We will be dedicating this page to any officiating/technical news and rule updates.

ISSF Rules

The ISSF published a revised rule book in early 2026.  TPA has adopted these new rules (with their Australian variations) as from 24th May 2026.  A summary of the rule changes is here: ISSF 2026 new Rule Changes

The complete rule book can be downloaded from the TPA website pistol.org.au

Range Guides have been updated accordingly and can also be downloaded from the TPA website.  If you want to know whether you have the lastest versions, here is a list of publication dates:  Document Issue Dates WAPA SRC 2026-06

WA1500 Targets

The WA1500PPC head organisation has released a new target design with an X ring slightly smaller than that used on the old target.  While there is plenty of stock of the old targets, WAPA (and most other Australian States) will be sticking to the old bigger X ring for the time being.

Juniors

Until recently, for competition purposes a young competitor remained classified as a junior until the year they turned 21.  As from 24th May 2026 Target Pistol Australia members will remain as Juniors until the 31st December of the year in which they turn 18 years of age.

FAQ:

Can I enter an Open on the day?

Generally No. The squadding is worked out by the organising secretary at least a week before the event.

If after I have nominated for an Open Competition in one grade and then shoot a grade break score, do I have to inform the Organising Secretary so my entry details can be adjusted?

It is a shooter’s responsibility to notify the Competition Organising Secretary if there has been a change of grade between entering that competition and competing in that competition.

Will my pistols comply with the rules?

Your pistols will probably need to be checked by Equipment Control before you can compete. At the very least there will be random checks on the range. They will check trigger weight and pistol size as a minimum. You can’t assume your pistol will comply if it hasn’t been checked before, even if it is quite new.

How long before the scheduled match time do I need to be at the range?

At least 10 minutes for most matches, but 30 mins for 10m Air Pistol and 50m Pistol. You may need to allow 30 mins to go through equipment control as well.

If there appears to be a problem with my score posted on the score board what should I do?

Seek out the Organising Secretary and polity advise them of your concern, there could be a number of reasons for this, allow the Organising Secretary and the score room personal time to look into your query and sort it out to your satisfaction and please don’t forget to thank them.

Does it matter what footwear I use?

In accordance with the safety rules, feet must be covered, but also in ISSF matches the ankle bone can’t be covered – ie no boots allowed.

Do I have to remove watches and bracelets from my shooting arm?

Yes, in ISSF matches – Rule 8.6.1.1 the wrist must be visibly free of support.
For Service Matches and WA1500 you may wear a watch.

May I use a medical support for an injury i.e. tennis elbow?

Yes, but it must not support the wrist or elbow. If entering an open competition it is courteous to advise the organising secretary, and present it to equipment control for approval.

I can’t go prone in Service Pistol or WA1500 any more.  Can I still compete?

You can get special approval to use a substitute position, which will be decided depending on your level of disability.  Talk to the Director of the State Referee Council.

May I use occluders and/or irises as eye protection when competing in the Service matches or WA1500?

No. Safety glasses, corrective glasses or sunglasses are deemed to be approved protective eyewear. An iris may be used in addition to approved protective eyewear.

I’m not a member of WAPA.  Can I enter a WAPA Open or State Championships?

These competitions are open only to WAPA or Target Pistol Australia members.  You can become a member of more than one shooting organisation if you so wish.