The NCAA News - News and Features

July 20, 1998

Rifle committee keys on rules changes

The Men's and Women's Rifle Committee made several rules changes during its June 19-20 meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The committee added a section to the rules book regarding insufficient shots. The rule states that if a shooter fires fewer shots on a record bull's-eye or target than are provided for in the program, any unfired shot shall be recorded as a miss.

With regard to equipment, the committee eliminated the specific weight restriction (no more than 6.5 kilograms or 13.3 pounds) for a smallbore sport rifle. Specifications for a sports rifle are now the same as those for any other smallbore rifle -- 8 kilograms or 17.6 pounds, including the palm rest and butt hook, as listed in Rule 3-1-1.

In discussion about another equipment issue, the committee agreed that the maximum total thickness of the shooting mat (5 centimeters or 1.97 inches) applies to mats that are folded.

The committee also discussed establishing some guidelines regarding the conduct and administration of matches in which participants shoot to attempt to qualify for the NCAA championships. These guidelines, which are still in the development stage, would take effect for the 2000 championships.

The committee also discussed a new target that has been developed by USA Shooting but chose not to approve it for NCAA use at this time.