Can a shooter refuse to shoot at a target?
I · Intermediate · Targets and rounds · 2 of 4Yes,
How it works
An athlete may refuse a target if:
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it is not released within the proper time;
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in a double, the targets are not released simultaneously;
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the referee agrees that the athlete, after calling, was visibly disturbed by some external cause;
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the referee agrees that the target was irregular.
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How: "The athlete refusing a target must indicate this by opening the shotgun and raising an arm. The Referee must then give his decision."
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If the referee agrees: it is a no target and is thrown again.
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If the referee does not agree: the athlete did not fire at a regular target they called for, and it is lost.
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Pointing without shooting: following or pointing the gun at a slow or fast target without shooting is a technical violation, with a warning the first time.
Tricky cases
The athlete refuses a target the referee thinks was regular. What is scored?
Lost. The athlete did not shoot at a regular target for which they had called.
Can a coach call out that the target was irregular?
No. Only the athlete concerned may question a referee's decision on a hit, lost, no target or irregular target.
The athlete swings the gun at a late target, does not fire and asks for another. Is that a clean refusal?
No. Following or pointing at a slow or fast target without shooting is a technical violation. The proper signal is to open the gun and raise an arm.
Why the rule exists
A target that comes out early, late or on the wrong line is not the test the athlete prepared for. Refusing is the only way to get a fair one, since shooting at it means accepting it. The risk of having it scored lost keeps athletes from refusing targets that are merely awkward.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ISSF rules | As above | ISSF 9.9.5.1; ISSF 9.15.3 |
| Protests on a single target | Must be made at once, before the next athlete fires | ISSF 9.16.1.1 |
From the rule book
ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, Edition 2025 (second print 07/2026), Shotgun Rules, rules 9.7.5, 9.9.5.1, 9.15.3 and 9.16. Effective 1 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ISSF Rule Book (PDF).