Pistol New Zealand CASS National & Island Championship Protocol (To be read in conjunction with the SASS Stage Design, Match Directors and R/O2 Courses, all downloadable from www.sassnet.com under SASS Handbooks) A reminder to host clubs that they are hosting this event on behalf of Pistol New Zealand (and for High Noon, SASS) and the Cowboy Action Section. The S/D and R/G Committee reserves the right to make suitable and appropriate adjustments to any course of fire or scheduled event to ensure smooth running of the event. Preparation An application form to run either the North Island or South Island Championships and the CAS National Championships must be sent to PNZ by the host club. The forms are on the PNZ website. An application form to run High Noon, the SASS New Zealand Regional Championships (always run as part of the PNZ CAS National Championships) must be sent to SASS and all SASS criteria must be followed. SASS supplies two SASS Championship Trophy Belt Buckles and some SASS vouchers. Organisers must check with SASS that those who have stated on their entry form they are SASS members are actually financial with SASS at the time of the shoot. The CAS Section recommends that the meals and shoot entry fees are of an acceptable price and are in line with other major CAS events. Profits from the shoot should ideally be generated from refreshment sales and memorabilia. Entry forms must be sent to the S/D for approval prior to being distributed to potential competitors. The event organisers are responsible for shooter entry packs. The packs should contain a full range manual including: a timetable for the shoots events, local range rules, ammo requirements, a personal score card and any other information shooters may need to know. The advertised programme should be adhered to unless an emergency crops up. We need to respect competitors who have taken time off work and have travelled to attend the event. It is a non-negotiable prerequisite for host clubs that they accommodate all SASS categories currently recognised by the CAS Section. Shooters must designate their shooting category prior to the commencement of the competition (confirmation of category should be a part of the registration process). It is the responsibility of the host club that a well stocked first aid kit be available and that a designated person will act as First Aid/Safety Officer.
The Main Match The main match must be fully compliant with SASS rules and guidelines. The event must contain two full days of main match stage shooting involving 12 stages. Each days shooting should be completed within six hours and should be organised to finish no later than 4.00pm. The design of the shoot should allow for the match and posses to flow without congestion (i.e. two short stages combined equal one longer stage). Side Matches Side matches must be shot before and/or after the main match. It is recommended they be run before so as to give shooters a warm-up time to settle the nerves. Side matches may include speed pistol, rife and shotgun as well as man-on-man events, Master Gunfighter, the standard course of fire Blazing Irons and other novelties. Longrange rifle side matches must be held, even if shot on a 50 100 metre range with smaller targets if space doesn t permit shooting at longer distances. Courses of Fire All stages must be sent to the S/D and/or the appropriate R/G for approval prior to the printing of the range manuals. Approval shouldn t take no longer than one week. Furthermore, the S/D reserves the right to alter or amend any courses of fire where anomalies become apparent after a physical inspection prior to the match. Courses of fire will be finalised by the RO s and S/D at the time of the safety walk through. There are to be no additions or alterations i.e. no surprises! No staged firearms during the main match courses of fire i.e. only the competitors own firearms are to be used. Special one-off staged firearms may be a part of the Top Gun shoot off. Range Officers, Spotters and Posse Leaders The CAS Section and the Match Director will be responsible for the nomination of Range Officers RO2 s. Range Officers shall be RO2 s list where sufficient numbers are available. Others may be seconded where necessary with the approval of the appropriate R/G and the Match Director (M/D). The M/D, for all Island must be suitably qualified to the satisfaction of the R/Gs. If the M/D is not an RO2 then the R/G for that area may fill the role of Chief RO for that match. National Champs/High Noon require a SASS RO2 as Match Director.
The match will be run with Posse ROs. ROs can point out errors in spotting. ROs may select scorers/spotters to ensure inconsistencies are eliminated. Spotters must not compare the number of hits/misses. Armbands or bandannas for the spotters is a great idea, ensures responsibility and makes the ROs job easier. Your RG should supply these. It is essential to have a motivated and competent Posse Leader (RO2 qualified) to ensure the posse works well and that momentum is maintained. Posse allocation must not be random the M/D shall endeavour to keep all posses as evenly matched as possible. No debating of penalties or other issues on the line. Use match hierarchy i.e. if the RO is unsure or the shooter feels they have been unfairly treated then refer to the Chief RO and/or the M/D. Scoring Scoring must be by the rank system only and not by total time. Island and National Championship matches should use good modern timers to ensure consistency for ROs and competitors. Scoring may be done on ipads but it should also have a hard copy (printed paper) in case of ipad malfunction. Competitors should sign the score sheet as a mark of their agreement with the raw time and penalties as stated. The event organisers will provide each shooter and Pistol NZ with a full set of match results no later than one month after the match. Targets and Stage Props Target sizes and shooting distances must comply with SASS recommendations. Standard CAS targets shall be used. Colour of targets should be in relation to the background (usually black or white will be best). All targets should chime to make spotting/scoring easier. Targets on the ground or solidly mounted are often difficult to tell either visually or audibly if they have been hit and are not recommended.
Christmas tree style stands will not be permitted as they pose too much ricochet risk. No main match stage should finish with the rifle or with a one shot pistol reload. All shotgun targets must be reactive (knock over) and falling forward is preferable. Each separate stage must have a suitable loading and unloading area. The loading tables must be of sufficient size to accommodate two to three shooters and their long guns, well clear of the firing line. Also gun racks should be provided at each stage. A designated person (or the RO) can call knock down targets at the request of the shooter. This is especially important for black powder and for Master Gunfighter events. Presentations Results must be recognised by category and overall ranking in the presentations according to the protocols and SASS regulations. The event organisers must provide miniature trophies or medals for all categories with five or more shooters entered. Miniatures or medals for side events are optional; certificates are required for all side events. Perpetual trophies are sponsored and many come with their own customized carry box. These trophies are to be engravied by the winners at their expence. There must be certificates for 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd in all categories. Stage certificates are optional but a great idea. Any new categories where the numbers entered are not known until just before the match need only have certificates and medals. Pistol NZ will provide medals and badges for the Nationals. All other costs should be met out of the shoot entry fees. For the Island matches Pistol NZ supplies badges. Medals are at the expence of the match organizers. A full-verified copy of the results must be forwarded to Pistol NZ within two weeks of the event. Socialising The event organisers must provide meals on range and a refreshments bar so as to promote socialising. The banquet need not be on range although it is recommended.
Suggested Format The suggested format could be: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Side matches (speed pistol, rifle and shotgun), long-range rifle events, R/O training course. Day one of the main match stages, CAS meeting in the evening. Day two of the main match stages, banquet in the evening. Man-on-man events, Master Gunfighter, prize giving. Wild Bunch To be read in conjunction with the SASS Wild Bunch Manuals SASS WB Handbook, SASS WB RO Manual. Preparation An application form to run the New Zealand Wild Bunch Championships must be send to Pistol NZ. The form is on the PNZ website. An application to run South of the Border SASS New Zealand State Championships (run in conjunction with the PNZ WB Champs) must be sent to SASS and all SASS criteria must be followed. SASS supply four Trophy Wild Bunch conchos. Organisers must check with SASS that those who have registered as SASS members are actually financial SASS members at the time of the shoot. The CAS Section recommends that the meals and entry fees are an acceptable price. Entry forms must be sent to the S/D for approval prior to being distributed. Event organizers are responsible for shooter entry packs. All SASS WB Categories be recognised. The Main Match The main match must be fully compliant with SASS WB rules and guidelines and be 12 stages. Format Friday morning Long range side match and/or speed matches and novelty events. Friday afternoon 3 stages main match. Saturday 6 stages main match.
Sunday morning 3 stages main match. Sunday after lunch awards. Courses of fire. Similar to CAS guidelines. The Match Director must be a WB RO. Range officers must be Wild Bunch RO s. The match will run with posse RO s. Scoring - use the Wild Bunch scoring system preferrably. Or by rank score. Targets Similar to CAS guidelines. All shotgun targets must be reactive. Wild bunch targets are a mix of up close and some more difficult. Standard CAS targets can be used. Presentations Results must be recognized by WB ranking according to SASS WB regulations. PNZ perpatual trophies are for the 4 main categories as well as Young Gun. Organizers must provide minatures/medals for all categories. Certificates are awarded for up to the top 5 placings in each category. Stage certificates are optional but a great idea. PNZ will provide medals and badges for the WB Nationals. A copy of the results must be forwarded to Pistol NZ within 2 weeks of the event. Socialising The organisers should provide meals on range. Friday evening, Saturday lunch & evening meal, Sunday lunch.