We have been getting many questions, honestly way more than expected, about the wording changes of 8.3.11 and 8.7.1 which happened earlier this year. Specifically if taking one step at the “Make Ready” command is still allowed. Let’s settle this debate!
I am not going to talk about why we made the changes in this post, but if you want to read that info, check out my previous post. For this discussion, I am going to show the 2024 rules and the revised 2025 rules with the changes marked in hopes it helps this make more sense.
First, let’s look at 8.3.1.1:
2024 rulebook: Once the “Make Ready” command has been given, the competitor must not move away from the start location prior to issuance of the “Start Signal” without the prior approval, and under the direct supervision, of the Range Officer.
2025 rulebook: Once the “Make Ready” command has been given, the competitor must not move away from the make ready position prior to issuance of the “Start Signal” without the prior approval, and under the direct supervision, of the Range Officer.
As shown above, the only change to 8.3.1.1 is the substitution on “start location” with “make ready position”. We also added a definition of a make ready position to App. A3. But the key thing to take away from 8.3.1.1 is that once “Make Ready” is given, the competitor cannot move away from the make ready position without RO approval.
Now let’s look at 8.7.1:
2024 rulebook: A competitor is permitted to take a sight picture prior to the start signal. Such sight picture is only permitted no more than one step from the “Make Ready” location.
2025 rulebook: A competitor is permitted to take a sight picture prior to the start signal from the make ready position.
8.7.1 is the rule that used to allow competitors to take one step away from their position at make ready to facilitate a sight picture on a target. You will notice that the sentence allowing that movement away from the position has been removed from the 2025 rules. Which means, a step away is no longer allowed. Why? Because we now ask ROs to have a make ready position where targets can be seen versus in the old rules where a competitor sometimes needed a step away to see a target.
The bottom line is that taking a step away at “Make Ready” is no longer allowed. Once you get the command, you need to focus on preparing your firearm and assuming the start position. No more debates of what one step is because it is no longer allowed. Get ready and shoot the stage!