CMP Issues Updated Competition Rules for 2020 – 2021
CMP COMPETITION RULES FOR 2020-2021 Are Now Available
CMP Rule Changes are now available as Addenda to 2020 Rules or as complete 2020-21 PDFs (links below). There were not a lot of changes that were approved for 2021. However, most notably, eyewear rules will be more strictly enforced. NOTE: When you open the downloadable PDF files linked below, you will see the new-for-2021 changes displayed in red underlined text. The changes made in 2020 are shown in black underlined text.
2020 CMP Competition Rulebooks
Click Links to Download Full Rules or Change Sheets
2020-2021 Highpower Rifle Competition Rules | Highpower Errata (2021 Changes) Sheet
2020-2021 CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules | Smallbore Errata (2021 Changes) Sheet
2020-2021 Pistol Competition Rules | Pistol Errata (2021 Changes) Sheet
2020-2021 CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules | CMP Games Errata (2021 Changes) Sheet
Story based on Report by Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus
CMP Competition Rules for the 2021 competition season have now been approved by the CMP Rules Committee and are posted on the CPM Website. The 2020 competition season was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and many 2020 events were cancelled, so the CMP still has a substantial inventory of printed 2020 rulebooks. In addition [there were] only a small number of changes for 2021. As a result, the CMP decided not to publish new rulebooks for 2021. 2020 Rulebooks will continue to be used and Errata (Update) sheets are being provided for each rulebook. The rulebooks posted on the CMP website have been updated with 2021 changes are labeled as “2020-2021″ rulebooks. These Rulebooks posted on the CMP website include all 2021 changes. Use the links above to get the latest rules for each discipline.
How to UPDATE Your CMP Rules:
1. If you already have a 2020 rulebook, download the Changes/Updates for that rulebook and note in your 2020 rulebook where those changes apply. (Or use the links above).
2. If you keep your rulebooks on your computer, notebook or cell phone, or want to print your own rulebook, download the Updated 2020-2021 rulebooks from the CMP Website. (Or use the links above).
2020-2021 rulebooks include a diagram showing proper use of eye protection.
When reading the 2020-2021 editions of the rulebooks, note that 2020 rule changes are displayed in black underlined text. 2021 changes are displayed in red underlined text. Those changes do, however, include the addition of a new CMP Service Revolver Match in the Pistol Rules and the addition of F-Class and AR-Tactical Mid- and Long-Range Matches in the Highpower Rifle Rules. The CMP plans to offer competitions in both of these new disciplines in the 2021 National Matches. Another significant change, which has already been announced because it applies this year, is the authorization that competitors may fire a sixth EIC match in years like 2020 when the National Trophy Individual Match is not held.
The 2020 rule requiring Highpower Rifle and Pistol competitors to wear eye and hearing protection while on the firing line has been clarified and strengthened in the 2020-2021 rules.
MANDATORY EYE PROTECTION RULE
One of the most important 2020 rule changes was a requirement that Highpower rifle and pistol competitors must wear eye and hearing protection when they are on firing lines. A big majority of experienced, knowledgeable competitors now agree that protective eyewear is a must for Highpower rifle and pistol shooting, but unfortunately this safety precaution has not been as universally accepted. Incidents involving Highpower rifle and pistol shooting where eye injuries occurred or could have occurred are more common than many realize.
Non-Compliance Results in “No Exceptions” Eye Protection Standards
The CMP Board and staff have carefully evaluated the pros and cons of this safety requirement and have concluded that mandating the wearing of eye and hearing protection is a wise policy. After this rule was introduced, a vast majority of competitors complied with its letter and spirit. Unfortunately, there were a few competitors who did not comply. Some wore shooting glasses to the line and then lowered or removed them while firing. A really strange attempt to evade this rule involved cutting a hole in the part of the shooting glasses lens where the competitor looked while aiming. A few simply refused to comply.
After evaluating experiences with this new safety requirement in 2020, the CMP is taking these additional steps to facilitate compliance in 2021:
— Rule 3.6.2 (both Highpower Rifle and Pistol) has been clarified to clearly require that “two complete lenses” be worn in front of both eyes while firing. Obtaining shooting glasses or prescription eyewear that complies with the ANSI Z87.1 safety standard is “strongly recommended”.
— Pre-match safety briefings in 2021 will include specific instructions about the requirement to wear eye and hearing protection while on the firing line.
— Match officials will give warnings to any competitor who is not in compliance. Refusal to comply with a warning is grounds for disqualification.
— Match sponsors are advised that their match officials need to monitor and enforce this rule and that results from EIC or other matches where this rule was not enforced may not be accepted.
