1. Air Rifles.  Air rifles of any calibre may be used providing the power output does not exceed 12ft/lbs muzzle energy. The formula for calculating ft/lbs is :-    velocity(fps) x velocity(fps) x pellet weight (grains) divided by 450240

2. Sights.  Any form of sighting system may be used, with the exception of a) laser sights & b) any seperate device designed specifically for rangefinding.

3. Testing.  Organisers reserve the right to chronograph any rifle used at any shoot that is subject to NFTAC rules to ensure they comply with rule (1). This may be done before, during or after the shoot at the chief marshalls discretion. See penalties rule (14).

4. Ammunition.  Any design of pellet that is made of the following substances may be used :-

1)Lead, 2)Lead alloy, 3)Zinc, 4)Zinc Alloy & 5)Plastic+lead or zinc or zinc alloy head.

5. Chief Marshall & Interpretation of the Rules.  Prior to each shoot the organisers will appoint &clearly identify a chief marshall and, if required, a deputy. The responsibility of this appointment is the implimentation of these rules and overall conduct of the shoot. The chief marshall or the deputy will be present and contactable throughout the duration of the shoot. In any matters arising from, or not covered by these rules, the chief marshalls decision will be final.

6. Targets.  (Main Event)  Fall when hit targets will be used. The hit zone shall be circular and of a contrasting colour to the faceplate. (course builders should allow for shooters affected by colour blindness - hit zones are recommended to be yellow or white). The use of a simulated hit zone(s) on any part of the target is prohibited. Reducing rings shall be the same colour as the faceplate and located on the front of the faceplate. Standard hit zones shall be 40mm in diameter. The course may contain targets with reduced dia. hit zones, provided that the total number of such targets does not exceed 30% (example:- 15 of 50 targets) of the total number of targets in the course, and with the following limitations :

a) The hit zones shall be 25mm dia.

b) The furthest one shall be no more than 40 metres from the firing line.

c) Forced positional shots are not  allowed on these targets.

The reactive "Field Targets" from left - Rabbit 40mm, Magpie 40mm and Crow 40mm. There are also rats and grey squirrels besides a selection of geometric shapes and cordless targets for training. For a broader variety click here for the Nockover Targets website.

 7. Course of Fire.  In national NFTAC competitions a full course of fire shall consist of  a minimum of 30 targets/30 shots. (This may consist of for example, 10 targets addressed 3 times each in succession, or in 3 banks of 10 etc). The minimum and maximum distances of any target from the firing line must be 7 mtrs and 50 mtrs respectively (*see class of entry) . All targets must be clearly visible from all shooting positions specified for each lane. All targets shall be clearly and consecutively numbered.

This gives an idea of how the firing line may be set out. The stakes in the ground identify the lanes, whilst the ropes indicate the line itself. In this picture we see two young ladies at the 2005 World Championships pairing each other through the course. One shoots, while the other marks the scorecard and times the shooter - This is called "buddy marshalling" and is an effective & stress-free way to shoot. (Photograph courtesy of Kevin Sayers (c)).

8. Target Sequence.  All targets must be shot in numerical order. In the event of a target being shot out of sequence, the competitor shall forfeit the omitted target, being credited with a 'miss' and resume shooting at the target immediately following it. Out of sequence shots involving targets in another lane require the above procedure to be followed. In this case the target shot out of sequence shall be shot as normal upon reaching that lane if not already scored from a previous lane.

9. Scoring.  Scoring shall be on the basis of one point for each hit and zero for a miss. A hit shall be rewarded when the target falls. Any movement of the face plate which does not result in the target or hit zone falling shall be scored a miss. If the hit zone has to be reset to enable the next shooter to take the shot it shall be scored a hit. Hits shall be marked with an X and misses with a O.

10. Shooting.  Any shooting position is allowed but some lanes may be designated as 'standing' or 'kneeling'. In the event of a competitor not being able to conform with the above disciplines the following will apply :- The prone position is not recognised as a designated position (This does not prevent the shooter from using the prone position for a non-designated lane). The competitor shall make it known to the chief marshall before the commencement of his/her round that they are unable, for whatever medical reason, to comply with a particular shooting position and obtain permission to use an alternative position provided no unfair advantage is gained.

The number of standing shots in any one course is not to exceed 4 for 30 & 40 target courses or 6 for a 50 target course. The same figure applies for kneeling shots. All shots, from whatever shooting position must be made with the competitor able to touch the firing line.

Fully adjustable rifle stocks are permitted to accomodate various shooting styles and positions with no limitation on design. A single rifle sling, seperate or otherwise, and/or butt hook is permitted as a means of steadying the aim. Any type of clothing, glove, or footwear is allowed provided it is not a hazard to the shooter or other competitors. Knee pads are permitted to a max. thickness of 30mm. Elbow pads are permitted to a max. thickness of 30mm. A sighting pad or equivalent of maximum 250x120x120mm  is permitted during rangefinding, but must be discarded prior to the shot being taken.

No other means of support, other than the competitor, shall be used for the rifle or body. Only one shot is allowed at one target. Shots taken at any one lane shall not exceed the total number of targets in that lane with the following exceptions: a) Rule (8).  b) Rule (17).  c) Un-sighted shots with the knowledge of partner or marshall.  d) In a shoot-off situation. Failure to abide by the above rule will result in rule (14) being applied. Definitions of shooting positions :- Prone -  The rifle and forearm, from elbow to fingertips, must be clear of any artificial support. Kneeling - There shall be only 3 points of contact with the ground (2 feet & 1 knee) with the leading leg and gunstock clear of the knee. The rear foot shall be vertical over its whole length or from ball of foot to heel. A legal seat may be used to support the rear foot provided that the foot has contact with the ground. Standing - Any shot taken in a standing position without the aid of any support other than the ones previously mentioned in these rules. (Revised 18.11.2004 # Total standing & kneeling)

Pictured here is the eventual World Championships spring gun champion 2005 "Roger Moy" accompanied by Norways own Stein Arve Johnsen (Stones). Roger is in the process of rangefinding with his "sidewheel" scope. Photograph courtesy of KevinSayers (c))

11. Time per Lane.  In the event of a competitor delaying excessively, the marshall may time the lane, with the time starting when the eye is put to the sight. The time will be continuous, with the number of minutes allowed equating to the number of targets in that lane. If the total time is exceeded, the competitor will forfeit any hit obtained after the expiry of the alloted time.

12. Seating.  The maximum height for any form of seating is 150mm, including any backrest and measured at the apparent highest point whilst the competitor is sat in the middle of the seat. This seat may be used to an aid to sitting & kneeling shots within the above rules but for no other purpose. Variations of this rule may be applied at the discretion of the chief marshall in recognition of a competitors disability, providing that no unfair advantage is gained.  

13. Disputed Scores.  Any challenge must be made prior to leaving the target. Any dispute not resolved at that time shall be  referred to the chief marshall whose decision shall be final. Any target found to be defective shall be repaired/replaced and re-shot.

14. Penalties.  The penalty for unsafe practice, or any form of cheating is disqualification, with the governing bodies reserving the right to take further action in extreme circumstances.

15. Leaving the Firing Line.  The competitor may leave the firing line under the following circumstances :-

a) Voluntary abandonment of the shoot, in which case his score to that point will be presented as a valid result. If buddy marshalling a shooting partner he/she is expected to perform this function until the shooting partner has completed the course.

b) To effect a repair to equipment which has been rendered unsafe or incapable of firing a shot by whatever means. This does not include zero shift of optical equipment or poorly zeroed systems.

c) Any other occurence which is deemed valid by the chief marshall.

Note: In item (b) the competitor may replace the offending part or equipment with the permission of the chief marshall or deputy, but no visit to the zero range is permitted, either by the competitor or any person on his/her behalf using the repaired/exchanged item, before recommencing the shoot.(Unless permission is given by the chief marshall). In all the above cases the competitors scorecard must be handed to the chief marshall or deputy and his/her permission obtained to leave the firing line, with a stipulated time for return. The card will be marked with time of departure. Any card not claimed within the designated time will be submitted as a final score for the round.

16. Tied Scores.  In the event of tied scores a shoot-off will decide the final placings. The course of fire and the targets must be representative of the event.

17. Firing Line Conduct.  Coaching or persistent barracking of a competitor in competition is not allowed. Rifles, sights, slings or parts thereof may not be shared on the firing line. In the event of a ceasefire order, guns will be discharged into the ground, over the firing line, and at a distance of +7 mtrs from the firing line. Muzzles will then be dropped. After a physical check that all rifles are empty of ammunition, authorised persons may cross the firing line for inspection /maintenance. Shooting may commence after the appropriate signal from the chief marshall (Refer to range safety rules).Guns will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged over a recognised firing line. Guns will always be kept unloaded and uncocked when not in use.

18. Class of Entry.

Class S  Spring gun only

Class O  Open - No segregation

Class G  Graded (A >/=66%, B >/=56 to <66%, C >/=35 to <56%, D >/=0 to <35%, where last 5 shoots counting)

Class U   Air rifle unscoped (* max distance 30 mtrs) 

Class H   Handicap

19. Drugs and Alcohol.  The carrying and/or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs on the firing line is strictly prohibited. The handling or usage of a gun will not be permitted if the competitor has consumed alcohol or illegal drugs prior to shooting.

20. Norwegian Law Relating to Air Rifles.  It is the responsibility of every individual to acquaint themselves with Norwegian Law.