New (2025) F-Class Rulebook

[Stumpy1]

Hi All,

Just thought folks would like to know that there is a new, revised version of the F-Class Rulebook out there.

https://competitions.nra.org/media/10006/2025-f-class-rulebook.pdf

One of the issues previously discussed in last year's thread was 'electronic devices' -much more clarity now.

AND! The picture on the front depicts an F-Class shooter

Frank

• 3.22 Electronic Devices—Competitors are responsible for ensuring all
electronic communications and audio devices in their possession forward of
the Ready Line are silenced and communications disabled.
(a) During team matches only; team members may communicate with
each other via hard-wired or wireless communications devices. These
communication devices must not transmit over a radio frequency, and
must not interfere with safety, range operations or other competitors.
(b) No electronic devices are allowed on the firing line except electronic
hearing protection, timers, illuminated reticles, and digital devices
for the purposes of scoring electronic targets.
(c) Radars, chronographs and other devices designed to measure bullet
velocity are prohibited on the line.
(d) Cell phones that have been rendered incapable from communicating
(“airplane mode”) are permitted on the line and in the pits.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

A couple of thoughts. Bluetooth and Wi-fi are communication protocols that operate over radio frequencies; 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and more recently 6GHz for Wi-Fi 6E and low energy Bluetooth. As I had suggested some months ago, the wording for the hard-wired or wireless team communications devices should be changed to say they should not be transmitting over common radio freqs such as VHF, UHF, FRS, GMRS, MURS, or the 800MHz or 900MHz bands. I would suggest you simply say they should be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi based. The goal is to prevent communications with between line and pits (distance) and also to not interfere with range operations, which may use FRS radios (walkie-talkies.) The BT and Wi-Fi are very much distance limited.

Another thing is that I use a tablet (Wi-Fi) or my smartphone on the line to communicate with the access point for scoring. If I place them in Airplane mode, they are useless for the purpose. You should say that these devices need to have cell service/mobile networks disabled.

Team comms: Must be hardwired or BT/Wi-Fi only.

All others: Disable access to Mobile Networks or Cell service. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only are allowed on the line.

I will also mention the obvious that with electronic targets usage and no competitors in the pits, the entire issue is moot.

 

[Albany Mountain]

I can go airplane mode and still run Bluetooth and WiFi.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

It seems that the attempt at "clarity" has somewhat failed.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I can go airplane mode and still run Bluetooth and WiFi.

Correct. But if you just go in Airplane mode, it cuts off everything. You then have to turn on Wi-Fi and/or BT. Some smartphones even remember the proper settings, depending on use. Also, old folks like me can fumble trying to remember the settings. I thought I would simply explain that you need to turn off Mobile Network//Cell access. Don't try to guess how they would do that, just say: turn that off.

This is how people get tangled up in rules.

Of course, once I leave the range and enable the mobile networks, I get deluged with all manners of texts, notifications and emails. The joys of 21st century life for grand seniors.

 

[memilanuk]

Kinda disappointed that there's not a separate list of changes/revisions like there is for (most of) the other disciplines.

 

[rardoin]

It seems that the attempt at "clarity" has somewhat failed.

Well, that's clear!

 

[bpd459]

Were there competitors at the 2025 SWN caught on their cell phones while on line? There should have been a public call out of the offenders.