Sass Mounted Shooters Handbook

SASS MOUNTED SHOOTERS HANDBOOK

Eleventh Edition JUNE 2009

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 SASS MOUNTED SHOOTING...... 1 SCHEDULING ...... 1 POINTS ...... 2 MEMBERSHIP...... 2 ALIAS...... 3 CLOTHING & ACCOUTERMENTS...... 3 FIREARMS...... 4 GUN LEATHER...... 5 BLANKS...... 5 HORSES...... 5 SADDLES AND TACK ...... 6 TARGETS AND EQUIPMENT...... 6 STAGE DESIGN ...... 6 TIMING ...... 7 SCORING ...... 7 PENALTIES ...... 7 RE-RIDES...... 9 SAFETY ...... 9 SAFETY GUIDELINES AND RULES ...... 10 RIDER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM...... 11 TEAM EVENTS ...... 12 CART SHOOTING ...... 13 SPIRIT OF THE GAME...... 14

rides the fastest and shoots the straight- INTRODUCTION est will win. ® The Single Action Shooting Society Historically, Mounted Shooting matches ® (SASS ) is an international organization have been held just about any place one created to preserve and promote the fast can ride a horse — at rodeos, shooting growing sport of Cowboy Action and matches, in parks, and on the desert or Mounted Shooting. SASS is responsible prairie. However, we have found the for developing rules and regulations, quality of the matches, as well as the publishes The Cowboy Chronicle®, safety of the horses, riders, and specta- monthly journal of the Single Action tors, is enhanced immeasurably when the Shooting Society, endorses State, Re- events are held in an arena. While not an absolute necessity, arenas are often gional, and National matches conducted easier to locate than a good shooting by affiliated clubs, and annually pro- ® range. The recommended arena size is duces END of TRAIL , the World 150 by 300 feet, though many matches Championship of Cowboy Action have been held in smaller arenas. Shooting™. All SASS sanctioned State, Regional, SASS MOUNTED SHOOTING National, and World Championship SASS Mounted Shooting is an exciting matches consist of at least six stages equestrian sport that combines elements (unless inclement weather prevents the completion of stages). In these cases, of old-time Wild West Show exhibition three or more stages run back to back shooting along with cavalry drills, barrel may make up a SASS match, and the racing, historical reenactments, and Sat- total sum of all stages determines a con- urday afternoon Westerns. SASS testant’s score. In special circumstances Mounted Shooting is a direct outgrowth SASS may waive the six-stage of SASS Action Shooting and is a natural requirement. progression for those cowboys and cow- girls who want to bring horses into their SCHEDULING Wild West fantasy. A SASS Mounted Shooting Affiliated Contestants in the Mounted Shooting Club can host: competition use two .45 Long Colt cali- • Twelve monthly points qualify- ber single-action revolvers loaded with ing matches, five rounds each of specially prepared • One annual points qualifying blackpowder blanks to shoot ten targets match, from horseback while riding a specified • One annual points qualifying course of travel. Unburned granules of State Championship upon appli- blackpowder exiting the barrel of the cation acceptance, revolver will ordinarily break a target out to a range of 10 to 15 feet. Riders are timed through the course and each missed target adds five seconds to the rider’s raw time. The contestant who

• One annual points qualifying Re- Mounted Shooting participants and is gional Championship upon ap- free of charge to affiliated clubs. plication acceptance, and • Annual and monthly match con- • One annual points qualifying Na- testants receive single points, tional Championship upon appli- • State Championship match con- cation acceptance testants receive double points, A “match” is an event that provides the • Regional Championship match opportunity for division move-ups and contestants receive triple points, points that is conducted under the rules • National Championship match and guidelines set forth in this SASS contestants receive quadruple Mounted Shooters Handbook. points, and • World Championship match con- Annual matches must not conflict with testants receive quintuple points any SASS State or Regional Champion- ships in the respective state for State This Handbook contains the SASS rules Championships and region for Regional and regulations for use in all SASS ap- Championships. proved Mounted Shooting competitions. SASS State and Regional Championship Additional material is available in the matches must not conflict with each Mounted Range Officer I and II (MRO-I other or the SASS National or World and MRO-II) courses. These courses Championships. teach good Mounted Shooting practices and explain many of the rules stated POINTS herein. In order to qualify for points, State MEMBERSHIP Championships and above must run a minimum of six stages and have at least Participants in SASS sanctioned ten contestants. Annual and monthly Mounted Shooting competitions must be matches must run a minimum of four members of the Single Action Shooting stages and have at least ten contestants Society. to qualify for points. The minimum SASS Members receive the following: number of stages may vary with ap- • A distinctive badge, proval from SASS according to the rules • Membership card, and guidelines set forth in this SASS • Lapel pin, Mounted Shooters Handbook. • Official SASS Logo decal, Points are tracked for SASS members • Unique membership certificate with and will not be required to qualify for registration of your personal shooter’s entering a SASS event. They are used alias, for tracking achievement, division status, • Subscription to The Cowboy Chroni- and to qualify for prizes and awards. cle, monthly journal of the Single Ac- Points must be submitted to the SASS tion Shooting Society. office within 15 days following the shoot. The program begins annually with points for all END of TRAIL

ALIAS SASS puts a great deal of emphasis on Every SASS member is required to select costuming because it adds so much to a shooting alias representative of a char- the uniqueness of our game and helps create a festive, informal atmosphere acter or profession from the Old West, that supports the friendly, fraternal feel- western fiction, or western film and/or ing we encourage in our competitors. television genre. Your alias is like a western livestock brand, registered at the In order to compete a contestant MUST SASS office. It may not in any way du- be in costume at all match events, including dinners, award ceremonies, and plicate or easily be confused with any dances. other member’s alias. SASS headquar- ters is the final arbiter of whether an SASS DRESS REQUIREMENTS alias is acceptable or not. FOR COMPETITORS The following rules are enforced in ac- Shirts and Blouses: Long sleeve tradi- cepting a new alias for SASS registry: tional western design may include snap • It must be “printable” before a wide button shirts, button up, lace up, smiley audience, pockets, shield shirts, plaid shirts, denim • No duplications are permitted, shirts, leather shirts. Shirts may have • If it SOUNDS the same, it is the same, appliqué, fringe, piping, embroidery, or • Adding “Too” or “II,” for example, is different colored yokes. Sleeves may be not acceptable, rolled up to the forearm. Ladies may • “Ranger” could become “Texas wear short sleeve western cowgirl or Ranger” but not “The Ranger,” Victorian style shirt, peasant blouse, • “John Henry Chisum” could be modi- camisole. fied to “Jack Chisum” but not “John Pants and Skirts: Traditional styled H. Chisum” or “Jon Chisum,” western pants. Jeans may be worn but • Historical names may not be modified must be worn with chaps or chinks over to make them different. “Wyatt Earp” them. Ladies may wear split riding and “Marshal Wyatt Earp” are consid- skirts, full-length dress or Victorian- ered the same. styled long formal dress, Spanish, Indian The SASS Alias Registry changes daily. style, or saloon girl dress is appropriate. Phone the SASS office or check the Dresses may be short sleeve or SASS web site to confirm the availability sleeveless. of your choice of alias. Headwear: Headwear shall be worn during competition for the entire match. CLOTHING & ACCOUTERMENTS Headwear may include western style felt Cowboy Action Shooting™ is a combi- cowboy hat, cavalry style felt hat, Victo- nation of historical re-enactment and rian or other ladies hat, veil, ribbon, Saturday afternoon Westerns. Partici- bow, feather, or other appropriate hair pants may choose the style of costume ornamentation to complete a look; they wish to wear, but all clothing must Mexican style sombrero of felt or straw, be typical of the late 19th century or a B- Native American style headband with western movie or television western. feathers, or protective headwear.

Footwear: Boots may be lace up or pull • Nylon, plastic, or Velcro on and must be a traditional design of accouterments. leather or leather looking material; moc- • Promotional or sponsor’s logos on tack casins or military style boots must be of or clothing are forbidden. Manufac- leather or leather looking material. La- turer’s clothing labels are acceptable. dies may also wear Victorian style shoes or lace up shoes. They must be of FIREARMS leather (leather looking material), silk, or Each contestant shall be armed with two brocade fabric. revolvers. Only fixed sight single action Accoutrements: Accoutrements are revolvers of .45 Long Colt caliber, de- strongly encouraged. They may include, signed prior to 1898, or reproductions but are not limited to the following: thereof, are allowed. gloves or gauntlets, scarves with slides Examples of these revolvers include Colt or tied around the neck, coat, jacket, Single Action Army and Bisley Models, vest, frock coats, dusters, chaps, cuffs, Smith & Wesson Schofield and Russian, belts or buckles, period watch, hat Remington Models 1875 and 1890, and bands, sleeve garters, knife in sheath, Ruger Vaqueros and Montados. botas, leggings, suspenders, or sashes. All firearms shall be maintained in the Ladies may also wear period jewelry, same external condition as originally period hair ornaments, snood, feather manufactured by the factory. Allowed boa, cape, sashes, stockings, bustle, modifications are limited to engraving, hoop, and corset. hammer knurling, or turned down ham- OUTLAWED mers as long as there is no lateral addi- The use or presence of any outlawed tion or welded add-ons. No rubber grips item is a Stage Disqualification. are allowed. The original external profile shall be maintained. All external • Short sleeve shirts (Male competitors parts shall be of the type manufactured only) for that particular model firearm. Stock • Hip-hugger or designer jeans parts may be swapped from revolver to • Short sleeve tee shirts, long sleeve tee revolver. Ejector rods shall be main- shirts, and tank tops for all competi- tained. Site modifications are limited to tors. Long sleeve Henley type shirts the filing of the front site. Triggers shall with buttons are acceptable. be operational; “slip hammer” revolvers • Spandex or other modern body-hug- are unsafe. ging material, fitted tops. • Modern feathered cowboy hats (Shady Custom grips are allowed, including Brady). Straw hats of traditional de- birdshead grips (like the Cimarron sign (e.g. Stetson, Bailey, sombreros,) Thunderer). Included are standard fac- are acceptable. tory production birdshead grip frame re- • Ball caps volvers and aftermarket grip frames that • All types of athletic shoes or combat are a production type product. No “one- boots, no matter the material from of-a-kind” custom-made grip frames are which they are constructed allowed. The side profile for grip frames cannot be altered on any revolver.

Bisley style hammers are legal on single is responsible for correct indexing of action revolvers. A Bisley style hammer their revolver and checking for high may replace a standard hammer so long primers or any other condition that may as it is from the same manufacturer. Ex- inhibit their ability to complete the ample: It is legal to replace a standard course. Ruger Vaquero hammer with a Ruger Bisley Hammer. HORSES SASS Mounted Shooting competition is GUN LEATHER open to any horse or mule, registered or Each rider will need a belt and two hol- grade. A competitor must use the same sters. Most competitors use one holster horse throughout the entire match. on their strong side and a cross-draw on However, should a competitor or Match their off side, allowing them to shoot Director deem a horse physically unfit to both revolvers with their strong hand continue the match, the competitor may without shifting the reins from one hand ride a backup or borrowed horse to fin- to the other. It is permissible to mount ish the match. The competitor shall not holsters on the saddle. All holsters must be allowed to return to the original be of leather construction and must se- mount that was deemed unfit to ride. No curely retain the contestant’s firearms more than two riders may use the same throughout the strenuous range of mo- horse. tion required in mounted competition. A competitor may enter a competition Holsters should conform to historic Old more than once by paying the additional West designs. A holster is defined as a entry fees; but, must use a different leather pouch formed in the shape of a horse for each entry and may not mix the revolver. A feedbag or saddlebag does same horses in the entries. not qualify and is considered to be un- Horses should be introduced and condi- safe. Holsters are limited to belted hol- tioned to the sound of gunfire prior to sters, pommel, cantle, and/or shoulder competing in a match. A Mounted holsters. Shooting competition is not the appro- BLANKS priate form to introduce your horse to the sound of gunfire for the first time. Blanks for all SASS recognized Mounted Shooting events must be provided by the New riders and/or mounts shall demon- match producers and loaded for each strate they can safely control/be con- contestant by a designated Armorer. trolled during the completion of a course of fire prior to entering a competition. All SASS Mounted Shooting blanks are Basically, a rider needs a well-trained loaded with blackpowder or a substitute horse conditioned to tolerate gunfire he such as Pyrodex. or she can keep under control with one No live ammo is to be carried on the hand on the reins while shooting with horse or by a mounted contestant during the other hand. competition. An experienced shooter No abuse of animals is allowed. If the will be designated as Armorer and will Range Master determines a mount is load and unload all revolvers. Each rider being abused, an initial warning will be

Copyright Single Action Shooting Society 1997–2009 5 SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook June 2009 Eleventh Edition issued. If disregarded, expulsion from inch in diameter. A simple 1-1/2 inch the match will follow. vertical hacksaw cut in the top of the pipe provides an excellent way to fasten SADDLES AND TACK targets to the target pole. Simply tie off Contestants are encouraged to use period the neck of the balloon, stretch it, and saddles of an early western design, such slip it into the saw cut. as slickforks, Hope Tree, Mother Hub- Standard target poles should be 48 bard, or McClellan. However, one may inches high, but can be varied from compete with any saddle as long as it is ground level to 60 inches to add variety constructed of traditional materials to each stage. Traffic cones make ex- (leather) and is in safe condition. cellent, safe bases for target poles. Headstalls, tie-downs, reins, and breast collars must be of leather construction. STAGE DESIGN The idea is to present a picture “out of A stage is a course of fire or riding and the past” of the mount and rider. Mod- shooting pattern designed for the maxi- ern neoprene and fleece lined cinches, mum enjoyment of competitors and nylon latigos and billets, shin, skid, and spectators while testing horsemanship bell boots, while not encouraged, are ac- and shooting skills. When designing and ceptable as long as they are of neutral setting a stage, the safety of riders, earth tones and do not blatantly change horses, and spectators is always a pri- the overall traditional appearance of the mary concern. SASS provides a com- competitor’s rig. Contestants may use prehensive Mounted Shooting course of any bit or hackamore to reasonably con- fire stage book; while these stages are trol their mount as long as it is not not required to be used, they are strongly overly severe in design. recommended. Tack may not display any visible adver- A standard Mounted Shooting stage has tisements or endorsements, including ten targets. A contestant engages the logos. course of fire with two single action revolvers loaded with five approved car- TARGETS and EQUIPMENT tridges. Revolvers are used one at a The standard targets used in SASS time. Mounted Shooting competitions are he- With the first revolver, a contestant en- lium quality balloons. When inflated gages the first designated course of fire correctly, a target will measure six to (the first half of the stage). Upon com- nine inches in diameter. Care is taken to pleting the first half of the course, the make sure targets are of uniform size for contestant shall holster the now empty all competitors. Targets shall be of two revolver and draw the second revolver distinctly different colors; it makes it and ride to engage the second half of the easier for a contestant to distinguish the stage. first half of a stage from the second half. The Range Master is responsible for For safety reasons target stands should making a final inspection of the course be made of a flexible material like PVC before riders get their “go.” Course of or polyethylene pipe no larger than 3/4 fire as defined in the riders meeting

Copyright Single Action Shooting Society 1997–2009 6 SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook June 2009 Eleventh Edition takes precedent over any printed stages determines a contestant’s score. material. The decision of the Range Master is There shall be no running starts into the final. arena. If a contestant wishes to protest the All riders shall start a stage with the gate Range Master’s decision, he/she shall do closed. so by filing a $50 cash protest fee with It is required all barrels be plastic and the Match Director. An Appeals Board closed at both ends. They may not be for any SASS sanctioned match shall be closer than 25 feet to the arena side rails made up of three experienced SASS and 25 feet to the end rail, and targets MRO-I certified members and one alter- shall be set at lease 30 feet from the side nate who shall hear the appeal. This and end rails. Appeals Board shall be set up by the After completing the stage, the contest- Match Director prior to the shooter’s ant shall immediately report to the Ar- meeting. No appeal shall be heard, dis- morer, who will unload both revolvers. cussed, or pre-vote opinion taken of the Appeals Board until the $50 is paid in TIMING cash to the Match Director. The Ap- Two types of timers are used in SASS peals Board shall convene at an appro- Mounted Shooting competitions. Elec- priate time set by the Match Director tronic beam timers similar to those used and listen to the rider’s case. They shall in barrel racing competitions are recom- then discuss and vote in private on mended. With these timers, the rider whether to accept or deny the protest self-starts by crossing a beam to enter based upon the SASS Mounted Shooters the stage. Riding through the beam at the Handbook. If the appeal is granted, the end of the stage automatically stops the $50 is returned; if the appeal is rejected timer. This type timer is available from the $50 goes to the club sponsoring the companies like FarmTek (www.farmtek- event. fti.com). The board of a sponsoring club has sov- The second type timer can be any form ereignty if no rule or penalty exists in of a stopwatch. Whichever type timer is this SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook. used, the rider will always start from behind a start line or a start box and finish PENALTIES upon crossing the finish line. Penalties are avoided if at all possible. SCORING This is accomplished through good stage design and attention to detail. Discre- SASS Mounted Shooting matches are tionary penalties have no place in timed scored by total elapsed time plus a pen- events. alty of five-seconds for each missed tar- Penalties – 5 seconds get plus any other safety or procedural • Missed target penalties that may be assessed by the • Knocked over barrel Range Master. The total sum of all

• Knocked over mandatory gate • Failure to follow rules regarding cone horses • A dropped revolver after engag- • Using other than match provided ing the stage blanks • Failure to holster first revolver • Consuming any alcoholic bever- • Twirling of revolver age before completing all com- • Failure to engage target petition for the day and having Procedurals – 10 seconds unloaded, inspected, and stored their firearms • Failure to follow pattern Ingesting any substance, either • Deliberate bypassing a target to • gain unfair advantage prescription or nonprescription pharmaceuticals, that may affect • Knocking over rails, panel, struc- tures, or other devices intended one’s ability to participate in a for controlling rider and horse, as completely safe manner stipulated by the Match Director Match Director Call for Match Dis- Stage Disqualification – 99.99 seconds qualification – Match DQ Failure to comply with rules per- • Failure to follow SASS clothing • requirements taining to firearms A contestant discovered willfully • Engaging the course without the • consent of the Range Master misrepresenting their actual competition Division • A rider loads or shoots six rounds

from the same revolver in a stage • Flagrant violation of safety guidelines • Becoming dismounted during a

stage or otherwise not complet- • Poor sportsmanship, abusive lan- ing a stage guage, interpersonal conflicts Abuse of animals • Second accidental breaking of • timer beam during warm up Only one 10-second procedural may be • Accidental discharge outside of assessed an individual rider on a single the arena before or after a run stage.

• Failure to follow loading / un- A firearm dropped once the course has loading rules been engaged is a dead firearm, and the

• Crossing timer beam before fin- rider incurs a five-second penalty plus ishing stage any missed targets/unfired rounds. A

• A cart accident, broken cart parts rider who drops a firearm before cross- (where stage cannot be safely ing the timing beam is removed from his completed), or contestant falls place in line until the firearm has been out of cart after engaging stage cleared and inspected by a match offi- Match Disqualification – Match DQ cial. No consequences will be received • Reloading and shooting the stage for a firearm dropped after crossing the after an accidental discharge finish line, but a match official shall still • Rider having live ammunition on inspect the firearm. their person, mount, or in other equipment

In the event a firearm comes in contact At all SASS matches, no re-rides shall with the arena floor, only an arena offi- be given after the contestant has engaged cial shall pick it up. the stage accept for: A rider who becomes dismounted during • prop or match equipment failure; a course of fire receives a 99.99 second • a Range Master impeding the score, and the ride is over. Total time progress of the contestant for any for a rider that does not complete any reason; stage shall be 99.99 seconds for that • timer equipment failure or unre- stage. Total time for a fall or ride shall corded time; as determined by equal no more than 99.99 seconds. the Range Master. No penalty is given if a contestant In these cases, the contestant shall start knocks over a target pole. However, the over as a new stage. This means the targets shall be broken only by direct contestant shall not carry forward any gunfire and be totally deflated prior to misses or a clean stage. the rider crossing the timing beam. All If a rider crosses the timing line prior to targets, whether standing or lying down, completing the course of fire, he or she shall be broken by gunfire to be consid- shall be given a total time of 99.99 sec- ered a hit. All targets broken by nature onds. Accidentally breaking the start shall be engaged. The decision of the timer during warm-up and before the Range Master is final. Ranger Master has been given the OK to Two target rule: If a contestant hits two engage the course (through use of a flag or more targets of the same color with or similar signal), shall incur no penalty, one shot, the remaining round may be and the timer shall be reset. The rider used to pick up a target of that same will be given a warning for that stage. A color that may have been missed while second breakage of the timer will result maintaining the designated course of in a 99.99 second penalty. fire. SAFETY Engaging a target is defined as attempt- ing to fire a round at the target. SASS Mounted Shooting requires riding and shooting skills of an intermediate to RE-RIDES advanced level. Persons unsure of their A contestant is determined to have en- own skill level should contact the Match gaged the stage once the contestant has Director about qualifications, practice, crossed the plane of the start/finish line and pre-match training clinics. or the timer beam. At that point, the All contestants are responsible for their contestant accepts the stage as it is. own personal safety and the safety of Thereafter, any blank fired, incorrect their mount. Every contestant is a des- setting of targets, malfunctions of fire- ignated safety officer and should always arm, gear, rig, mount, or cart, shall not be alert for unsafe conditions or unsafe constitute a re-ride. conduct by others. Any contestant should take immediate action to remedy any unsafe condition or confront anyone whose conduct is unsafe.

No contestant shall discharge a firearm 3. All firearms shall remain unloaded in the direction of the spectators unless until the rider is called to the he is more than thirty feet from the edge loading area. of the arena and the Match Director has 4. All contestants shall use the same given approval. match supplied .45 Long Colt The Match Director shall designate a blank ammo. No personal blanks Range Master whose job is to determine of any type are allowed in SASS safety during the course of each stage. Mounted Shooting competitions.

The Range Master shall be responsible 5. Do not cock a firearm until imme- for ensuring the course is safe to engage diately prior to engaging a target. and all personnel are out of the arena or 6. Competitors are expected to com- in an area that is considered safe. He pete safely within their individual shall ensure all targets are up to par and capabilities at all times. Do not try the stage is the same for all contestants. to “over ride” your own horse- No rider shall be allowed to engage the manship skills and remember to be course until cleared by the Range Mas- mindful of your firearm muzzle ter. He shall have the authority to stop direction at all times. the contest at any time he believes the 7. Never look at the cylinder front to area has become unsafe for the rider or verify the revolver is loaded. other persons. Should the ride be 8. All competitors must be stopped for safety reasons, the contestant knowledgeable and proficient in will receive a re-ride. the safe use of their firearms. 9. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited The Range Master is designated by the in the arena, staging, and shooting Match Director to determine violation of areas. This includes all competi- any match rules. He makes decisions tors, range officials, guests, and regarding procedurals, rules of engage- anyone else in these areas. ment, and other items defined herein. 10. No competitor shall consume any The Match Director has the right to re- alcoholic beverage until they have move or disqualify anyone from a stage completed the day’s competition or match for poor sportsmanship, animal and stored their gear. abuse, or flagrant violation of safety 11. No competitor may ingest any sub- guidelines and rules set forth in this stance that may affect his/her SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook. ability to participate in a com- SAFETY GUIDELINES AND RULES pletely safe manner. Medications 1. All firearms shall be treated as if that may cause drowsiness or they are loaded at all times. other physical or mental impair- “Spinning” the six-gun is not ment are to be avoided. allowed. 12. Contestants shall have no live am- 2. All firearm loading and unloading munition on their person or in shall be accomplished by the Ar- their cartridge belts or saddle bags morer, a special designated match during a SASS Mounted Shooting official, or as directed. competition. Dummy ammo with inert or fired primers may be retained in cartridge belts.

13. Riders have final responsibility to ior Division, and a Junior Division. The make sure their firearms are five basic Divisions and the Senior Divi- loaded, check for missing or sion are further divided into “ladies dented primers, cylinders rotate only” Divisions. There are no “men’s” freely, and to be certain they are Divisions. For example, there is a Divi- correctly indexed prior to stage sion Three and a Ladies Division Three. engagement. The Armorer is not responsible. Ladies may compete in either one. SASS 14. Abusive language or conduct shall often also recognizes the top male and not be tolerated, and at discretion female mounted competitors, regardless of the Range Master, the offender of their competition Division. shall be given a warning or Once the designated number of wins has disqualification. been accumulated, advancement to the 15. Mandatory new shooter orienta- next higher Division is automatic. Divi- tion and qualification rides shall sion advancement for SASS Mounted be conducted prior to competition. Shooting is administered by the SASS 16. SASS recommends the use of eye office. SASS competitors are required and hearing protection at all to declare their Division classification matches. based upon the following Division ad- 17. Be mindful of your mount. Often vancement protocol. For a win to qual- there are children and other spec- ify toward a move-up, the contestant tators in areas crowded with must win their Division by beating at horses. Be careful. least two other shooters competing in the 18. Sweeping any personnel within 40 same Division or a combination of three feet with a firearm is not allowed. contestants at that Division level or The Match Director shall declare a higher. For example, the competitor safe zone where all handguns will beats the only other competitor in his be holstered. Division and two other competitors in 19. The rider assumes all responsibil- higher level Divisions. Members dis- ity for participation in these covered willfully misrepresenting their events. actual Division will be disqualified from 20. Interpersonal conflicts will not be all SASS sanctioned matches at which a tolerated. competitor’s Division was willfully mis- represented. Competitors may be re- Think quired to show proof of advancement. SAFETY...SAFETY...SAFETY! Copies of event results and other perti- nent literature should be retained. RIDER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM All contestants enter the sport of SASS has adopted a classification sys- Mounted Shooting in Division 1. tem based upon a competitor’s riding Movement is based upon number of and shooting ability. All points matches wins in contestant’s existing Division. also earn riders qualifying move-up wins Division 1s must win their Division if the following criteria are met. All rid- twice; Division 2 contestants must win ers are classified in five Divisions, a Sen- their Division three times; Division 3

Copyright Single Action Shooting Society 1997–2009 11 SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook June 2009 Eleventh Edition contestants must win their Division four into two classifications: Open and times; and Division 4 competitors must Limited. win their Division five times. For a win • Open: Any Junior who is a Division 3– to qualify, there shall be at least three 5. competitors within the appropriate Divi- • Limited: Any Junior who is a Division sion, except Division 3, which shall have 1–2. four competitors, and Division 4, which shall have five competitors. Division 4 Junior Division move ups shall be as competitors may also advance to Divi- follows: A full Limited Class consists of sion 5 by winning the Overall SASS three Juniors in any combination of World or National Championship so Level 1 or 2 riders of either gender. A long as there are 50 or more competitors full Open Class consists of four Juniors participating in the event. in any combination of Level 3–5 riders of either gender. Senior Division: Any male, having at- tained the age of 55 shall be eligible to All age relevant Divisions shall be al- ride in the Senior Division. lowed the option of moving on January 1 of the competition year in which they Women who have reached the age of 48 turn the appropriate age, or on their years shall be eligible to ride as a senior birthday, or on December 31 of the lady. competition year in which they turned The Senior Division is divided into two the appropriate age. Once they choose classifications: Open and Limited. Open to move they cannot move back to their Classification is for those seniors com- previous Division. peting at Division 3-5 levels. Limited is SASS recognizes the highest contestant for those riders competing at the Divi- classification given/assigned by any sion 1-2 levels. other Mounted Shooting association or The Senior Division move-ups shall be organization that has a similar classifi- the same as Division move ups in Levels cation system. 1-5. However, a Senior in either classi- Buckaroos Division: Any child 11 fication must win the class and beat at years old and under may join this divi- least the required number of competitors sion. Buckaroos complete the course on in equal or higher Division levels in the horseback without firearms. Buckaroos match. should be encouraged to ride the course Junior Division: Junior riders are 12 to and shoot at the targets with cap guns or 15 years of age. Juniors have six months similar props, but these props are not after their sixteenth birthday to make the required. A parent or legal guardian shall decision to move down one Division, or be present. remain in the same Division as an adult. Juniors are able to compete for the Over- TEAM EVENTS all in their respective gender, but the The Division numbers are the basis for Junior Division is not separated by gen- forming team event teams. A two-per- der. The Junior Division is also broken son team is composed of two competitors whose Division numbers total seven

Copyright Single Action Shooting Society 1997–2009 12 SASS Mounted Shooters Handbook June 2009 Eleventh Edition or less. A three-rider team’s Division • No shooting over or behind the numbers must total ten or less. driver’s head.

CART SHOOTING 2. Shotgun Shooter – Shooters that are assigned to a pre-qualified driver / cart Cart Shooting is a game where the / horse and shoot for fun. shooter rides in a horse-drawn cart • Same rules apply as for Combined through a 10-target course of fire, Team. shooting the targets as he or she goes. This particular game is ideal for those 3. Pioneer Cart Shooter – Competitors who don’t have their own horse or are that shoot and do their own driving. otherwise not comfortable competing • Only a Pioneer Cart Shooter is al- from horseback, but who want to par- lowed to drive his own cart while ticipate in SASS Mounted Shooting. shooting. • May make crossover shots. The term “horse” is used in the following, but includes horses, mules, and The following rules apply for all donkeys. The term “cart” is used in the categories: following and includes carts, surreys, 1. All carts must be safe and well main- buggies, and wagons, but not Chariots. tained. Period vehicles are preferred, SASS rules above govern firearms, but not required. ammo, clothing, and SAFETY. 2. Harness must be safe and maintained. Leather preferred. There are three Cart Shooting 3. Hitches can consist of one or two categories: horses. 1. Combined Team – Shooter and 4. Carts shall have seats for both the driver sign-up and compete as a team. driver and the shooter. 5. The Match Director determines the • This is a two-person team. One driver and one shooter will compete course of fire with input from a des- in the cart. ignated Cart Shooter representative. Cart Shooting scenarios will not al- • Any penalties are applied to the team. Example: A missed target ways follow the same Mounted costs both the driver and the shooter Shooting pattern due to turning and five-seconds. safety restrictions. 6. All cart teams are required to attend a • All shots must be taken from the appropriate side of the cart; no “cross- Cart Shooters meeting before each over” shots allowed. Shooting with stage.

the right hand requires shots be 7. Each driver/horse team must prove taken off the right side of the cart. themselves to be a safe team.

Shots taken with the left hand must 8. In case of a crash or any broken parts be taken from the left side of the after a stage starts, one must STOP cart. IMMEDIATELY. The contestant or team is given a 99.99-second time. • No shooting across the driver’s body. One may change carts and/or harness for the next stage and injured horses may be replaced with horses trained

for cart operations, as approved by the is described as “failure to engage” and is Match Director. definitely not in keeping with the “Spirit of the Game.” Any participant who does SPIRIT OF THE GAME not believe in this “Code of the West” or The “Spirit of the Game” or “Code of “Spirit of the Game” should pursue some the West” is a code of conduct and an other sport or activity! attitude towards participation in all FUN is the main reason for these com- SASS related activities and competitions. petitions, and SASS members are among Competing under the “Spirit of the the friendliest people in the world! Rid- Game” or “Code” means one fully par- ers, shooters, and Old West aficionados ticipates in the activities and events all come together as one group to share without looking for short-cuts or ways to fun, ideas, horse training techniques, create an unfair advantage out of what is shooting tips, and Old West lore at these or is not stated in the rules, shooting events, which are colorful and exciting procedures, or course descriptions. For for competitors and spectators alike. example, bypassing a target to save time

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