UKAHFT RULES 2019
The following rules explain what you are allowed to do when shooting a course, the separate format document is what is required when setting targets
SAFETY
All shooting activities must be carried out in accordance with the UKAHFT rules.
Any air rifle is allowed as long as it complies with current legislation for airguns and has a power output less than 12 ft lbs, which can be subject to a random and/or compulsory chronograph test at each event.
Shooters must be at least 9 years old & not be banned from shooting under Section 21 of the Firearms Act.
All shooters must attend a safety briefing at each event to be held immediately before the session they are shooting in, any shooter not attending the briefing will not be permitted to shoot in that round.
When a single blast of a whistle or hooter is heard all shooting must immediately stop. Shooters must discharge their rifles into the ground, in the general direction of the target and at a safe distance. Targets must NOT be sighted or the gun shouldered during a cease fire. Any targets shot after a cease fire will count as a zero for that target.
Upon hearing two blasts of the whistle or hooter firing may re-commence after you have visually checked it is safe to do so.
Only marshals are allowed to halt or commence firing.
Guns will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged over a recognized firing line. The car park is not a recognised firing line. Guns will always be kept un-loaded & un-cocked when not in use.
Rifles must be cased or carried with the muzzle pointing down at all times when not in use, including rifles carried on a sling. Do not cock your rifle until you are ready to take aim. No gun should be cocked or loaded between lanes. Multi-shots must have the magazine removed and be in a visibly safe condition. Every member of a group should ensure theirs & their shooting partner’s activities are carried out in a safe manner in accordance with UKAHFT rules - it is all our responsibilities to ensure we shoot safely. Failure to comply can result in expulsion from the event, ground & any future UKAHFT events.
NEVER rest the rifle muzzle on your foot. When getting down or up from a prone shot always be aware of where your rifle muzzle is pointing. The muzzle should remain pointing down or down-range at all times. Ask your shooting partner to take your rifle from you, or assist in handling it, if you find it difficult getting up or down safely
If you are approached by a marshal for any reason, i.e. shooting technique or safety, please do as they have asked as remember they are there to make sure the course is shot safely & fairly. In the case of a dispute, the Chief Marshall can be called, and their decision is final.
No persons other than the shooters that are taking part in that session will be permitted on the course, with the exception of marshals, organisers, press photographers and VIP guests - who all must obtain and wear UKAHFT Hi-Vis vests prior to entering the shooting area, these can only be obtained from UKAHFT.
All Juniors must be under the direct supervision their parent/guardian on the day. Juniors not taking part in the competition will not be permitted to enter any of the shooting areas.
NATIONAL LEAGUES
Throughout the year there will be the following classes:
- Open class
- Veteran aged 60 years or above on the 1st shoot of the National Series
- Juniors 9-16 aged 9 to 16 years on the 1st shoot of the National Series
- Ladies
- .22” PCP rifles and semi recoiling rifles of .22 or .25 calibre
- Recoiling All recoiling rifles whatever calibre
- Club Team
- Manufactures team
THE COURSE
Targets will be the normal knock over style that fall or rotate when hit, with hit zones ranging from 15-45mm. Hit zone sizes, their distances & the maximum number of reduced hit zones can be found in the UKAHFT course Format.
SCORING
Before commencing to shoot the course each competitor must mark their scorecard with the equipment they are using, this information includes:
• Make & model of rifle.
• Make & size of scope.
• Magnification and parallax being used at the event.
• Intensity setting of illuminated reticule, if switched on
If a complaint is received, or when checked by a course marshal, it is discovered that scope setting on the card differ from the actual setting, the competitor will forfeit their last knockdown. If the shooter re-offends at that competition they will be disqualified.
Once the first shot has been taken NO adjustments may be made, in any way, to the rifle, stock or scope unless agreed by both the shooting partner and a marshal. Where a repair is required or a scope adjuster is knocked from the setting, this must recorded on the score card by a marshall.
The scoring will be 2 points for a knockdown, 1 point for faceplate hit and 0 for a miss of the target. The target MUST fall to earn a maximum 2 points.
Under no circumstances may a target be shot at more than once by a shooter, nor are any practice shots of any kind taken during the course of fire.
Regardless of any circumstances - such as forgetting to load a pellet, not shutting the loading bolt or if the trigger is pulled before you are locked on target - if the gun goes off (air released) the shot is considered as having been taken & will be scored accordingly. If this does happen, the competitor should make sure the pellet has left the gun by dry firing safely into the ground over the firing line with the consent of their shooting partners.
When a target has been downed the shooter must gain confirmation of the knockdown from a fellow group member before the target is
reset.
Only a member of your shooting group is permitted to record your scores on your scorecard. Under no circumstance is a shooter allowed to score his/her own scorecard. If an error is entered on any scorecard the shooting partner who made the mistake must seek a marshal who will amend this error for you & sign the back of the card.
Upon completion of the course one of your shooting partners should sign your scorecard - this is to signify that they have checked the card & agree with its scoring. The shooter should always check that their scorecard is correctly filled in & signed before handing it in as they are the ones who will be penalised for any irregularities.
If a competitor hands in a scorecard that is incomplete, unreadable or has any alterations not signed for by an on-duty marshal, their score will be amended or the competitor disqualified at the UKAHFT organisers discretion.
The UKAHFT organisers reserve the right to amend and adjust any shooters scorecard at any time during the series if infringements of the rules or evidence of cheating is subsequently discovered during or after the scheduled events.
TARGET TIMING
Shooters are allowed 2mins per lane. This timing starts when you approach the peg. Under normal circumstances a shooter is not timed but if any group is causing a hold up, or the session is taking too long due to slow shooters, then UKAHFT reserve the right to time individuals or groups of shooters.
Shooters may be timed by a marshal without their knowledge to ascertain if they are in fact taking too long to shoot but they will not be deducted any points at this time. Once the decision is made to officially time any shooter, or group of shooters, they will be informed by the marshal that they will be timed. They will be told when the clock is started & they then have two minutes to shoot the target.
If a stoppage is called during the timing the clock will be stopped & 10 seconds grace given upon re-start of shooting before the clock is re-started. If the target is not shot within the time limit then a “Zero” will be awarded for that target. If a timed shooter fails to shoot within the 2mins limit on more than two occasions at the same round they may be disqualified & asked the leave the course.
TIMING BETWEEN LANES
A contributing factor to holdups is the amount of time it takes groups to vacate a peg having shot. As soon as your group has finished shooting let the group behind you know you have finished shooting that peg - this will save them all chatting away without realising the peg is free - then please vacate the peg immediately without discussions of the last shot.
SHOOTING POSITIONS
Sitting shots ARE NOT ALLOWED. Sitting is defined as the shooter’s backside being in contact with the ground, or sitting on your foot folded under your bum, as the shot is taken.
Crouching shots are not allowed. Crouching is defined as two feet on the ground, with the upper part of the legs being supported by the calves or foot area.
The peg must be touched by some part of the body/rifle as the shot is taken. Moving any of the course fixtures is not allowed - these include the firing line, shooting pegs or any supports such as bales. Anyone found moving any of the course fixtures will be disqualified from the competition.
The trigger finger must be behind the peg when the shot is taken
The rifle butt must be outside your clothing when taking a shot & it cannot be supported by any straps/pockets etc.
Prone
The only part of the rifle allowed to touch the ground when taking a shot from the prone position is the bottom edge of the butt pad, if any part of the rifle stock extends below this bottom edge then the rifle must not be grounded at all during a prone shot.
Shooting mats may be used but only when laid flat and not folded up to increase the shooters height off the ground. Similarly, objects around the peg such as logs, string winders etc cannot be moved and placed under the rifle or supporting hand to gain height to take the shot.
Kneeling
The kneeling position is defined as only 3 points of contact with the ground (2 feet & 1 knee).
The rear foot shall be upright and straight in line with the knee - sitting on a turned foot is not allowed.
A bean bag may be used to support the knee, shin or foot area only - not the buttock.
The rifle will be supported only by the two hands, with the rifle butt in the shoulder. No other part of the body can be used to support the rifle, nor can the hands be supported on any other part of the body.
The hands cannot be dropped to allow the wrist joint, arm or any other part of the body to support the rifle. The leading hand should also be forward of the knee - to illustrate this the supporting hand should be dropped down vertically (90degrees to the forearm). If it contacts with any part of the knee/leg the supporting hand is deemed too far back & therefore not forward of the knee.
The un-supported kneeling/standing shot will be designated by a 4" tall peg and no other forms of support are allowed for this shot (peg/tree etc)
The leading leg cannot be pulled back so the calf is supported by the hamstrings or lower buttocks as this is classed as a crouching shot & is not allowed. The leading foot must not touch or be supported by the beanbag
Standing
Only your feet may be in contact with the ground.
The un-supported standing only shot will be designated by a 4" tall peg and no other forms of support are allowed for this shot, such as the peg or tree.
Supported Kneeling/Standing
The above rules apply with the exception that any part of the rifle or body may be resting on the supporting tree/object. If a number of supporting objects are available, some part of the rifle or body must be touching the support marked with the peg number as the shot is taken. In addition to touching the numbered support you may also make use of any other supporting objects.
EQUIPMENT
Most rifle & stock designs can be used for UKAHFT competition as long as they are within the following rules:
• Fore-end depth is limited to a maximum of 150mm, which is measured from the centre of the barrel to the lowest part of the rifle forward of the pistol grip.
• FT style butt hooks are not allowed, although the paddle style of butt pad is allowed.
• The paddles of the butt pad must not exceed 2.25" in length
• When standing or kneeling, no part of the rifle may be in contact with the ground.
• When taking a prone shot the only part of the rifle which may be touching the ground is the bottom edge of the butt pad - no other device, stock extension or butt pad extension may rest on the ground
The use of windicators is allowed in UKAHFT events. UKAHFT’s definition of a windicator is a combination of wool/string/feather of no longer than 12" which is attached to the barrel/action or stock & is designed to move in the wind to give an indication of its direction/strength. Electronic or mechanical devices are not allowed.
Smoking/Vaping is not allowed any closer than 6ft back from the firing line
Apart from a traditional scope, no other optical aids are allowed. Scope levels cannot be used and must be removed or taped up before you start the course.
A standard rifle sling is allowed to be fitted to the stock/rifle but only as a means to carry the rifle between lanes. At no time can a sling to be used as a shooting aid or considered part of the rifle with regard to contact with the peg or nominated object.
Any traditional type scope and settings can be used. However, zeroing, magnification, dialling and parallax must be set prior to the first shot and left untouched until the course is completed. This includes illuminated reticules, which if used must be switched on with the brightness set before the first shot is taken and remain that way without any adjustment or switching throughout the competition. If the reticule illumination is on a timer and shuts off after a set period the shooter must notify their shooting partner and with their agreement turn the illumination back on to ensure all shots are taken with the same set up.
No device may be added or designed into a stock/rifle to specifically support the stock/rifle on the peg or tree. This includes parts of the windicator, brackets, ledges, spikes, straps etc
The objective & ocular aperture of the scope must be left as it was manufactured and can not be reduced in any way. This includes sunshades. Flip up scope caps must always be in an open position when taking a shot & any holes in the caps taped up while shooting the course.
Anyone found carrying out any adjustments whatsoever to a scope once the course has been started will be expelled from the competition. Lasers are not permitted and should be removed from the rifle.
Beanbags may be carried to place guns on between lanes and may be used for kneeling shots as specified above.
Use of any Range finding equipment is prohibited and any person other than course setters caught with one in their possession will be asked to leave the event.
No persons other than UKAHFT or hosting club course officials will be allowed to view any course prior to any event. Failure to comply may result in disqualification & not being allowed to attend any UKAHFT event in the future.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your equipment is allowed in a UKAHFT competition please contact a UKAHFT official who will be happy to advise
SHOOT OFFS
A shoot off will always take place in the event if a tie for 1st place in all classes & where possible for 2nd-5th in the Open Class. However, if a large number of shooters are tied for a placing the UKAHFT organisers may decide to use a count back to decide theses placings.
The targets used will be 1x15mm, 1x25mm & 1x35-45mm hit zone targets with each target being placed within the standard UKAHFT ranges for that hit zone size. Each person will shoot all three targets from the kneeling position and if after this any competitors are still tied, they will then shoot the targets in the standing position.
If after this no winner is established then there will be sudden death shoot off. For 4th places and below the positions may be calculated using a count back system depending on number of shooters and time permitting.
SAFETY
All shooting activities must be carried out in accordance with the UKAHFT rules.
Any air rifle is allowed as long as it complies with current legislation for airguns and has a power output less than 12 ft lbs, which can be subject to a random and/or compulsory chronograph test at each event.
Shooters must be at least 9 years old & not be banned from shooting under Section 21 of the Firearms Act.
All shooters must attend a safety briefing at each event to be held immediately before the session they are shooting in, any shooter not attending the briefing will not be permitted to shoot in that round.
When a single blast of a whistle or hooter is heard all shooting must immediately stop. Shooters must discharge their rifles into the ground, in the general direction of the target and at a safe distance. Targets must NOT be sighted or the gun shouldered during a cease fire. Any targets shot after a cease fire will count as a zero for that target.
Upon hearing two blasts of the whistle or hooter firing may re-commence after you have visually checked it is safe to do so.
Only marshals are allowed to halt or commence firing.
Guns will only be sighted, shouldered or discharged over a recognized firing line. The car park is not a recognised firing line. Guns will always be kept un-loaded & un-cocked when not in use.
Rifles must be cased or carried with the muzzle pointing down at all times when not in use, including rifles carried on a sling. Do not cock your rifle until you are ready to take aim. No gun should be cocked or loaded between lanes. Multi-shots must have the magazine removed and be in a visibly safe condition. Every member of a group should ensure theirs & their shooting partner’s activities are carried out in a safe manner in accordance with UKAHFT rules - it is all our responsibilities to ensure we shoot safely. Failure to comply can result in expulsion from the event, ground & any future UKAHFT events.
NEVER rest the rifle muzzle on your foot. When getting down or up from a prone shot always be aware of where your rifle muzzle is pointing. The muzzle should remain pointing down or down-range at all times. Ask your shooting partner to take your rifle from you, or assist in handling it, if you find it difficult getting up or down safely
If you are approached by a marshal for any reason, i.e. shooting technique or safety, please do as they have asked as remember they are there to make sure the course is shot safely & fairly. In the case of a dispute, the Chief Marshall can be called, and their decision is final.
No persons other than the shooters that are taking part in that session will be permitted on the course, with the exception of marshals, organisers, press photographers and VIP guests - who all must obtain and wear UKAHFT Hi-Vis vests prior to entering the shooting area, these can only be obtained from UKAHFT.
All Juniors must be under the direct supervision their parent/guardian on the day. Juniors not taking part in the competition will not be permitted to enter any of the shooting areas.
NATIONAL LEAGUES
Throughout the year there will be the following classes:
- Open class
- Veteran aged 60 years or above on the 1st shoot of the National Series
- Juniors 9-16 aged 9 to 16 years on the 1st shoot of the National Series
- Ladies
- .22” PCP rifles and semi recoiling rifles of .22 or .25 calibre
- Recoiling All recoiling rifles whatever calibre
- Club Team
- Manufactures team
THE COURSE
Targets will be the normal knock over style that fall or rotate when hit, with hit zones ranging from 15-45mm. Hit zone sizes, their distances & the maximum number of reduced hit zones can be found in the UKAHFT course Format.
SCORING
Before commencing to shoot the course each competitor must mark their scorecard with the equipment they are using, this information includes:
• Make & model of rifle.
• Make & size of scope.
• Magnification and parallax being used at the event.
• Intensity setting of illuminated reticule, if switched on
If a complaint is received, or when checked by a course marshal, it is discovered that scope setting on the card differ from the actual setting, the competitor will forfeit their last knockdown. If the shooter re-offends at that competition they will be disqualified.
Once the first shot has been taken NO adjustments may be made, in any way, to the rifle, stock or scope unless agreed by both the shooting partner and a marshal. Where a repair is required or a scope adjuster is knocked from the setting, this must recorded on the score card by a marshall.
The scoring will be 2 points for a knockdown, 1 point for faceplate hit and 0 for a miss of the target. The target MUST fall to earn a maximum 2 points.
Under no circumstances may a target be shot at more than once by a shooter, nor are any practice shots of any kind taken during the course of fire.
Regardless of any circumstances - such as forgetting to load a pellet, not shutting the loading bolt or if the trigger is pulled before you are locked on target - if the gun goes off (air released) the shot is considered as having been taken & will be scored accordingly. If this does happen, the competitor should make sure the pellet has left the gun by dry firing safely into the ground over the firing line with the consent of their shooting partners.
When a target has been downed the shooter must gain confirmation of the knockdown from a fellow group member before the target is
reset.
Only a member of your shooting group is permitted to record your scores on your scorecard. Under no circumstance is a shooter allowed to score his/her own scorecard. If an error is entered on any scorecard the shooting partner who made the mistake must seek a marshal who will amend this error for you & sign the back of the card.
Upon completion of the course one of your shooting partners should sign your scorecard - this is to signify that they have checked the card & agree with its scoring. The shooter should always check that their scorecard is correctly filled in & signed before handing it in as they are the ones who will be penalised for any irregularities.
If a competitor hands in a scorecard that is incomplete, unreadable or has any alterations not signed for by an on-duty marshal, their score will be amended or the competitor disqualified at the UKAHFT organisers discretion.
The UKAHFT organisers reserve the right to amend and adjust any shooters scorecard at any time during the series if infringements of the rules or evidence of cheating is subsequently discovered during or after the scheduled events.
TARGET TIMING
Shooters are allowed 2mins per lane. This timing starts when you approach the peg. Under normal circumstances a shooter is not timed but if any group is causing a hold up, or the session is taking too long due to slow shooters, then UKAHFT reserve the right to time individuals or groups of shooters.
Shooters may be timed by a marshal without their knowledge to ascertain if they are in fact taking too long to shoot but they will not be deducted any points at this time. Once the decision is made to officially time any shooter, or group of shooters, they will be informed by the marshal that they will be timed. They will be told when the clock is started & they then have two minutes to shoot the target.
If a stoppage is called during the timing the clock will be stopped & 10 seconds grace given upon re-start of shooting before the clock is re-started. If the target is not shot within the time limit then a “Zero” will be awarded for that target. If a timed shooter fails to shoot within the 2mins limit on more than two occasions at the same round they may be disqualified & asked the leave the course.
TIMING BETWEEN LANES
A contributing factor to holdups is the amount of time it takes groups to vacate a peg having shot. As soon as your group has finished shooting let the group behind you know you have finished shooting that peg - this will save them all chatting away without realising the peg is free - then please vacate the peg immediately without discussions of the last shot.
SHOOTING POSITIONS
Sitting shots ARE NOT ALLOWED. Sitting is defined as the shooter’s backside being in contact with the ground, or sitting on your foot folded under your bum, as the shot is taken.
Crouching shots are not allowed. Crouching is defined as two feet on the ground, with the upper part of the legs being supported by the calves or foot area.
The peg must be touched by some part of the body/rifle as the shot is taken. Moving any of the course fixtures is not allowed - these include the firing line, shooting pegs or any supports such as bales. Anyone found moving any of the course fixtures will be disqualified from the competition.
The trigger finger must be behind the peg when the shot is taken
The rifle butt must be outside your clothing when taking a shot & it cannot be supported by any straps/pockets etc.
Prone
The only part of the rifle allowed to touch the ground when taking a shot from the prone position is the bottom edge of the butt pad, if any part of the rifle stock extends below this bottom edge then the rifle must not be grounded at all during a prone shot.
Shooting mats may be used but only when laid flat and not folded up to increase the shooters height off the ground. Similarly, objects around the peg such as logs, string winders etc cannot be moved and placed under the rifle or supporting hand to gain height to take the shot.
Kneeling
The kneeling position is defined as only 3 points of contact with the ground (2 feet & 1 knee).
The rear foot shall be upright and straight in line with the knee - sitting on a turned foot is not allowed.
A bean bag may be used to support the knee, shin or foot area only - not the buttock.
The rifle will be supported only by the two hands, with the rifle butt in the shoulder. No other part of the body can be used to support the rifle, nor can the hands be supported on any other part of the body.
The hands cannot be dropped to allow the wrist joint, arm or any other part of the body to support the rifle. The leading hand should also be forward of the knee - to illustrate this the supporting hand should be dropped down vertically (90degrees to the forearm). If it contacts with any part of the knee/leg the supporting hand is deemed too far back & therefore not forward of the knee.
The un-supported kneeling/standing shot will be designated by a 4" tall peg and no other forms of support are allowed for this shot (peg/tree etc)
The leading leg cannot be pulled back so the calf is supported by the hamstrings or lower buttocks as this is classed as a crouching shot & is not allowed. The leading foot must not touch or be supported by the beanbag
Standing
Only your feet may be in contact with the ground.
The un-supported standing only shot will be designated by a 4" tall peg and no other forms of support are allowed for this shot, such as the peg or tree.
Supported Kneeling/Standing
The above rules apply with the exception that any part of the rifle or body may be resting on the supporting tree/object. If a number of supporting objects are available, some part of the rifle or body must be touching the support marked with the peg number as the shot is taken. In addition to touching the numbered support you may also make use of any other supporting objects.
EQUIPMENT
Most rifle & stock designs can be used for UKAHFT competition as long as they are within the following rules:
• Fore-end depth is limited to a maximum of 150mm, which is measured from the centre of the barrel to the lowest part of the rifle forward of the pistol grip.
• FT style butt hooks are not allowed, although the paddle style of butt pad is allowed.
• The paddles of the butt pad must not exceed 2.25" in length
• When standing or kneeling, no part of the rifle may be in contact with the ground.
• When taking a prone shot the only part of the rifle which may be touching the ground is the bottom edge of the butt pad - no other device, stock extension or butt pad extension may rest on the ground
The use of windicators is allowed in UKAHFT events. UKAHFT’s definition of a windicator is a combination of wool/string/feather of no longer than 12" which is attached to the barrel/action or stock & is designed to move in the wind to give an indication of its direction/strength. Electronic or mechanical devices are not allowed.
Smoking/Vaping is not allowed any closer than 6ft back from the firing line
Apart from a traditional scope, no other optical aids are allowed. Scope levels cannot be used and must be removed or taped up before you start the course.
A standard rifle sling is allowed to be fitted to the stock/rifle but only as a means to carry the rifle between lanes. At no time can a sling to be used as a shooting aid or considered part of the rifle with regard to contact with the peg or nominated object.
Any traditional type scope and settings can be used. However, zeroing, magnification, dialling and parallax must be set prior to the first shot and left untouched until the course is completed. This includes illuminated reticules, which if used must be switched on with the brightness set before the first shot is taken and remain that way without any adjustment or switching throughout the competition. If the reticule illumination is on a timer and shuts off after a set period the shooter must notify their shooting partner and with their agreement turn the illumination back on to ensure all shots are taken with the same set up.
No device may be added or designed into a stock/rifle to specifically support the stock/rifle on the peg or tree. This includes parts of the windicator, brackets, ledges, spikes, straps etc
The objective & ocular aperture of the scope must be left as it was manufactured and can not be reduced in any way. This includes sunshades. Flip up scope caps must always be in an open position when taking a shot & any holes in the caps taped up while shooting the course.
Anyone found carrying out any adjustments whatsoever to a scope once the course has been started will be expelled from the competition. Lasers are not permitted and should be removed from the rifle.
Beanbags may be carried to place guns on between lanes and may be used for kneeling shots as specified above.
Use of any Range finding equipment is prohibited and any person other than course setters caught with one in their possession will be asked to leave the event.
No persons other than UKAHFT or hosting club course officials will be allowed to view any course prior to any event. Failure to comply may result in disqualification & not being allowed to attend any UKAHFT event in the future.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your equipment is allowed in a UKAHFT competition please contact a UKAHFT official who will be happy to advise
SHOOT OFFS
A shoot off will always take place in the event if a tie for 1st place in all classes & where possible for 2nd-5th in the Open Class. However, if a large number of shooters are tied for a placing the UKAHFT organisers may decide to use a count back to decide theses placings.
The targets used will be 1x15mm, 1x25mm & 1x35-45mm hit zone targets with each target being placed within the standard UKAHFT ranges for that hit zone size. Each person will shoot all three targets from the kneeling position and if after this any competitors are still tied, they will then shoot the targets in the standing position.
If after this no winner is established then there will be sudden death shoot off. For 4th places and below the positions may be calculated using a count back system depending on number of shooters and time permitting.
