Safety First Tactical ELRhq
2023 ELR Harmonized USA Ruleset
Rev Mar 21, 2023
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Safety First Tactical ELRhq
2023 ELR Harmonized USA Ruleset
Rev Mar 21, 2023
Approved for use in over 50 matches in 2023 in the United States.
Reviewed and accepted by all current USA Match Directors:
Alex Cordesman
Dane Lentz
Jay Monych
Joe Burdick
Justin Wolf
Kasey Jones
Ken Miller
Matthew Gills
Randy Powell
Sam Garday
Stan Cutsforth
Steve Wirth
Minor updates remain, typos, verbiage, clarifications, etc…
QUICK START Version of Rules 3
Cold Bore World Record Attempt 5
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile - (details at end of document) 6
Scoring will follow standardized scoring formats. 10
Scoring Models (Match Director choice to be published in the calendar) 11
1x Distance Target Adjusted Model 11
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile 2022 Model 11
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile specifics 13
QUICK START Version of Rules
4 Rules of Firearm Safety
Cold Range, Bolts up/Safety Flags, Carry rifles vertically ONLY
Course of Fire is 3-5 rounds/target
Clock is 5 minutes or less per target
Light Gun - .338 or under (26# max) *May shoot up a category
Heavy Gun - above .338 to 50BMG (50# max) *see shoot up a category note
Spotters - typically 1-2 allowed (1 can usually be provided if needed)
Targets are engaged nearest to farthest if at all possible.
Random draw shooting order, set-up while prior shooter is shooting
Be SAFE, be a good sport, help others, and have fun!
Definitions and Formats
Firearm Categories
Note: Weights are in “ready to fire” configuration without ammo. (including magazine, Wedge, Charlie, etc…)
Production - For 2023, rifle shall not exceed $3,000 USD as listed on the manufacturer's website. The optic shall not exceed $2,500 USD as listed on the manufacturer's website. No customization allowed. Limited to .338 Lapua and under. This is synced with PRS rules and may adjust annually.
Light Gun - Any 338 or less chambered rifle. Maximum weight 26#. (no bolt-face limitation)
Heavy Gun - Any rifle chambered above .338 up to 50BMG. Maximum weight 50#.*
Shooter Classification
Pro - Ranked in Top 20% of Safety First Tactical ELRhq ranking, or top 20% of Ko1M/Ko2M entry ranking in the past two years.
Amateur - Not ranked in top 20%, and has competed in more than 5 ELR matches.
Rookie - Has competed in less than 6 ELR matches, and has not placed top 5 of a non-rookie match.
Shooting Team Formats
Solo -
The shooter competes with no spotter/s. No assistance while on the clock.
Scores gained are attributed to the shooter.
Individual/Standard -
The shooter competes with a spotter. Spotter/s on the line may provide wind assistance and shot corrections. Match Director can set number of spotters allowed.
Scores gained are attributed to the shooter.
Team -
The shooter competes with a spotter. Spotter on the line may provide wind assistance and shot corrections for each other only. One shooter and one spotter. Team members shall not change during the course of the event.
Scores gained are combined and attributed to the shooting team.
ProAm - The shooter competes with a spotter. Spotter on the line may provide wind assistance and shot corrections for each other only. One shooter and one spotter are the team. Team members shall not change during the course of the event. Match Director can may allow a back-up spotter to assist/teach the Amateur. The Pro gets no back-up spotter.
Scores gained are combined and attributed to the shooting team.
Match Formats / Variances
Note: Formats may be combined.
Shots & Time
No target shall exceed 5 shots or 5 minutes.
Targets shall be engaged from closest to the farthest (except when World Record target is engaged)
Cold Bore
The FIRST shot at distance on the clock for the day. Match Directors at their discretion may provide a separate ONE SHOT Cold Bore target. This target is fired at, and hit or miss, the shooter then proceeds to the first target of the day.
Cold Bore World Record Attempt
The FIRST shot at distance on the clock for the day. If a miss occurs, the string of fire is complete. If an impact occurs, the string may continue in a hit to proceed manner until 3 consecutive impacts have occurred.
Note: Match Directors may also make this CBWR target the first target of the day in a normal string of fire in a match. If so, the target follows the match rules for that event.
3-Shot
Each target may be engaged with 3 shots.
5-Shot
Each target may be engaged with 5 shots.
Shoot All
All targets offered shall be engaged with all rounds, whether prior target was impacted or not.
Shooter may choose to skip a shot or target without penalty.
Hit to Proceed
Each target will be engaged until impacted at least once prior to moving on to the next longer distance.
Points will only be given for impacts in the first 3 or 5 shots as per match format. Impacts after the prescribed number will not be counted for score, but will allow the shooter to proceed to the next target distance. The shooter begins with the prescribed number of rounds for the relay, and will have no additional rounds regardless of impact/miss counts.
Tournament
Heads-up bracketed match competition in which the shooter who wins a bracket continues to shoot further brackets in the competition until just one person or team is left. Tournaments can be run in either a single or double elimination format.
Brackets are to be determined in a random draw or in a ranked tournament model. Event may be invitational.
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile - (details at end of document)
These are shot as an invitational hit-to-proceed event with 1 spotter/1 shooter team that are scored individually. Ko1M for Light Gun and Ko2M for Heavy Gun.
Primary variances -
Heavy Gun in firing configuration shall be limited to 40lbs or less.
Calibers are greater than 338 up to 50BMG. Exceptions may be petitioned.
BiPod - must be foldable without tools in less than 10 seconds and have a folded width less than 8”
(**see Ko1M/Ko2M Bipod Section for very specific bipod requirements information)
If a rifle is shared, only one shooter may use that rifle in Finals.
Note: Please see King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile rules for clarity (this info is for comparison only)
Note: Alternate formats may be included in SFTELRhq rankings at the discretion of SFTELRhq.
GENERAL ELR RULES
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Safety
-As always follow the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety
Always Keep Firearm Pointed in a Safe direction. Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Treat All Guns as Though They are Loaded.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger until You are Ready to Shoot.
Always Be Sure of Your Target and What's Beyond It.
-Each Match day will start with a Safety Briefing. Failure to attend is cause for DQ at the discretion of the Match Director. Personal briefings may replace missed briefings at MD discretion.
-EVERYONE on site should act as an RSO, if you see something, politely call it out.
If you are called out, POLITELY thank them, and avoid further safety issues.
-ALL matches will be conducted on a cold range. No ammo will be loaded into the rifles until told to do so by the RO. Rifles will be unloaded, checked by a second person in the squad, and bolts left open or chamber flagged before exiting the firing position.
-All bolts to be in the UP position unless on the clock. Safety Flags preferred, and may be required by the Match Director or the specific venue.
-Rifles will be carried VERTICALLY with the muzzle pointing towards the sky or STRAIGHT down at the ground only. There will be NO sweeping of other people, call it out folks!
-Rifles in the shooting lane will only be pointed downrange or the rifle is vertical.
-Blind/Lost/Unseen rounds covered in a later section. KNOW where your impacts are going.
-Violations of any safety requirement is cause for at minimum a warning, or a potential DQ. Repeated safety violations are a DQ.
-Accidental Discharge/Negligent Discharge (AD/ND) are causes for DQ.
-Unsportsmanlike conduct or Failure to Do Right are causes for DQ. (See Failure to Do Right below)
-No refunds for DQs regardless of the reason.
-Above all, and in alignment with this ruleset, Match Director decisions are final.
Equipment
-WEIGHTS - Rifle weight is determined by its “Ready to fire” configuration. Any rifle other than centerfire will require prior approval (muzzleloader, light gas, Gauss/Rail gun etc...). Rifles that weigh in over Class Max pounds will face a 1,000 point starting penalty for each tenth of a pound or fraction thereof. For example, in Light Class, a 26.1 pound gun would start at -1,000 points and a 30 pound gun would start at -29,000 points. Weights INCLUDE Magazines, Wedges, Charlies, or ANY piece that will be attached to the rifle during the overall COF.
(Point example is w/ Ko2M scoring and would need to be reduced for other scoring models)
* Light guns/calibers may shoot UP a category, but may not shoot the same rifle in both categories at the same match event so as not to gain an unfair advantage.
Note: Centerfire handguns with appropriate bottleneck rifle calibers for the required distances are allowable at the MD discretion.
-FRONT of the rifle will be supported by a bipod. The bipod can only be attached to the rifle at a single point, however, having it attached to a RRS/ARCA rail, or a BipodExT system (in each case that is mounted parallel to the bore) is allowed and can be moved during the course of fire. No benchrest style front rests allowed. Non-King events are NOT limited to King of 2 Mile style folding bipod or width restrictions.
-REAR of the rifle can be supported by bags, monopod, ABR, internal rear adjustment, or other devices ATTACHED to or an integrated part of the rifle. Hard and Soft Bags/Monopod are ensured to remain acceptable. (Fusion Pro “Elevator” is allowed (except at Ko1M/Ko2M). No benchrest style rear rests allowed.
-Brakes/Suppressors/Tuners are allowed
-Sharing Rifles – This is allowed for Rookie shooters only, or at the discretion of the MD. Any shared rifle must be separated by at least 5 shooters or 30 minutes. No back to back firing allowed. In the event that a rifle is shared, the rookie will shoot second.
-Bench. ELR is a prone sport. At the discretion of the MD, the use of a bench may be allowed rather than prone for disabled shooters. However, bench competitors will not be considered for longest shots, Ko2M entry, or rankings. Bench shooters must be designated in the scoring sheet by the MD prior to sheet submission. A bench ranking may be provided by Safety First Tactical ELRhq.
- Speed Indicators. Shooters are allowed to use MagnetoSpeed, BulletSeeker, or LabRadars during the course of fire. No devices will be allowed in front of the muzzle unless rifle attached (i.e. MagnetoSpeed bayonet).
-Wind Flags. There are to be NO wind flags downrange. No indicators forward of the firing line are allowed other than natural vegetation. (Note:Venues might have downrange flags for safety)
Shooters/Spotters
-Shooting order will be by random selection, modifications will be made by the MD to separate shooter/spotter teams, or teams sharing rifles by a minimum of 5 shooters or 30 minutes.
-The shooter may NOT dry fire during setup.
- At the MD’s discretion, Shooters must make all adjustments to his/her rifle system once the string of fire begins. Examples, adjusting height of bipod/rifle, adjusting the scope or handling the ammo/loading the rifle. Once the string of fire begins, any forgotten equipment the shooter requires must be obtained by the shooter. For Rookies, or newer shooters, it is preferred that help is allowed.
-Shooters may have up to two spotters with them on the firing line (if space permits). If you do not have anyone to spot for you we will try to help pair people up. Matches have the ability to limit to a 2-man Spotter/Shooter team at the MD discretion, to be stated in advance.
Note: Match Directors, unless it is a Championship Match, it is encouraged to allow a second
spotter for the purposes of spotter training/education. The best way to develop spotting skills is
to be the back-up spotter for a primary spotter.
-Any rifle optics and spotting scope system that can be obtained commercially by anyone are allowed. No team may use the video feed from downrange target cameras, drones or receive ANY signal of any type other than approved speed sensors (MagnetoSpeed, BulletSeeker, LabRadar). Radio and/or hardwired communication style hearing protection is not allowed.
-Ear and eye protection is required of everyone entering the shooting box. We understand that some spotting scopes have a short eye relief that prevents the wearing of some eye protection. In this case, once it is that teams turn to fire, if the spotter is located behind the shooter, they may remove their eye protection until the relay is complete.
-Spectators are not permitted to communicate with the team currently shooting in any way.
-The Shooter/Spotter team is on its own for sighting and adjusting impacts. No feedback will be provided by the personnel watching video of the target hits. Hits will be indicated by an auditory/visual signal, nothing will be said for misses.
-Shooter and Spotter calls of target impacts are not the official judgment of an impact. The scoring team will make the call on this and provide a clear and concise auditory/visual indicator when a target has been hit. This policy is due to many spotters falsely calling impacts and confusing everyone there.
-In the event that Hit Indicator lights are used, again, this does not necessarily mean that an impact has occurred. If could be a strap/chain hit, target hanger hit, or skip.
-A target is deemed “Hit” when it is the first thing that the nose of the bullet strikes after leaving the muzzle. Frame, strap and ground strikes that cause the target to move are considered misses. The call of the two scorers is final.
Targets
-Target locations, ranges, vectors, and inclinations will be posted the evening before the first day of competition by the Match Director. Competitors may range targets if desired.
-Targets will be white with a number, or target identifier on the target frame or nearby. A light painted waterline or centered dot (not black/dark) is also acceptable. Targets need to be differentiated so that new shooters can ensure that they are on the correct target.
-Targets will be a minimum or 18-24” off the ground in order to minimize skips, 30” preferred. This may take some time as MDs build out a Course of Fire. Targets are NOT allowed to be sitting on the ground.
-At the discretion of the MD, shooting may be paused for a repainting of targets or other issues during the match. All rifles are to be bolt open, and the firing line cleared of shooters while the MD or ROs are downrange.
- Standard target sizes are 24”x24” for less than 1500 yds, 36”x36” out to 1500-2650 yds, 48”x48” 2651-3520 yds, 60”x60” 3521-4000 yds, 72”x72” for 4000-5000 yds (points to be adjusted against square inch differences, see scoring).
- ELRhq recommended target sizes are 36” plates out to 2650 yds, then 2 MOA wide by 1.5 MOA tall.
-Ko1M&Ko2M recommended target sizes are 2 MOA wide by 1.5 MOA tall.
-Flashers are allowed but should NOT be the determining factor of an impact. Impacts over 1500 yards should be visually verified, preferably on video with DVR or playback Or with a protected forward observer positioned close enough to clearly see impacts.
- Cold Bore World Record targets are 36”x36” only. This is NOT required to be metal, cardboard or wood is acceptable, in order to lessen the cost if the new record holder wants to keep the target.
- Match Director discretion as to target sizes. These are recommendations only. In the event that an Adjusted size scoring model is used, the scoresheet will calculate adjustments automatically.
- Target sizes should be added to the scoresheets for reference, and/or Adjusted size calculations.
Note: If not square/rectangular, this information is required for proper calculation.
- Target thickness and rating should be commensurate with the appropriate distance and maximum caliber allowed.
Course of Fire
-Shooting order will be via random draw.
-Teams are responsible for knowing when they shoot. Failure to show up on time can result in a match DQ. As a minimum, any team that is late will be bumped to the end of the list. Teams that “no show” to gain a weather advantage will be DQed.
-Target order will be engaged from closest to farthest target if at all possible. Exceptions can be made if a World Record Challenge is being offered. In this case, the World Record target is engaged first, and then the closest target. All shooters should shoot the targets in the same order.
-There will be a minimum of two alternating shooting lanes. One lane is the current shooter, while the second lane is for the next shooter to set up. Firing will alternate from one lane to the next. For set-up, the incoming shooter is allowed the full time if needed from the prior shooter, but may start earlier if ready and the prior shooter finishes early.
-Shooter/Spotters are allowed additional help to get their items to and from the line in a timely manner. The line should be cleared of non-shooter/spotters as soon as the gear is in the shooting bay.
-The Match Director will set the time allotment for each relay, and the RO may announce as time runs out 2 min remaining, 1 min remaining, 30 secs, 10 secs… so that the shooter knows the time remaining. Recommendation is that for each 2 target relay, time is 6-8 minutes per relay. (Not to exceed 5 minutes per target ) This time can be set or changed by the MD. Note: While it is preferred it the RO calls out countdown, is not required and the responsibility is on the shooter/spotter to track their time.
-The MD/RO shall start the course of fire with ‘Shooter are you ready? Your time starts NOW…” and begin the countdown timer.
-Shooters will clear the lane as quickly as possible upon completion of the final shot or time running out, whichever may occur first. Subsequent shooter will set up in that same shooting slot while the other lane is shooting. ROs/MDs to actively ensure the lane is cleared in a timely fashion.
-Example: 5 Shot, Shoot all Match. First relay would be 1 shot at Cold Bore target, and 5 shots each at Targets 1 & 2. Each subsequent relay will be 2 targets. The MD has the ability to increase target count in a relay, and related time. See Match Formats for specifics.
Scoring
Scoring will follow standardized scoring formats.
LINKS to scoring sheet templates for downloads will be provided HERE.
Scores will be submitted to Ko1M/Ko2M in their format
Scores will be submitted to Safety First Tactical ELRhq in their format.
SFT will provide a template spreadsheet that will record both formats at same time.
Event finish order may be determined in scoring format of MD choice.
(added to ELR Calendar)
Hit sheets to be submitted asap after the event.
Scoring Models (Match Director choice to be published in the calendar)
1x Distance Target Adjusted Model
- 1xDistance Adjusted for all impacts, Adjusted for target
size (total square inches) Standard target sizes are 24”x24” less than 1500 yds, 36”x36” out to
1500-2650 yds, 48”x48” 2651-3520 yds, 60”x60” 3521-4000 yds, 72”x72” for 4000-5000 yds
(points to be adjusted against square inch differences)
Size Adjustment example:
36x36 = 1296sq” at 2000 = 1 x distance in yards
32x32 = 1024sq” at 2000 = 1.26 x distance in yards
Math is Standard/Actual, so 1296/1024 = 1.26 x distance due to smaller target
36x36 = 1296sq” at 2000 = 1 x distance in yards
42x42 = 1764sq” at 2000 = .73 x distance in yards
Math is Standard/Actual, so 1296/1024 = .73 x distance due to larger target
54321x Model
- 5x distance for 1st round impact, 4x distance for second round impact, 3x distance for third
round impact, 2x distance for 4th round impact, 1x distance for 5th round impact. IN the event
that it is a 3-shot string, multipliers will be 5x, 4x, 3x. May be combined w/ Adjusted targets.
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile 2022 Model
- Impact multiplier X distance in yards squared divided by 3000. Multiplier is 5x first round,
4x second round, 3x third round, 2x fourth round, 1x fifth round impacts. On three shot
targets the multiplier starts with 5x.
- Scoring models for a Match are at the option of the MD. The more standardized the
scoring can be, the better it is for the shooters. It would be preferable if we could all get on the
same scoring model. However, if notified in advance, Safety First Tactical ELRhq can provide
a standardized scoring spreadsheet for whatever model an MD chooses to run.
- Safety First Global ELRhq Rankings will continue to be based on an Aggregate Scoring model which averages the finishes against the various scoring models. This is detailed in the Safety First Tactical ELRhq ranking model logic document. LINK to be added.
- Match scoring determines the winner of the event/series.
Impacts
An impact requires that the target is the first thing a bullet contacts. An impact in the center is the same point value as an impact on the edge. NO Frames, Straps, Chains, Target Stands, Posts, or Skips count.
Protests
- Scoring/Impact Protests - An arbitration period of 30 minutes after the end of the match or when the scores are posted. Shooter must provide the estimated time of the challenge. Protests must be in writing. The MD may choose to charge a challenge fee if video review is required. If a challenge is successful, the deposit is refunded, if not, the scorer keeps the deposit. No changes will be made after the arbitration period is up.
- Equipment Protests - Challenges of the eligibility of a competitors equipment to the compliance of this ruleset. In the event that the challenged equipment is deemed out of compliance, the competitor may bring the equipment under compliance and continue to compete. Any points gained while the equipment was out of compliance will be removed. Challenges may be made during the match, and up to 30 minutes following the completion of the competition portion of the match. Protests must be in writing.
- Protest Abuse - Abuse of the protest clauses may be deemed “Failure to Do Right”
Blind/Lost/Unseen Rounds
-In the event that the shooter fires rounds and no one has any idea where 5 subsequent rounds go, the shooter will be removed from the line by the MD or RO and not allowed to continue the current relay.
-The shooter may either re-zero if the MD/venue allows, boresight, or repair their system and return in the following relay if the scope error or ballistic error is resolved. Returning to the line must be approved by the MD or RO and signed on the scoresheet.
-This is a safety issue. Ensure that you start your course of fire with a known zero.
Ties
- In the event of a scoring tie, placement will be determined by the highest point value on the farthest target. If those impacts are the same, the second farthest target, and so on.
-In the event of a CLEAN tie (all impacts for both competitors is the same), then there will be a shoot-off on the farthest plate. This will be sudden death format head to head, alternating 1 shot each between the competitors until one misses a target which the other hit.
-Ko2M breaks ties by adding remaining time at the end of a relay in seconds as bonus points.
Malfunctions
-Time does not stop for rifle or equipment malfunctions. The shooter alone must clear the problem on the clock. In some cases, based on safety concerns, the match director may allow additional assistance with clearing a malfunction. If the shooter does not have the knowledge to safely deal with the malfunction, ONE (only 1) additional person may provide assistance in restoring the firearm to functional status or making it safe for removal from the firing line. If the rifle is returned to functional status while still on the line, once approved, the shooter may re-engage utilizing any remaining time. After a rifle has a second safety malfunction of the same type, any additional malfunctions disqualify the shooter and the rifle must be removed from the line.
- Failures to extract may continue the course of fire and use a rod to clear the case. - Automatic discharge or slam fire. In the event that the act of closing the bolt causes the firearm to fire, the system can be inspected and repaired or bolt replaced. If it happens a second time, the COF must cease, and the rifle removed from the line.
- Hang fire. In the event of a Hang Fire, the bolt must remain in the locked position for 30 seconds. When lifting the bolt to reset, the shooter should not be behind the bolt.
- At any time that the match director deems the weapon or team unsafe, he can DQ/stop the shooting team for the current relay.
-In the event of a match equipment failure, downrange safety issue, weather stoppage, or any other mid-course of fire stoppage, the shooter will have the option to restart the "stage" or to keep the existing scores, and complete out the remaining time. If the shooter is delayed more than 10 minutes, the shooter will have the option to ONE sighting round for NO SCORE prior to resuming scoring. Note: If the 10 minute downtime occurs during the transition between 2 targets. The ONE sighting round must be fired at the prior target engaged prior to the downtime. This spotter shot will not be on the clock.
“Failure to do Right”
-In effect for all competitions. The MD may disqualify any competitor for attempting to stretch the letter of the rules or gaming to gain an unfair advantage against the spirit of the competition. Prime examples of this is shooting at something other than the target to get a wind reading, stealing wind (Scoping a turret), etc…
Equipment Data
-In order to assist in capturing market data on what WORKS in ELR, all competitors are asked to please submit their equipment list at https://bit.ly/3ZdSxjF for each match. Subsequent matches just ask you to confirm what you have already submitted and your spotter, match date, etc… Participation is voluntary. QR code for filling out the Equipment form:
Rules are for the safety of competitors and staff and leveling the playing field and are constantly evolving. Safety Changes may be made at any time. Rule review by MDs is annual and to be published or re-affirmed in January each year. Lowering of weight changes provide 24-month notice, increases may be shorter (timing up to MDs).
King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile specifics
*King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile rule changes (if any) will occur in the first quarter of the year.
**King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile entry rankings. King rankings are based upon matches that use video for hit/miss determination. Ko1M Rankings follow the 26 pound 338 caliber limits of Light Gun. Events that wish to be considered for inclusion will need to submit match results in the standardized King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Miles 2022 format directly to Alex@Ko2M.com
***King of 1 Mile / King of 2 Mile BiPod restriction
Bipod: The bipod can only be attached to the rifle at a single point, however, having it attached to a RRS/ARCA rail, or a BipodExT system (in each case that is mounted parallel to the bore) is allowed and can be moved during the course of fire. Bipod legs must be capable of folding or otherwise collapsing along the length of the gun. In the collapsed position, the bipod, and everything else on the rifle cannot exceed a width of 8 inches. The only mechanical elevation adjustment in the front portion of the rifle and bipod system must come from the independent movement of each of the bipod legs. (Note: This does not limit the use of a mono-pod located near the rear of the rifle). The leg can only be attached to the rest of the bipod (with the exception of springs designed for rapid deployment like on the Harris) at a single point. The folding or extending portions of the legs do not require tools to deploy/ operate and if asked to demonstrate, the shooter must be able to deploy the bipod from the fully folded and collapsed position into the firing position in under 10 seconds. The bipod may only have two points of contact with the ground. The foot of the leg that comes in contact with the ground may not exceed 4 inches in width or length. The rifle and bipod must remain rigid when firing, there can be no recoil dampening or movement of the rifle in relation to the bipod in any way for the purpose of damping/reducing recoil. Nothing can be placed on top of the bipod/rifle to add additional weight/ support. Common examples of these are sandbags and stakes. No sharp pointed bipods which will damage the blast sheet are permitted. Unconventional designs must be sent in for approval ahead of time. As with all the rules, any team seen to be attempting to bend the bipod rule will be disqualified.