New Shooter Guide: Sporting Clays Tournament Etiquette
BE SAFE • BE READY • BE COURTEOUS • KEEP MOVING • ASK QUESTIONS • HAVE FUN
New to registered sporting clays? Welcome!
Sporting clays is a fun, challenging and social shotgun sport enjoyed by shooters of every skill level. Your first tournament can feel a little intimidating, but it doesn't need to be.
You don't have to shoot a great score to fit in. Knowing a few basic customs, being safe and helping your squad keep moving are far more important.
Here are some simple guidelines that will help you feel comfortable and confident at your next event.
"golf with a shotgun"
1. Come Prepared to Shoot
A tournament isn't the best place for an extended shooting lesson. Ideally, you should have some basic experience with your shotgun and sporting clays before entering your first competition.
That doesn't mean you need to be an expert!
Fellow shooters are usually happy to offer an occasional suggestion or some encouragement. Just avoid lengthy coaching conversations while your squad is trying to complete a station.
Beginner Tip: If you're unsure about something, ask. Sporting clays shooters are generally very welcoming to newcomers.
2. Be Ready When It's Your Turn
One of the easiest ways to be a good squad member is simply to pay attention to the shooting order.
As your turn approaches:
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Have your shotgun ready.
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Have enough ammunition available for the station.
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Know when you're next.
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Review the station menu or target sequence.
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Make any necessary choke changes before your turn when possible.
There's no reason to rush your actual shooting. Take your time when you're in the station.
The goal is simply to avoid unnecessary delays between shooters.
You are automatically a member of the Illinois Sporting Clays Association by being a member of the National Sporting Clays Association and residing in the state of Illinois.
3. Know Your Squad's Shooting Order
A sporting clays squad commonly consists of approximately four to six shooters.
At the first station, establish a shooting order. The first shooter should then rotate from station to station so everyone gets a fair opportunity to lead the squad.
For example:
Station 1: A – B – C – D – E
Station 2: B – C – D – E – A
Station 3: C – D – E – A – B
ISCA's guide to sporting clays also explains this rotation for shooters who are unfamiliar with how a typical round works.
4. Share Scoring and Pulling Duties
At events where referees, scorers or target pullers are provided, they'll handle these responsibilities.
When they aren't provided, everyone on the squad should help.
A common approach is for shooters later in the rotation to begin pulling and scoring. After a few shooters have completed the station, hand those duties to someone who has already shot so the remaining shooters have time to prepare.
Good squad etiquette means everyone pitches in.
5. Keep the Squad Moving
When your squad finishes a station, gather your equipment and clear the area so the next squad can move in.
For events using assigned starting stations or a shotgun start, continue through the course in the prescribed station order unless a shoot official directs you otherwise.
European rotation events may provide more flexibility in where you begin and how you move through the course. Follow the specific instructions provided by the host club or shoot management.
Most importantly, don't create unnecessary conflicts with other squads. A little courtesy keeps the entire event moving.
6. Give the Squad Ahead of You Some Space
If another squad is still shooting when you reach the next station, don't crowd the station.
Remain back with your squad and keep conversation to a minimum while they're shooting. Allow them to finish and begin clearing the station before your group moves in.
This minimizes distractions and is one of the simplest courtesies you can extend to other competitors.
If you're the first shooter for your squad, you may sometimes be able to quietly observe the targets from behind the active squad. This can help you understand the presentation and prepare before your squad's turn.
Do so without interfering with or distracting the shooters ahead of you.
7. Be Ready for the View Targets
The first shooter at a station will normally have the opportunity to view the target presentation before shooting begins. Local event procedures may vary.
Wait until your squad is present and paying attention before calling for the view targets.
Everyone should get the benefit of seeing them.
Once you've seen the presentation, read the station menu carefully and make sure you understand the sequence before shooting.
8. Safety Always Comes First
Etiquette matters, but safety matters more.
Always follow the host club's safety requirements and the applicable rules of the event.
Among the fundamentals, your shotgun should remain unloaded until you're properly in the shooting station and ready to shoot, and it should be opened and empty before you leave the station. NSCA rules specifically address these procedures.
Never hesitate to stop and ask a referee or shoot official if you're unsure about a safety procedure.
"Dead Pair"
9. Know the Rules of the Game You're Shooting
Ultimately, each shooter is responsible for knowing the rules.
Before competing in a registered event, spend a little time reviewing the current NSCA Official Rules & Regulations.
Sporting Clays, FITASC and 5-Stand aren't exactly the same. Each discipline has procedures and rules you should understand before competing.
You don't need to memorize the entire rulebook before your first tournament. Familiarizing yourself with the basics will make you more confident and make the event run more smoothly.
10. Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Everyone was a new shooter once.
If you don't understand the shooting order, how a target will be presented, where your squad should go next or another tournament procedure, ask someone.
Start with:
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A more experienced squad member
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The station referee
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A shoot official
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Club staff
Most experienced sporting clays shooters are happy to help someone who is learning the game.
The Most Important Rule: Have Fun
Your first tournament isn't about proving how good you are.
Meet some shooters. Learn how tournaments work. Break some targets. Miss some targets. Enjoy the course.
Be safe, be courteous, be ready when it's your turn and help your squad when needed.
You'll fit right in.
