Coaches – Each team must have one (and only one) adult Head Coach, designated on the registration form, and present during practice and competition. The designated coach is the only adult permitted to discuss procedures, ask questions, or advocate for his or her team with range officials. The coach must be designated on the official entry form and approved by the appropriate state 4-H program leader or state 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator or their official representative.
Coaching – As a general rule, limited coaching is permitted as described in this section; but some events and some CRO may have different guidelines for coaches. It is each coach’s responsibility to know what is allowed in the discipline/event they are coaching. Coaches may not create a disturbance, upset either their competitors or others, create unnecessary delays, or otherwise interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the range and execution of the matches. Coaches may assist participants during prep time, setting up equipment, spotting sighter shots, and offering positive advice and support. Unless you are called to the line by range officials, coaches will remain in the coaches’ area. The coach’s area will be set up behind the competitor-ready line. Coaches will remain behind that line once preparation time ends, unless called to a firing point by the referee. Once record shooting begins, no coaching is permitted unless initiated by the competitor through the range officer and with his or her permission. Coaches may NOT initiate contact with their competitors. Unless authorized by the CRO, coaches may not handle firearms/equipment, nor may they advance to the firing line once the match has begun. Coaches may use spotting scopes to observe shot placement. NO cell phones, radios, smart watches, earbuds, or other electronic communication devices may be used by competitors, coaches, or others on or in the immediate vicinity of competitive ranges during active competition. Specific coaching instructions may be issued on the ranges for each event. PLEASE NOTE: Non-verbal coaching is permitted in air rifle (Rule 5.2.2), provided it does not disturb other competitors. Except for coaching permitted in Rules 5.2.1, other forms of coaching or communication such as talking or the use of electronic communications between a competitor and coach while the competitor is on the firing line are prohibited.
Spotters and Scorers in All Matches – Each competitor may have one spotter with them on the firing line who may have a scope or binoculars to advise the competitor where shots are hitting. The spotter will also keep time and advise the competitor in a quiet voice. The spotter may not touch the competitor or the competitor’s equipment after the competitor assumes their position on the firing line. The spotter may be positioned beside or behind the competitor but not forward of the competitor. Coaches and parents may not be Spotters. Spotters can only be registered competitors within that event. An official scorer, either from another team or an event official will be assigned as an official scorer. Match directors will provide instruction as needed for scorers.