Introduction to the ISSF Discipline

The shotgun disciplines are Double Trap (DTR), Skeet (known as Olympic Skeet in GB) and Trap (known as Olympic Trap in GB). Usually shot in squads of six.

Cartridges: Max of 24g for all three disciplines.
Rules: www.issf-sports.org/theissf/rules.ashx

(Olympic) Skeet:

First shot in the Olympic Games in 1968. Also known as OSK.

In brief:

• Shot ‘gun down’ with toe of the gun on or below the line which is attached to the shoot vest just below the natural drop of the elbow (rule 9.9.3.9).
• Shot on a skeet range (rule 6.4.21.3). A sequence of single/double targets is shot from eight stands for a round of 25 targets (rule 9.9.3.2).
• The targets are released between instant up to three seconds from the ‘call’.
• Thrown to a distance of 68 meters (+/- 1m) at a height of 4.6 metres at the centre point. Targets must be shot within the boundaries.
• Women shoot 75 targets in the qualifying rounds; the top six scores qualify for the finals.
• Men shoot 125 targets in the qualifying rounds plus finals.
• The finals consist of: semi finals and medal matches of 16 targets shot from stands 3, 4, and 5.
• The two highest scoring athletes qualify for the gold medal match to decide gold and silver, next two the bronze medal match to decide bronze and fourth. (rule 9.17.2.7.c)

(Olympic) Trap:

First shot in the Olympic Games in 1900. Also known as OT.

In brief:

• Five groups of three traps (15 in total) are situated in a trap pit, with the centre trap at a distance of 15 meters from the shooting stand (rule 6.4.18.3.1).
• A selection from one of the nine schemes may be used through a competition.
• Each round consists of 25 single targets, thrown to a distance of 76 meters (+/- 1m) and a range of heights/angles from 1.5m to 3m/zero to 45 degrees. Full use of the gun (both barrels) may be used in the qualifying rounds and single barrel in the finals.
• Women shoot 75 targets in the qualifying rounds; the top six scores qualify for the finals.
• Men shoot 125 targets in the qualifying rounds plus finals.
• The finals consist of 15 targets: semi finals (using stations 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) and medal matches (using stations 2,3 and 4)
• The two highest scoring athletes qualify for the gold medal match to decide gold and silver, next two the bronze medal match to decide bronze and fourth. (rule 9.17.2.7.a)

Double Trap:

First shot in the Olympic Games in 1996. Also known as DT.

In brief:

• The three centre traps in the trap pit throw pairs at random selected from three schemes.
• The targets: Thrown to a distance of 55 metres (+/- 1m), left target set at 3m height/5degree left, centre target at 3.5m/zero degrees and the right target at 3m height/5degree right rule 9.8.5).
• Men shoot five rounds of 30 targets (150 targets in total) in the qualifying rounds plus finals.
• The finals consist of 30 targets: semi finals (using stations 1,2,3,4,5 and 6) and medal matches (using stations 2,3 and 4)
• The two highest scoring athletes qualify for the gold medal match to decide gold and silver, next two the bronze medal match to decide bronze and fourth. (rule 9.17.2.7.b)

ISSF

The International Shooting Sports Federation is the International Governing Body (IGB) for the Olympic shooting events, including shotgun, rifle and pistol – there are some events which are not shot at the Olympics, but are shot internationally, eg: Women’s Double Trap which has been reintroduced to the Commonwealth Games. For the rules, results and information see the ISSF website www.issf-sports.org