RodUpon reading the new 2024 rules I was curious about how the new rules committee addressed the "spirit of the rules" philosophy.
Page 6 of the new 2024 NRA rules governing F-Class:
SPIRIT OF F-CLASS Modern F-Class competition was born in Canada and evolved from and remains a form of High Power Rifle competition. The spirit of these Rules demand that F-Class competition remain true to its parent (High Power Fullbore) and demands that F-Class refrain from becoming a form of “prone benchrest”. While it is both inevitable and desirable that the American competitive spirit generate improvements in technology and equipment, it is also imperative that F-Class High Power Rifle Competition not devolve into an “arms race” based upon technological advances such that F-Class no longer resembles its parent or remains true to the spirit of its origin. When interpreting these Rules pertaining to equipment, the question should be asked “Is this consistent with what was envisioned when F-Class began?”
And here is the original and still current (2018) wording from the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations rules and regulations for F-Class Rifle shooting.
F1.11. The spirit of the F-Class Rules is to encourage innovation, and Match Referees and Committees will bear this philosophy in mind in ruling on issues not covered by these rules.
So here are my thoughts:
Should innovation be encouraged or restricted?
As a manufacturer of F-Class equipment I have always had the philosophy that innovation and new technology, within the boundaries of existing rules, and did not conflict with a standing rule (making it illegal) should therefore be allowed.
It would seem after reading the new NRA interpretation regarding "spirit of the rules" that this is not the current philosophy and is in fact reflected by the new 2024 rules. So with this interpretation of "spirit of the Rule" what is next??
I'm about done preaching now but here are my final thoughts:
The "Spirit of the Rule" meaning, and intent, has been bastardized by the new NRA rules and no longer encourages innovation. Why should I spend time, energy, or cash to design new gear for F-Class shooters only to have it restricted by the next meeting of the rules committee?
Furthermore, I would argue for changing what we call this class, like maybe from "F-Open" to F-Restricted or F-Limited because that's the direction it's headed.
BTW, when has it not been a race? That's kind of the point of competition.
These are just my opinions, and I do feel better now!
Rod
No more free recoiling for the open guys… this is gonna be bigger than Carpet GateA few points that stand out on first look:
As far as electronics, this is the only mention in the book that I found
View attachment 1521774
Other newly added items I found as well
View attachment 1521773
View attachment 1521772
The HP committee is/was formed by shooters of all the disciplines who got together. Believe Earl Liebetrau was or was at one time one of the F-Class rep on the old committee, but the members are people who shoot F-class. Last year or at some time they decided to remove F-Class from the committee and form its own committee hence the new rule book. However you never know who is on the committee unless they come right out and say and the last several years the chairman has kept that secret. Dennis WIlling was way more open about how stuff worked and would let you know who was on the committee. Also you never know what is discussed, what their rationales are, etc. Only time you get information is if you know someone who is on it, kind of like a secret society.Someone enlighten me but who makes the rules within the NRA? I assume it is a committee of some sort. Is this committee composed of F class shooters? And if so, who are they? It's not about the rules, it's about control.![]()
"Secret Society"The HP committee is/was formed by shooters of all the disciplines who got together. Believe Earl Liebetrau was or was at one time one of the F-Class rep on the old committee, but the members are people who shoot F-class. Last year or at some time they decided to remove F-Class from the committee and form its own committee hence the new rule book. However you never know who is on the committee unless they come right out and say and the last several years the chairman has kept that secret. Dennis WIlling was way more open about how stuff worked and would let you know who was on the committee. Also you never know what is discussed, what their rationales are, etc. Only time you get information is if you know someone who is on it, kind of like a secret society.
LOL well as far as who the members are and what they discuss, etc. Maybe that wasn't the best word not like they are the Skull and bones at Harvard. But the NRA won't tell you anymore and you only find out if you know former members as they know who is on. For example at the NRA Nationals Dennis would have at the table Himself, Walt (HP Chair) and then 3 or 4 committee members, he'd introduce them and say who the others were that weren't present. Now its just Walt and Aaron and the other members aren't introduced, some are in the crowd but you aren't told who is on the committee anymore."Secret Society"
![]()
Not really...why, way back in 2012 or so, I recall this same discussion occurring on this forum when a ban on "free recoil" was realized residing in the rules for F-Class competition and was being bantered around by forum members. It's nothing new for me. It's been the rule for quite some time!Here we go.
2024 will be the year that F-Class goes WOKE.
Nailed it, Danny!!(Could be the reason some of the forum members have drug out their "popcorn munching" comics!)![]()