​Firearms Policy & Course of Fire

The following National Firearms Safety Rules and Competition Standards were presented by the Firearms Committee and APPROVED and ADOPTED by the ACJA-LAE Executive Board of Grand Chapter at the National Conference in Kansas City, MO in 2008 for all National and Regional Association-sponsored Firearms Competitions.

NATIONAL FIREARMS COMPETITION

Range Safety Rules

 Weapons and Security:  All competitors are liable and responsible for the care and handling of their own firearms in a safe and secure manner. Weapons will not be publicly worn or displayed at any time except on the firing line.  No food or drinks will be allowed on the firing line.  No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the range.  Anyone involved in the Firearms Competition shall not consume alcoholic beverages during the eight-hour period immediately preceding the beginning of the Firearms Competition.  In the case when the Safety Meeting takes place on the same day as the Competition, the beginning of the meeting shall be considered as the beginning of the Competition.

1. Eye protection, ear protection, and hat will be worn on the firing line during all firing; there are no exceptions.
2. Only the shooter called to fire will be allowed on the firing line (i.e., no coaches).
3. Pay strict attention to the Range Officers while on the firing line.  Do not anticipate the range commands as called by the Range Safety Officer.
4. No loaded weapons will be allowed on the range other than on the firing line; weapons will only be loaded on the firing line, and only after the proper commands have been given.
5. All weapons will remain in holsters or carrying cases until the shooters are on the firing line and ready to fire. Weapons will be pointed down-range at all times when not in a holster or carrying case.
6. No dry firing will be allowed without the consent of the Range Safety Officer.
7. All firing will be conducted from the "Low Ready" position, with the weapon pointed at the ground at an angle of 45 degrees in front of the shooter, down-range with the finger off the trigger (indexed). Weapons will remain holstered until the command "load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position," is given by the Range Officer.
8. Shooters should report to the firing line when called, with all equipment necessary to fire the course; shooters will not delay the start of a relay by tardiness. Tardy shooters will be required to wait until the next available open relay.
9. There will be a safety inspection of all weapons prior to going on the firing line. Weapons determined to be unsafe will not be allowed on the range.
10. Final decision regarding the safety of a weapon will be made by the Range Master or designee (Firearm Inspection Officer).
11. Strict discipline must be maintained on the range. Carelessness cannot and will not be tolerated. Violation of any of the above rules, or the commission of any other act considered by the Range Officers to be unsafe, may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the range.
12. All decisions of the Range Master are final and are not subject to appeal.
13. Each competitor must sign a copy of these rules indicating he / she has read and understands each of the above safety rules. No shooter will be allowed to compete until this signed statement is received by the Range Master. Each competitor must have their copy of said statement and their Release of Liability Form in their possession at the time of the competition, or they will not be allowed to compete.

Liability and Liability Waiver Forms:  Liability Waiver Forms that have been altered in any fashion by the competitor will not be accepted!!!  Any competitor who fails or refuses to sign the Waiver Forms before the Firearms Competition, or does not have both forms in their possession at the time of the Competition, will not be allowed to compete.

1. Competitors are responsible and liable for any misuse or mishandling of firearms.  Competitors assume all responsibility and risks upon registering for the event.
2. All competitors are required to sign a Waiver of Liability / Indemnification Agreement and Statement of Competency before being allowed on the firing line.
3. The Statement of Competency will attest that the competitor has completed a Basic Firearms Course and achieved a minimum score of 240 on the ACJA-LAE course of fire (a minimum score of 300 is strongly recommended). 
   

Accommodations for the Disabled / Handicapped:  With safety at the forefront, ACJA/LAE will make all reasonable accommodations for the disabled during the Firearms Competition. The shooter must demonstrate safe handling of the weapon. Each individual will be handled on a case-by-case basis, with safety as the utmost concern, and the shooter’s score may or may not be included in the competition.

Notification:  Each chapter should provide their competitors with the following information:

• ACJA-LAE Firearms Range Safety Rules
  
• ACJA-LAE Firearms Competition Course of Fire
  
• ACJA-LAE Safety Briefing PowerPoint Presentation
  
  

 The Conference Host Chapter will notify each chapter at least three (3) months in advance if the range facilities to be used will dictate a change from any of these standards and rules. This notification will also include information on the range facility itself, to include:

• Whether an indoor or outdoor range will be used.
• Whether jacketed ammunition will be allowed.
• Any additional safety rules specific to the range.
  
  

 This notification should also include a summary of local laws pertaining to the possession and transportation of firearms.

 Explanation of Terms:

• Range Master: Ranking Range Official, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Firearms Competition, interpretation of rules, and resolution of issues and conflicts.
• Range Safety Officer:  Ranking Range Officer, responsible for announcing the course of fire and each stage, and overseeing the Range Officers on the firing line. 
• Range Officer:  Responsible for directly overseeing the actions and safety of the individual competitor on the firing line.
• Scoring Coordinator:  Ranking Scorekeeper, responsible for overseeing the Scorekeepers and recording of scores.
• Firearm Inspection Officer:  Responsible for inspecting a competitor’s firearm to ensure it meets the specifications for use in the competition, as well as ensuring the competitor has all equipment necessary to compete.
  

 Competitors Must Have the Following to Shoot in the Competition:

1. Hearing protection, eye protection, and hat.
   
2. Authorized Firearm.
3. Three (3) magazines or speedloaders for said Firearm.
4. Authorized strong side holster for Firearm.
5. Magazine or speedloader holders attached to belt.
6. Picture ID and Conference badge.
7. Yellow copies of Liability Release and Shooting Release.
8. Shooter Scorecard

 National Competition Standards

 Weapons:  Weapons to be used in the match must meet the following specifications:

• Semi-automatic or double-action revolver, 9mm to .45 caliber (semi-automatics will only load six rounds per magazine.
• Three to six inch barrel length.
• No electronic or dot-type (i.e., Aimpoint, etc.) sights.
• Trigger-pull must not be less than two and one-half pounds.
• Weapon must be usable as a standard police duty weapon.
• No after market compensators, porting, or Bull Barrels are permitted. 

Ammunition:  Only commercially manufactured ammunition is accepted and allowed; magnum, +P, or +P+ ammunition is not allowed.  Ammunition must be duty or training style (Hollow point, FMJ, round nose, or semi-wadcutter), no competition ammunition will be allowed.  All ammunition will be inspected and approved by the Firearm Inspection Officer at the time of the firearm inspection.  All ammunition must be provided by the competitor unless otherwise noted by the Conference Director.

Ammunition will be carried on the person of the competitor. Competitors will not be allowed to set any additional equipment on the ground on the firing line. Magazines and speed-loaders will not be loaded prior to the command to prepare magazines or speed-loaders.  Revolver shooters will use speed-loaders to load their firearms at all times, even the initial six rounds for each stage.  This practice will assure a uniformity of status across the firing line, and will increase safety.

Holsters:  Weapons will be carried to and from the firing line in a holster.  The holster will be designed to properly fit the weapon carried in it.  The holster will be of a type to be worn on the shooter’s strong side, outside of the pants, with a retaining device, and attached to the belt.  (This means that a cross-draw, ankle, competition, quick-draw and shoulder holsters are not permitted.)

 Inspection Protocol For Revolvers:  A competitor's revolver will be handed to the Firearm Inspection Officer with the cylinder in the open position.  The Firearm Inspection Officer:

• Completes Safety Clearance Check.
  
• Inspects muzzle crown and barrel for obstructions and burrs.
• Inspects for free movement of cylinder and depression of ejector rod.
• Closes cylinder, checks that cylinder locks into frame, and locks into alignment with barrel.
• Cocks hammer, checks cylinder turn, and that hammer locks back with no push-off.
• Releases hammer.
• Checks trigger pull with gauge.
• Opens cylinder.
• Completes Safety Clearance Check.
• Inspects ammunition to insure that it follows regulations.
• Returns Revolver and Ammunition separately

Inspection Protocol For Auto-Loaders:  A competitor's Auto-Loading pistol will be handed to the Firearm Inspection Officer locked in open position, with magazine and ammunition separately.  The Firearm Inspection Officer:

• Completes Safety Clearance Check.
• Inspects muzzle crown and feed ramp for obstructions or burrs.
• Inspects barrel for obstructions with rod.
• Releases slide with slide stop, locks slide back with stop.
• Releases slide, checks de-cocker, single action only safety, or double action only mechanism.
• Inserts magazine to insure seating, pulls back slide to insure that it will lock on an empty magazine, releases magazine to insure freefall.
• Checks trigger pull with gauge.
• Completes Safety Clearance Check.
• Inspects ammunition to insure that it follows regulations.
• Returns Pistol, Ammunition, and Magazine separately.

       COURSE OF FIRE

Stage	Distance	Position	# Rounds / Method	Time
1	7 yards	Standing, 2 hands	12 (double-action)	25 seconds
2	15 yards	Standing, 2 hands	12 (double-action)	25 seconds
3	15 yards	Kneeling	6 (single or double action)
		Barricade, left hand	6 (single or double action)	60 seconds
	Value	Barricade, right hand	6 (single or double action)
4	25 yards	Standing, 2 hands	6 (double-action)	12 seconds

Total Rounds Fired: 48
Maximum Score Possible:  480 points
Target:  Black B27 Cardboard

Explanation of Positions:

Load and Make Ready: The command to load your firearm, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position.

Low Ready Position: Firearm at a 45-degree angle, pointed toward the ground and down range with safety engaged (single action) or decocked (double action), with the trigger finger "indexed" outside of the trigger guard.

Standing Unsupported: Standing position in which all portions of the shooters hands, arms, body, clothing and firearms are free from artificial support.  Nor shall any portion of the shooter's body rest upon or touch the ground in advance of the firing line.

Kneeling Position: At least one knee on the ground, with no part of the buttocks touching the ground; this position is fired with no external support (i.e., barricades may not be used).

Left-Hand Barricade:  Firearm will be held by the shooters left hand on the left side of the barricade.

Right-Hand Barricade:  Firearm will be held by the shooters right hand on the right side of the barricade.

For an example of the above positions, please view the
Firearms PowerPoint Presentation on the web site.

Official Range Commands:  Official Range Commands will be given as follows:

STAGE 1:

• This stage is at a distance of 7 yards, 12 rounds with 1 reload, standing, double action with a two handed grip. The time limit is 25 seconds.
• Shooters, at this time prepare 2 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• Shooters, at this time, load and make ready.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• The firing line is ready.
• 12 rounds, 25 seconds.
• Shooters, watch your targets.
• "FIRE"
• "CEASE FIRE"
• Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
• Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
• Is the line clear on the left?  Clear on the right?
• The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders, and insure that your target is at the distance of 15 yards.

STAGE 2:

• This stage is at a distance of 15 yards, 12 rounds with 1 reload, standing, double action with a two handed grip. The time limit is 25 seconds.
• Shooters, at this time prepare 2 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• Shooters, at this time, load and make ready.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• The firing line is ready.
• 12 rounds, 25 seconds.
• Shooters, watch your targets.
• “FIRE”
• “CEASE FIRE”
• Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
• Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
• Is the line clear on the left? Clear on the right?
• The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders, and insure that your target is at the distance of 25 yards.

STAGE 3:

• This stage is at a distance of 15 yards, 18 rounds with 2 reloads.  You will start from the low ready position; at the signal you will assume the kneeling position. The first 6 rounds will be kneeling, with a two-handed strong side grip. The next 6 rounds will be standing to the left side of the barricade, supported or unsupported, firing with the left hand.  The final 6 rounds will be standing to the right side of the barricade, supported or unsupported, firing with the right hand.  Remember to transition to the new position before reloading. The time limit is 60 seconds. You may fire single or double action.
• Shooters, at this time prepare 3 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• Shooters, at this time, load and make ready.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• The firing line is ready.
• 18 rounds, 60 seconds.
• Shooters, watch your targets.
• “FIRE”
• “CEASE FIRE”
• Shooters, at this time, assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
• Shooters, after acknowledgment from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
• Is the line clear on the left?  Clear on the right?
• The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders.

STAGE 4:

• This stage is at a distance of 25 yards, 6 rounds, standing, double action with a two-handed grip. The time limit is 12 seconds.
• Shooters, at this time prepare 1 magazine or speed-loader with 6 rounds.
• Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
• Shooters, at this time, load and make ready.
• Is the line ready on the left? Ready on the right?
• The firing line is ready.
• 6 rounds, 12 seconds.
• Shooters, watch your targets.
• “FIRE”
• “CEASE FIRE”
• Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
• Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
• Is the line clear on the left? Clear on the right?
• The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders and proceed to the scorekeeping area.

Official Standardized Rules:

• Once the Command to “FIRE” has been given, anything dropped to the ground becomes null and void.  No participant or Range Officer shall retrieve anything from the ground until the command to do so is given.
• In the event that any Range Officer or any shooter observes an immediate safety hazard on the range, the command to “CEASE FIRE” shall be immediately given by the person observing the hazard.  Upon hearing the command to “CEASE FIRE,” all shooters shall immediately halt firing and assume to low ready position until further instructed by the Range Safety Officer.
• Alibis:   Only safety related alibis will be allowed, as determined by the Range Master.  Firearms failures or ammunition malfunctions do not qualify as a safety-related alibi.
• Challenges:  When a shooter feels that a shot, either his/her own or that of another shooter, has been improperly evaluated or scored, the shooter may post a $5.00 challenge fee. The final decision rests with the Range Master, who, if deciding in favor of the challenger, shall refund the challenge fee. If the ruling is against the challenger, no refund is in order and the challenge fee shall be posted to the general account of the Conference.
• Scoring: The following scoring procedures will be allowed:
  • The Range Master will make provisions for scoring of the targets by independent judges.  In any case, once firing is completed, a competitor should not handle his/her own target until it has been scored, inspected and signed by the competitor, and the score recorded.
  • Shooters who declare they are a 90% shooter (can shoot 432+ score) and are certified at a Regional Conference or by a Chapter Advisor may request two (2) targets.  If two targets are requested, the second target will replace the first target after the 15 yard stage.
  • Early or Late Shots: A ten (10) point deduction for an early or late shot will be recorded by the Range Officer on the shooter's target or scorecard. A second early or late shot will result in disqualification.
  • A ten (10) point deduction will be made for each shot fired in violation of procedures.  The deduction will be noted by the Range Officer on the competitor's target or scorecard. (Examples:  firing single-action during a double-action stage, right-handed instead of left-handed where specified, etc.)
  • Bullet holes must meet the line of the scoring ring to receive the next highest value.  Bullet holes not meeting the line of the scoring ring will receive the lower value.
  • Tie scores will be broken by the highest X-count. Should this also result in a tie, where an award placement is at stake, shooters will be recorded as tied for that place unless provisions can be made for a shoot-off.  If at all possible, a shoot-off will be conducted.
  • Excessive Hits: If more than the required number of holes (48) appears in a shooter's target, the shooter will be given the option of firing the course over or having the highest points for each of the number of excess hits subtracted from the shooter’s total score.

• Team Shooting: Teams will consist of three (3) members. Team members need not fire together. One target/score will be used for both team and individual scores.  No competitor may fire as a member of more than one team. Team members need not be from the same chapter or the same classification, although teams will be classified by the highest division represented.  These "pick-up" teams must select one chapter to represent, for the purpose of scoring for the Sweepstakes Award. 
• Qualified Emergency Medical Personnel will be on stand-by in the area of the Competition.
• Awards:  Awards will be given in the six (6) primary classifications (Lower Collegiate, Upper Collegiate, and Professional, team and individual). In addition, a Top Gun Award will be presented to the competitor with the highest overall score.  The "Top Gun" Award shall not be counted toward the Sweepstakes Award, as the recipient will already be the first place winner in one of the three individual competition categories.
• Safety Briefing: A mandatory meeting shall be held prior to each match, to ensure that all competitors are familiar with these standardized rules, the ACJA-LAE Firearms Safety Rules and any additional safety procedures or information specific to the range facility to be used. At this meeting, the positions and commands to be used during the course of fire will also be demonstrated and explained.  Every shooter is required to attend this meeting before being allowed on the firing line.  The meeting shall, whenever possible, be conducted using the National Safety Briefing Power Point Presentation, which shall be included in the conference planning manual. In the event that this meeting is on the same day as the competition, it shall be construed as the beginning of the Firearms Competition. The National Firearms PowerPoint Presentation is also available on the ACJA-LAE web site at www.acjalae.org.

All competitors are required to sign a Waiver of Liability / Indemnification Agreement and Statement of Competency before being allowed on the firing line.  The Statement of Competency will attest that the competitor has completed a Basic Firearms Course and achieved a minimum score of 240 on the ACJA-LAE course of fire (a minimum score of 300 is strongly recommended).