Can a referee's call be checked on video?
A · Advanced · Finals and ties · 1 of 6Yes,
How it works
- The athlete raises an arm and says "VAR", before the next athlete fires. A coach seated in the field of play can also start a review by showing a VAR card to the jury member in charge.
- The referee commands "STOP". The athletes empty their shotguns.
- The referee draws the outline of a rectangle, a video screen, to show that the call is going to review.
- The referee and the jury member in charge go to the VAR station and examine the slow-motion footage together.
- "The final decision, after reviewing the video in slow motion, rests with the Referee."
- The referee announces "HIT", "LOST" or "NO TARGET", facing the spectators.
- How many: a maximum of two VAR requests for each athlete.
- If the first is denied: the athlete cannot ask again.
- If the first is accepted: a second may be requested.
- Whose call: an athlete or coach may ask only about their own target.
- The referee's own use: unlimited, whenever the referee doubts a call.
- No appeal: the decision on a VAR protest is final.
Tricky cases
An athlete thinks a rival's target was wrongly scored as a hit. Can they ask for a review?
No. A VAR protest may be made only for the athlete's own targets, and only on a "lost" or "no target" decision.
The athlete's first review fails. Can the coach ask for another later?
No. After a denied request neither the athlete nor the coach can ask for another, and the VAR card is not given back.
Is VAR available in qualification rounds?
No. The rule sits in the finals section, and it applies "in case VAR is used". In qualification an athlete protests to the referee, who consults the assistant referees.
Why the rule exists
A target hit by a single pellet can lose a chip too small to see from the referee's stand, and in a final one target decides a medal. Slow-motion video can show what the eye missed. The limit on requests stops reviews being used to break an opponent's rhythm.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ISSF rules | As above | ISSF 9.17.8; ISSF 9.17.9 |
| Without VAR | The athlete says "PROTEST" and the referee decides after hearing the assistant referees | ISSF 9.17.7 |
| Other protests in a final | Decided at once by a three-member Finals Protest Jury. A lost protest costs two points | ISSF 9.17.7 (c, d) |
From the rule book
ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, Edition 2025 (second print 07/2026), Shotgun Rules, rules 9.17.3.6, 9.17.7, 9.17.8 and 9.17.9. Effective 1 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ISSF Rule Book (PDF).