Classification standards?

[lksopener]

Hi guys,

Relatively new to clay shooting but have shot for about 13 years predominantly game and vermin.

I've take a real interest in clay shooting recently and often come across classes such as:

AA

A

B

C

What do these actually mean?

If you wish to become registered to a class how would you go about it? I'm quite interested in the competition side of it as it seems to be like a handicapping system so as a relatively new shot I would have a chance?

Liam

 

[Will Hewland]

Hi,

The scores that you record at CPSA registered shoots give you an average score. Twice a year, they grade everybody. I could explain much further but instead I will post links to the CPSA website which explains all.

https://www.cpsa.co.uk/classification-system

Cheers

 

[lksopener]

That would be useful. Thanks

 

[ExSCA]

Liam,

Classifications are administered by the CPSA (for England, other countries have their own)  - so by joining the association you can take part in registered shoots, have your score recorded by the association and the classification issued.  You be issued a temporary classification whilst you are in the process of shooting a set minimum threshold to be classified.

The CPSA link describing the system is here : https://www.cpsa.co.uk/classification-system

Classifications do not act as a handicap - but allow you to measure your shooting against your peers in a more formal way, and compete in your classes - sometimes to win trophies/prizes. 

To get your classification - its a few simple steps:

1. Register with your association - I see you are in Nottinghamshire, so the CPSA would probably be the easiest, but alternatives are available (you could join the Scottish or Welsh version)

2. Rock up to a registered shoot - the CPSA carries a formal directory, ShootClay has a calendar of popular shoots as well

3. Enjoy the shoot - making sure you follow the CPSA rules, which include handing your card in at the end of your round. The shoots are usually a bit more formal than a strawbaler, with scorers/refs on each stand for Sporting.

4. Wait for your scores to show up on the CPSA website - after shooting a minimum threshold you can get a temporary classification (300 targets in most I think)

5. At the end of the classification cycle - you'll be given your class - and then the fun begins, trying to move up or saving yourself from moving down.

I'm sure someone will be along to correct any mistakes I've made.

Hope this helps get you started.

Once I moved to registered shooting, I never looked back - much more enjoyable for me.

 

[Will Hewland]

There you go. See link in earlier post. Happy to answer any questions though.

 

[lksopener]

Thanks guys that makes it a bit clearer for me.

Ill see how I go with it all.

Thanks for the explanation that makes it much clearer.

 

[Will Hewland]

Thanks guys that makes it a bit clearer for me.

Ill see how I go with it all.

Thanks for the explanation that makes it much clearer.

I agree with Matt. After I discovered registered shoots, everything else just seemed pointless. Tracking my average and going up grades is a whole secondary interest. Without this, it's just standing in a field breaking pottery for no reason..

 

[Chard]

I agree with Matt. After I discovered registered shoots, everything else just seemed pointless. Tracking my average and going up grades is a whole secondary interest. Without this, it's just standing in a field breaking pottery for no reason..

Same for me. If I didn't have the classification system and registered shooting, I think I would get bored with it all.

Practice sessions don't hold my interest for very long these days.

Noobs always chirp on about how the only important thing is "enjoying yourself" :ermm:

I don't think it's quite as simplistic as that. All sorts of things are "enjoyable" but the novelty wears off eventually.... <_<

 

[Fuzrat]

Shouldn't that be trying to move up and trying not to go down Matt? Sandbagging tendencies being shown :.:

 

[Hamster]

C   = kind of like it

B   = like to pretend I don't mind missing

A   = like to hit as many as possible

AA = can't get it out of my head and it's not funny no more

 

[** Pending Removal **]

Or you can shoot a discipline like Helice where there are no classes and it is the best man or woman who wins......simples.

(Plus it is the hardest discipline....but everyone says it is easy     :smile: )

 

[Hamster]

The best man does win on the day regardless of classification.

 

[Will Hewland]

The best man does win on the day regardless of classification.

That's the great thing about the system. Obviously the top AA boys care only about HG, but winning C class is a huge step in the earlier stages (or for those that cannot for whatever reason push upwards. Time, money, health..)

Just having a website that records my every shoot is worth a lot to me. Wherever you are in your 'career' it makes it all relevant. I used to be so keen to not be in the bottom third of the total scores. Fascinating to see where people you know finished too.

 

[ExSCA]

Shouldn't that be trying to move up and trying not to go down Matt? Sandbagging tendencies being shown :lol:

Good point - will correct.

 

[ExSCA]

That's the great thing about the system. Obviously the top AA boys care only about HG, but winning C class is a huge step in the earlier stages (or for those that cannot for whatever reason push upwards. Time, money, health..)

Just having a website that records my every shoot is worth a lot to me. Wherever you are in your 'career' it makes it all relevant. I used to be so keen to not be in the bottom third of the total scores. Fascinating to see where people you know finished too.

Same same - I started out registered with an 'anything but last' approach - then trying to move towards the top-end of c-class... had a couple of places and couple of c-class wins, but still haven't built the consistency to get out of the class.

I'd also say that I would enjoy my shooting with or without the classification system - but I enjoy it MORE with a little competition, firstly against myself and the rankings and secondly against the people I am with. The recorded scores allows me to compete over a longer time frame, with a wider range of peers.

 

[RobertBeard]

Speaking, tongue very much in cheek, as a beginner yet to get a handicap and shoot a registered comp my take is as follows:-

D   = Diabolical (New class for me required) :lol:

C   = Common

B   = Better

A   = Awesome

AA = Above Awesome

 

[Will Hewland]

What's the plan Robert? Bit more practice then give it a go?

 

[ExSCA]

There is a D-Class - for FITASC Sporting and some of the trap disciplines - I think everything moves down a line...

Here : https://www.cpsa.co.uk/userfiles/file/CPSA%20Class%20Bandings%20Issue%2043.pdf

I expect there is some long standing, internationally based reason... but it does mean I have to settle to being a D-Class in FITASC Sporting.

 

[Will Hewland]

There is a D-Class - for FITASC Sporting and some of the trap disciplines - I think everything moves down a line...

Here : https://www.cpsa.co.uk/userfiles/file/CPSA%20Class%20Bandings%20Issue%2043.pdf

I expect there is some long standing, internationally based reason... but it does mean I have to settle to being a D-Class in FITASC Sporting.

But no AA in Fitasc, so same number of classes as ESP. Odd..