Who Is Allowed To File A Challenge In Competition?

by
posted on March 18, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lead.jpg

The rules of challenging depend on several factors and often change between disciplines. For example, in most NRA competitions, a competitor may file a challenge, while most team competitions allow only the team captain to make the official challenge. Team members who believe they have reason to challenge are to state the facts to their captain, who is then allowed to make the challenge on behalf of the team. Aside from the competitors themselves, certain match officials have the ability to challenge.

For a complete explanation of the rules and regulations of challenges and protests in your discipline, refer to section 16 of the appropriate NRA rulebook. Parties who file a challenge will be charged a fee. If the challenge is sustained, the fee will be returned to the party, if it is lost, the fee will go toward the general revenue of the tournament.

Read the example below from the 2017 NRA Action Pistol rules:

16.1 Challenges—When a competitor feels that a shot fired by himself or by another competitor has been improperly evaluated or scored, he may challenge the scoring. A minimum challenge fee of $1.00 with a maximum fee of $25.00 may be charged to all competitors making challenge. The fee will be collected before making the first recheck of the challenged score. If the competitor’s challenge is sustained at any point along the line of rechecks, the challenge fee will be returned to him. If the challenge is lost, the challenge fee will be included in the general revenue of the tournament. The decision of the Official Referee, Jury or Supervisor will be final.

Latest

1 Lede 2026 Newpistol Roundup
1 Lede 2026 Newpistol Roundup

New For 2026: Top Handguns

Eleven standout handguns—from race-ready steel to modular pistols and a modern revolver—highlight the biggest trends emerging from SHOT Show 2026.

New: Real Avid Master Collection for 1911

The 1911 Master Collection brings together tools, cleaning gear and chemicals in a single kit designed for straightforward at‑home maintenance of the classic handgun platform.

Collegiate Rifle: 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championship Results

Nebraska secures 2026 PRC Championship title in Fort Wayne with balanced scoring in both guns, topping Ole Miss and TCU for its first league title in two decades.

Kim Rhode Receives NSSF’s Top Honor at SHOT Show 2026

Olympic legend Kim Rhode is honored by NSSF for a career that reshaped competitive shooting and expanded its future.

NRA Announces 2026 America’s Rifle Challenge Match Director Summit

NRA launches the 2026 ARC Match Director Summit, a hands-on, three-day training experience designed to elevate competition leadership, safety and match quality nationwide.

How To Watch Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Biathlon Events

A complete viewer’s guide to Olympic biathlon at Milan Cortina 2026, including TV and streaming schedules, race formats, scoring rules and what makes each event unique.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.