Please note: The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center will be CLOSED for Open Marksmanship June 20 – July 7th.
The CMP North Store will be CLOSED June 30-July 2 and July 7-9 (re-opening Sunday, July 10 for National Match Competitors only).

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Competition Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • Springfield M1A Match
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship 101
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • Instagram Links
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    End of Navigation Section

CMP Competition Rules for 2020-2021 Are Now Available

November 14, 2020

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸CMP Competition Rules for 2020-2021 Are Now Available

By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus

CMP Competition Rules for the 2021 competition season have now been approved by the CMP Rules Committee and are posted on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/. The 2020 competition season was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and many 2020 events were cancelled, so the CMP still has a substantial inventory of printed 2020 rulebooks. In addition, the changes adopted for the 2020 competition season were not thoroughly tested, plus there was only a small number of changes for 2021. As a result, the CMP decided not to publish new rulebooks for 2021. 2020 Rulebooks will continue to be used and Errata sheets are being provided for each rulebook. The rulebooks posted on the CMP website have been updated with 2021 changes are labeled as “2020-2021” rulebooks.  

The options match sponsors and competitors have for using 2020-2021 CMP Competition Rules are:

  • If you already have a 2020 rulebook, download the Errata for that rulebook at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/ and note in your 2020 rulebook where those changes apply.
  • If you keep your rulebooks on your computer, notebook or cell phone, or want to print your own rulebook, you can download the updated 2020-2021 rulebooks that are posted on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/. 
  • Rulebooks that will be issued during CMP training courses or at competitions will be 2020 versions of the rules and they will be issued with printed copies of the Errata for that rulebook.  
CMP Competition Rules for the coming year that are now posted on the CMP website are labeled “2020 & 2021” rulebooks.  Rulebooks posted on the CMP website include all 2021 changes.

When reading the 2020-2021 editions of the rulebooks, note that 2020 rule changes are displayed in black underlined text. 2021 changes are displayed in red underlined text. There were not a lot of changes that were approved for 2021. Those changes do, however, include the addition of a new CMP Service Revolver Match in the Pistol Rules and the addition of F-Class and AR-Tactical Mid- and Long Range Matches in the Highpower Rifle Rules. The CMP plans to offer competitions in both of these new disciplines in the 2021 National Matches. Another significant change, which has already been announced because it applies this year, is the authorization that competitors may fire a sixth EIC match in years like 2020 when the National Trophy Individual Match is not held.

The 2020 rule requiring Highpower Rifle and Pistol competitions to wear eye and hearing protection while on the firing line has been clarified and strengthened in the 2020-2021 rules.

MANDATORY EYE PROTECTION RULE

One of the most important 2020 rule changes was a requirement that highpower rifle and pistol competitors must wear eye and hearing protection when they are on firing lines. Virtually every shooter knows that repeated exposure to gunfire sounds causes hearing loss and they always wear ear plugs and/or earmuffs while firing. A big majority of experienced, knowledgeable competitors now agree that protective eyewear is a must for highpower rifle and pistol shooting, but unfortunately this safety precaution has not been as universally accepted. Incidents involving highpower rifle and pistol shooting where eye injuries occurred or could have occurred are more common than many realize. This is well-confirmed by the CMP’s evaluation of several such incidents that have been reported to it.  

The CMP’s concern in adopting a rule requiring eye and hearing protection stems from the responsibility inherent in its enabling legislation (federal law) that authorizes the CMP “to promote practice and safety in the use of firearms.” The CMP strives to act as a model shooting sports organization and national leader in making the safety of its competitors one of its highest priorities. The CMP Board and staff have carefully evaluated the pros and cons of this safety requirement and have concluded that mandating the wearing of eye and hearing protection is a wise policy that is a necessary part of fulfilling its responsibility to promote “safety in the use of firearms.”

After this rule was introduced, a vast majority of competitors complied with its letter and spirit. The CMP thanks them for their cooperation in implementing an important new safety rule. Unfortunately, there were a few competitors who did not comply. Some wore shooting glasses to the line and then lowered or removed them while firing. A really strange attempt to evade this rule involved cutting a hole in the part of the shooting glasses lens where the competitor looked while aiming. A few simply refused to comply.

After evaluating experiences with this new safety requirement in 2020, the CMP is taking these additional steps to facilitate compliance in 2021:

2020-2021 rulebooks include a new diagram that clearly illustrates the rule requiring the wearing of eye and hearing protection.
  1. Rule 3.6.2 (both Highpower Rifle and Pistol) has been clarified to clearly require that “two complete lenses” be worn in front of both eyes while firing. Obtaining shooting glasses or prescription eyewear that complies with the ANSI Z87.1 safety standard is “strongly recommended.”
  2. Pre-match safety briefings in 2021 will include specific instructions about the requirement to wear eye and hearing protection while on the firing line.  
  3. Match officials will give warnings to any competitor who is not in compliance. Refusal to comply with a warning is grounds for disqualification.  
  4. Match sponsors are advised that their match officials need to monitor and enforce this rule and that results from EIC or other matches where this rule was not enforced may not be accepted.

The CMP is committed to providing competition rules and competition administration that take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone who participates in its competitions. The CMP thanks the many competitors who are already in compliance with this safety rule and it appeals to all competitors to do the same in 2021.  

The 2021 CMP Pistol Rules include rules for a new CMP Service Revolver event that will be featured in the 2021 National Matches.

2021 RULE CHANGES

Here is a summary, by discipline, of rule changes adopted for the 2021 competition season:

  • Pistol Rules (Events for Service Pistol, Match Pistols [2700] and Revolvers).
    • Added a new CMP Service Revolver Match, expanded rules for revolvers, with the expectation that Revolver Matches will become key events in 2021 and future National Matches programs. P1.4, P4.1.5 and P5.2.7
    • The requirement that Pistol EIC Matches must have turning targets was dropped. Turning or electronic targets are still required for National Matches and National Championship Pistol events. P3.7.3
    • 22 Rimfire Pistols can now have fiber optic or light-enhancing front sights (same as for Service Pistol). P4.1.6
    • Disabled pistols can now be replaced with any pistol that is legal for the match being fired. P4.3.5
    • The 1000-point National Service Pistol Aggregate was modified to allow the firing of a second 30-shot individual National Match Course in lieu of a 30-shot team match. P5.3.1
  • CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Rules (Events for Vintage Military Rifles and Pistols).
    • Verifiers on electronic target ranges are now required to call out shot values to their competitors, unless the competitor instructs them not to do so. G1.8.7 d)
    • The M1923 military leather sling was added to the list of slings that are legal for use with Vintage Military Rifles. G3.6.1
    • The 2-minute pre-prep period (before the 3-minute preparation period) will be deleted when a new stage is fired in the same position as the previous stage.  G3.7.2
    • The 10.5 lb. weight limit for Unlimited M1 Garands was deleted. There is now no weight limit for Unlimited Garands. G5.2.6
  • Highpower Rifle Rules (Events for Service Rifle, Match Rifle, Long Range Rifle and new F-Class and AR-Tactical Rifles).
    • Verifiers on electronic target ranges are now required to call out shot values to their competitors, unless the competitor instructs them not to do so. H3.2.7 d)
    • The prohibition against billeted AR15-Type uppers and lowers was deleted, with a proviso that lowers with integral trigger guards may not be used.  H4.1.1 b) ii)
    • Optical sights were authorized for M14/M1A-Type Service Rifles in 2020; the rule for this rifle now authorizes the attachment of a cheek pad or cheek-piece if optical sights are used. H4.1.3 g)
    • Optical sights and the attachment of a cheek pad or cheek-piece are now authorized for M1 Garands when fired in Service Rifle Matches. M1 Garands fired in As-Issued Military Rifle Matches governed by CMP Games Rules may not have optical sights. H4.1.4 
    • The limitation on the number of EIC Matches that can be fired in one year (5 EIC Matches and the National Trophy Individual Match) was changed to provide that in years when the National Trophy Individual Match is not held, competitors can fire in six (6) EIC Matches. H9.2.2 b)
    • Detailed rules for Mid-Range and Long-Range F-Class and AR-Tactical Matches are included in the 2021 Rules. Those rules identify the events that may be fired with these rifles (Rule 1.5 and Rules 5.11-5.14), the rifles and rests that me be fired (Rules 4.1.7, 4.1.8 & 4.1.9), and the targets to be used (Rule 4.6.4).
  • Smallbore Rifle Rules (Events for Smallbore Rifle Position and Smallbore Rifle Prone events).
    • Added a new rule that allows smallbore rifle competitors with disabilities to participate in the Distinguished Marksman program.
    • Allow competitors who are 55 years of age or older to use a second kneeling roll placed between the heel and buttocks in the kneeling position.

The new 2020-2021 Rulebooks and 2021 Errata are now ready to be downloaded from the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/. Anyone with questions regarding 2021 rule changes or other CMP rules may contact the CMP at [email protected] or 419-635-2141, ext. 729.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

8 Replies to “CMP Competition Rules for 2020-2021 Are Now Available”

  1. Michele Makucevich says:
    November 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    I have 4 questions regarding smallbore competitions.

    1. In 2018 the inaugural smallbore championship was supposed to be used to establish the initial national records. It has now been three years. Can we expect those records to be posted, updated and certificates sent soon?

    2. The Smallbore Distinguished program was supposed to have been launched, but I’ve not seen how one can actually get the leg points. I participated in the Nationals, placed 6th overall (thus in the top 10%), so I’d think that I should have a leg. How does one check?

    3. When my team competed at Nationals this summer, we garnered the High At-Large Team championship. We were awarded a single plaque for four shooters. EVERY OTHER team received a plaque for the coach/organization and individual medals for the team members. Why was this not available to the High At Large Team? I did send an email to see if we could purchase medals (on top of our entry fee) so that all members had recognition, but no one answered.

    4. Are there any plans for extending awards categories beyond the current age only categories? Essentially, if a shooter is between the ages of 21 and 59, the only awards available are to place in the top 3 overall (which, with professional soldiers in the Army Marksmanship Unit competing, is fairly difficult to do). The NRA and ASSA both recognize classification as well as age categories and special categories. For example, they have high civilian as well as high military categories. This allows for the top civilian who may finish behind an AMU sweep but not be in an age category, to be recognized for their shooting, which was higher than the many age based awards, just not in the top three.

    Reply
    1. Christine Elder says:
      November 12, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      Michele,
      Our Smallbore Manager, Brad Donoho, would be the best person to answer your questions and I’ll forward to him and have him reply back to you via email.
      Thanks,
      Christine

      Reply
  2. Obed A Morley says:
    September 2, 2021 at 8:12 am

    Are fixed cheek pieces allowed on modern military rifles. AR15

    Reply
    1. Christine Elder says:
      September 2, 2021 at 9:04 am

      I will forward your rules question to our Competition staff and they will reply back to you.
      Thanks,
      Christine

      Reply
  3. john valenti says:
    November 14, 2020 at 5:37 pm

    because of the difficult times in getting any ammo in pistol caliber a rule change to allow pistol shooter to use any safe ammo in e.i.c leg matches should be look at since we now can shoot 6 matches. 6 matches does not help if you can not find the ammo so hand loads with lead surely would help

    Reply
  4. Dave Schnelle says:
    November 14, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    So one of the top shooting glasses in the world, Knoblochs, are not allowed in CMP competition. Disappointing. And the CMP and the NRA wonder why an organization like the United States Highpower Shooting Association USHPSA is gaining tracking as a sanctioning body.

    Reply
    1. Dave Holub says:
      November 15, 2020 at 11:18 am

      Where do you see that Knoblochs aren’t legal? As long as they have lenses covering both eyes that are at least 1.3” in diameter, they are legal per rule 3.6.2

      Reply
      1. Christine Elder says:
        November 19, 2020 at 10:14 am

        Feel free to reach out to Sara, our Highpower Coordinator, [email protected], with any rules questions.

        Thanks,
        Christine

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

The mission of the Civilian Marksmanship Program is to promote firearm safety and marksmanship training with an emphasis on youth. Our vision is that every youth in America has the opportunity to participate in firearm safety and marksmanship programs.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2022 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.