What is WAPA?
WAPA is the West Australian Pistol Association and is made up of Clubs whose purpose it is to promote the sport of Pistol shooting.
Currently there are 43 clubs affiliated with the Association with a combined membership of 1100 members. Clubs are situated from Kununurra in the north through to Esperance in the south.
The Association is formed:
- to promote, control and co-ordinate safe and enjoyable participation in shooting for all age groups at Club, State, National and International level; and
- affiliate with Pistol Australia.
What does WAPA do?
The functions of WAPA include:
Events
Generally about ten open shoots are conducted on a regular basis throughout the year. Clubs apply to WAPA for permission to hold open events. Similarly the State Championships are allocated to host clubs. Open shoots provide an opportunity for shooters of all levels and from all locations to compete and socialise over a weekend. Trophies or prizes are awarded in all grades. Opens also provide an opportunity for those aspiring to State Team selection to register qualifying scores. WAPA provides assistance as necessary in the organisation and refereeing of these events.
Coaching
The State Coaching Council provides training and accreditation of coaches. The Council can also arrange for a specialist coach to visit a club and conduct a coaching session. Coaching of the State Team Training Squad takes place behind the scenes to maintain and lift the competitiveness of the Western Australian team.
Junior Development
The State Team Training Squad Management organises regular shoots and training camps to develop the standard of junior shooting. A Junior Squad is selected each year to compete in the National Championships alongside the senior team.
State Team
Club shooters who are performing well may be invited to join the State Team Training Squad. Alternatively a club may nominate a shooter for selection to the Squad. The Squad consists of both junior and senior members. The Squad receives elite coaching and the opportunity to share skills at a number of weekend development sessions throughout the year.
National and International Competition
WAPA provides funding assistance to members travelling to compete in National and International events.
Referees
A qualification scheme enables club members to become Qualified Range Officers through studying the match rules and sitting practical and written examinations. Qualification gives range officers a depth of knowledge of the rules and how they are applied which is essential for each club to have. Range officers can be qualified for ISSF, Service or Black Power matches, and will occasionally complete revision papers to maintain or upgrade their skills.
WAPA has referees qualified to Judge A, Judge B and International Judge B level, who provide their expertise and adjudicate at open shoots and State Championships.
Target Supply
Clubs can purchase their targets from WAPA. The targets are manufactured to international competition standards.
Member's Privileges and Obligations
In co-operation with other bodies such as the Western Australian Shooting Association and Pistol Australia, WAPA actively participates in the political and regulatory issues which affect its members. Licensing of pistols is made possible by regulations negotiated between WAPA and the Police Department. WAPA can also discipline members who do not fulfil their obligations to their club.
Magazine
A magazine is mailed quaterly to all members. It contains news, competition results, coaching tips and other articles.
