9. COMPETITION REGULATIONS

9.1 Changing Rifle-Unless otherwise provided in the program, no
competitor will change his rifle during the firing of any single stage, multiple
stage, or aggregate match unless it has become disabled and has been so
designated by the Chief Range Officer. For the purpose of this Rule, the firing
of a match is considered to have started when the competitor has fired his first
record shot. Claim that a rifle is disabled must be made immediately. All shots
fired up to the time that the claim is made will stand as part ofthe official score.
(See Rules 10.9 and 10.10.)
    (a) The changing of the upper barrel assembly on a Service Rifle (Rule
             3.1.2) is not allowed. (See Rule 3.18).
    (b) The charring of a barrel on a Match Rifle is not allowed. (See Rule
             3.18).

9.1.1 Voluntarily Changing Rifles-If at any time a competitor wishes to
change rifles, he may do so before the start of a stage or match. It is the
responsibility of the competitor to notify his score keeper and a Range Officer
that he has changed rifles. His scores for previously fired matches in the
aggregate in which the rifle is changed will be disallowed in that aggregate.
Previously fired individual match scores will stand, but will not be counted as
a part of the aggregate score. That aggregate will be noted on the scoreboard
and in the results bulletin as a "Disallowed Score, Rule 9.1.1"

9.2 Sighting Shots-In Registered Tournaments, in which courses of fire
are used that are listed under Rule 17.5, the sighting shots specified must be
allowed.
    (a) Limited Sighting Shots-When limited sighting shots are allowed
        (see Rules 10. 1. 8 and 17.5) coaching will not be allowed.

    (b) Unlimited Sighting Shots When unlimited sighting shots are allowed
          the competitor may change rifles, sights and receive coaching,
          before, but not after, firing the first shot for record. No additional time
          will be allowed. In courses of fire described in Rule 17.5(y) and (z)
          and the 800 yard stage of the Palma Course (Rule 17.5(ac)), unlimited
          sighting shots are allowed. See Rule 8.2(a) for time limitations.

(c) In slow fire stages ofmatches, where sighters are allowed, the shooter
may or may not take their sighters, but must tell their scorer if they are
not going to take sighters.

(d) In rapid fire stages or matches, any sighting shots not fired during the
time allowed for sighters will be recorded as misses (in the space
reserved for sighting shots). See Section 8 for time allowance.

9.3 (Blank)

9.4 Defective Cartridge-A defective cartridge is one:

    (a) Which has such evident structural defect as to cause a misfire or to
          cause a rifle to fail to function; or
    (b) Which bears an imprint of the firing pin on the primer; or
    (c) From which the bullet has not left the barrel.

(For procedure in case of a defective cartridge see Rules 10.9 and I 0. 1 0. For
refiring privileges see Rule 9.14.)

9.5 Disabled Rifle-A disabled rifle is one which: (a) cannot be properly
aimed or safely fired, (b) has suffered damage so that it cannot be fired or will
not function properly, (c) has suffered the loss of a sight or damage to the sights.
(d) any rifle with a trigger malfunction. Sights improperly adjusted do not
constitute a disabled rifle. A rifle once declared disabled by the Range Officer
shall not be used again for competition firing until the defect has been corrected
and the rifle has been ruled as safe by the Chief Range Officer. Any rifle used
to replace a disabled rifle shall be of the same caliber and the same type, semi-
auto or manually operated, and described by the same Rule (3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2,
3.2, 3.3, or 3.4) as the disabled rifle. A semi-automatic rifle which fires
automatically due to a mechanical defect shall be considered disabled.

When a rifle is declared disabled the competitor will be given time to effect
repairs or replacement the rifle. A time limit of approximately 20 minutes is
recommended but this may be extended at the discretion of range or match
officials who must balance the needs and opportunities of the competitor
against the realities of conducting a match at a given location. However, the
competitor should receive time to repair or replace the disabled rifle even if it
means moving back to a specific range at the end of the day to allow the
competitor their unexpired or justified additional time to complete a match or
stage of fire. Match officials may excuse a competitor, whenever possible,
from pit or scoring duties to facilitate repair or replacement of the disabled
rifle. (For procedure in case of disabled rifle see Rules 10.9 and I 0. 10. For
refiring privileges see Rule 9.14.)

9.6 Malfunction-Failure of the rifle to function properly due to mechanical 
defects or to defective ammunition.

    (a) In Rapid Fire, if a competitor tries to clear a malfunction and is
    unsuccessful, he will not be granted an alibi. If a competitor clears a
    malfunction and fails to fire the required number of shots, he will not
    be granted an alibi. If a competitor clears a malfunction and continues
    to fire and another malfunction occurs, the competitor will be given
    a refire for the new malfunction if he does not attempt to clear the new
    malfunction. If the bolt is closed and the striker has fallen, and there
    is an unfired round in the chamber or magazine, the competitor will
    be given an alibi.

    (b) All shots fired by a competitor after taking position at the firing point
    will be counted in the score with the exception of Rule 9.6. 1. (See Rule 10.10(b)).

    (c) Failure of a sling or sling swivel at any time shall be grounds for an
         alibi.

(For procedure in case of a malfunction see Rules 10.9 and 10.10. For
refiring see Rule 9.14).

9.6.1 Trigger Malfunction-

    (a) In rapid fire, if a semi-automatic rifle fires two or more rounds with
    only one pull of the trigger, and this is confirmed by the scorer, the
    value of all shots fired will be entered on the front of the score card.
    (See Rule 9.5).

    (b) In rapid fire or slow fire, if a bolt action rifle or semi-automatic rifle 
    fires as the bolt is being opened or closed, and this is confirmed by the 
    scorer, the value of all shots fired will be scored. The rifle will be 
    removed from the line and will not be fired again until it is repaired. 
    If the rifle cannot be repaired it will be replaced (See Rule 95.).

9.6.2 Removal of Malfunctioning Rifle-A rifle that repeatedly malfunctions 
may be removed from the range at the discretion of the Range Officer,
Referee, Match Director or Supervisor.

9.7 Continue to Fire-Competitors who fire a perfect score (all X's where
same are used) in an individual match will be given an opportunity to continue
to fire to provide a means of breaking ties and establishing National Records
over those courses for which National Records are recognized. This continuation 
of firing may be either immediately following the match in which the
perfect score was fired or later, whichever is most practical. Firing time will be
arranged between competitor and tournament officials but must in all cases
commence during the scheduled time of the match in which the perfect score
was fired. Firing time and firing conditions will be the same as for the match
in which the perfect score was fired. Firing will continue until a hit is made
outside the ring of the highest value (X ring where the X is used). The total score
(original match score and the score in the continuation of firing) will be used
to establish new records and for breaking ties in the match concerned. Firing
is not continued for perfect scores fired in team matches.

9.9 Competitor's Position-A competitor will take his position to the right
of the numbered firing point marker. No portion of the shooter's body may rest
upon or touch the ground in advance of the firing line.

9.10 Coaching Prohibited in Individual Matches-Coaching is prohibited 
in all individual matches of an NRA Approved or Registered Tournament.
(See Rule 19.4.1).

9.11 Matches Not Complete-When a match or stage is not completed by
all competitors in accordance with the tournament schedule, the match or stage
may be rescheduled or cancelled. Any match or stage which has been
completed by all competitors will not be refired. Only scores of a match or
stage which has been completed will be included in an aggregate event or for
National Record purposes, and a match or stage is not completed unless all
competitors have fired.

9.12 Refires Not Allowed-This rule applies to matches where alibis are
not allowed. Rule 9.12 may be used for tournaments provided the tournament
program clearly states that Rule 9.12 will apply for the tournament. Rule 9.12
may not be used for State, Regional, or National Championships.

9.13 Interference-Firing points and lines will be kept clear at all times
except for the competitors and their equipment and such range personnel as
necessary. When competitors are used as scorers, their equipment may be kept
with them but must not interfere with any competitor who is firing. Competitors
will not be permitted to interfere with the handling of targets by range
personnel and will not be permitted in the pits, except when assigned there as
pit detail.

9.14 Refiring -

(a) No competitor will fire more than one score for the same award except
as provided in the program or in accordance with Rule 9.11 or Rule 1.70).

(b) In slow fire, no competitor will be allowed to refire any previously
fired shots because of disabled rifle or malfunction.
(c) No competitor will be allowed more than one rapid fire refire per stage
because of a defective cartridge.
(d) No competitor will be allowed more than one rapid fire refire per stage
because of a malfunction.
(e) If a competitor is allowed a refire, and sighters are allowed in the
match program, the competitor shall be allowed the number of
sighters allowed in the match program immediately prior to refiring.

Note: The above provisions do not restrict refiring as permitted under rules
applying to excessive hits, the range procedure, etc.

9.15 Score Cards Must be Signed-See Rules 18.14 and 14.3. 1 (f).

9.16 to 9.22-(Blank)

9.23 Aliases-No competitor may fire under an assumed name nor may he
substitute for another in a match, register, enter, or fire in the name of another.

9.24 Score and Classilication Falsification-No competitor will falsify
his score, or classification, nor that of any other competitor, nor be an accessory
thereto.

9.25 Crossfire-No competitor will deliberately fire on the wrong target
nor fire more than the required number of shots, including misses and hits on
some other competitor's target (See Rule 14. 1 O(c)).

9.26 Bribery-No person will offer a bribe of any kind to any of the range
or statistical personnel, or others, nor be an accessory thereto.

9.27 Disorderly Conduct-Disorderly conduct or intoxication is strictly
prohibited on the range and anyone guilty of same will be expelled from the
range. Expelled competitors will be disqualified from the competition with no
return of entry fees.

9.27.1 Willful Destruction of Range Equipment - No competitor shall
cause any range equipment to become damaged through a deliberate act, and
anyone guilty of same will be expelled, without a warning, from the range.
Expelled competitors will be disqualified from the competition with no return
of entry fees.

9.28 Refusal to Obey-No person will refuse to obey instructions of the
Match Director, Official Referee, Jury Chairman, Supervisor, Range Officers
or any other officer of the tournament, if instructions are given in the proper
conduct of his office.

9.29 Evasion of Rules-No competitor will evade nor attempt to evade, nor
be an accessory to the evasion of any of the conditions of a match as prescribed
in the program or in these rules. Refusal of a competitor or tournament official
to give testimony regarding facts known to him concerning violations or
attempted violations of these rules will constitute being an accessory to the
violation or attempted violation.

9.30 Disqualification-The Match Director, Official Referee, Jury, or
Supervisor upon proper presentation of evidence may disqualify any competitor 
or order his expulsion from the range for violation of these rules or for other
conduct they consider discreditable or unsafe. In the event of a disagreement
between Match Officials, the Official Referee or Jury shall prevail at the match
with recourse only to the Protest Committee.

9.31 Suspension-For violation of these rules deemed so to justify, any
member may be suspended or expelled from the National Rifle Association
upon presenting evidence and conducting a hearing as prescribed in the
Bylaws.