2026 USPSA Competition Rules Change Log

1.1.5.2 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Standard Exercises and Classifiers may include mandatory reloads and may dictate a shooting position, location or stance.

New: Standard Exercises and Classifiers may include mandatory reloads and may dictate a shooting position, location or stance. Speed Shoots may include mandatory reloads.

1.1.5.5 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: For Level I matches only, the Written Stage Briefing may specify that competitors must stay within the fault lines for the entire course of fire. Movement outside the fault lines will incur a per shot procedural penalty for any targets engaged after such movement. Drop steps are allowed, as are inadvertent steps outside the fault lines, as long as the competitor steps back into the fault lines in the same location.

New: For Level I matches only, t The Written Stage Briefing may specify that competitors must stay within the fault lines for the entire course of fire. Movement outside the fault lines will incur a per shot procedural penalty for any targets engaged after such movement. Drop steps are allowed, as are inadvertent steps outside the fault lines, as long as the competitor steps back into the fault lines in the same location.

1.1.5.6 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: New rule 1

New: In any stage or string procedure that stipulates strong hand or weak hand use, the specified hand/side must be used exclusively from the point stipulated for the remainder of the stage or string.

1.2.2.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Standard Exercises – Courses of fire consisting of two or more separately timed component strings. Scores, with any penalties deducted, are accumulated on completion of the course of fire to produce the final stage results. Standard Exercises must only be scored using Virginia Count or Fixed Time. The course of fire for each component string may require a specific shooting position, procedure and/or one or more mandatory reloads. Standard Exercises must not require more than 24 rounds to complete. Component strings must not require more than 6 rounds (12 rounds if a mandatory reload is specified). Strings must be shot in numerical order unless otherwise stated in the Written Stage Briefing. Standard Exercises may specify shooting with the strong hand or weak hand unsupported for handgun divisions and strong or weak side for PCC. The specified hand/side must be used exclusively from the point stipulated for the remainder of the string. 2

New: Standard Exercises – Courses of fire consisting of two or more separately timed component strings. Scores, with any penalties deducted, are accumulated on completion of the course of fire to produce the final stage results. Standard Exercises must only be scored using Virginia Count or Fixed Time. The course of fire for each component string may require a specific shooting position, procedure and/or one or more mandatory reloads. Standard Exercises must not require more than 24 rounds to complete. Component strings must not require more than 6 rounds (12 rounds if a mandatory reload is specified). Strings must be shot in numerical order unless otherwise stated in the Written Stage Briefing. Standard Exercises may specify shooting with the strong hand or weak hand unsupported for handgun divisions and strong or weak side for PCC. The specified hand/side must be used exclusively from the point stipulated for the remainder of the string.

1.2.2.3 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Speed Shoot – Courses of fire consisting of one continuous string of fire not exceeding 16 rounds shot on one or more arrays of multiple targets from a single location. The Written Stage Briefing may specify engaging arrays of targets without violating rule (1.1.5), as long as the competitor is allowed to engage said arrays in any order, and individual target engagement is not specified. No more than eight rounds may be required without a mandatory reload and no more than one mandatory reload may be required in the course of fire. Weak/Strong hand may be stipulated after the reload is complete. Stage may be scored either Comstock, Fixed Time, or Virginia Count. See Rule 9.2.3.2.

New: Speed Shoot – Courses of fire consisting of one continuous string of fire not exceeding 16 rounds shot on one or more arrays of multiple targets from a single location. The Written Stage Briefing may specify engaging arrays of targets without violating rule (1.1.5), as long as the competitor is allowed to engage said arrays in any order, and individual target engagement is not specified. No more than eight rounds may be required without a mandatory reload and no more than one mandatory reload may be required in the course of fire. Weak/Strong hand may be stipulated after the reload is complete. Stage may be scored either Comstock, Fixed Time, or Virginia Count. See Rule 9.2.3.2.

2.3.1.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: In lieu of modifying course design or physical construction, a Range Master may explicitly forbid certain competitor actions in order to maintain safety during a course of fire.

New: In lieu of modifying course design or physical construction, a Range Master may explicitly forbid certain competitor actions in order to maintain safety during a course of fire. Such declaration may only be made after competitor action or expressed intent has been determined to be unsafe or create an unsafe condition and may not be made prior to any such action or expressed intent.

2.3.1.1, b. · Admin change to refer to 1.1.5.5

Old: The declaration of a Forbidden Action cannot be used as a means of compelling or limiting competitor movement within a course of fire (e.g., to prevent a shooter from “cutting the corner” on an L-shaped shooting area). Except as provided in Rule 1.1.5.1, a course designer wishing to compel, or limit competitor movement must do so using target placement, vision barriers, physical barriers or off-limits lines. 3

New: The declaration of a Forbidden Action cannot be used as a means of compelling or limiting competitor movement within a course of fire (e.g., to prevent a shooter from “cutting the corner” on an L-shaped shooting area). Except as provided in Rules 1.1.5.1 and 1.1.5.5, a course designer wishing to compel, or limit competitor movement must do so using target placement, vision barriers, physical barriers or off-limits lines.

3.2.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: A Written Stage Briefing approved by the Range Master must be posted at each course of fire prior to commencement of the match. This briefing will take precedence over any course of fire information published or otherwise communicated to competitors in advance of the match, and it must provide the following minimum information: - Scoring Method - Target (type & number) - Minimum number of rounds - The firearm ready condition - Start position (this should be demonstrated by the Range Officer) - Time starts (audible or visual signal) - Procedure

New: A Written Stage Briefing approved by the Range Master must be posted at each course of fire prior to commencement of the match. This briefing will take precedence over any course of fire information published or otherwise communicated to competitors in advance of the match, and it must provide the following minimum information: - Scoring Method - Target (type & number) - Minimum number of rounds - The firearm ready condition - Start position (this should be demonstrated by the Range Officer) - Time starts (audible or visual signal) - Procedure (If not specified strong hand or weak hand only, then the stage is freestyle)

3.3 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: USPSA matches are governed by the rules applicable to the discipline. Host organizations may not enforce local rules except to comply with legislation or legal precedent in the applicable jurisdiction. Any voluntarily adopted rules that are not in compliance with these rules must not be applied to USPSA matches without the express written consent of the President of USPSA. All local rules allowed under these provisions will be documented at USPSA HQ. 4

New: USPSA matches are governed by the rules applicable to the discipline. Host organizations may not enforce local rules except to comply with legislation or legal precedent in the applicable jurisdiction. Any voluntarily adopted rules that are not in compliance with these rules must not be applied to USPSA matches without the express written consent of the President of USPSA Director at Large. All local rules allowed under these provisions will be documented at USPSA HQ.

4.1.3 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: No-shoots must be clearly marked or be of a single color different from scoring targets. Metal no-shoots in the general size and shape of authorized cardboard targets may be used. Metal no-shoots do not have a non- scoring border. No-shoots may not have holes cut in them and be used as penalty targets that must be shot through to hit a scoring target; see 9.1.5.

New: Metal no-shoots in the general size and shape of authorized targets may be used. No-shoots must be of a single, unique color different from scoring targets throughout a match. Cardboard and metal no-shoots may be of different colors in a match provided that the chosen color is consistent for all no-shoots of the same material (i.e. if metal no-shoots are yellow, they must all be yellow and if cardboard no-shoots are white, they must all be white in a match). Metal no-shoots do not have a non-scoring border. No-shoots may not have holes cut in them and be used as penalty targets that must be shot through to hit a scoring target; see 9.1.5.

5.1.12 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Binary Trigger (any trigger systems that allow one round to be fired upon pulling the trigger and another on releasing the trigger) use is prohibited. Use of bump fire stocks or mechanisms are prohibited. See 10.5.17; Appendix D8 #19.

New: Binary Trigger, Forced Reset Trigger, or any trigger system that allows one round to be fired upon pulling the trigger and another on releasing the trigger use is prohibited. Use of bump fire stocks or mechanisms are prohibited. See 10.5.17; Appendix D8 #19.

5.2.4 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: During the course of fire, after the start signal, unless stipulated otherwise in the Written Stage Briefing, spare ammunition, magazines and/or speed loading devices shall be carried in retention devices attached to the competitor's belt and specifically designed for that purpose. A competitor may also carry additional magazines or speed loading devices in apparel pocket(s) and retrieve and use them. 5

New: During the course of fire, after the start signal, unless stipulated otherwise in the Written Stage Briefing, spare ammunition, magazines and/or speed loading devices shall be carried in retention devices attached to the competitor's belt and specifically designed for that purpose. A competitor may also carry additional magazines or speed loading devices in apparel pocket(s) and retrieve and use them.

5.2.4.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: When stipulations in the Written Stage Briefing require placement of magazines or speed loaders on a table or similar location and not in the retention devices prior to the start signal and prohibit the use of pockets and retention devices during the course of fire, retrieving and carrying them and using them from the hand is allowed. Magazines may never be held or carried in the mouth. Doing so will result in a zero for the stage.

New: When stipulations in the Written Stage Briefing require placement of magazines or speed loaders on a table or similar location and not in the retention devices prior to the start signal and prohibit the use of pockets and retention devices during the course of fire, retrieving and carrying them and using them from the hand is allowed. When the Written Stage Briefing doesn't require the use of retention devices or pockets, the competitor can use whatever means on their person to carry magazines or speed loading devices including multiple magazines in a pouch or on a magnet. Magazines may never be held or carried in the mouth. Doing so will result in a zero for the stage.

5.2.5.2 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Any competitor who fails the foregoing test will immediately adjust his holster or equipment to comply with the requirements of the relevant Division. The Range Master may make allowances for variations in these requirements due to anatomical considerations. Some competitors may not be able to fully comply. Any competitor who shoots a course of fire while out of compliance will receive a zero score for that course of fire, unless specifically exempted by the Range Master. If the RO suspects or is notified that a competitor’s equipment is out of compliance for their relevant division, the RO must measure the distances at that time. Penalties will not be retroactive to previously completed stages and will be based solely on measurements taken on a particular stage. The Range Master must be informed of any penalties applied due to non-compliance. 6

New: Any competitor who fails the foregoing test will immediately adjust his holster or equipment to comply with the requirements of the relevant Division. The Range Master may make allowances for variations in these requirements due to anatomical considerations. Some competitors may not be able to fully comply. Any competitor who shoots a course of fire while out of compliance will receive a zero score for that course of fire (per 5.2.10), unless specifically exempted by the Range Master. If the RO suspects or is notified that a competitor’s equipment is out of compliance for their relevant division, the RO must measure the distances at that time. Penalties will not be retroactive to previously completed stages and will be based solely on measurements taken on a particular stage. The Range Master must be informed of any penalties applied due to non-compliance.

6.2.5.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: However, if a competitor fails to satisfy the equipment or other requirements of a declared handgun Division during a course of fire, the competitor will be placed in Open Division, if available, otherwise the competitor will shoot the match for no score. If a competitor fails to satisfy the equipment or other requirements for PCC or Open Division during the course of fire, he will shoot for no score.

New: However, if a competitor fails to satisfy the equipment or other requirements of a declared handgun Division during a course of fire, the competitor will be placed in Open Division, if available, otherwise the competitor will shoot the match for no score. If a competitor fails to satisfy the equipment or other requirements for PCC or Open Division during the course of fire, he will shoot for no score. Violations of rule 5.2.5 are not cause for movement to Open Division and 5.2.5.2 applies.

7.3.2.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: New rule

New: At Level II and above matches, only staff assigned to the stage may make penalty, safety, or procedural calls during the COF. When match staff are actively competing in a match, only the timer and tablet Range Officials and designated assistant Range Official(s) for a competitor's COF may make such calls during that COF. Additional match staff may perform other duties as needed (e.g. “split scoring” after range is clear, or early scoring as described in 9.6.2). The Range Master may make such calls anytime when present at a stage and when not the actual competitor during the course of fire.

8.7.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: A competitor is permitted to take a sight picture prior to the start signal from the make ready position. 7

New: A competitor is permitted to take a sight pictures prior to the start signal from the make ready position.

9.9.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Non-disappearing and Visible Targets: Activated scoring targets which present a legal portion of the A-zone, either prior to activation or when they stop (gravity operated), or which continuously appear and disappear (motorized), will always incur failure to shoot at and miss penalties (exception for fixed time, see Rule 9.2.4.4). At least 25% of the lower A-zone or all of the upper A-zone must be visible to be legal. If the target is legally visible before being activated, it may be shot before being activated and activation is not required (9.9.3 does not apply).

New: Non-disappearing and Visible Targets: Activated scoring targets which present a legal portion of the A-zone (see App. B1), either prior to activation or when they stop (gravity operated), or which continuously appear and disappear (motorized), will always incur failure to shoot at and miss penalties (exception for fixed time, see Rule 9.2.4.4). At least 25% of the lower A-zone or all of the upper A-zone must be visible to be legal. If the target is legally visible before being activated, it may be shot before being activated and activation is not required (9.9.3 does not apply).

9.11.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: The scoring program approved by USPSA is PractiScore. No other scoring program must be used for any USPSA sanctioned match without the prior written approval of the President of USPSA. Handheld electronic tablets/devices may be used for the collection and dissemination of scoring data.

New: The scoring program approved by USPSA is PractiScore. No other scoring program must be used for any USPSA sanctioned match without the prior written approval of the President of USPSA Director at Large. Handheld electronic tablets/devices may be used for the collection and dissemination of scoring data.

9.11.2 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: When electronic scoring is used, once stage scoring is completed, every competitor shall be provided the opportunity to read and approve the scoring device to review their stage time and score entries. At Level II or higher matches, range officers shall also create a hard copy record that includes the hit and penalty totals, time, hit factor, time of day, competitor initials and range officer initials for each stage. The hard copy record requirement may only be waived with permission from the USPSA President. If there is a discrepancy between the hard copy record and PractiScore, and the hit factors are identical, then the PractiScore entry will be definitive. 8

New: When electronic scoring is used, once stage scoring is completed, every competitor shall be provided the opportunity to read and approve the scoring device to review their stage time and score entries. At Level II or higher matches, range officers shall also create a hard copy record that includes the hit and penalty totals, time, hit factor, time of day, competitor initials and range officer initials for each stage. The hard copy record requirement may only be waived with permission from the USPSA President. Or provide digital records (see 9.11.2.1) if indicated on Form C. If there is a discrepancy between the hard copy record and PractiScore, and the hit factors are identical, then the PractiScore entry will be definitive.

10.2.10.1 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Exception – In a weak hand/strong hand stage, a competitor who has physical use of only one hand may use the same hand for both weak and strong without penalty.

New: Exception – In a weak hand/strong hand stage, a competitor who has physical use of only one hand (or arm) may use the same hand for both weak and strong without penalty.

10.5.5.2 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Sweeping any person with the muzzle of a PCC during or outside the course of fire, whether loaded or not, even if a chamber flag is inserted. Exception - If carried muzzle-down outside the course of fire, the PCC competitor's lower extremities are exempt from this provided the PCC is unloaded and flagged.

New: Sweeping any person with the muzzle of a PCC during or outside the course of fire, whether loaded or not, even if a chamber flag is inserted. Exception - If carried muzzle-down outside the course of fire, inadvertent sweeping of the PCC competitor's lower extremities with the PCC is exempt provided the PCC is unloaded and flagged. However, deliberately pointing at or placing the muzzle of a PCC on a lower extremity is a disqualification for sweeping.

App A2, #3 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Individual Categories

New: Table updated with eligibility and applicable documentation information

App. A3, Facing · Approved by BOD

Old: Not facing uprange. Any position facing side berms or

New: Not facing uprange. Any position facing side berms or

downrange · 1/26/2026

Old: backstop within 90 degrees of the median intercept of the backstop.

New: backstop within 90 degrees of the median intercept of the backstop.

App. C2, #3 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: In all cases, the skyscreens must be positioned and spaced per the manufacturer’s requirements for the chronograph in use. The closest skyscreen must be placed no less than 10 feet from the shooting location (measured from muzzle of firearm to skyscreen). When radar sensing units are used, the reading at V0 must be used. 9

New: In all cases, the skyscreens must be positioned and spaced per the manufacturer’s requirements for the chronograph in use. The closest skyscreen must be placed no less than 10 feet from the shooting location (measured from muzzle of firearm to skyscreen). When radar sensing units are used, the reading at V0 must be used. If the unit only displays a single reading it will be used as the muzzle velocity.

App. C2, #47 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Unless otherwise authorized by the Chrono Officer, once the firearm and magazine are surrendered for testing, neither may be removed from the Chrono Station until the testing is complete. 1

New: Unless otherwise authorized by the Chrono Officer, once the firearm and magazine are surrendered for testing, neither may be removed from the Chrono Station until the testing is complete. a. Should the primary safety mechanism(s) be found to be non-functional or missing, the Range Master will declare the firearm as unsafe and order that it be withdrawn from the competition until such time the primary safety mechanisms are functional or are replaced with functioning parts or firearm. The competitor will be allowed to leave the Chrono Station with the firearm to effect repairs and return at a later time for inspection. b. Should the competitor's magazine(s) fail to meet the requirements of the declared division, the competitor under supervision of the Chrono Officer or the Range Master, may disassemble and reassemble the magazine prior to being re-tested. At no time may the competitor exchange magazine components, make modifications other than cleaning and re-assembly, or leave the Chrono Station while the magazines are being tested. 0

App. C3, Ammo · Approved by BOD

Old: At any match where competitor ammunition will be

New: At any match where competitor ammunition will be

Verification · 1/26/2026

Old: chronographed, a competitor using Certified Ammo will have ammo samples collected during the match and chronographed according to the provisions of Appendix C2, Item 29. Should the ammo so tested fail to meet the declared power factor, it shall be compared against the average of three rounds collected from the official delivery sample. If the samples collected during the match measure more than 10 power factor points below the delivery samples, the measured power factor of the ammo collected during the match shall be used for score and the provisions of Appendix C2, Item 39 or Item 40 shall apply.

New: chronographed, a competitor using Certified Ammo will have ammo samples collected during the match and chronographed according to the provisions of Appendix C2, Item 29. Should the ammo so tested fail to meet the declared power factor, it shall be compared against the average of three rounds collected from the official delivery sample. If the samples collected during the match measure more than 10 5 power factor points below the delivery samples, the measured power factor of the ammo collected during the match shall be used for score and the provisions of Appendix C2, Item 39 or Item 40 shall apply.

App. D5, #20 · Approved by BOD 1/26/2026

Old: Each magazine must be contained individually within the magazine pouch or attached to a magnet. 1

New: When held in a magazine pouch or on a magnet, each magazine must be contained individually within the magazine pouch or individually attached to a magnet. Pockets are exempt from this requirement. 1