RULES

The entire match property is designated a "COLD range" where firearms may only be loaded at official direction. Stages specify starting conditions — some begin with firearms in transport (empty chamber, magazine out), others with magazines inserted or bolts back.

Firearms must be cleared and visually inspected by Range Officers before leaving shooting areas. Transport condition requires "empty chamber with magazine out, bolt closed and hammer or striker down."

No alcohol or mind-altering substances permitted during shooting activities. Eye protection recommended; ear protection mandatory. Reflective PT belts required on rucks during dawn/dusk movement.

Match disqualifications result in immediate removal from competition with no prize eligibility. Safety violations include:

Other disqualifying offenses include cheating, altering equipment, sharing stage details, leaving blind holding areas to scout stages, shooting prohibited ammunition, and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Competitors must maintain politeness and respect. The Match Director may assess penalties ranging from point deductions to stage or match disqualification for repeated unsportsmanlike behavior.

Documented physical disadvantages may receive pre-approved stage alternatives with potential penalties. Reshoots granted only at Match Director discretion under extreme circumstances — not for equipment malfunctions or misunderstanding briefs.

Prohibited: armor-piercing, penetrator, incendiary, steel core, or steel jacketed rounds.

Magnum calibers not allowed. Disputed ammunition may be disassembled, weighed, and chronographed under Match Director supervision.

All teams carry two rifles and two pistols. One rifle must be .223 Remington/5.56×45 OR .308 Winchester/7.62×51 (Secondary); the other may vary within parameters (Primary).

Primary and Secondary designations cannot change mid-match. Teams carry all starting equipment throughout — only empty cartridge casings may be abandoned.

Teams may carry any beneficial equipment: rangefinders, spotting scopes, binoculars, ballistic computers, data books, etc. However, "the winner of this match will not win a gear race."

Tough Man competitors must carry all starting equipment throughout. Regular division has been removed starting 2022.

Stages may require gear carried throughout with penalties for abandonment. Hiding, staging, or discarding equipment to avoid carrying it constitutes cheating resulting in immediate disqualification. Bartering/trading equipment with other teams also results in disqualification.

Teams receive at least five minutes in holding areas after movement time expires. Some stages feature blind holding areas where stage layout cannot be viewed; leaving these areas to scout constitutes automatic disqualification.

Range Officers read briefs twice clearly. Five minutes allowed for group questions. ROs remain consistent across stages to ensure uniform execution and presentation.

After completion, teams move to post-stage holding and cannot communicate stage details with unshot teams.

Combined team scores reflect both members’ points. Hits on static steel are verbally called by Spotters. Reactive steel requires flashing/activation indicators. Falling steel must fall or disappear.

Paper/cardboard targets may require multiple hits. Some steel targets require hits from both team members. Hostage impacts incur penalties.

Some stages require shooters to identify targets to Spotters before hits are scored. Misses receive no calls; Spotters don’t assist targeting. Team members initial score sheets confirming scores before leaving stages.

Spotters’ verbal calls are final and cannot be protested, though Spotters may self-correct before score sheet initiation.

Penalty/disqualification disputes invoke Match Director review of both parties and potential witness testimony. Match Director decisions are final. The Assistant Match Director holds equal authority when more local or the Match Director unavailable.

After final score posting, an arbitration period allows disputes regarding score compilation only — no target scoring protests permitted.