How long does a trap shooter have, and how must they stand?
I · Intermediate · Targets and rounds · 1 of 4In trap the athlete has 12 seconds to take position, close the shotgun and call for the target after the previous athlete has fired and the result is registered. The gun is raised to the shoulder before the call. A first breach of the time limit or of foot position brings a warning, and a second costs a point.
How it works
- The 12 seconds: runs from when the previous athlete has fired at a regular target, opened the gun and had the result registered, or from the referee's "START" or "READY".
- The gun: "he must raise the shotgun to the shoulder and call loudly and crisply for the target".
- The release: immediate, allowing only for human reaction time if a person presses the button.
- Feet: on the station. A foot fault is a technical violation.
- Who times it: the referee in qualification. In finals an electronic timing device is used.
- First violation: a warning with a yellow card, and the target is a no target.
- Second or later violation of the same kind: one point deducted, shown with a green card.
Tricky cases
Does the athlete have to shoot within 12 seconds?
No. The athlete has to call for the target within 12 seconds. The shot follows the target.
Can the athlete call with the gun held low and mount it as the target appears?
No. In trap the gun is raised to the shoulder before the call. Starting with the gun down is the skeet rule.
The athlete has had one warning for time on the first day. Does a second slow call on day two cost a point?
Yes. A second technical violation of the same kind at any stage of the competition, apart from the final, brings the deduction.
Why the rule exists
Six athletes share one line and each shot depends on a moment of concentration. A fixed, short limit keeps the round flowing and stops one athlete from making the others wait, or from waiting out a gust of wind.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ISSF rules | As above | ISSF 9.8.1.1; ISSF 9.8.1.2; ISSF 9.15.3 |
| Squads of five or fewer | The time is extended for the athlete walking from station 5 to station 1 | ISSF 9.8.1.2 (c) |
| Skeet | The gun starts at the hip and the athlete has 30 seconds for a station. See the skeet set | ISSF 9.9.2.1; ISSF 9.9.4 |
From the rule book
ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, Edition 2025 (second print 07/2026), Shotgun Rules, rules 9.8.1.1, 9.8.1.2, 9.8.4.4, 9.8.4.6 and 9.15.3. Effective 1 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ISSF Rule Book (PDF).