MOUNTED SHOOTERS OF AMERICA RULEBOOK

Class: There are Six competition classes, numbered accordingly which consist of Men's, Women, Seniors and Cart Class (See Senior Rule Book below)
Levels: There are six levels, within each class numbered 1 through 6, which make up the classes of Men and Women.
Novice: Limited class (level 1), split by gender, these contestants do not compete for jackpotted or added money. These contestants compete at reduced entry fee and ride with the main competition. Buckles awarded for 1^st place only. (Not all matches offer a Novice Class or buckles.)
Outlaws are NON-shooting competitors age 11 and under. Age is determined by the child’s age on January 1^st, Outlaws may choose to shoot with the pro classes within the year he/she turn 12 beginning as a men’s or women’s level 1 through 4 based on their highest level with any other mounted shooting organization. (See Outlaws rules section below)

Lead Line Class: for ages 4-8. A parent leads their child through the pattern. The parent is on foot and keeps the horse at a walk or a jog. Parents may lead horse on horseback provided they can demonstrate they can do so safely to the match official prior to the match. Special awards will be given to all Lead Line contestants. All other Outlaw rules apply.
Senior Class- The Senior class shall be an optional class for contestants age 50 and over. It shall consist of a Non-Pro class for levels 1and 2 and a Semi-Pro class for levels 3 and 4, and the Pro class for levels 5 and 6.

Contestants over 50 must declare in which class they desire to compete upon entry at their first match of any calendar year. In addition, a contestant may declare themselves in the Senior class anytime after their 50th birthday. It is permissible for a contestant 50 and over to change from regular MSA class to Senior class and vice versa on an annual basis.

Entries: A contestant may enter a match for the jackpot no more than two times. A contestant may NOT enter twice on the same horse and may not use the same horse in different entries. Example: contestants may not switch horses for different courses. (The only time a contestant may change horses is if the horse is no longer able to compete do to injury)

OUTLAW RULE BOOK

• The Outlaw Rulebook will have specified rules while maintaining MSA rules and standards.

• Outlaws are contestants age 11 and under.

• Contestants will ride the same courses as chosen for the match but will be more defined by the use of cones. Placement of the cones for every course is included in the Outlaw rulebook.

• Match judges of the match or designated outlaw official should hold an Outlaw contestants meeting before the match with all Outlaws and parents attending. The meeting will address course set-up, dress code, safety, gun handling and possibility of having adult rider pre-ride courses for clarity.

• Parents of Outlaws will sign a release form and will be responsible that their child is prepared to participate in a safe and responsible manner

• Parents are responsible to have their child ready, prepared and in time for their class.

• Outlaws will ride their course using play guns and holster setup resembling the firearms specified in the MSA rulebook. Firearms with empty loads will be allowed but will be checked by the match judge before every course.

• Outlaws will aim and shoot at their first five targets, then make their gun change and finish their next five targets with their 2nd gun. Outlaws are reminded to ride at the speed compatible to their ability and take note that safety will always come first.

• Before starting the course the Outlaw will show the match judge with which gun they are starting. After passing the timer the Outlaw will show the match judge their 2nd gun. This will confirm that the proper gun change has been made.

• Tack should be appropriate for the use and safety of the Outlaw and horse.

• Horses used for the match should fit the ability of the Outlaw.

• All penalties shall be as stated in the MSA rules. In addition “failure to follow course of fire” will include the use of predetermined placement of cones as explained in the Outlaw courses. Outlaw will stay within those additional cones.

• Outlaws will have to aim and shoot at all targets for them not to be penalized. All decisions to be made by the match judge.

• No Outlaw shall have a real firearm outside the stage and loading area. Firearms shall be handed over to the responsible adult or left in safekeeping with the armorer.

Classes: shall be determined in the following ways:

Current HIGHEST standing in MSA, SASS,WSHA or CMSA mounted shooting organizations.
MSA classifications may be changed at the discretion of a majority vote of the MSA board of directors, or an appropriate appointed committee, when evidence is shown to justify such a change.

An MSA contestant may petition the MSA board or an appropriate appointed committee of the board to move up or down in class. The procedure for submitting a petition is simply to submit to the board in writing the reasons for such a change.

Move ups in class are determined as follows: Specifically designated “move-up” matches will allow contestant to move up the day of that match. Keep in mind there must at least three entries in your class for it to count toward a move-up. All State, Regional, National and World matches will be same day move-up matches. If a contestant wins overall at a State, National, Regional or World, he/she will be up for review and may be moved up more than one ranking at the discretion of the Board.

Dress Code

The purpose of our dress code is to promote a professional equestrian sport with modern rodeo attire.

Hats: A western style hat is required of all contestants when in the arena. Hats of felt, straw and palm are acceptable. Safety helmets are also acceptable.

Boots: Boots are required when in the arena, boots should be western in style, ropers and packers are also acceptable.

Pants: Long pants are required when in the arena.

Shirts: All Contestants are required to wear a long sleeve button down or snapped shirt, with a conventional and or banded collar while in the arena.

We encourage all contestants to pursue western and patriotic themes in their dress. Match directors may get permission for special “costume” matches for special events. Match director will forward a written request to the board detailing specifics of the event.

FIREARMS

Only fixed sight single action revolvers of .45 Colt caliber, designed prior to 1898, or reproductions thereof, will be allowed in MSA competitions.

Examples: Colt Single Action Army or Bisley Model, Smith & Wesson Schofield, or their reproductions and Ruger Vaqueros.

A holster is defined as a pouch formed in the shape of a gun. A feedbag or saddlebag does not qualify and is considered by MSA to be unsafe. Pistols shall be returned to holsters, which would be limited to belted holsters, pommel, cantle, and/or shoulder holsters.

All firearms shall be maintained in the same external condition as originally manufactured from the factory. Allowed modifications will be limited to engraving, hammer knurling or turned down hammers as long as there is no lateral movement or welded add-ons. Custom grips are allowed including Birds head grips. The original external profile shall be maintained. All external parts shall be of the type manufactured for that particular model of firearm. Stock parts may be swapped from gun to gun. Site modifications will be limited to the filing of the front site. Triggers shall be operational; “slip hammer” revolvers are unsafe.

“Bird’s Head” type grip frames on single action revolvers are legal for MSA matches. Included are standard factory production Bird’s Head Grip Frame guns and guns equipped with aftermarket Bird’s Head Grip Frames. Aftermarket grip frames shall be a production type product. No one of a kind custom-made grip frames will be allowed. The side profile for grip frames cannot be altered on any revolver. This includes Standard, Factory Bird’s Head and guns equipped with aftermarket Bird’s Head Grip Frames.

“Bisley Style Hammers” are legal on single action revolvers for MSA matches. A Bisley Style Hammer may replace a standard hammer so long as it is of the same manufacturer. Example: It is legal to replace a standard Ruger Vaquero hammer with a Ruger Bisley Hammer.

The only exception to these rules shall be special modifications for medical/disability reasons; the match judge will make the final call.

TACK

Contestants must use a saddle and bridle constructed of leather and in safe condition.

Contestants may use any bit or hackamore to reasonably control their mount as long as it is not overly severe in design.

HORSES

Mounted Shooters of America Inc. competitions are open to all breeds of horses and mules, registered and unregistered. Contestants are expected to compete with mounts that are healthy and in good physical condition. Horses should be introduced and conditioned to the sound of gunfire prior to competing in an MSA match. New contestants and/or mounts shall demonstrate that they can safely control or be controlled during the completion of a course of fire prior to entering a competition. No abuse of animals will be allowed. This is a Match Judge call, done with a warning first. If disregarded, expulsion from the match will follow.

PATTERN SAFETY AND GUN CHANGE GUIDLINES

The “course of fire” or pattern of riding is commonly referred to as a “course” and should be designed for maximum enjoyment of competitors and spectators, while testing horsemanship and shooting skills. The safety of contestants, spectators and horses is a principle concern. It is MSA’s intention to standardize all courses. Standardization of size will provide contestants with the opportunity to create true time records for specific venues and events.

A standard mounted shooting pattern is to have ten targets. A contestant is to engage the course of fire with two single action revolvers loaded with not more than 5 approved cartridges. Revolvers are used one at a time. With the first revolver, a contestant engages the first half of the pattern. After completing the first half of the course, the contestant shall holster the now empty revolver and draw the second revolver and ride to engage the second half of the stage. Pistols shall be returned to holsters, which would be limited to belted holsters, pommel, cantle, and/or shoulder holsters.

The Match Judge will have the responsibility of making final inspections of the course before the contestant gets their go. All Contestants may ask questions regarding the course of fire prior to crossing the starting line.

Barrel will not be closer than 25 feet to the side rails of the arena and 25 feet to the end rail and balloons shall be a safe distance from the spectators.

After completing the course all contestants report to the armorer’s table to unload.

TIMING

Electronic beam “barrel racing” timers, such as the Pegasus Timer or FarmTek Timers, are preferred for larger championship events. The contestant and horse shall start the course of fire from behind a predetermined start/finish line.

20X

The 20X is an eliminator style Jackpot shoot. All contestants will be separated into 6 divisions. It will be gender split with the Non-Pro division consisting of level 1 and 2 shooters, the Semi-Pro division consisting of level 3 and 4 shooters and the Pro Division consisting of level 5 and 6 shooters. Seniors will shoot in one of these divisions and will not be separated into an additional division.

The 20X will be run with the same 3 stages, beginning with the Post, then the Arrow and the final stage is the X.

The first two stages will be run with the Pro Class (men) starting and moving on down to the Non-pro. The final stage will be run Non-Pro (ladies) beginning with the slowest contestant to make the elimination and moving to the fastest. The Semi-Pro will ride next and finally the Pro class will finish.

SCORING

Mounted Shooting matches are scored according to elapsed time plus the total of any applicable penalties. The total sum of all of the courses determines the match winners. See “Penalties” for more information.

PAYOUT FORMULAS AND GUIDLINES

** Top Ten Payout

1^st Place 22%, 2^nd Place 18%, 3^rd Place 15%, 4^th Place 12%, 5^th Place 10%

6^th Place 8%, 7^th Place 6%, 8^th Place 4%, 9^th Place 3%, 10^th Place 2%

Payout of prize money to MSA classes.

The payout of entry fee prize money to MSA classes shall be determined as follows:

50% of entry fee will be paid to the class.

Payouts for class winners shall be as follows:

1-3 Contestants pays 1 place 100%

4-6 Contestants pays 2 places 60%/40%

7-10 Contestants pays 3 places 50%/30%/20%

11-14 Contestants pays 4 places 40%/30%/20%/10%

15 and over pays 5 places 30%/25%/20%/15%/10%

REFUNDS: Refunds WILL be issued to all paid contestants who do not compete in a match. Once a contestant fires a shot in a match no refunds will be issued if he/she cannot complete the match

MSA Team Rules

For an additional entry fee per person, two man teams may compete in MSA matches. The run times used are the times for each team member in the main match added together.
There are 3 different categories for teams; Mens, Womens and Mixed.
Teams can be combined in any number combination desired such as two man 4, 6, 8 or open. For example, a #6 team can consist of two #3's, a #4, and a #2, etc.
It is recommended that team payouts be fifty percent (50%) of team entry fees for each team class. A contestant may enter on as many teams as he/she desires, with different partners for each team. If a contestant is competing in the main match on two different horses, he/she must declare which horse he is competing with in the team event. If he/she fails to do so, his/her team will automatically be assigned the horse he turned in the slowest time on.
A contestant may NOT enter the teams with themselves.

PENALTIES

Discretionary penalties have no place in timed events and penalties shall be restricted to the following:

Missed target: 5 seconds
Knocked over barrel: 5 seconds
Failure to follow course of fire: 10 seconds
Dropped gun: 5 seconds plus all missed targets .
Crossing the timing beam prior to completion of course: 60 seconds.
A contestant who crosses the timing beam and fires back at a target receives credit for the hit.
Any rider dismounted during a course of fire shall receive a 60 time plus penalties for missed targets.
Lost hat during the course of fire will result in a minimal fine, payable to the balloon setters.

A firearm that is dropped once the course has been engaged is a dead firearm. No consequences will be received for a firearm dropped after crossing the finish line.

No penalty is to be given if a contestant knocks over a target pole. However, the targets shall be burst by direct gunfire. All targets whether standing or lying down shall be burst by gunfire to be considered a hit. Where controversy occurs as to how a target was broken, the Match Judge’s call is final. A Match Judge may rely on video replay to determine his call and it is encouraged that he does so.

If a contestant hits two balloons IN THE SAME HALF OF THE STAGE with one shot they may use the remaining round to pick up a target they may have missed in that half of the stage. If a contestant misses a balloon on the first half of a stage and is able to engage the second half of the stage and breaks the missed target in the course of fire without missing the sequence of the second half, this will count and no procedural will be given. The essence of this rule is to reward the contestant for proper conduct and to recognize excellence in accuracy.

A contestant will have been determined to engage the course once he has crossed the start line or is on the clock. Thereafter any mechanical malfunction[s] of your firearm or gear, including your horse, will not constitute a re-ride.

If a contestant is notified during or after the completion of a stage that a timekeeper error or timing malfunction occurred the contestant will be granted a re-ride. The timekeeper and the Match Judge will determine if a re-ride is granted.

If a run is interrupted, the Match Judge makes the call for a re-ride.

AMMUNITION

Contestants at MSA functions are responsible for having their revolvers loaded and unloaded with issued ammunition either by or in the presence of the MSA armorer. Once a contestant accepts the ammo taken from the loading area, it is his/her ammo for that course. There is no bad ammo.

All contestants must bring ammo back to the loading area and return/dispose of all brass after each course.

All contestants must remain in the designated armory area once their guns are loaded.

TARGETS

The standard targets used in Mounted Shooting competitions are helium quality balloons.

When inflated, a target should measure 6 to 9 inches in diameter. Care should be taken to make sure that targets are of uniform size for all competitors. Balloons shall be of two distinctly different colors; it makes it easier for a contestant to define the first half from the second half of a course. Some courses will use the same color for all targets (example: The X, The Fish)

For safety reasons target stands should be made of a flexible material like PVC or polyethylene pipe no larger than ¾ inch in diameter.
Standard target poles should be 48 inches high, but can be varied to ground level to increase the variety possible within each mounted shooting course. Traffic cones make excellent, safe bases for target poles. Once the contestant starts the course they have accepted their course.

SAFETY

All contestants are responsible for their own personal safety and that of their horse. They should also remain alert for other unsafe conditions and/or unsafe conduct by others. All contestants are considered safety officers and should take immediate action to remedy an unsafe condition by reporting anyone whose conduct is unsafe to the Match Judge.

Safety Rules and Guidelines:

All Firearms will be treated as if they are loaded.
All loading and unloading of firearms should be done under the supervision of the designated armorer.
All firearms shall remain unloaded until the contestant is called to the loading area.
All contestants shall use the “match supplied” blank ammunition. More than one ammo product may be supplied to allow the competitors a choice. No personal ammunition of any type is to be allowed at MSA competitions under penalty of disqualification. No blank shall have an effective range longer than 20 feet for contestant and spectator safety
No firearm shall be cocked until immediately prior to engaging a target.
Contestants are expected to compete safely within their individual capabilities at all times. Control your firearm's muzzle direction at all times.
Contestants will NOT ride into the course while balloon setters are inside. Contestants will not enter the arena during stage changes. When the announcement is made to clear the arena all contestants will proceed immediately to the closest out gate.
Spectators shall not be allowed in horse staging areas and vice versa.
All contestants shall be knowledgeable and proficient in the safe use of firearms.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the arena, staging and shooting areas. This includes all persons, contestants, match judges, guests or any one else in these areas.
Contestants shall not consume any alcoholic beverage until they have completed all of their shooting for the day and have unloaded, inspected, and stored all of their firearms. Violators will be disqualified immediately from the match and entry fees will be forfeited. Repeat offenders will be banned from MSA competitions. This rule applies to any medication that may alter a contestants’ level of consciousness.
Contestants shall have no live ammunition on their person or in their cartridge belts or saddlebags.
Contestants have final responsibility to make sure their firearms are loaded, check for missing or dented primers, cylinders rotate freely and to be certain they are properly indexed prior to stage engagement. The armorer is not responsible. There will be no re-rides for ammo or firearm related problems.
Abusive language or conduct shall not be tolerated and at discretion of Match Judge, shall be given a warning or disqualification.
No abusive behavior to animals either in or out of the arena.

*Copyright: Property of Mounted Shooters of America, Inc.,
no reprints or reproductions without permission.