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Thursday, June 30, 2011

International Airsoft Practical Shooting (IAPS) Rules- Pin Shooting


1 Definition
Pin shooting is the sport of shooting bowling style pins (see appendix 1) off a table with
airsoft handguns under controlled conditions utilizing range commands and recording
elapsed time for timing system. Instead of recording elapsed time, a man vs man based on
a J-ladder tournament can be used.

2 Founding principles
All shooters are of equal importance to the sport. Classifications allow for the equitable
distribution of prizes and the competitive growth of the shooter. Classifications are based
on competitive times shot or a J-ladder diagram at recognized ranges using IAPS Pin
Shooting standards for range commands, scoring and table sets.

IAPS Pin Shooting guidelines may be modified by shoot organizers, individual clubs, or
host facilities to meet their unique circumstances. Guideline variations should be published
for contestants to review prior to registration.

3 Safety regulations
Safety is a priority. The sport should remain safe and enjoyable for all who participate.
Unsportsmanlike conduct by any competitor may result in disqualification of that shooter.
Experienced shooters should set examples for others to follow. Maximum safety
requirements for both competitors and spectators must be maintained.
All handguns must be handled in a safe manner at all times; they should be cased,
holstered, or carried with the slides back. There can be no loaded handguns unless
authorized by range officers or the shoot director.

Eye protection must be worn at all times while in restricted areas. Special arrangements
for inexperienced shooters should be made to allow them to compete. It may be necessary
to allow an experienced shooter to accompany them to the line for safety reasons. Local
range safety rules, gun handling areas, and safety regulations for a particular shoot or
range should be posted. Practice, dry fire, and restricted areas should be well marked.
Copies of rules should be provided to both shooters and spectators. Safety regulations
must be posted for all to read. Releases should be signed by all individuals after reading
safety regulations. Additional ammo restrictions for the protection of competitors and
equipment, should be listed in the match description or flier.

4 Match procedures
Various procedures may be used in the actual running of the match. This is by no means
the only procedure that may be used. It can and may be modified by individual match
personnel for a specific match. Any special treatment given to a specific individual should
be documented and explained.

All shooters must register, pay necessary fees, and sign releases prior to competition. It is
recommended that all guests also be required to sign releases so safety regulations can
be explained. Glasses protection can be sold or provided at this time.

Score cards can be given to competitors prior to competition or may be held until the
shooter is called to the line. Competitors should be required to sign their score cards after
each event. Duplicate cards or carbon copies may then be given to the competitor.
Fees are to be determined by the match organizers. They should be posted and included
in all literature to shooters. If competitors fail to make it to the shoot, match organizers will
decide if a refund should be given.

The match organizers may elect to modify or cancel any event for reasons beyond their
control. If shooters are not allowed to compete, refunds must be made. Fees collected for
canceled events must be returned.

Shoot results should be posted, mailed, or delivered to all registered shooters in a timely
manor. Prize distribution should be included as part of the shoot information. Final prize
distribution and payoffs should be published and included with the results.

5 Scoring procedures

5.1 Timing scoring system
For this classification, all scoring is the time it takes a competitor to clear his/her table of
pins. Timing commences with a start signal and stops when the final pin hits the ground or
backstop, unless otherwise listed in the rules. The IAPS Pin Shooting classification and
preferred timing system utilizes two or three timers with digital stop watches. Timers will
start timing when the start signal is given and stop timing when the last pin hits the ground.
The average is used unless one time is obviously an error, or the timer knows he/she
made a mistake on the start or stop.

Competition in IAPS Pin Shooting recognized main event matches consists of shooting 6
tables. The best 5 of the 6 times are combined for an aggregate total to determine the
event winner. The 6th best time becomes the tie breaker. The main events may be entered
only once. Optional events are typically scored as single tables with the best time used to
determine the winner. If two or more shooters tie, the second, third, forth, etc. best time is
then used to determine the winner. Several ranges restrict the number of attempts or
tables any competitor can shoot.
 
At some facilities it may not be possible to time pins hitting the ground. Timing may stop
when all pins have left the table. In pin shooting this is the least desirable method of
timing.

Electronic timers may be used to time the last shot. The competitor must continue until the
last pin is cleared from the table or the maximum time has been reached (timer stop signal
sound). All shots are taken into account even those fired after the last pin has fallen down.

5.2 J-ladder tournament
The J-ladder is a competition system that enables contestants to match each other, but
assures them of at least two bouts whether they win or lose the first round. It works
accurately with groups of eight, sixteen, or thirty-two contestants. It can be used less
efficiently with different numbers of contestants, but it has to be jiggled, and jiggling is not
always mathematically correct.

Two shooters are in front of their own table. The winner of each bout is the one who first
clear his/her table of pins. Match commences with a start signal and stops when the first
shooter clean the table, unless otherwise listed in the rules.
For some bouts, it may be necessary to get timing in order to rank competitors (see
appendixes 4 and 5).

6 Match rules and shooting format
At Registration the competitor will be given score cards for the events he/she signs up for.
Depending on the scoring procedure used, the IAPS Pin Shooting preferred table
assignment method allows the shooter to turn the cards into the timer at the table of
his/her choice, he will place the cards in order and will notify the shooter when he/she is on
deck (timing system), or the shooter waits for his bout (J-ladder tournament). It is the
competitor's responsibility to be ready when they are called to the line.

7 Range commands
The range commands at a specific shoot should remain constant. "Timers ready",
"Shooter(s) ready", "Gun on the rail", then the "Start" command. An audible sound is
recommended to start each event. The Range Officer ensures the range is clear and
issues the command "Shooters on the line, you may load". Once the line is ready the
Range officer gives the commands. "Timers Ready" The Timers check to see the shooter
is ready to go and that their watch is reset to zero. "Shooter(s) Ready", "Gun on the Rail"
The shooter must now touch the rail with the gun barrel. The Range Officer then delivers
the start signal. The approximate time between commands in 3 to 5 seconds.

8 Start position
Shooters are positioned behind a rail which is approximately 91 centimeters ( ≈35.83
inches ) high and 5 meters ( ≈16.4 feet ) from the front edge of the pin table. The start
position is with the gun touching the start rail. The gun, hand, and arm must be in an
approximate 45° angle with the ground. The safety may be off or the hammer cocked as
the range officer allows. If a shooter has an accidental discharge downrange, and the line
is hot, that shooter may proceed but cannot reload that round. If during the start
commands a shooter is not ready, he/she should indicate this to the time keeper. If the
Timer does not stop the start commands, the shooter should stand down and a restart will
be given. It is the timer's responsibility to let the range officer know when his/her shooter is
ready. As long as a competitor does not fire a shot, he/she will be allowed a restart. At the
start signal the competitor addresses the pins and begins firing. The pins can be shot in
any order.
The competitor continues until the last pin is cleared from the table. If necessary the
shooter may reload. A maximum time of 15 seconds is allowed per run at most matches. If
the shooter begins to raise the handgun prior to the start signal and does not return the
barrel to the rail he/she will be assessed a 2/10's second penalty for that table.
When finished with a table the competitor may advance without command to the next table
and make ready. When finished with the tables assigned to the shooter the Range Officer
will issue the command, "Slides Back". Both the Range Officer and the Timers make sure
the line safe. All handguns will be placed on the rail with the slide locked back. When
finished on the line the competitor will holster or bag the handgun and withdraw from the
line. When announced safe the Timers will go forward and set pins.

9 Pin sets and event specific rules
Graphic examples of pin sets and table dimensions are listed in the appendixes of this
document. A variety of pin layouts are possible. IAPS Pin Shooting rules recommends the
matches be shot from 5 meters ( ≈16.4 feet ) on tiered tables, using the standard 5 pin set
and scoring the best five of six tables for timing scoring system. Local organizers are
encouraged to design optional events that are popular with local shooters.
Table design and pin set combinations may vary as available resources, time, material and
space dictates.
Any handgun from official IAPS Practical Shooting divisions may be used for this event.
Compensators, porting, scopes, optical sights, weighted grips and added weight are
generally allowed, individual matches may vary so be sure to check with the match
organizers.
For a 5 pins set, a maximum of eight rounds may be loaded in the firearm at the start.
Shooters may reload their handgun if necessary. Shooters found loading more than eight
rounds will be given a maximum time for that run.

10 Table construction
It is not possible to mandate specific table construction because of materials available or
resources available to invest in these materials. Table construction and design for a
specific shoot should be specified at the time entry materials are made available to the
shooters. In accordance with pins set planned, shooters may ask for a pin placement
change or to have a specific pin replaced prior to engaging a table. Match officials should
honor these request.

11 Outdoor shooting
To have the best pins behavior, they must be very light. For outdoor shooting, the tables
must be protected from the wind.
For outdoor shooting, biodegradable BBs must be used. Please choose high quality
biodegradable BBs that can break down when exposed to water or sun, eventually turning
to dust form.

12 Protest
Once a shooter fires on a table of pins no protest can be filed regarding pins or pin
placement on that table. If a shooter has a problem it must be addressed before the
shooter fires that string or single table. All protest at any particular shoot should be
handled by a predetermined review process. All decisions rendered by this process at any
specific shoot are final. Specific problems should be logged for future reference. Favorable
or unfavorable rulings should be forwarded to IAPS for review. Future regulations and
rules may result from this process. Shooters will be asked to sign their score card and
given a copy of their scores when they complete that event. The shooter is responsible to
review his / her scores at that time place any protest relating to the accuracy of the time
prior to leaving the line. Once shooters sign their score cards no protest may be made.
Shooters are responsible to retain their copy of the score card and notify match officials of
any errors in match postings
.
13 Dress code
No camouflage or paramilitary style clothing or clothing with offensive slogans to be worn.
Anybody found wearing this would be asked to leave the range. It’s important for this sport

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