CMP Rulebooks
Testimonial
I think CMP does an amazing job and want to say thank you. Specifically of note: 1) promoting and maintaining true national match competitions that earn their titles. 2) a very thoughtful approach to all decisions and changes (eg keeping distinguished badges difficult to earn, representing a challenge, not a given), and 3) introducing new matches that are schedule coordinated so traveling shooters can enjoy more than one event (eg air pistol at the same time as the national pistol matches). Thoughtful might not be the best word, but a combination of thoughtful, conscientious, careful and considerate, open minded, aware, and interested might all be combined into the right description. Administration during the national marches, awards, housing, coordination, and treatment of the visiting shooters (within reason very accommodating) are also hallmarks of your well run organization. It’s first class. And these publications are just another means of showing it. Clifton R.
Read More2024 CMP Competition Rulebooks Are Now Available
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By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus Rules that will govern CMP Competitions in 2024 have now been posted on the CMP website where competitors and Match Officials may download them in preparation for their 2024 competition seasons. The CMP currently produces seven different competition rulebooks; six of these rulebooks have been revised and are now being released as new rulebooks for 2024. The new CMP rulebooks are: Copies of each of these rulebooks can be downloaded from the CMP “Competition Rulebooks” webpage at https://thecmp.org/rulebooks/. Links to electronic versions of each 2024 rulebook are posted on this webpage where they may be uploaded onto electronic devices for everyday access, or they can be printed as hard copies to be kept in loose-leaf notebooks. The complete text of each rulebook is posted, together with one-page documents listing the changes in each rulebook. Printed versions of these rulebooks will be published in a couple of months for those who prefer traditional rulebook hard copy formats. However, in case there are any emergency rule changes during the year, the electronic version of the rule that is posted on the website will still be the official version of the rule. All of the Range Officer scripts that were previously published in the back of the CMP rulebooks have been taken out of this year’s rulebooks. These Range Officer scripts are still readily accessible, however, through the rulebook postings in the CMP website (https://thecmp.org/rulebooks/). Links to the “Range Officer Firing Procedures” for each discipline are posted with the rulebook […]
Read More2020 CMP Competition Rulebooks Are Now Official
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By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus The CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned Highpower Rifle, Pistol, CMP Games and Smallbore Rifle competitions in 2020 have been approved by the CMP Board’s Rules Committee and are now posted on the CMP website. The 2020 rulebooks went into effect on the 1st of January. All four rulebooks can be downloaded from the CMP Competition Rulebooks webpage at: https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/. The most important changes in the 2020 Rules include a major expansion of CMP Pistol Program rules that now provide for 3-Gun Match Pistol events, the establishment of Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges, a change in eye and hearing protection use in Highpower Rifle and Pistol Matches from “strongly urged” to “required,” a substantial reworking of rules for electronic scoring targets and several rule clarifications in each of the four disciplines. All changes from the 2019 Rules can easily be identified in the new rulebooks because they are shown in underlined, red text (printed Rulebooks will have underlined text). A detailed summary of 2020 Rule Changes is presented at the end of this article. The CMP rule-making process is designed to be transparent and open to inputs from competitors and match sponsors. Major changes like the expansion of the CMP Pistol program and adding Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges were designed to expand and enhance the CMP Competition Program. Most rule changes resulted from issues that came up during 2019 competitions or from recommendations submitted by competitors and match sponsors. Drafts of the new […]
Read MoreNational Three-Position Air Rifle Council Seeks Rulebook Suggestions
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The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council, the governing body for nearly all three-position air rifle competitions in the USA, will meet in the summer of 2016 to review and issue a new edition of their rulebook, the “2016-2018 National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules.” In order to provide fair, up-to-date rules for three-position air rifle competitions, the Council requests that coaches, athletes, parents and match sponsors who have suggestions or recommendations regarding possible changes for the next National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules submit those changes for National Council consideration. The Council convenes every two years to discuss potential rule changes. Council members include The American Legion; the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force JROTC Commands; BSA; CMP; Crosman Shooting Services; the Daisy Shooter Education Program; 4-H Shooting Sports; the U. S. Army Marksmanship Unit and USA Shooting. Sections within the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules cover: GENERAL REGULATIONS (Including the NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY) SAFETY ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE INDIVIDUAL ATHLETES TEAMS AIR RIFLES AND EQUIPMENT COMPETITION CONDITIONS COMPETITION OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES COMPETITION PROCEDURES DRY FIRING SCORING TARGETS PROTESTS AND APPEALS FINALS NATIONAL RECORDS APPENDIX – SECTION I: NATIONAL THREE-POSITION AIR RIFLE COUNCIL PROGRAMS APPENDIX – SECTION II: JUNIOR EIC AWARD PROGRAM SILVER AND BRONZE EIC BADGES FIRING PROCEDURES AND RANGE OFFICER COMMANDS FOR THREE-POSITION COURSES OF FIRE AND FINALS COMMANDS FOR CONDUCTING 3X10, 3X20 AND STANDING COURSES OF FIRE COMMANDS FOR CONDUCTING A FINAL To submit suggested changes to the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules, […]
Read More2016 CMP Rulebooks Released
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2016 rulebooks for CMP-governed Service Rifle, Pistol and CMP Games shooting events have just been released. The 2016 20th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Pistol is posted at https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/Rulebook.pdf. The 2016 4th Edition of the Competition Rules for CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Matches is posted at https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/CMPGamesRules.pdf. The big changes in last year’s CMP competition rules concerned the modernization of CMP pistol rules. The definition of a Service Pistol was expanded to allow the use of a broad spectrum of military-type pistols in CMP EIC and National Trophy Matches. In what proved to be a very popular new pistol program, the 2015 rules established 22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Matches and Distinguished Badges. Eleven competitors earned the new Badge in the program’s inaugural year. The objective of these changes was to increase participation in CMP pistol programs. 2015 increases in Pistol EIC Matches and competitor numbers affirmed that this objective was being reached. As a result, there was no need for further pistol rule changes in 2016. The big rule changes in the 2016 CMP competition rules concern the modernization of CMP Service Rifle rules. Starting in 2016, Service Rifle competitors will be able to choose between service rifles with traditional metallic sights or rifles with telescopes with a maximum of 4.5X magnification. This rule change was coordinated with a similar rule change adopted by the NRA. The decision to legalize optical sights on service rifles was taken after several years of discussion […]
Read MoreCMP Announces Rulebook Changes for 2014-2015
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The CMP Rules Committee has approved the 2014-2015 18th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Service Pistol and the 2014 2nd Edition CMP Rules for CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Matches. This is the earliest the CMP has released a new version of the Rulebooks, which previously were released in March or April. In another major change, the CMP Rimfire Sporter Rules, which were previously in a separate rulebook, are now included in the CMP Games Rules. The CMP will continue to use two separate Rulebooks: one for Service Rifle and Service Pistol Rules and one for CMP Games Rules. This is a change the CMP adopted in 2013 to eliminate the confusion that sometimes occurred between Service Rifle and Service Pistol Rules and the unique rules for CMP Games events. Unlike previous years, the Service Rifle and Service Pistol Rulebook will be in effect for 2 years (2014-2015), since the rules have remained essentially unchanged over the past few years. Changes to this Rulebook include: · Page 25 – CMP Protest Committees will be appointed by the CMP Chief Operating Officer (Rule 5.12.3 and 5.12.4). · Page 66 – The rules for awarding Credit Points for Paralympic Games and IPC Championships are updated (Rule 9.3.7). The CMP Games Rulebook will continue to be a one-year Rulebook. New to the 2014 Edition, all rules specific to particular CMP Games events have been arranged and organized into sections devoted to those specific events. Also, the Rulebook now […]
Read MoreCompetition Rulebooks
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CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned competitions in 2024 have now been approved by the CMP Board’s Rules Committee. All rulebooks are posted below so you can download your copies. The CMP competitions program began in 1996 with only two disciplines, Service Rifle and Service Pistol. CMP competitions have now grown to include separate disciplines for Service Rifle, Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol, Service Revolver, As-Issued Military Rifle (Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military Rifle, M1 Carbine, Modern Military Rifle, Vintage Sniper Rifle), As-Issued Pistol (M9, M1911, M&P Service Pistol) and Rimfire Sporter Rifle competitions where the CMP is the national governing body. The CMP also issues rules for Match Pistol (3-gun pistol), Long-Range and Mid-Range Rifle, Smallbore Rifle (position and prone), Air Rifle, and Air Pistol to govern events it conducts in conjunction with the National Matches, CMP Competition Games, and other match sanctioning programs. Check the rulebooks that govern the disciplines you shoot to see this year’s changes. All changes are displayed in red, underlined text. CMP Competition Rulebooks Rule Interpretations and Questions The CMP staff can interpret unclear rules, but may not modify rules. The Programs Committee of the CPRPFS Board of Directors and its Rules Sub-Committee has the sole authority to modify CMP Competition Rules. Questions about the CMP Competitions Rulebooks, rule recommendations or to obtain a clarification or interpretation of any CMP rule, please contact the CMP Competitions Department at competitions@thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 714 or 729. For Action Pistol or Bulls-eye Pistol questions, […]
Read MoreA Preview of 2024 CMP Competition Rules
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By Gary Anderson, DCME The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now sponsors a comprehensive rifle and pistol competition program that is governed by seven different rulebooks. The CMP currently produces rulebooks for 1) Highpower Rifle, 2) Bullseye Pistol, 3) CMP Games (As-Issued Military Rifles and Pistols), 4) Smallbore Rifle, 5) Air Rifle and Air Pistol, 6) Action Pistol and 7) Junior Three-Position Air Rifle. Anyone who is not familiar with the many exciting opportunities offered by this program can find a detailed overview in the CMP Competitions webpage at https://thecmp.org/competitions/. The annual process of producing the CMP rulebooks that will govern this program during the next competition year is now well underway. This “preview” will give CMP competitors and match sponsors a report on that process and provide advance information regarding rule changes that will be in the 2024 rulebooks. Unlike previous years when there were usually a few major rule changes, 2024 rule changes are mostly clarifications that strengthen existing rules. There are very few truly significant rule changes coming in 2024. The process the CMP follows to produce its annual rulebook updates begins during the current competition year. CMP Competitions Staff, competitors and match sponsors regularly identify rules issues that require interpretation, clarification, or revision, or they propose new rules intended to improve CMP competition events. These rules issues and recommendations are then reviewed by a group of rule and competition experts called the CMP Rules Advisors. This body is appointed by the CMP Board Chairman and includes CMP Competitions staff and experts who are directly involved in conducting competitions. CMP […]
Read MoreCMP 2023 COMPETITION RULES ARE NOW ONLINE
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The annual process of reviewing and updating CMP competition rulebooks is nearing completion with this announcement and the posting of the 2023 rulebooks on the CMP website. The CMP competitions program now includes separate disciplines for Service Rifle, Service Pistol, 22 Rimfire Pistol, Service Revolver, As-Issued Military Rifle (Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military Rifle, M1 Carbine, Modern Military Rifle, Vintage Sniper Rifle), As-Issued Pistol (M9, M1911, M&P Service Pistol) and Rimfire Sporter Rifle competitions where the CMP is the national governing body. The CMP also issues rules for Match Pistol (3-gun pistol), Long-Range and Mid-Range Rifle, Smallbore Rifle (position and prone), Air Rifle, and Air Pistol to govern events it conducts in conjunction with the National Matches, CMP Competition Games, and other CMP match sanctioning programs. For 2023, the CMP has added one new discipline, Action Pistol. The 1st Edition CMP Action Pistol Competition Rules were released in November and a couple of minor updates have already been completed. The CMP is slated to take over the conduct of the prestigious annual Action Pistol championship, the CMP Bianchi Cup, that will take place in 2023 on 23-26 May at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club near Columbia, Missouri. To govern all of these target shooting disciplines, the CMP now produces six different rulebooks. They are listed below, with links for downloading the 2023 editions of these rulebooks: CMP rulebooks are updated annually to accommodate new program developments, clarify rules issues, and incorporate recommendations from competitors, match sponsors and CMP staff. The […]
Read More2022-2024 Three-Position Air Rifle Rules Released
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2022-2024 Three-Position Air Rifle Rules Released By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus Three-Position Air Rifle (3PAR) shooting is the most popular junior rifle program in the USA. Its massive participation base includes more than 2,000 JROTC high school programs, hundreds of 4-H Shooting Sports clubs and several hundred junior rifle clubs. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 American youth participate annually in three-position air rifle marksmanship programs, with most of them also engaging in some form of competitive shooting. The primary governing body for this major youth sports program is the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council. The Council governs the conduct of Three-Position Air Rifle competitions through its rulebook, the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules. The National Standard Rules are revised and reissued on a bi-annual basis. The newest version of the Rules, the 14th 2022-2024 edition, has just been released. An electronic version of the new rulebook is posted on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/air/national-standard-three-position-air-rifle-rules/. Printed copies will be available in a few weeks. The CMP provides staff support for the National Council’s junior air rifle programs. Vicki Donoho is the Program Coordinator and acts as the Council Secretary. She can be contacted at 419-635-2141, ext. 702, or via email at 3PAR@TheCMP.org. Rule changes start with the questions and recommendations received at CMP Headquarters or that are received from participants in 3PAR championships. The previous 2020-2022 Rulebook was released in the fall of 2020, but an August 2021 Update to those rules was issued. Comments received during this rules cycle focused on fine-tuning existing […]
Read MoreCMP 2022 Competition Rules Are Now Online
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By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus The annual process of reviewing and updating CMP competition rulebooks is nearing completion with this announcement and the posting of the 2022 rulebooks on the CMP website. The CMP competitions program began in 1996 with only two disciplines, Service Rifle and Service Pistol. CMP competitions have now grown to include separate disciplines for Service Rifle, Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol, Service Revolver, As-Issued Military Rifle (Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military Rifle, M1 Carbine, Modern Military Rifle, Vintage Sniper Rifle), As-Issued Pistol (M9, M1911, M&P Service Pistol) and Rimfire Sporter Rifle competitions where the CMP is the national governing body. The CMP also issues rules for Match Pistol (3-gun pistol), Long-Range and Mid-Range Rifle, Smallbore Rifle (position and prone), Air Rifle, and Air Pistol to govern events it conducts in conjunction with the National Matches, CMP Competition Games, and other match sanctioning programs. 2022 CMP Rule Change Highlights Three new Distinguished Badges. New Air Rifle/Air Pistol Rulebook. New rule for determining Junior and Senior age groups. CMP Service Revolver rules updated. International Distinguished Badge regulations revised. Distinguished Marksman Program for competitors with disabilities modified. Range Officers now responsible for collecting Highpower Rifle and Pistol scorecards. Service Rifle and Pistol competitors may compete with an adjoining state’s team in National Trophy Team Matches if their own state does not enter a team. Numerous technical changes and clarifications. To govern this complex array of target rifle and pistol disciplines, the CMP now publishes five different rulebooks. They are listed […]
Read More2020-2022 Three-Position Air Rifle Rules Released
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By Gary Anderson, CMP Director Emeritus The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council has just released the new rulebook that will govern junior three-position air rifle shooting for the next two years. There aren’t a lot of significant rule changes in this edition, but the new rules recognize a couple of important new developments that promise to add renewed interest to junior three-position air rifle shooting. Those developments are a new authorization allowing Virtual EIC Matches and the introduction of Orion’s Athena electronic targets. An additional potential item of interest is Crosman’s plan to introduce a new Model 2021 Sporter air rifle during the coming year. The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council was formed over 20 years ago by national youth-serving organizations that were conducting junior three-position air rifle shooting competitions. They wanted to establish one “national standard” rulebook to govern all of their competitions. The Council issued its first rulebook, the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules in 2000. The first rulebooks were issued annually, but after the rules stabilized, new rulebooks are now issued every two years. The most recent rulebook was the 2018-2020 rulebook, so the 2020-2022 13th Edition National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules is due out this year. The Council serves as a national governing body for almost all three-position air rifle competitions in the USA. The National Standard Rules govern an estimated 2,000 junior competitions each year including major national three-position air rifle championships conducted by the American Legion, Army Marksmanship Unit, CMP, JROTC commands, USA Shooting and 4-H Shooting Sports. National […]
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