We don’t see a lot of disappearing targets in matches, but when you see one do you understand the rules about them? Let’s discuss what ROs and competitors need to know about disappearing targets.
First, what is a disappearing target? To determine this we need to look at the rules under section 9.9. A disappearing target is an activated target that does not present the minimum A-zone requirements (25% of lower A-zone or all of upper A-zone) when it comes to rest after activation (see 9.9.2 and 9.9.1). However, those visibility requirements must be met when the target is visible during movement. A common disappearing target we see are drop turners. They are not visible when set, flash the scoring face of the target once or twice, and then are not visible at rest. Other examples would be a swinger that stops behind a wall or barrel, or a max trap target where the no-shoot target on the front drops to expose the scoring target and then flips back up and covers the scoring target completely before and after movement.
Disappearing targets are often viewed as bonus points by a competitor because if the target is missed, it’s no penalty misses and the failure to shoot at penalty is not applied. Activation of the target is required, but a competitor doesn’t have to engage the target. However, if a competitor fails to activate the target, then it is scored as normal miss penalties plus a FTSA penalty (see 9.9.3). If the disappearing target is activated by a popper, it is guaranteed that it will get activated because the competitor doesn’t want to leave that popper standing. And pro-tip if you are using a popper, don’t just have the popper and disappearing target in the view because folks will shoot the popper and move on to save the time of waiting for the disappearing target to activate. Make sure you also put 1-2 static scoring targets in the same view so the competitor has something to shoot at while waiting for the disappearing target to appear.
But disappearing targets can also be activated by doors, stomp pads, ropes, etc. This is why ROs need to pay attention to when the target is activated because 9.9.3 requires activation with or before the last shot. If the competitor doesn’t open the door or pull the rope or stomp on the pad until after the last shot, the disappearing target is automatically scored as misses and a FTSA penalty. And as a competitor, always make sure to activate targets before or with your last shot!