibited cartridge[s] would render that competitor liable to disqualification.

PROTESTS
1.51 A fee to be set by the Jury shall accompany protests submitted to a member of the Jury in writing. If the Jury upholds the protest then the fee shall be returned. A Referee shall not be interfered with or interrupted unnecessarily.

1.52 If a competitor disagrees with the Referee's decision regarding a shot, protest should be made immediately by raising the arm and saying, "protest" or "appeal".

1.53 The Referee shall then interrupt the shooting and make a decision.

1.54 It is not allowed to pick up a target from the field in order to find out whether it has been hit or not.

1.55 If the Jury finds the protest justified, it can give the Referee direction for future decisions or appoint a new Referee, or alter the decision, PROVIDING THIS DOES NOT CONCERN "SCORED OR LOST TARGETS" AND "NO BIRDS". On these points the Referee's decision is final.

1.56 If the shooter is of the opinion that the score read aloud when the round is finished is incorrect, they should protest verbally to the Referee immediately. The Referee shall then, as soon as possible, examine the score sheet, and announce the decision.

1.57 If the person protesting is not satisfied with the decision, a short written protest accompanied by the fee (determined and posted by the Jury) shall be made to the Jury. The individual[s] concerned will then be advised of the decision arrived at by the Jury. No further complaints regarding scores will be entertained after this point.

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1.58 If a competitor, or official, observes anything that does not conform to these rules, they must not interfere with the shooting, but shall report their finding to the Referee or a member of the Jury. Action shall then be taken.

1.59 IT WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED IF ALL QUERIES AND PROTESTS COULD BE MADE IN A QUIET AND ORDERLY MANNER.

JURY
1.60 A Jury consisting of no less than five persons shall be appointed by the organiser, the protest fee will be set and a notice displayed at the entry desk giving this information before shooting starts at all Registered events. 

1.61 The role of the Jury is that of overseeing the running of the event. They must check at the beginning of a competition and when necessary reset the targets as per the Technical Rules of that discipline. [Target distances angles & trajectories for all disciplines shall be set in calm conditions when ever possible.] Carry out the duties and responsibilities allocated to them as per the rulebook for the discipline concerned and to make all decisions directly relating to the fairness of the competition.

1.62 Whenever possible the appointed persons shall be highly experienced in the roles of juries and have deep knowledge of all technical aspects and rules of the "disciplines" being shot. 

1.63 The Jury must include the shoot organiser (or a representative), a senior representative of those shooters competing on that particular day, and if possible a qualified Referee and/or the most experienced of the persons available.

1.64 A minimum quorum of 3 Jury members will be required for all decisions. All Registered events must always comply with all rules and regulations in every respect.

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1.65 Only the Jury may disqualify a competitor or deduct targets from a competitor's final score as a result of a penalty decision being upheld.

1.66 Any competitor could be called upon at any registered event to serve on a Jury, and must be willing to fulfil the duties of a Juror if so requested.

HEARING / EYE PROTECTION
1.67 The wearing of a recognised and purpose made hearing protection product is compulsory and must be worn on or in both ears by all persons taking part in registered events while in the act of shooting, Refereeing, scoring, trapping, officiating in any capacity, or spectating near the shooting stands.

1-68 The appropriate wearing of adequate and effective visible eye protection by shooters, trappers, officials and spectators at or around any shooting position at all Registered events is mandatory. It is also recommended that this protection be to a minimum standard of BS-EN 166F.

1.69 Referees and Jury members will have the power and the responsibility to stop anyone stepping on to a shooting stand or standing by, or officiating in an event, unless they are seen to be wearing some standard form of proprietary hearing and eye protection.

1.70 Ground owners/managers/organisers must comply with everything required by the Health & Safety at Work Act and may request those who refuse to comply to leave the ground.

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SHOOT OFF
1.71 The winner of any shoot off will be entitled to all articles, category and/or trophy prizes relating to that position in the event. Also where trophies or badges are to be shot off for, any cash prizes relating to that position in a competition will go with the trophy or badge.

1.72 Unless there are any titles or trophies at stake in which case a shoot-off will determine all the prizes, any further cash prizes shall be awarded on an 'add and divide' basis.

UNFINISHED COMPETITION
1.73 (a) Once shooting has started it shall continue without interruption except for mechanical breakdown or other emergencies determined by the Referee or the Jury. In the event of bad weather of obvious short duration the Referee with the Jury's agreement may halt the shooting temporarily.

1.73 (b) 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.

1.74 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.

1.75 If suspended and at that point, the date, time and the terms under which the competition shall continue shall be announced publicly. Any such date should not be more than four weeks from the date of the original competition.

1.76 Any competitor who fails to attend on the new date set for the postponed competition shall forfeit all rights and standing in the competition. Consideration by the organisers should be given to refunding a proportion of the entry fee to any such competitor.

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REFEREE

DEFINITION
2.00 A person authorised and competent to adjudicate at any competition in accordance with technical and general rules of that discipline. Whenever possible SCTA qualified Referees should be used at registered events.

DUTIES
2.01 Shall ensure that the competitors comply and  shoot according to the rules.

2.02 When the Referee is satisfied that a variation in target trajectory is such that the equity of the competition cannot be maintained, a request may be made [only by the referee] to the Jury to reset the targets.

2.03 Shall "DULY NOTIFY" a competitor when it is their turn to shoot by calling out the name(s) on the scorecard/squad sheet for each stand/round.

2.04 If a competitor is absent after being called, the Referee will call the name on the card loudly three times, equally spaced within one minute. If the competitor is still not present within that time, they will be "Declared Absent" by the Referee, after which they will not be allowed to join the squad.

2.05 This will be noted onto the score sheet and the Jury will then fine the competitor according to the Technical Rules of the Discipline and they shall be given the opportunity to shoot that round (if possible) at a time to be decided by the Jury.

2.06 Will make a decision on whether a target is hit, lost or a no-bird [in this matter the Referee's decision is final] and they will indicate on the squad card/score sheet the result.

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2.07 In all cases where a target has not been hit the Referee must give a verbal indication to the competitor (after the second shot at doubles).

2.08 It is at the discretion of the Referee whether they call out the result of all shots, but it is mandatory to call out losses or in the case of DTL, losses and second barrel hits (two).

TARGET DEFINITION "SCORED"
A regular target that in the opinion of the Referee only:

2.09 Has had a visible piece broken from it, is completely destroyed or, in the case of targets that are presented whole and during flight holes are seen to appear which have been caused by the competitors shot.

2.10 A target, which has some "dust" removed from it, by the shot, but remains otherwise "intact", is not a scored target

TARGET DEFINITION "LOST"

A target shall be declared "LOST" when in the opinion of the Referee only:

2.11 A regular target remains unbroken after being fired at and is not a "Scored Target" in accordance with the above rules.

2.12 The competitor after an apparent malfunction or misfire opens the gun or moves the safety catch before handing the gun to the Referee.

2.13 A competitor suffers a 3rd or subsequent malfunction or misfire in the same stage.

2.14 The competitor fails to fire for any reason due to personal fault or negligence.

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NO BIRD
2.15 After a target has been declared a "No Bird" it is no longer part of the competition. On no account when a Referee has declared a target "No Bird" must it be shot at.

2.16 Please refer to Technical Rules for specific discipline clarification on "No Birds"

DISQUALIFICATION
2.17 Disqualification entails the forfeiture by the individual of all entrance money and rights in the competition to which it relates.

COACHING
2.18 Referees must ensure once a Registered event has commenced no coaching or tuition from any quarter will be permitted while the competitor is actually at the shooting mark or in the process of completing a round.

PENALTIES RE COACHING
2.19 If a Referee is satisfied that the person shooting is receiving coaching from someone outside the shooting stand they will in the first instance warn the person[s] involved not too continue. Failure to do so will result in one of the following:

2.20 A one-target penalty (from the score achieved on that stand) to be deducted from the score of the person shooting.

2.21 If the shooter does not score on that stand, a zero is marked in the first free spot of any stand that has not been shot. The Referee will indicate this with the word penalty on the scorecard.

2.22 If all stands have been completed then the Referee will keep the scorecard and hand it to a Jury member so that a target may be removed from the overall score.

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If those involved continue:
2.23 The cards of those involved will be confiscated and a request by the Referee will be made to the Jury to disqualify the offending competitors.

2.24 The Referee will make all deductions at the time of any incident and the decision will be confirmed or otherwise by the Jury at a later time.

BALK
2.25 The referee will make any judgment on a claim for a "Balk" from any competitor.

DEFINITION
2.26 A "BALK" is any occurrence, which in the opinion of the Referee materially handicaps the competitor after the call of "Pull" or any other verbal remark, but then only if it deters the competitor from shooting or distracts at the moment of shooting.

2.27 Only the competitor directly concerned may claim a "Balk".

2.28 Any claim must be made immediately after the incident in question. Later claims, however presented will not be permitted.

2.29 A claim for a "Balk" which is upheld constitutes a "No Bird" and will entitle the competitor to a repeat target(s).

2.30 A claim for "Balk" which is not upheld will be scored accordingly.