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

Throom SBR Silh 1
Throom SBR Silh 1

Review: Throom Smallbore Silhouettes

These polymer Knockdown targets are regulation-sized smallbore silhouettes that reset themselves—ideal for high-volume training

All About Eley .22 LR Trial Packs

Eley’s .22 LR Trial Packs offer shooters a convenient way to test and compare top-tier match-grade ammo to find the perfect pairing for their specific firearm

Legends: Robert Aylward 1951-2025

The shooting sports community mourns the loss of Robert Aylward, who sadly passed away on September 14, 2025.

New: MFT Storage Cube

Mission First Tactical unveils a compact, lightweight storage cube designed for easy transport of gear, ammo and accessories

Hillsdale College Hosts First Men’s Training for Liberty Firearms Retreat at Halter Center

Hillsdale College held its inaugural men’s firearms retreat in August, offering training, catered meals and lectures at its John Anthony Halter Shooting Sports Education Center

Smith & Wesson Opens New Training Academy

Smith & Wesson opens a cutting-edge training academy in Tennessee, offering expert-led firearm courses

Interests



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