The following Firearms Policy and Course of Fire was presented by the 
Firearms Committee and adopted by the ACJA-LAE Executive Board 
of Grand Chapter at the National Conference in Orlando, Florida in 2003 for all 
National and Regional Association - sponsored Firearms Competitions.

EXPLANATION OF TERMS: 

Range Master:  Ranking Range Official, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firearms competition, interpretation of rules, and resolution of issues and conflicts. 

Range Safety Officer:  Ranking Range Officer, responsible for announcing the course of fire and each stage, and overseeing the Range Officers on the firing line.  Appointed by the Range Master. 

Range Officers:  Individuals directly behind the participants on the firing line who are responsible for insuring that all rules and regulations are observed.  They insure the integrity of the competition, safe handling of the firearms, and adherence to all range procedures and protocols.

Scoring Coordinator:  Ranking Scorekeeper responsible for overseeing the Scorekeepers.  Appointed by the Range Master. 

Scorekeepers:  Those individuals responsible for the proper scoring of targets and calculation of scores.

Firearm Inspection Officers:  Individuals responsible for completing safety checks of firearms prior to competition.  They are also responsible for inspecting ammunition and magazines/clips and speedloaders.  These inspectors are to insure operational safety and conformance to the National Standards.

Registration Officers:  Individuals responsible for insuring that competitors have properly completed registration forms, targets, and are in possession of completed waiver forms.

Low Ready Position:  Firearm at a 45-degree angle, pointed toward the ground and down range with safety engaged (single action) or decocked (double action), with the trigger finger ”indexed” outside of the trigger guard.

Battery:  The condition in which the firearm is ready to be discharged.  For revolvers, the cylinder is closed and locked with a round under the hammer.  For auto-loaders, the magazine is seated, with a round in the chamber.

FIREARM INSPECTION PROTOCOL:

Auto-Loading Pistol:  Auto-loading Pistol is handed to Inspection Officer locked in open position, with magazine separate.

Inspector:

            --  Completes Safety Clearance Check  -- Inspects muzzle crown and feed ramp for obstructions or burrs      --   Inspects barrel  for
          obstructions with rod
     --   Releases slide with slide stop, locks slide back with stop 
     --   Releases slide, checks de-cocker or double action only mechanism
     --   Checks safety mechanism 
     --   Inserts magazine to insure seating, pulls back slide to insure that it will lock on an empty magazine, releases magazine to
          insure freefall
     --   Checks trigger pull with gauge
     --   Completes Safety Clearance Check
     --   Inspects ammunition to insure that it follows regulations
     --   Returns Pistol, Ammunition, and Magazine separately

Revolver:  Revolver is handed to Inspection Officer with cylinder in open position.

Inspector:

               --   Completes Safety Clearance Check
               --   Inspects muzzle crown and feed ramp for obstructions and burrs
               --   Inspects barrel for obstructions with rod
               --   Inspects for free movement of cylinder and depresses ejector rod 
               --   Closes cylinder, checks that cylinder locks into frame, and locks into alignment with barrel
               --   Cocks hammer, checks cylinder turn, and that hammer locks back
               --   Releases hammer
               --   Checks trigger pull with gauge
               --   Opens cylinder
               --   Completes Safety Clearance Check
               --   Inspects ammunition to insure that it follows regulations
               --   Returns Revolver and Ammunition separately

RANGE COMMANDS:

Shooters, wait until the command has been given before taking any action.  Do not anticipate the Range Safety Officer’s commands.  Whenever you have completed the action, hold your open hands away from your body so the range officers will be able to verify the line is ready.  Once the command to fire has been given, anything that falls to the ground is considered null and void.  No participant or Range Officer is to retrieve anything from the ground until the command is given.  If you drop a magazine or speed-loader, you lose those rounds.  Once you complete the stage or the Cease Fire command has been given assume the low ready position with the slide locked in the open position or the cylinder in the open position. In order to holster a safe weapon, you must wait until a Range Officer has checked your weapon and they acknowledge that to you.

STAGE 1:

-  This stage is at a distance of 7 yards, 12 rounds with 1 reload, standing, double action with a two handed grip.  The time limit is 25 seconds. 
-  Shooters, at this time prepare 2 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
-  Is the line ready on the left? Ready on the right?
-  Shooters, at this time load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position.
-  Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
-  The firing line is ready.
-  12 rounds, 25 seconds.
-  Shooters, watch your targets.
-  "FIRE"
-  "CEASE FIRE"
-  Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
-  Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
-  Is the line clear on the left? Clear on the right?
-  The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders, and insure that your target is at the distance of 15 yards.

STAGE 2:

-  This stage is at a distance of 15 yards, 12 rounds with 1 reload, standing, double action with a two handed grip.  The time limit is 25 seconds. 
-  Shooters, at this time prepare 2 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
-  Is the line ready on the left? Ready on the right?
-  Shooters, at this time "load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position.
-  Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
-  The firing line is ready.
-  12 rounds, 25 seconds.
-  Shooters, watch your targets.
-  “FIRE”
- “CEASE FIRE”
-  Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
-  Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
-  Is the line clear on the left?  Clear on the right?
- The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders, and insure that your target is at the distance of 25 yards.

STAGE 3:

-  This stage is at a distance of 25 yards, 18 rounds with 2 reloads. You will start from the low ready position; at the signal you will assume the kneeling
   position.  The first 6 rounds will be kneeling, with a two-handed strong side grip.  The next 6 rounds will be standing to the left side of the barricade,
   supported or unsupported, firing with the left hand.  The final 6 rounds will be standing to the right side of the barricade, supported or unsupported, firing
   with the right hand.  Remember to transition to the new position before reloading.  The time limit is 90 seconds.  You may fire single or double action.
-  Shooters, at this time prepare 3 magazines or speed-loaders with 6 rounds apiece.
-  Is the line ready on the left? Ready on the right?
-  Shooters, at this time "load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position.
-  Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
-  The firing line is ready.
-  18 rounds, 90 seconds.
-  Shooters, watch your targets.
-  “FIRE”
-  “CEASE FIRE”
- Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
-  Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
-  Is the line clear on the left? Clear on the right?
-  The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders.

STAGE 4:

-  This stage is at a distance of 25 yards, 6 rounds, standing, double action with a two-handed grip.  The time limit is 12 seconds.
-  Shooters, at this time prepare 1 magazine or speed-loader with 6 rounds.
-  Is the line ready on the left? Ready on the right?
-  Shooters, at this time "load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety, and assume the low ready position.
-  Is the line ready on the left?  Ready on the right?
-  The firing line is ready.
-  6 rounds, 12 seconds.
-  Shooters, watch your targets.
-  “FIRE”
-  “CEASE FIRE”
-  Shooters, at this time assume the low ready position with the slide locked open or the cylinder open for inspection by the Range Officer.
-  Shooters, after acknowledgement from a Range Officer, holster a safe firearm.
-  Is the line clear on the left? Clear on the right?
-  The line is clear, at this time retrieve your magazines or speed-loaders and proceed to the scorekeeping area. 

Competition Standards

FIREARMS:

NOTE:   The following standardized rules have been adopted by the ACJA-LAE Executive Board as policy for all National and Regional Association sponsored - Firearms Competitions.   Each competitor will be asked to sign a Liability Waiver before competing in the Firearms Competition.

Some competitors have, in the past, attempted to alter the Liability Waiver by drawing lines through some of the clauses or adding clauses. These Waivers were drawn up by very competent attorneys who were caring for the best interest of the Association.  WAIVERS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED IN ANY FASHION BY THE COMPETITOR WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!   ANY COMPETITOR WHO FAILS OR REFUSES TO SIGN THE WAIVER FORM BEFORE THE FIREARMS COMPETITION, OR DOES NOT HAVE BOTH FORMS IN THEIR POSSESSION AT THE TIME OF THE COMPETITION; WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE. 

1.   Weapons and Security:   All competitors are liable and responsible for the care and handling of their own firearms in a safe and secure manner. Weapons
      will not be publicly worn or displayed at any time except on the firing line.

2.   Liability:   Competitors are responsible and liable for any misuse or mishandling of firearms. Any incident involving firearms will necessitate immediate
      expulsion from the conference, and any legal action concerned with the       incident will be enforced. Possession of firearms, other than in authorized,
      specific places, may be a violation of local or state law. ACJA-LAE, its officers and members, Conference Hosts, Range Host and personnel do not
      assume any liability in the operation of the Firearms Match.

     Competitors assume all responsibility and risks upon registering for the event. All competitors are required to sign a Waiver of Liability/Indemnification
     Agreement and Statement of Competency before being allowed on the firing line. The Statement of Competency will attest that the competitor has completed
     a basic firearms course and achieved a score of 200 on the ACJA-LAE course of fire.  Advisors will co-sign for their student competitors.  Competitors who
     are found to not be in compliance with these standards will be removed from the competition.  They will also be disqualified from competing in the following 
     year’s National Conference firearms competition and may be subject to further sanctions.

3.   Eligibility of Competitors:   Competitors firing in the match must be active members of ACJA-LAE.  Each member must provide proof of completing a basic
      firearms course and having achieved a score of 200 on the ACJA-LAE course of fire.

4.   Notification:   Each chapter should provide their competitors with the following information:

•   ACJA-LAE Firearms Safety Rules

•   ACJA-LAE Firearms Competition Course of Fire

•   ACJA-LAE Safety Briefing Power Point Presentation  

      The Conference Host Chapter will notify each chapter at least three (3) months in advance if the range facilities to be used will dictate a change from any of
      these standards and rules. This notification will also include information on the range facility itself, to include:

•   Whether an indoor or outdoor range will be used.

•   Whether jacketed ammunition will be allowed.

•   Any additional safety rules specific to the range.

     This notification should also include a summary of local laws pertaining to the possession and transportation of firearms. 

5.   Team Shooting:   Teams will consist of three (3) members. Team members need not fire together. One target/score will be used for both team and individual
      scores.  No competitor may fire as a member of more than one team. Team members need not be from the same chapter or the same classification,
      although teams will be classified by the highest division represented.  This only counts for the team competition, competitors should still designate their
      individual classification on the sign in sheets. These "pick-up" teams must select one chapter to represent, for the purpose of scoring for the Sweepstakes
      Award.  (Also see #2 Liability above)

6.   Weapons:   Weapons to be used in the match must meet the following specifications:

•   Semi-automatic or double-action revolver, 9mm to.45 caliber (semi-automatics will only load 6 rounds per magazine).

•   Three to six inch barrel length.

•   No electronic or dot-type (i.e., Aimpoint, etc.) sights.

•   Trigger-pull not less than two and one-half pounds.

•   Weapon must be usable as a standard police duty weapon. 

•   No after market compensators, porting, or Bull Barrels are permitted.  

7.   Ammunition:   Only factory ammunition is accepted and allowed, remanufactured or factory reloads are permissible.  Non-factory reload, magnum or +P+
      ammunition is not allowed. Ammunition must be duty or training style (Hollow point, FMJ, round nose, or semi-wadcutter), no competition ammunition will be
      allowed. Frangible ammunition is allowed at the discretion of the facility sponsoring the competition. All ammunition will be inspected and approved by the
      Firearm Inspection Officer at the time of the Firearm Inspection.  All ammunition must be provided by the competitor unless otherwise noted by the
      Conference Director. Ammunition will be carried on the person of the competitor. Competitors will not be allowed to set any additional equipment on the
      ground on the firing line. Magazines and speed-loaders will not be loaded prior to the command to prepare magazines or speed-loaders.  Revolver shooters
      will use speed-loaders to load their firearms at all times, even the initial six rounds for each stage.  This practice will assure a uniformity of status across the
      firing line, and will increase safety.

8.   Holsters:   While firing will be done from the ready position, weapons will be carried to and from the firing line in a holster. Except when on the firing line and
      instructed to assume the ready position, the weapon will be maintained in the holster for safety purposes. The holster will be designed to properly fit the
      weapon carried in it. The holster will be of a type to be worn on the shooter's strong side, with a retaining device, and attached to the belt on the
      outside of the pants.  The holster may be on the waist or the thigh of the competitor, providing that it is not necessary for the competitor to have to bend
      down to retrieve the firearm.  Cross-draw, ankle, competition, quick-draw, shoulder holsters, or any holster that allows the barrel to point in an unsafe
      direction are not permitted.

9.   Magazines:   All competitors will be required to have three (3) magazines or three (3) speedloaders that are designed to be used for their firearm.  Revolver
      shooters will use speed-loaders to load their firearms at all times, even the initial six rounds for each stage.  This practice will assure a uniformity of status
      across the firing line, and will increase safety.  The command on the line will be to prepare the number of magazines or speedloaders with 6 rounds apiece. 
      These magazines or speedloaders should be carried in an appropriate pouch worn on the belt of the competitor.

10.   Alibis:   Safety related alibis will be allowed, as determined by the Range Master.

11.  Once the Command to fire has been given, anything dropped to the ground becomes null and void.  No participant or Range Officer shall retrieve anything
       from the ground until the command to do so is given.

12.   Scoring:   The following scoring procedures will be followewed:

       A.   Shooters who declare they are a 90% shooter (can shoot 432+ score) and are certified at a Regional Conference or by a chapter advisor
               may request two (2) targets

       B.   The Range Master will make provisions for scoring of the targets (removed) by independent judges. In any case, once firing is completed a
               competitor should not handle his/her own target until it has been scored, inspected and signed by the competitor, and the score recorded.

       C.   Bullet holes must meet the line of the scoring ring to receive the next highest value.

       D.   Early or late shots: A ten (10) point deduction for an early or late shot will be recorded by the Range Officer on the shooter's target and/or score card.
              A second early or late shot will result in disqualification.

        E.  Tie scores will be broken by the highest x-count. Should this also result in a tie, where an award placement is at stake, shooters will be recorded as
             tied for that place unless provisions can be made for a shoot-off. If at all possible, a shoot-off will be conducted.

        F.  Challenges:   When a shooter feels that a shot, either his/her own or that of another shooter, has been improperly evaluated or scored, the shooter
             may post a $5.00 challenge fee. The final decision rests with the Range Master, who, if deciding in favor of the challenger, shall refund the challenge fee.
             If the ruling is against the challenger, no refund is in order and the challenge fee shall be posted to the general account of the Conference.

        G.  Excessive Hits: If more than the required number of holes (48) appears in a shooter's target, the shooter will be given the option of firing the course over
             or having the highest points for each of the number of excess hits subtracted from the shooter’s total score.

        H.   A ten (10)-point deduction will be made for each shot fired in violation of procedures. The deduction will be noted by the Range Officer on the
              competitor's scorecard or target. (Examples: firing single-action during a double-action stage, right-handed instead of left-handed where specified, etc.)

         I.   Any competitor who is removed from the firing line for safety or behavioral violations will be disqualified from participating in the firearms competition at
              the next National Conference, and may be subject to further sanctions.

         J.  Any competitor whose total score is less than one hundred fifty (150) must show proof of re-qualification in order to participate in the firearm’s
             competition at the next National Conference.  Such proof must be provided to the Regional President at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the
             National Conference. 

13.   Qualified Emergency Medical Personnel will be on stand-by in the area of the competition.

14.   Awards:   Awards shall be given in the six (6) primary classifications (Lower Collegiate, Upper Collegiate, and Professional, team and individual). In
       addition, a Top Gun award will be presented to the competitor with the highest overall score. The "Top Gun" award shall not counted toward the
       Sweepstakes Award, as the recipient will already be the first place winner in one of the three individual competition categories.

15.  Safety Briefing:   A mandatory meeting shall be held prior to each match, to ensure that all competitors are familiar with these standardized rules, the
       ACJA-LAE Firearms Safety Rules and any additional safety procedures or information specific to the range facility to be used. At this meeting the positions
       and commands to be used during the course of fire will also be demonstrated and explained. Every shooter is required to attend this meeting before being
       allowed on the firing line.  The meeting shall, whenever possible, be conducted using the National Safety Briefing Power Point Presentation, which shall be
       included in the conference planning manual. In the event that this meeting is on the same day as the competition, it shall be construed as the beginning of
       the Firearms Competition.

16.  Required Equipment:   The following equipment is required for all shooters in order to be able to compete:

1. Authorized Firearm

2. 3 magazines or 3 speedloaders for said firearm

3. Authorized strong side holster for firearm

4. Magazine or speedloaders holders attached to belt

5. Picture ID and Conference Badge

6. Yellow Copies of  Liability Release and Shooting Release

7. Shooter Scorecard

8. Hearing Protection

9. Eye Protection

10. Baseball cap or a cap with a bill

FIREARMS SAFETY RULES

NOTE:   These standardized safety rules have been adopted by the ACJA-LAE Executive Board as policy for National and Regional Association - sponsored Firearms Competitions.

1.    Eye and ear protection will be worn on the firing line during all firing; there are no exceptions.
 

2.    No food or drinks will be allowed on the firing line. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the range, nor shall anyone involved in the firearms competition
       consume alcoholic beverages during the eight-hour period immediately preceding the beginning of the firearms competition.  In the case when the Safety
       Meeting takes place on the same day as the competition, the beginning of the meeting shall be construed as the beginning of the competition.
 

3.    Pay strict attention to the Range Officers while on the firing line. Do not anticipate the range commands as called by the Range Safety Officer.

4.    No loaded weapons will be allowed on the range other than on the firing line; weapons will only be loaded on the firing line, and only after the proper
       commands have been given.
 

5.    All weapons will remain in holsters or carrying cases until the shooters are on the firing line and ready to fire.  Weapons will be pointed down-range at all
       times when not in a holster or carrying case.
 

6.   No dry firing will be allowed without the consent of the Range Safety Officer.
 

7.   All firing will be conducted from the "Low Ready" position, with the weapon pointed at the ground at an angle of 45 degrees in front of the shooter, down-range
      with the finger off the trigger (Indexed). Weapons will remain holstered until the command "load your firearm, bring it to battery, decock or engage the safety,
      and assume the low ready position," is given by the Range Officer.
 

8.    Only the shooter called to fire will be allowed on the firing line (i.e. no coaches).
 

9.    Shooters should report to the firing line when called, with all equipment necessary to fire the course; shooters will not delay the start of a relay by tardiness.
       Tardy shooters will be required to wait until the next available open relay.
 

10.  There will be a safety inspection of all weapons prior to going on the firing line. Weapons determined to be unsafe will not be allowed on the range.
 

11.   Final decision regarding the safety of a weapon will be made by the Range Master or designee (Firearm Inspection Officer).
 

12.  Strict discipline must be maintained on the range. Carelessness cannot and will not be tolerated. Violation of any of the above rules, or the commission of
      any other act considered by the Range Officers to be unsafe, may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the range.
 

13.  All decisions of the Range Master are final and are not subject to appeal.

Each competitor must sign a copy of these rules indicating s/he has read and 
understands each of the above safety rules.   No shooter will be allowed to compete 
until this signed statement is received by the Range Master.   Each competitor must 
have their copy of said statement and their Release of Liability Form in their 
possession at the time of the competition, or they will not be allowed to compete.

FIREARMS COURSE OF FIRE

NOTE:   This standardized course of fire has been adopted by the ACJA-LAE Executive Board as policy for all National and Regional Association - sponsored firearms competitions.

Total Rounds Fired:  48
Maximum Score Possible:    480 points
Target:  NRA B-27 using standard scoring rings

EXPLANATION OF POSITIONS:

1.   Kneeling:   at least one knee on the ground, with no part of the buttocks touching the ground; this position is fired without external support (i.e. barricades
      may not be used).

2.   Barricade: left-hand barricade means the shooter fires with the left hand (2 handed) from the left side of the barricade, supported or unsupported; right-hand
      barricade is fired with the right hand (2 handed) from the right side of the barricade, supported or unsupported (this method is used instead of the "strong-
      hand, weak-hand" method for the sake of uniformity and to reduce confusion by requiring everyone to move in the same direction at the same time.)

3.   Low Ready Position:  Firearm at a 45-degree angle, pointed toward the ground and down range with safety engaged (single action) or decocked (double
     action), with the trigger finger “indexed” outside of the trigger guard.

In the event that any Range Officer or any shooter observes an immediate safety hazard on the range,
the command to "Cease Fire" shall be immediately given by the person observing the hazard. Upon hearing
the command to "Cease Fire", all shooters shall immediately halt firing and assume the ready position
until further instructed by the Range Safety Officer.