9.5 Target Scoring Policy
The following rules cover the scoring policy of IPSC targets including how to determine the score of a hit on paper targets. Match officials and competitors must know these rules during a match.
9.5.1 Minimum Target Engagement
Unless otherwise specified in the written stage briefing, scoring paper targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each, with the best two hits to score. Scoring metal targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each and must fall to score.
Unless otherwise specified in the written stage briefing, scoring paper targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each, with the best two hits to score in Semi Auto Divisions and the best hit to score in Manual Action Divisions. Scoring metal targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each and must fall or otherwise react to score.
Scoring paper targets must be engaged with a minimum of one round each. In the case of slug ammunition 1 or 2 hits can be nominated to score (the default is 1 hit). In the case of buckshot ammunition the best two hits count for score i.e. the two highest scoring strikes of any pellets from any buckshot rounds fired.
9.5.1.1 Multiple Target Hits (Shotgun Only)
If two or more targets receive direct scoring hits as a result of a single shot they will
both, or all, be scored normally unless Rule 9.1.5 applies (also see Rule 9.5.6).
9.5.2 Touching Scoring Lines
If the bullet diameter of a hit on a scoring target touches the scoring line between two scoring areas, or the line between the non-scoring border and a scoring area, or if it crosses multiple scoring areas, it will be scored the higher value.
If the diameter of a hit from a slug or a buckshot pellet on a scoring paper target touches the scoring line between two scoring areas, or the line between the non-scoring border and a scoring area, or if it crosses multiple scoring areas, it will be scored the higher value.
9.5.3 Overlapping Target Areas
If a bullet diameter touches the scoring area of overlapping scoring targets and/or no-shoots, it will earn all applicable scores and penalties.
If the diameter of a hit from a slug or a buckshot pellet touches the scoring area of overlapping scoring paper targets and/or paper no-shoots, it will earn all applicable scores and penalties.
9.5.4 Radial Tears
Radial tears radiating outwards from the diameter of a bullet, slug or buckshot pellet hole will not count for score or penalty.
9.5.4.1 Enlarged Holes
Enlarged holes in paper targets which exceed the competitor’s bullet, slug or buckshot pellet diameter, as the case may be, will not count for score or penalty unless there is visible evidence within the remnants of the hole (e.g. a grease mark, striations or a “crown” etc.), to eliminate a presumption that the hole was caused by a ricochet or splatter.
9.5.5 Minimum Stage Score
The minimum score for a stage will be zero.
9.5.6 Failure To Engage
A competitor who fails to engage the front of each scoring target in a course of fire with at least one round will incur one procedural penalty per target for failure to engage the target, as well as appropriate penalties for misses (see Rule 10.2.7).
9.5.6.1 Multiple Failures (Shotgun Only)
A competitor will not incur failure to engage penalties where two or more targets
receive scoring hits as a result of a single shot (see Rule 9.5.1.1). If a competitor fires
less shots at a target array than the number of targets in that array, and one or more
target(s) does/do not receive scoring hits then failure to engage penalties and misses will apply as appropriate.
9.5.7 Rear Scoring Hits
Hits visible on a scoring paper target or no-shoot, which are the result of shots fired through the rear of that or another scoring paper target or no-shoot, and/or hits which fail to create a clearly distinguishable hole through the front of a scoring paper target or no-shoot, will not count for score or penalty, as the case may be.
9.5.8 Frangible Target Scoring (Rifle & Shotgun Only)
Frangible targets must be fully penetrated or break with a piece separated from the original target to be counted for score.
9.5.9 Slug Wad Hits (Shotgun Only)
If a wad has caused an extra hole in a paper target and it cannot be determined which hole has been caused by the actual slug, the competitor must reshoot the stage.
9.5.10 Buckshot Wad Hits (Shotgun Only)
If a wad from a buckshot cartridge has caused a hole in a paper target there must be no assumption that any missing hit has passed through the hole unless there is visible evidence around the edge of the hole of a hit (e.g. a grease mark, striations or a “crown” etc.).
9.5.11 Wrong Ammunition (Shotgun Only)
If a competitor uses ammunition contrary to the type specified for a course of fire the following will apply:
9.5.11.1 Safety Disqualification (Shotgun Only)
If the course of fire is restricted to a specific ammunition type for safety reasons then
the competitor may be subject to a disqualification (see Rules 10.4.9 and 10.4.10).
9.5.11.2 Re Engage Paper Targets (Shotgun Only)
For a paper target hits will not be counted for score and the target will be treated as a
missed target. However, competitors are permitted to reengage the target with the
correct ammunition type for score.
9.5.11.3 Scoring Metal Targets
Metal targets and metal no-shoots will be scored normally but the competitor will be
subject to procedural penalties (see Rule 10.2.12).
Chapter Rules
