Most competitions are governed by the rules set out by our governing body; the National Smallbore Rifle Association (NSRA): <LINK>.

The following is an abridged summary of the format of most competitions, and key rules to you get started:

1. Most competitions comprise a number of rounds, with 1 or more cards per round.
2. Cards have between 1 and 10 diagrams (targets), and each diagram must have the correct number of shots fired on it.
3. The rounds must be shot in sequential order (1, 2, 3 etc) and each round must be shot on-or-before its specified shoot-by-date.
4. Scoring can be inward (touching a scoring ring is awarded the higher score) or outward (touching a scoring ring is awarded the lower score).
5. Once shot, every card must be signed by firer, then signed and dated by a present witness.

Card type	Competition Type	Distance	Rounds (shots per round)	Cards per round	Diagrams per card	Shots per diagram	Scoring type
	Target Rifle (TR)
	10 Bull	25yd	10 (10)	1	10	1	Outward
	10 Bull	25yd	10 (10)	1	10	1	Outward
	5 Bull Standing and Kneeling	25yd	5 (10)	1	5	2	Outward
	5 Target	25yd	5 (10)	1	5	2	Inward
	50m	50m	10 (20)	2	2	5	Inward
	“Dewar”	50m + 100yd	10 (40)	2 2	2 1	5 10	Inward
	“Metric”	50yd	10 (20)	2	2	5	Inward
	Lightweight Sporting Rifle (LWSR)
	PL19 Standing or Kneeling	25m	10 (10 or 20)	2 or 4	1	5	Inward

Common causes for rounds being penalised or disqualified are:

• Too many shots on a diagram.
• Cards shot after the shoot-by-date.
• Cards within a round shot on different dates.
• Cards not signed or witnessed correctly.
• Rounds shot in the wrong sequence.
• Card with missing material, e.g. ripped corners, or over-enthusiastic guillotining.