The revisions aim to provide greater clarity in the application of the rules, address situations identified during competitions and improve the wording of existing regulations. Most amendments are minor textual corrections and clarifications, with the majority concerning the Shotgun and Pistol disciplines.
The amendments have been developed and reviewed by the relevant discipline committees, with agreement and approval from the Technical and Athletes Committees, before being submitted to the Executive Committee.
The amendments have been developed and reviewed by the relevant discipline committees, with agreement and approval from the Technical and Athletes Committees, before being submitted to the Executive Committee.
Clarifications to VAR procedures
One of the main updates concerns the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in Shotgun competitions. The revised provisions introduce clearer procedures for VAR reviews, particularly in Skeet Finals, following situations at earlier competitions this year that highlighted the potential for uncertainty among athletes and referees.
The updated VAR Manual, dated October 2026, incorporates the new rules and provides practical guidance for their application. The amendments clarify the responsibilities of referees and the procedures for reviewing disputed target decisions.
Ahead of LA28, the installation of VAR will be mandatory at ISSF World Championships and World Cups where Olympic quota places are allocated. Its use is also encouraged at Continental Championships and other major competitions, particularly those offering Olympic quota places.
One of the main updates concerns the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in Shotgun competitions. The revised provisions introduce clearer procedures for VAR reviews, particularly in Skeet Finals, following situations at earlier competitions this year that highlighted the potential for uncertainty among athletes and referees.
The updated VAR Manual, dated October 2026, incorporates the new rules and provides practical guidance for their application. The amendments clarify the responsibilities of referees and the procedures for reviewing disputed target decisions.
Ahead of LA28, the installation of VAR will be mandatory at ISSF World Championships and World Cups where Olympic quota places are allocated. Its use is also encouraged at Continental Championships and other major competitions, particularly those offering Olympic quota places.
Updated procedures for 50m Rifle Three-Position Finals
Another important amendment addresses procedures in 50m Rifle Three-Position Finals when an athlete reports an unexpected zero, or missing shot, during the 22-minute kneeling and prone stage.
The updated rule sets out the steps to be followed by the Jury and Range Officers, including the procedure for firing an additional shot and, if necessary, moving the athlete to a reserve target. It also clarifies how the affected athlete's remaining time is managed and how the other finalists are accommodated while the issue is resolved.
The amendment is intended to ensure a clearer and more consistent response to target malfunctions during this stage of the final.
Another important amendment addresses procedures in 50m Rifle Three-Position Finals when an athlete reports an unexpected zero, or missing shot, during the 22-minute kneeling and prone stage.
The updated rule sets out the steps to be followed by the Jury and Range Officers, including the procedure for firing an additional shot and, if necessary, moving the athlete to a reserve target. It also clarifies how the affected athlete's remaining time is managed and how the other finalists are accommodated while the issue is resolved.
The amendment is intended to ensure a clearer and more consistent response to target malfunctions during this stage of the final.
Implementation ahead of the Doha World Championships
The amendments will be incorporated into the online version of the ISSF 2026 Rule Book, published as Edition 2025 (Third Print 10/2026), and will take effect on 19 October 2026. The letter and supporting documents have been distributed to all ISSF Member Federations and other relevant stakeholders. Anyone wishing to consult the original documents are invited to contact their respective federations.
A version highlighting the amendments in a different text colour will be available upon request from ISSF Headquarters. Member Federations have been asked to share the updated information and supporting documents with the relevant athletes, coaches, officials and other stakeholders to ensure they are familiar with the changes ahead of the ISSF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, in November.
The updates form part of the ISSF's ongoing work to ensure that its rules remain clear, consistent and responsive to the practical requirements of competition.
The amendments will be incorporated into the online version of the ISSF 2026 Rule Book, published as Edition 2025 (Third Print 10/2026), and will take effect on 19 October 2026. The letter and supporting documents have been distributed to all ISSF Member Federations and other relevant stakeholders. Anyone wishing to consult the original documents are invited to contact their respective federations.
A version highlighting the amendments in a different text colour will be available upon request from ISSF Headquarters. Member Federations have been asked to share the updated information and supporting documents with the relevant athletes, coaches, officials and other stakeholders to ensure they are familiar with the changes ahead of the ISSF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, in November.
The updates form part of the ISSF's ongoing work to ensure that its rules remain clear, consistent and responsive to the practical requirements of competition.