For general enquiries, and information for athletes, parents, guardians, event organisers and coaches, see our frequently asked questions below. If you still have a query after reading this page, then please use the contact form on the Contact Us page.
General
Q. Is Target Sprint a set format?
A. Target Sprint is the internationally recognised Air Rifle discipline combining running and shooting. This ISSF format is set (Run 400m, Shoot 5 knockdown Targets, Run, Shoot, Run), but events can be modified to suit the audience, ensuring enjoyment and inclusivity. For more information about the ISSF Rules, CLICK HERE
Modification: The most usual Target Sprint modifications would be shortening the run, altering the target size and/or changing the position of shooting, E.g. Changing standing positon to prone or seated.
Q. Can anyone take part?
A. Target Sprint can be enjoyed by a range of ages and physical abilities. Complete novices through to advanced Target Sprint competitors are welcomed. You don’t have to be an experienced shot, we simply advise event organisers to consider what training they might offer before and on the day. It will be made clear that safety is the priority and if this isn’t complied with, participation is at the discretion of the organisers.
Q. What is the minimum age to participate?
A. British Shooting recommend 11 years as the minimum age to participate, but it’s to the discretion of the event organisers. Check the event information before entering.
• See the ISSF Rules for the international age categories – CLICK HERE
• See British Shooting’s National Series Rules for national age categories – CLICK HERE
• See British Shooting’s Selection Policy regarding GB Ranking competitions and GB representation – CLICK HERE
Q. How do age categories work?
A. ISSF Rules state that athlete ages are taken from the 31st December of that year and our events will align with this. For example, Juniors are athletes who will be under the age of 21 on December 31st in the year of the competition. For more information on the ISSF rules, CLICK HERE
Q. What are the age categories for competitions in Great Britain?
A. Due to the infancy of the sport, British Shooting for their National Series will have three age categories. Senior (21yrs and over), Junior (16-20 yrs) and Youth (11-15yrs). Male and Female categories in all age groups.
Q. I’m interested and want to learn more about Target Sprint. How can I get involved?
A. Whether you’re a budding athlete, coach, volunteer or event organiser we welcome you to Target Sprint. Take part, shadow our coaches, spectate, volunteer in many different roles (skilled or unskilled) at one of our events or coaching sessions.
Join our team and journey. To find out more information, please CLICK HERE
Q. What is the shooting position, standing or prone?
A. All British Shooting events (unless otherwise stated) adopt standing as the shooting position. But “prone” is an ISSF recognised shooting position for the younger age group only.
Q. What is the Target Size?
A. 35mm diameter targets are the ISSF recognised size. As Target Sprint is in its infancy in Great Britain, at the moment British Shooting are using the larger 49.5mm targets for their National Series, but 35mm for the GB Ranking events.
For Athletes, Parents and Guardians
Q. How can I get involved with Target Sprint?
A. Come and join in, visit HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Q. Do I have to have experience of shooting or target sprint to get involved?
A. No experience is necessary, but recommended for GB Ranking events. Limited coaching will be available as part of British Shooting delivered events, unless otherwise stated. For other competitions and events, please see event specific information and/or contact the event organiser.
Q. Can I bring my own air rifle?
A. British Shooting delivered events provide air rifles if required (Air Arms MPR). National Series events use the organiser’s Air Rifles only. You are able to use your own air rifle for GB Ranking events if it complies with the rules.
For all GB Ranking races ISSF Target Sprint Rule 6.2 will be applied. (6.2. Air Rifles – Sport Class II. Max weight 4.5kg, Trigger pull unlimited, Adjustment aperture non-optical rear sight, Non-optical front sight with interchangeable inserts, Pneumatic CO or compression air, Single loading (no repeater or magazine rifles). Event equipment control will reflect this. For further information, CLICK HERE
For other events, please check the specific event information and/or contact the event organiser.
Q. What do I wear and/or need to bring?
A. After entering an event you will be added to the list of entrants, and communicated to prior to the event with event specific information if needed.
Clothing, suitable athletic clothing is to be worn; t-shirt, shorts, trainers. NO SPIKES. NO specific shooting clothing, eye blinders can be worn.
Q. What is the National Series?
A. This is a series of events around the country open to all, where the top athletes qualify to compete at the National Final. There are different age and gender categories.
Q. What are the GB Ranking Events?
A. These are a series of events where athletes need only compete once to be considered for GB Selection at International events.
Q. What is the difference between the National Series Races and GB Ranking Races?
A. The differences are the targets size and air rifle usage. National Series events are currently run on 49.5mm targets, compared to 35mm. And Air Rifle supplied by the event organiser are only to be used for the National Series).
Q. Can I compete in a Ranking Race and National Series Race, if they are on the same day at the same event?
A. Yes. You can enter one Ranking Race and one National Series Race.
Q. Can I enter more than one Ranking Event?
A. For more information, please see the full SELECTION POLICY
Q. Can I compete in a National Series event, if I can’t make the Final?
A. Yes. Please notify the event organiser on the day.
Q. Can I compete in a GB Ranking event, if I’m not eligible of available for the Final Ranking Day?
A. Yes. Please notify the event organiser on the day.
Q. How can I get selected to compete for Great Britain?
A. For more information, please see the SELECTION POLICY
Q. If I’m selected to represent Great Britain, am I eligible for funding?
An athlete selected by British Shooting to attend an international competition has no automatic right to any form of funding from British Shooting. Attendance at the competition will always depend on the availability of adequate funds. Following athlete selection, British Shooting will work with selected athletes to help to identify funding options where possible, to support their preparations
Q. What opportunities are there to continue with Target Sprint/Shooting in general?
A. Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR of where our next events are that you can get involved with and how you can qualify for the National Final. The Target Sprint Pathway continues to develop and can lead you to International competition. If you’re a Scout, Target Sprint is part of their National Championships.
We are encouraging budding event organisers to run your own events, and can support in this. When organising your events, we strongly advise you to link in with your local Air Rifle Club and/or groups who provide shooting in the area. These can assist in ongoing shooting support for participants at your event. Also, perhaps your local running/athletics club.
For more information on all shooting disciplines, please visit the BRITISH SHOOTING website
For Event Organisers
Q. Who would be the best audience to attract for my event?
A. Target Sprint can accommodate all, but some ideas would be both the shooting and running communities, uniformed groups and schools / colleges etc. As well as Triathlon, Pentathlon and Pony Club Tetrathlon groups, athletics clubs, triathlon clubs.
Q. How many competitors can events cope with?
A. This will be determined by equipment, venue, time and volunteering staff available.
Q. How many range staff do we need?
A. From a practical point of view having plenty of spare “shooting based” hands for the range and optional pre-session practice is really useful. Our helpful guide into running your own event can give you more information.
Q. What rifle equipment/targetry do I need to run my event? Can we borrow kit?
A. Easy to load air rifles pre-charged air rifles would be preferable for safety reasons. We recommend sets of 5 knockdown targets are preferable for your event, but as long as the targets and format used is the same for all the competitors in their category for your event, use what equipment is available.
Your local shooting club/county shooting organisation / scout group etc. maybe able to help. For assistance please contact us.
Q. Insurance Cover?
A. Target Sprint is now included in the NSRA insurance and for British Shooting organised events, British Shooting have their own event cover.
Q. Risk assessment?
A. Don’t forget to undertake a risk assessment for your event. Our event guide gives you a template guide.
Q. How long does a Target Sprint Event take?
A. This will depend on numbers, but we would envisage 3 – 4 hours for the “race” element. Within this time frame you would expect to have several races and finals. You could also accommodate a training element before the races begin. This could be included in this time slot, or additionally beforehand.
Q. How do I get my event on your website?
A. Simply contact us to talk through your event.
For Coaches
Q. I’m interested in Target Sprint, how can I see and learn about it?
A. There are many ways you can join our teams around the country or just spectate / shadow peers to see what Target Sprint is all about. Check out COACHING SUPPORT
Q. Do I need any qualifications to coach target sprint?
A. You require an Air Rifle (YPS and above) NSRA Qualification to be responsible for the shooting activity. With this qualification, the activity they’re facilitating is covered by the NSRA insurance.
Q. How and where can I learn more about coaching the running/physical side to Target Sprint?
A. Contacting your local athletics club initially, but please contact us and we’ll be glad to assist.
For more information and opportunities, visit COACHING SUPPORT