Accessibility in Target Shooting
Target shooting is a rewarding sport requiring focus, control and concentration. It is very inclusive and accessible to all ages and physical abilities in fact, it’s one of the few sports where neither gender nor age are a factor and disabled people can compete on a level playing field with able bodied shooters. There are many options including visually impaired (VI) shooting.
We believe in creating an accessible, inclusive environment for target shooting and feel that we have a great sport to share! With a thriving community of disabled shooters including people with visual impairments, we want to help level the playing field and encourage disabled athletes to compete in all of our NSRA competitions. Simply apply for a Dispensation Certificate and once accepted, you will have access to our mainstream competitions.
We’ve tried to make the process as easy as possible, and you can read more about how to apply below. We have a section on shooters with disabilities in section 4 of our Rules & Regulations here
NSRA Dispensation Certificates
NSRA dispensations allow people to adapt the rules to cater for a disability and give entry to mainstream competition. If a person can’t shoot in alignment with the current rules due to a disability, it allows an adaption to be used to level the playing field. You can check out our full guide to dispensations via the button below.
Each dispensation is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and although there are some common solutions, many dispensations are unique to the shooter and their ability.
Dispensations can be for life, as in those issued to people whose disability is permanent, or temporary for those who have an injury or impairment that requires an adaption for a period of time.
To get a dispensation you need to make a request by email to competitions@nsra.co.uk you will need to provide the following information in this email:
• Give the reasons why the dispensation is required.
• Provide evidence – medical documents are good but other evidence is OK too. There’s no need to pay for reports or spend any money on it.
• Supply 3 or 4 different photos illustrating the proposed adaptation – these will be used to illustrate the shooting position you intend to use on the dispensation certificate. A RCO (Range Conducting Officer) will then be able to check you are shooting in the agreed position or with the agreed adaption.
• You might just receive one without any questions. However, if there are any issues, we will work with you to find a solution to enable you to compete. You may be asked to submit averages shot using your dispensation to prove the adaption is fair to all. Although you may have a permanent disability, you may be issued with a certificate for a year. Even though the NSRA reserve the right to review dispensations at any time, this creates a check point where the effectiveness of the adaption can be reviewed, and changes made if necessary.
• If your condition changes, you can reapply for a different adaption and a new dispensation.
• You will receive a letter and a dispensation certificate by email that you can use to evidence the agreed adaption with Range Officers, witnesses or others managing NSRA competitions.
Visually Impaired (VI) Shooting
Visually Impaired (VI) shooting is great for people with visual issues or blindness. Using a method called Acoustic Shooting, this approach uses headphones and a customised system where both gun and target are modified and have additional devices attached to enable an audio signal / audio referencing in relation to the target.
This requires a little sighted assistance for loading the gun and to get it in a safe ‘ballpark’ area but after that the shooter is on their own. As the shooter moves the gun closer to the bullseye, the audio pitch in the shooter’s headphones gets higher enabling them to aim successfully.
The same skills needed by sighted shooters are just as important for VI shooters, it’s just the aiming method that is different.
Ready To Get Involved?
Interested in giving it a go? Why not try one of our ‘Try a Shoot’ sessions?
Had A Taster Session And Hungry For More?
We have a great target shooting proficiency program and you don’t have to be a member to take part!
Many of our Affiliated Clubs welcome new shooters and are happy to help you get started! You can find a Club near you with our Club Finder
You can find our Affiliated Clubs events and competitions as well as our own on our Events Calendar