5.4 Eye And Ear Protection
The following rules dictate the use of protective equipment such as eye wear and ear protection whilst on the premises of an IPSC match.
5.4.1 Adequate Eye & Ear Protection
All persons are warned that the correct use of adequate eye and ear protection is in their own interest and of paramount importance to prevent injury to vision and hearing. It is strongly recommended that eye and ear protection be worn at all times by all persons while on the range premises.
5.4.2 Protection On Range Premises
Host organisations may require the use of such protection by all persons, as a condition of attendance and while present on the range premises. If so, Match Officials must make every reasonable effort to ensure that all persons wear adequate protection.
5.4.3 Safety Equipment Displacement
If a Range Officer notices that a competitor has lost or displaced their eye or ear protection during a course of fire, or has commenced a course of fire without them, the Range Officer must immediately stop the competitor who will be required to reshoot the course of fire after the protective devices have been restored.
5.4.4 Loss Of Safety Equipment
A competitor who inadvertently loses eye or ear protection during a course of fire, or commences a course of fire without the, is entitled to stop, point their firearm in a safe direction and indicate the problem to the Range Officer, in which case the provisions of the previous rule will apply.
5.4.5 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Any attempt to gain a reshoot or advantage by removing eye and/or ear protection during a course of fire will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct (see Rule 10.6.2).
5.4.6 Inadequate Protection
If a Range Officer deems that a competitor about to make an attempt at a course of fire is wearing inadequate eye or ear protection, the Range Officer may order the competitor to rectify the situation before allowing the competitor to continue. The Range Master is the final authority on this matter.
Chapter Rules