TargetTalk

Here's the situation:

End of the preparation and sighting period. Range officer gives the command stop. Right after that, two shooters empty their pistols (air pistols).

From what I can find in the rules, this is it:

6.2.3.4 If an athlete fires a shot before the command “LOAD” or
“START” is given, or after the command “STOP” or ”UNLOAD”
is given, he may be disqualified if safety is involved.
6.2.3.5 When the command or signal “STOP” is given, shooting must
stop immediately. When the command “UNLOAD” is given, all
athletes must unload their guns and magazines, and make them
safe (to unload air guns ask the Range Officer for permission).
Shooting may only resume when the command “START” is given
again.

But since safety isn't compromised, what can the range officer do other than disqualifying?

Discharge after stop command counts as a competition shot scored as a zero. At least that has been the way we've operated in Canada.

Dr Jim

See the latest (May) interpretations.

During 2013 it is a warning but no other penalty.

Also, was a 30 second warning given?

Dr. Jim,
I couldn't find any rule mentioning that. Could you please post the number of that rule?

David,
There was a 30 seconds warning.
I've read the interpretations you've mentioned. It's clear now.

"PREPARATION AND SIGHTING TIME, RULE 6.11.1.1
The 2013 ISSF Rules provide for a separate 15 min. Preparation and Sighting Time
before the start of all 10m and 50m Rifle and Pistol Elimination and Qualification
Rounds. Sighting shots are warm-up shots; in all other sports warm-ups take place
before competition starts, not during the competition. This change is part of
Shooting’s continuing efforts to modernize and follow practices common to all
Olympic sports. In the first 2013 competitions, there were some instances where
athletes did not hear the STOP command at the end of the Preparation and Sighting
Time or who were confused. The rule does not provide for a warning before the end
of the 15 min. period, but these experiences have already demonstrated that such a
warning is necessary. Such a warning will be included in the next version of the
rules. Until then, Range Officers should add the warning “30 SECONDS
REMAINING” to their scripts for conducting 10m and 50m Rifle and Pistol events.
This warning must be given at 14 min. 30 sec. after the Preparation and Sighting
Time started.
END OF SIGHTING SHOTS AND START OF COMPETITION, RULE 6.11.1.2
This rule provides for the Range Officer to command END OF PREPARATION AND
SIGHTING…STOP. This is followed by a 30 sec. period when all targets are reset
from SIGHTING to MATCH. The Range Officer then commands MATCH
FIRING…START. If, during this year of transition to the new rules, an athlete makes
a mistake and fires a shot after the end of the Preparation and Sighting Time and
before the MATCH FIRING…START command, they should receive a warning for a
first offense, but no penalty. A decision on what penalties are appropriate in such
cases will be made after the 2013 Championship season. "

Thanks