Hi all
Following some comments I have had from several rimfire competitors in the last few days, I want to clarify the operation of world benchrest shooting federation (WBSF) world championship events with regard to the selection of competitors.
Under the WBSF rule book, the national organisation hosting a world championship will accept nominations for two teams (comprised of three people on each team in the case of WBSF Rimfire championships) from each WBSF member country. The hosting organisation also has the option to accept a third national team if they choose, so each WBSF member country has the “right” to send a minimum of 2 teams, and a maximum of 3 (for clarity, the match organisers in Portugal have confirmed that they will accept 3 teams from each country nominating teams for WRC 2).
The selection of competitors for both team and individual matches is by the various National bodies that are members of WBSF, so in the case of Australia the national body is SSAA. Under the SSAA benchrest rule book, we use two national championships to select the team members. The WBSF does not offer any other places for competitors other than those put forward by the various national bodies, and the SSAA does not have the ability to put forward any more than the allowed number of team members for the WRC. In the case of WRC2, this is 9 competitors on 3 teams, and these team members will compete in both the team and individual events. So therefore, there will be a maximum of 9 Australians who will be eligible to attend the WRC2 in 2016, and also a maximum of 9 competitors for all other WBSF member countries. No other individuals have the ability to nominate to compete at a WBSF championship.
This approach is the same for both centrefire and rimfire world championships and has been the case since 1991 when the first WBSF championships was held.
I hope this clears up the issue, but if anyone has any further questions, I am happy to address them here or feel free to contact me directly.
Hi Fergus
The WBSF rimfire rule book does allow for a 10th shooter.
Look up rule A.19 Reserves
So someone could go as a reserve and only shoot in the individual match.
Peter
RBA HoF #1 (2007)
Hi Peter
That’s a valid point, although the rule book doesn’t detail how any conflict with rules A.15/A.16 which outline maximum numbers is dealt with as far as I can see. As mentioned above, the WRC2 organisers have advised the SSAA that we will be able to register a maximum of 9 team members. I can certainly confirm with the organisers regarding the registration of a reserve.
Just for the record in case anyone is wondering, 2 reserves are always selected by order of merit in the qualification standings and submitted to SSAA National for board approval in the event that a team member has to drop out for some reason prior to the respective championship. We have seen cases as recently as the last WBC that we had to move a reserve up to team member status when someone’s personal circumstances has required them to drop out of the team.
Kim
I haven't heard who is going either, only heard that a few have dropped out.
Wouldn't pay any attention to those names on the Portuguese page, the OZ names are not kosher. Some put their names down thinking they could shoot the individual match and they can't.
I only shot one of the qualifying matches and I think I was about 27th on the list and I haven't been asked so I'd say they'd have full team to go. At this stage we just don't know who and those with the official info would be at the centerfire nationals
Peter
RBA HoF #1 (2007)
Any updates yet?
Kim