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CHAPTER 2: Range and Course Construction
The following general regulations of course construction list the criteria, responsibilities and restrictions applicable to
courses of fire in IPSC matches. Course designers, host organizations and officials are governed by these regulations.

2.1

General Regulations

2.1.1

Physical Construction – Safety considerations in the design, physical construction, and stated requirements
for any course of fire are the responsibility of the host organization subject to the approval of the Range
Master. Reasonable effort must be made to prevent injury to competitors, officials and spectators during the
match. Course design should prevent inadvertent unsafe actions wherever possible. Consideration must be
given to the operation of any course of fire to provide suitable access for officials supervising the
competitors.

2.1.2

Safe Angles of Fire – Courses of fire must always be constructed taking into account safe angles of fire.
Consideration must be given to safe target and frame construction and the angle of any possible ricochets.
Where appropriate the physical dimensions and suitability of backstops and side berms must be determined
as part of the construction process. Unless otherwise specified, the default maximum muzzle angle is 90
degrees in all directions, measured from the front of the competitor facing directly center downrange.
Violations are subject to Rule 10.5.2.
2.1.2.1

Subject to the direction and approval of the Regional Director, stage(s) or range specific muzzle
angles (reduced or increased) may be permitted. Violations are subject to Rule 10.5.2. Full details
of the applicable angles and any conditional factors (e.g. a reduced vertical muzzle angle only
applies when a finger is inside the trigger guard), must be published in advance of the match and
must be included in the written stage briefings (also see Section 2.3).

2.1.3

Minimum Distances – Whenever rigid targets or rigid hard cover are used in a course of fire, precautions
must be taken so that competitors and Match Officials maintain a safe minimum distance from them while
they are being shot. Where possible, this should be done with physical barriers. Care should also be taken in
respect of props in the line of fire.

2.1.4

Target Locations – When a course is constructed to include target locations other than immediately
downrange, organizers and officials must protect or restrict surrounding areas to which competitors, officials
or spectators have access. Each competitor must be permitted to solve the competitive problem in his own
way and must not be hindered by being forced to act in any manner which might cause unsafe action.
Targets must be arranged so that shooting at them as presented will not cause competitors to breach safe
angles of fire.

2.1.5

Range Surface – Where possible, the range surface must be prepared prior to the match, and be kept
moderately clear of debris during the match, to provide reasonable safety for competitors and officials.
Consideration should be given to the possibility of inclement weather and competitor actions. Match
Officials may add gravel, sand or other materials to a deteriorated range surface at any time, and such range
maintenance actions may not be appealed by competitors.

2.1.6

Obstacles – Natural or created obstacles in a course of fire should reasonably allow for variations in
competitors' height and physical build and should be constructed to provide reasonable safety for all
competitors, Match Officials and spectators.

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