Rule Book (Part 2 of 2)
World Fast Draw Association crest The W.F.D.A. rules are printed here as a guideline. Although we try to have the latest edition on-line, no guarantee can be made that these rules are up to date.

WORLD FASTDRAW ASSOCIATION, INC.

HANDBOOK, RULES & BY-LAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I BY-LAWS

A. Name and Purpose

B. Goal

C. Board of Directors

D. Officers

E. Term of Office

F. Voting

G. Membership

H. Code of Ethics

PART II GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Chairman Sanction

B. Vice Chairman Sanction

C. Bidding System

D. Contestant Requirements

E. Safety Rules

F. Annual Awards

G. Records

PART III EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. General

B. Gun

C. Holster Open Style

D. Holster Traditional Style

E. Target and Timing Equipment

F. Ammunition

PART IV COMPETITION RULES

A. General

B. Scoring

C. Events

D. Traditional Style Contests Policy and Purpose

E. Twisting Style Contests Policy and Purpose

F. Open Style Contests Policy and Purpose

PART V HOST REQUIREMENTS

A. Host Responsibilities

B. Site Selection

C. Site Preparation

D. Dry Fire Area

 

Click here to read PART I and II of the rule book
(By-Laws & General Requirements)



PART III EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. GENERAL

Any new products to be used in the sport of Fast Draw must be approved by the Board of Directors before using said product in competition. All holsters must be approved by the Holster Committee

(Executive Officers) before using them in competition.

B. GUN

  1. Single action revolvers Western Style only may be used. No caliber smaller than a .32 (.312) or larger than a .45 (.455) may be used. It must be a six shooter and can only be black, blue, chrome, or steel in color.
    1. An official and approved gauge will be used to inspect the caliber of the barrel. If the barrel is deemed to be smaller than .312 or larger than .455 it will be considered illegal and must not be use in competition. (See Illustration "C")
  1. The barrel shall be no shorter than 4 5/8" and must be a rifled barrel.
    1. An official and approved gauge will be used to inspect the length of the barrel. The gauge will be set against the cylinder and along the barrel. If the barrel is not even with or above the sight line located on the gauge it will be deemed illegal and must not be used in competition. (See Illustration "E")
  1. The trigger guard may be cut down, but not through. The trigger and/or trigger shoe may not extend beyond the edge of the trigger guard on the side of use.
    1. Inspection of the trigger guard shall be visual and accomplished by:
    1. Check that the Gun is empty.
    1. Place the gun at the fully cocked position.
    1. Hold the gun so that the underside is completely visible and at a ninety (90) degree angle to the line of vision.
    1. No manipulation of the trigger is allowed.
    1. If the trigger and/or trigger shoe is visible on the side of use, the Gun will be deemed illegal and must not be used in competition. (See Illustration "D")
  1. Cylinder slots may be deepened but not cut through.
  1. The hammer may not stick up or out more than ½" from the rear center of the top strap. (See Illustrations "A" and "B")
  1. The hammer must hold on full and half cock when the gun is reasonably jarred. An Exception will be the New Model Ruger or other single action revolvers, which feature safety devices on their original construction.
  1. All parts must be installed and functioning. Sights are optional.
  1. The new Ruger may be modified to work the same as the old model Ruger, with the same requirements as the old model.
  1. The W.F.D.A. does not encourage the use of aluminum barrels or cylinders.

C. HOLSTER-OPEN STYLE

  1. The holster must cover the entire barrel where it enters the frame, and fifty (50) percent of the cylinder, with the gun located in a shooting position when viewed from the side. (This shall be judged while contestant is standing in a normal, upright position).
    1. A gauge with an indicator will be placed on the front of the boot and will be pushed in directly over the front lip. If the point of the indicator comes in contact with the gun barrel, the boot will be deemed illegal and must not be used in competition. (See Illustration "F")
  1. It may not be a swivel holster or break open in any manner.
  1. The gun and holster must be positioned so that the contestant can not shoot through the bottom of the holster and hit a target. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. It must be western style and open at the top and bottom. The top of the belt may be no lower than four (4) inches below the top of the contestant’s hip bone nor the bottom of the belt be higher than four (4) inches above the contestant’s hip bone. The top of the holster boot may not be below the contestant’s fingertips while in a normal standing position. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. The inside opening at the top of the boot, including liner, may not exceed 2 ¾" width and 4 3/8" length (See Illustration "G"). The inside of the boot at its lip may not exceed 3 ½" from the closest part of the contestant’s body.
  1. A deflector shield may not slant towards the target or opponent in the shooting stance. Wheel Chair competitors must use a leather or metal leg shield.

D. HOLSTER-TRADITIONAL STYLE

  1. The holster must cover the entire barrel where it enters the frame, and fifty (50) percent of the cylinder, with the gun located in a shooting position when viewed from the side. (This shall be judged while contestant is standing in a normal, upright position).
    1. A gauge with an indicator will be placed on the front of the boot and will be pushed in directly over the front lip. If the point of the indicator comes in contact with the gun barrel, the boot will be deemed illegal and must not be used in competition. (See Illustration "F").
  1. It may not be a swivel holster or break open in any manner.
  1. The gun and holster shall not slant more than thirty-five (35) degrees from a vertical plane while in a shooting stance. Penalty: Loss of shot.
    1. Because of difficulties in judging the angle, which must be viewed from the side while the shooter is in a shooting stance, an appropriate angle gauge must be used in all sanctioned contests.
    1. The angle gauge shall have two (2) lines, one (1) at thirty-five (35) degrees and a buffer line at forty-five (45) degrees. Contestants will be given one (1) warning per event at any sanctioned contest if they encroach on the buffer line of forty-five (45) degrees. After one (1) warning it will be a loss of shot for each encroachment.
    1. If, in the opinion of the angle judge, a competitor’s angle is even with or slightly over the buffer line, that constitutes encroachment.
  1. It must be western style and open at the top and bottom. The top of the belt may be no lower than four (4) inches below the top of the contestant’s hip bone nor the bottom of the belt be higher than four (4) inches above the contestant’s hip bone. The top of the holster boot may not be below the contestant’s fingertips while in a normal standing position. Penalty: Loss of shot.
    1. For Wheel Chair Competitors, the inside opening at the top of the boot must be within four (4) inches of the centerline of the body torso while seated in the wheel chair. (Note: This holster position only applies to Traditional Style). A leather or metal leg shield must be worn by a wheel chair competitor.
  1. The holster must fit the gun. No "bucket boots" or "speed boots" are permitted. The inside opening at the top of the boot, including liner, may not exceed 2" width and 3" length for medium framed guns (Colts and Old Model Rugers Etc.) The inside opening at the top of the boot including liner, may not exceed 1 ¾" width and 2 ¾" length for small framed guns (.22/.38 etc.). The inside of the boot at its lip shall not exceed 3 ½" from the closest part of the contestant’s body. If a contestant is using a "New Model Ruger" or another similar large framed pistol the boot width can be no more than 2 ¼". (See Illustration "G") Note all traditional holsters will be measured as illustrated in "Illustration G", the lengths and widths specified above must be substituted for those in the illustration.
  1. The holster must be fastened to the leg with a tie-down strap. The bottom of the holster must be positioned against the leg. (No spacers).
  1. The holster belt must be western style and straight, no dropped belts.
  1. The deflector shield may not slant towards the target or opponent while in the shooting stance.

E. TARGET AND TIMING EQUIPMENT

  1. Wax Targets
    1. Standard Silhouette shall be 30 ½" high by 14 ½" wide in the body and 8" by 8" for the head. The top of the head shall be 6’ from the ground. It shall be black with a 1’ white border around the perimeter. The opening for viewing the signal light shall be a minimum of 3".
    1. Standard Rectangle shall be 30 ½" high by 14 ½" wide. The top of the target shall be 64" from the ground. It shall be black with a 1" white border around the perimeter. The opening for viewing the signal light shall be a minimum of 3". Note: All records shall be combined for the Standard Silhouette & Standard Rectangle.
    1. The 9" impact target shall be a 9" diameter round plate with a 3" minimum signal light opening in the center of the target. The target shall be black with a 1" white border. It shall be mounted on a stand tat will allow vertical placement.
    1. Blocker Rectangle Target shall be 40" high by 20" wide. The top of the target shall be 64" from the ground. It shall be black and must be coated with white lithium grease. The opening for viewing signal light shall be a minimum of 3" in the center of the target. It can be used in either Index or Elimination events.
    1. The 9" Balloon may also be used as a wax target at 12’.
    1. The Balloon-Disc target shall be 17 5/16"diameter round concave plate, with a balloon hole in the middle and a 3" signal light opening centered in the upper portion of the target. The target shall be black with up to a ½" white border. The concept is that a hit anywhere on the target is sufficient to break the balloon in the center, for a visual effect. The concave should be substantial enough to break the balloon with a high percentage. The balloon is only considered a hit indicator and shall not be required to break, if the Balloon Disc target is hit. There shall be a back plate behind the balloon, which is also capable of stopping the timer. (See Illustration K) The center of the target is to be set at 44" above the ground or the elevation of an intermediate shooting position in the Step-Bach event.
    1. Standard Plate shall be 17 5/16" in diameter. The center of the target will be set at 44" above the ground or the elevation of an intermediate shooting position in the Step-Back event. It shall be black with a ½" white border. The opening for viewing the signal light will be centered and a minimum of 3". Note: All records shall be combined for the Balloon-Disc and Standard Plate.
    1. A coating of White Lithium Grease may be used on any wax target (except Balloon-Disc). If it is used then the white border shall be eliminated.
    1. All wax targets will be calibrated as to stop with a .45 caliber wax bullet at 15’ with only a pistol primer and not to go off on sound with a .22 blank with out wax at 5’.
    1. If a target does not stop and a full/bullet hit is not verified by target judge, then the contestant has the right to call for a calibration check. The official will fire a 045 caliber wax bullet with a pistol primer at whatever distance that the shot in question occurred. If the timer stops the contestant will be scored a miss; if the timer does not stop the contestant will receive a re-shoot.
  1. Balloon Targets 4" and 9"
    1. The balloon holder shall be constructed so that a part of the balloon extends forward of the target holder surface, but shall not allow a balloon diameter greater than 4" or 9" respectively. The light shall be mounted above the balloon such that the center of the light shall not be further than 6" above the edge of the balloon. The opening for viewing the signal light shall be a minimum of 3". The balloon holder shall be mounted on a stand that will allow vertical placement.
    1. The center of the balloon shall not be placed lower than the center of a contestant’s gun belt buckle while standing in a normal upright position. The contestant will walk up to the balloon stand to adjust the height accordingly. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. A mobile stand for walking events may be used to keep the target at a constant distance from the shooter. The handle for the cart operator must always be a minimum of 3’ behind the shooting distance. Provide the vertical placement, as required.
  1. Any target signal light bulb shall be clear and a minimum of 60 watts at 110V AC. The bulb shall be a minimum of 2" in diameter and should be protected in front by a clear shield. The bulb shall be shielded above, back and sides from direct sunlight using a light colored interior coating.
  1. In Index contest only, sound (S), or micro-switch (M) pick-ups in the balloon events may be used. If sound pick-ups were used it must be indicated with (S) in the contest results.
    1. If micro-switches are used with multiple targets in Index contests they must be calibrated. (See part IV B. Scoring Elimination-e)
  1. All wax events shall have a backboard of a material that will stop wax bullets. (See Site Preparation, Part V, Section B).
  1. The electronic timer shall have as a minimum the following:
    1. Digital readout(s).
    1. 2-5 second random start.
    1. Dual channel input with the capability to read both channels.
    1. It must be made to function on micro-switch or sound inputs.
    1. Voltage supplied to the target light(s) shall be alternating current and not less than 90 volts R.M.S.
    1. It must function properly on a minimum of 90 volts line voltage.
    1. The timer must allow no more than .020 second delay from the time the target light is turned on until the timing sequence begins.
  1. All electronic sensors installed on wax targets used in any given contest must be of the same manufacturer and part number.

F. AMMUNITION

  1. Blank Loads
    1. Only commercially purchased rifle, pistol, shotgun and black powders can be used.
    2. Maximum wad thickness is 1/16" including glue and sealer.
    3. No brass shall be used that is cracked or split.
    4. No shell casings of larger caliber or greater than a .45 Long Colt.
    5. Blank loads can be furnished by Host if advertised in advance.
    6. All Walk and Draw Level loads must be tested prior to practice.
  1. Wax Loads
    1. Only commercially manufactured wax bullets shall be allowed currently Red Jets, Excaliber, Searls, Super Speed, and Carousel. Bullets may not be altered in a way to cause them to split.
    2. Wax bullets shall be propelled by only factory made pistol primers, shotgun primers, or 22 short black powder blanks.
    3. A wax bullet consisting of resin and wax in nature and manufactured by any licensed commercial manufacturer and consisting of a 45 shell casing, propelled by pistol primer and 6 grains of 4F black powder being commercially manufactured will be considered one round. May be used in either form of competition, elimination or index.
  1. If a misfire occurs on any host supplied ammunition a designated test gun will be used to fire the round. If the round does not fire in the test gun, then a re-shoot will be granted. The test gun will be designated by the host before commencement of the contest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART IV COMPETITION RULES

A. GENERAL

  1. Prior to receiving the signal to draw, the contestant’s hands shall be placed in the following manner.
    1. The trigger finger shall not enter the trigger guard. The drawing hand shall not purposely come into contact with the gun prior to the start signal (Signal light). Neither hand shall come into contact with the gun, holster, belt, or any part of the rig until start signal. Nor shall either hand come into with the body, the other hand, or used as a pivot point about which to make the draw.
    1. It must be reasonably evident to the Line Judge that the shooter is not touching the gun. (See Illustration "I") Penalty: First violation, warning. Second violation will result in the loss of that shot. Only one warning will be given for each event.
  1. Contact with the gun caused by a flinch or anticipation will result in a loss of that shot without prior warning. However, if a flinch is caused by a sudden, loud noise, the contestant will receive a re-shoot. The contest officials in the immediate area shall have sole authority, by a majority vote, to grant a re-shoot.
  1. Any attempt to draw and fire on a light, whether it is a quick or slow light, will be considered a legal draw. Only the Line Official may determine if a disturbing flash of light occurred, in which case, the contestant would receive a re-shoot. The Line Official’s decision is final.
  1. A contestant may call off a signal light at any time before it illuminates. A maximum of two (2) "call offs" per event or elimination round. Penalty: Loss of shot for the third (3rd) and any succeeding "call off".
  1. The ready command may be given by either the contestant or clock operator. If the clock operator gives the signal, it shall be stated as" Shooter on the line, shooter set". In walking events, the shooter may walk when ready or take a command from the clock operator in which case it shall be stated as "Shooter on the line, shooter walk".
  1. After the command is given, the random signal to draw shall not come on before two (2), nor later than five (5) seconds. In walking events (moving target) the contestant will be given two (2) steps before random count begins.
  1. In all standing events, the competitor’s gun, holster and feet must be behind the shooting line. Note: If a piece of tape is used as a line, both feet must be behind the edge closest to the shooter. In walking events, the gun is used to establish shooter’s position. (Exception: Competitors in wheel chairs may line up with the holstered gun behind the line).
  1. No shooter may have more than one (1) back-up helper on the line at any time. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. PROTESTS: All protests from contestants must be made immediately at the time the violation occurs. At no time will the protest be considered valid unless it is made before the contestant fires the next shot. A shooter that makes an off-the-line protest will be required to put up a $20.00 protest fee. If the protest committee upholds the protest, the fee will be returned to the shooter making the protest. If the protest is not upheld the $20.00 fee will go to the W.F.D.A. treasury.
  1. It is the shooter’s right to protest a call an official has made, it must be done immediately at the time and not after the next shot is fired or after they leave the line. A supervising official may overrule the call if it has to do with enforcement policy and settle the matter.
  1. An "Arbitration Committee" will be formed to handle any unsettled protests.
    1. The host will pick three experienced members to form the committee. At a Vice-Chairman Sanctioned contest the Vice-Chairman will act as Mediator, at Chairman Sanctioned contests the Chairman will act as Mediator. The immediate contest officials are barred from this committee. The competitor, officials, and all arbitration committee members shall be present during all testimony.
    1. The mediator will first call to witness the official or official’s who made the call or the protesting contestant (if other than shooter on the line) to explain what they saw. Then the contestant (shooter on the line) will explain their position. At this time any other witnesses that may have relevant information to the case may be heard. Then the officials or protesting contestant will have one more turn, then the contestant (shooter on the line) will have the final comment.
    1. Committee members will refrain from expressing any opinion or verdict upon a dispute in progress.
    1. When the committee is satisfied that they are in possession of all information and evidence relevant to the dispute, they will deliberate privately. The Mediator will explain to the committee all pertinent rules and enforcement policies relevant to the case. The committee will reach their decision by majority vote.
    1. After the committee has made the ruling the Mediator will summon the compliant, the official(s), and the Host and the committee will then deliver its judgement.
    1. It is the responsibility of the Host to implement the decision.
    1. The decision of the Arbitration Committee shall be final and may not be protested, unless in the opinion of the Host or Mediator, new evidence forthcoming warrants reconsideration.
  1. On targets where White Lithium Grease is used, only the Hand Judge and Line Judge may approach the target to confirm a hit or miss.

B. SCORING

  1. INDEX: Index events are those in which each shots is recorded and all recorded scores are totaled to determine the overall winner. No other method of determining an overall winner may be used. One contestant or more will shoot at a time; if more than one (Elimination Style), it must be advertised in the Newsletter.
    1. Ties in overall scores for which prizes are to be awarded shall be broken by each tied contestant re-shooting three shots of the last event in the contest. A second tie shall be broken by re-shooting one shot of the last event in that contest. If one of the tied contestants is ineligible or not present to break a tie, that contestant automatically forfeits the shoot-off. If neither contestant is eligible or present to break a tie, the tie shall be broken by the fastest shot that each contestant fired in that contest.
    2. Official or approved W.F.D.A. score sheets must be used.
    3. All scores shall be recorded in thousandths of a second.
    4. A score of 1.000, or one second, shall be given for missed shots, except doubles.
    5. Recorded scores will be totaled, then immediately re-totaled by a different scorekeeper.
    6. More than one shot per draw, except doubles, is not allowed. Penalty: Loss of shot.
    7. Any host shall be given the option to use the "Inverted Score Shooting Order". The purpose of this system is to make the end of the contest more exciting for both the shooters and spectators. It is done by adding all scores prior to the last event. The contestants are then numbered for shooting for shooting order in the last event by their standings in the prior events. Thus, the contestant who is last in the standings shall shot first. A list of shooting order must be posted prior to starting the event. The host may elect to allow a designated number of contestants with the highest standings to shoot one at a time, even if the rest of the contest is run with multiple targets.
    8. In any two or three day contest the shooting order may not be reversed.
    9. There will be no classification in Index contests.
    10. If the timing equipment malfunctions and the target is hit, the contestant may either:
    1. Take the shot over and receive that time, hit or miss.
    2. Take an average of all clean hits in that event except recovery shots (shots fired after the first attempt to fire fails).
    1. If a contestant fails to register a clean hit for averaging purposes, three (3) more attempts will be allowed to secure a clean hit. If a clean hit is not accomplished during the three (3) additional attempts, the shot in question will be declared a miss. Only one such hit is sufficient for an average. A contestant shooting for an average shall use the same style used in that event.
    1. In Step Back or Step Up Wax event, an average must be secured at whatever distance the malfunction occurs. Example: Malfunction at 10’, the contestant must return to that distance to secure a (clean hit), after completion of the entire event.
    1. Timing equipment malfunctions on a recovery shot must be re-shot when the target is hit. Recovery shots are not considered "clean hits".
  1. ELIMINATION: Elimination events are those in which two competitors receive the signal light at the same time, the fastest hit winning.
    1. Elimination may be either single, double elimination, etc., i.e., a contestant is defeated once, twice, or more before being eliminated from an event.
    1. Around winner will be determined by the best two (2) out of three (3) or best three (3) out of (5) shots.
    1. Contestants shall stand on the same line facing the same direction with a minimum of 8’ separating the targets. In lieu of this requirement, a protective barrier may separate the contestants and targets.
    1. All elimination shall be one shot per target per draw.
    1. Micro-switches must be used in all blank Elimination events. The micro-switches must be calibrated as follows:
    1. Place the balloon stands close enough together so that one blank will break both balloons.
    1. Fire a blank round to break both balloons simultaneously. Both channels of the timer must read identical times at least three consecutive times before calibration is complete.
    1. Scores read from the dual channel timer shall be used to determine the winner of a shot. All scores, including lost shots, shall be recorded on an official W.F.D.A. Elimination score sheet.
    1. Tied scores must be re-shot.
    1. If a time cannot be read from both channels, the shot must be taken over, providing both contestants hit the target.
    1. If a time cannot be read from both channels, after both contestants shoot and only one hits the target, the contestant with the hit wins the shot with a No-Time.
    1. The time limit for elimination shall be whatever the miss penalty would be for that event in an Index contest. Any shot or shots fired after the time limit, shall be declared a miss.
    1. In elimination contests with more than one event the overall results will be determined on the basis of inverted points. Each contestant receives one point for entering each event plus one point for each opponent defeated. A contestant wins one point for winning the bye. Determine overall standings by adding points earned in each event.
    1. Pairing of contestants shall be by random draw only. If an odd number of contestants remain in the contest, pairs will be drawn until three (3) names are left. The fastest single shot receives the bye.
    1. (Host’s Option) Contestants in Elimination contests will be matched up in rounds according to the number of X’s in that contest. Winners will be matched with winners and losers will be matched with losers, from the previous round. All remaining rounds will be randomly drawn. Example: In a 3X contest, there will be a container for winners and a container for losers in each class, In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, the matches will be drawn from separate containers filled from the prior round. The 4th and following rounds will all be mixed together and randomly drawn.
    1. Ties in overall standings, for which there are prizes or awards, shall be broken by running a single elimination event. The tie-breaking event may be picked by the host from among those events in the contest, and must be previously advertised. A bye winner in a tie-breaking shoot-off automatically wins the highest place of those tied. Ties in overall standings, for which there are no prizes or awards, shall be broken by the fastest shot fired by the tied contestants in that contest.
    1. Single shot standing balloon elimination cannot be shot as unclassified elimination unless two (2) or more events are in the contest.
    1. Contestants who jump the light (anticipation) will lose that shot to their opponent with "No-Time", regardless.
  1. Index and Elimination events shall not be mixed in any contest except the All-Around World Championship and Progressive Eliminator.
    1. Progressive Eliminator may be used as an alternate method to determine final overall placement.
    1. The host shall determine in advance how many places will qualify.
    1. It may be single or multiple X.
  1. Scores will be posted at all Chairman and Vice-Chairman sanctioned contests, as each contestant finishes each event, in a manner and size large enough to be read by contestants and spectators.
    1. The posting board shall be stationed well away from both the shooting area and score keeping area.
    2. Posted scores are not official scores.
  1. Classification for Elimination contests:
    1. S/B 4" @ 8’, S/B 4" @ 10’, S/B 9" @ 12’, S/W @ 8’, S/W @ 10’ (Open Style).
    1. There shall be four (4) classes in the Men’s Division and three (3) classes in the Women’s Division. Men’s C and Women’s B are at Host Option.
    1. Men’s Division AA .000 to .259

A .260 to .299

B .300 to .379

Optional. C .380 and up.

    1. Women’s Division AA .000 to .319

A .320 to .379

Optional B .380 and up.

    1. S/B 4" @ 8’, S/B 4" @ 10’, S/B 9" @ 12’, S/W @ 8’, S/W @ 10’ (Traditional Style).
    1. There shall be three (3) classes in the Men’s Division and three (3) classes in the Women’s Division.
    1. Men’s Division AA .000 to .339

A .340 to .399

B .400 and up.

    1. Women’s Division AA .000 to .399

A .400 to .499

B .500 and up

    1. S/W @ 12’, S/W @ 15’ (Open or Traditional).
    1. There shall be three (3) classes in the Men’s Division and two (2) classes in the Women’s Division.
    1. Men’s Division AA .000 to .399

A .400 to .499

B .500 and up

    1. Women’s Division AA .000 to .499

A .500 and up

    1. This Elimination Classification system is to be used for events shown above only. An Elimination contest that has two (2) or more events will be shot as unclassified.
    1. A contestant may enter any class he/she may desire.
    1. In the event a member is not classified (due to no time recorded or because they are a new shooter), they will be classified at that contest. The competitor will be required to shoot a minimum of three (3) shots in order to record a time for the purpose of classification.
    1. If a contestant shoots out of class with a faster time it will be scored a miss. In order for the opponent to win the shot they must score a hit no faster than their class limits.
    1. There will be a minimum of three (3) trophies awarded in each class.
    1. A contestant has the right to request the B.O.D. to adjust their class, in writing, because of permanent physical conditions. The B.O.D. by majority vote can approve the request, at a meeting, by phone or mail.
    1. In classified elimination the winners of Men’s AA Class and Women’s AA will be considered the Overall Champions of that contest.
  1. SHOOT UNTIL HIT: Host may choose " Shoot Until Hit" format, advertised in advance.
    1. On single target events the miss penalty will be two (2) seconds.
    1. On double target events the miss penalty will be three (3) seconds.
    1. The host must provide safe loading tables off of the firing line, which are surrounded on three sides by a backstop material capable of stopping a wax bullet.
    1. Competitors must leave the line to reload their weapons.
    1. Guns must be holstered while not on the firing line or away from the loading booth. Guns must be holstered before turning around to leave the loading booth.
    1. Contestants may load in the loading booth while in "the hole".
    1. Shoot until hit can be run Index or Elimination.
    1. In case of anticipation the shooter receives the miss penalty.
    1. In double target events, the left target must be engaged first (if right handed), and opposite if left-handed. The contestant may re-engage the first target either before or after the second target is engaged.

C. EVENTS

  1. The events listed below are the only ones that may be used in a sanctioned contest and must be advertised in advance. Abbreviations are located to the right.
    1. Wax events: Standard Silhouette, Balloon-Disc, Standard Rectangle, Standard Plate, 9" Impact Target, * 9" Balloon Target and Blocker Target.
    1. Standing Wax: 5’, 8’, 10’, 12’, and 15’ S/W
    1. Step Back Wax: 5’, 8’, 10’, 12’, and 15’ S/B/W
    1. Step Up Wax: 15’, 12’, 10’, 8’, and 5’ S/UP/W
    1. Walking Wax: 15’, moving target. W/W
    1. Walking Wax: 15’ to 12’, stationary target. W/W
    1. Walking Wax: 21’ to 15’, stationary target. W/W
    1. Double Wax: 12’, targets 8’ center to center. D/W
    1. Double Wax: 8’, targets 6’ center to center. D/W
    1. Standing Wax: 12’, * 9" balloon S/W

* The 9" balloon target may only be used as a wax target at a distance of 12’.

    1. Blank Events: 4" Balloon Target and 9" Balloon Target.
    1. Standing Blanks, 4" balloons, at 8’ and 10’. S/B
    1. Standing Blanks, 9" balloons at 12’. S/B
    1. Step Back Blanks, 5’, 8’, 10’, 12’, 15’. S/B/B
    1. Walking Blanks, 4" balloons, at 8’, moving target. W/B
    1. Walking Blanks, 4" balloons, 12’-8’, stationary target. W/B
    1. Double Blanks, 4" balloons, at 8’, targets 6’ center to center D/B
    1. Double Blanks, 9" balloons, at 12’, targets 8’ center to center D/B
    1. Walk and Draw Level (Elimination Only). W/D/L
  1. An event includes all shots fired at one type of target, at a specified distance, and with specified ammunition. The number of shots fired is immaterial in defining an event or round.
  1. Walking events shall be conducted as follows:
    1. Moving targets, the target shall be pushed at a rate which keeps it the specified distance from the shooter.
    1. Stationary targets, the shooter shall start at a "toe line" three (3) feet beyond the furthest shooting position from the target.
    1. The contestant must start a normal walk and continue at the same pace until the shot is fired. Penalty: First occurrence will result in a warning. Second violation will result in a loss of that shot. Only one warning per event.
    1. After the walk and draw has started, the shooter may not touch the gun or any part of the rig before the signal light. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. The following rules apply to all Blank Events.
    1. The center of the balloon shall not be placed lower than the center of a contestant’s gun belt buckle while standing in a normal upright position. The contestant will walk up to the balloon stand to adjust the height accordingly. Penalty: Loss of shot.
  1. The following rules apply to the double target events:
    1. The target centers will be placed at the specified distance, with the front center of a 14"X14" box placed at the specified shooting distance from each target. (See Illustration J).
    2. The contestant’s holstered gun must be within the 14"X 14" box as indicated above. Penalty: Loss of shot.
    1. The penalty for a miss shall be a maximum of 1.000 per target. The total time shall be as follows.

Number of Hits Score

Hit both targets Time on second target

Hit first, missed second Time on first + 1.000

Missed first, hit second Time on second + 1.000

    1. The targets will be shot in order from left (first target) to right (second target) for a right-handed contestant and from right (first target) to left (second target) for a left-handed contestant.
    1. The penalty for firing more than two (2) shots in a double target event will be two (2) misses, unless it is designated a "shoot until hit" event.
    1. If a timing equipment malfunction occurs on hit targets, and no other similar scores are available to average, the following shall apply.

First Target Second Target Ruling

Target hit but Target hit but Shoot until both

timer malfunctioned timer malfunctioned targets are hit again.

(3 tries maximum)

Target missed Target hit but Shoot until both

Timer malfunctioned targets are hit again.

(3 tries maximum)

Add 1.000 to second

Score.

Target hit Target missed Shoot until both

Timer malfunctioned targets are hit again.

(3 tries maximum)

Add 1.000 to first

Target score.

D. TRADITIONAL STYLE CONTESTS

POLICY PURPOSE:

  1. The essence of a Traditional Style contest is to preserve the Western appearance of Fast Draw while maintaining a high level of competition.
    1. Thumbing, ram fanning, and slap cocking only. No twisting draws of any kind will be permitted.
    1. Contestant assumes position in an area not exceeded by 2’ X 2’ square.
    1. Stance is a semi-relaxed, upright position. No exaggerated stances or crouches will be permitted or tolerated.
  1. At the Host’s option, a Traditional contest may be Thumbing only.

E. TWISTING STYLE CONTESTS

POLICY PURPOSE:

  1. The essence of a Twisting contest is to preserve the historical evolution of the word Fast in Fast Draw.
    1. Twist-fanning and Twist-thumbing only. No traditional draws will be allowed. There must be an obvious twist to the draw.
    1. Any style of holster outlined in the Rulebook will be permitted.
  1. At the option of the host, any contest may be Twisting only.

F. OPEN STYLE CONTESTS

POLICY PURPOSE:

  1. The purpose of Open Style contests is to allow all styles of Fast Draw Shooters to compete against each other.
    1. Twist fanning, up-fanning, ram-fanning, slap cocking, and thumbing styles may all be used.
    1. Any style of holster outlined in the Rulebook will be permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART V  HOST REQUIREMENTS

A.  HOST RESPONSIBILITIES

    1.       It is the Host’s responsibility to run a contest sanctioned by the W.F.D.A. according to all Rules & By-Laws to the best of their ability. It is the Host’s duty to see that a contest is properly manned with the number of officials necessary to enforce the rules. The Host may request a list of Certified Range Officers from the W.F.D.A. in advance.

    2.       There must always be a Certified Ranger acting in the capacity of Line Supervisor to oversee all Safety regulations ensuring that all rules are enforced at a Chairman Sanctioned contest.


B.  SITE SELECTION

    1.       The host shall select a site which:

      a.   Is flat and relatively smooth. For walking events, the walkway should be void of protuberances which might trip a contestant.

      b.  Can be surrounded by a barrier for safety (i.e., roped off, etc.)

      c.   Is protected if inclement weather is expected, if possible.


C.  SITE PREPARATION

    1.       The contest site should be oriented to prevent contestants from looking directly into the sun. The shooting area shall be prepared as follows:

      a.   The shooting area shall be surrounded by a barrier (roped off, etc.) which will prevent shooters or spectators from inadvertently wandering into the line of fire. Only one entrance will be established to the rear of the shooting area. No shooter or spectator shall be allowed downrange from the shooting line closer than eight (8) feet laterally to the backstop.

      b.  Backstops are mandatory at all sanctioned contests. Backstops are to run beyond the target at an intersection point of at least forty-five (45) degrees from the farthest shooting position. Backstops to be a minimum ninety (90) inches high and are to be constructed of 5/8” plywood minimum for wax events and ½” plywood for blank events. Targets to be a maximum of two (2) feet up-range from the backstop.

      c.   A large table and sufficient chairs shall be placed behind the shooting line preferably on the right for the clock operator and scorekeepers.

      d.  Every contest shall have a Line Official provided by the host.

      e.   The shooting line shall be distinctly marked on the ground surface.

      f.    Hosts of all sanctioned contests shall post the Safety Rules in a conspicuous place and conduct a safety meeting before the commencement of each day of shooting.

      g.  If handicapped competitors are in attendance, suitable access to the shooting area and facilities should be provided. It is the handicapped contestant’s responsibility to inform the Host of requirements in advance.


D.  DRY FIRE AREA

    1.       A dry fire area is mandatory and must meet the following minimum criteria:

      a.   It shall be no closer than seventy-five (75) feet from any shooting site, unless there is a suitable sound barrier.

      b.  It must be placed along a building or wall, solid fence, or other backstop, which would stop a wax bullet.

      c.   It must be surrounded by a barrier (roped off, etc.) to prevent shooters or spectators from wandering in front of practicing shooters.

Return to W.F.D.A. Main Page