HFT Marshall Training Guide

Introduction

This guide is designed to help train new Marshalls for Hunter Field Target (HFT) competitions based on WHFTO international rules.

A good Marshall ensures:

• Safety

• Fairness

• Consistency

• Smooth competition flow

1. Role of a Marshall

A Marshall is responsible for:

• Enforcing safety rules at all times

• Supervising shooters on the lane

• Ensuring compliance with HFT rules

• Overseeing scoring

• Managing the pace of the competition

A Marshall must always be:

• Neutral

• Calm

• Observant

• Consistent

2. Safety Responsibilities (CRITICAL)

Safety is ALWAYS the top priority.

Core WHFTO Safety Rules

• Rifle must always point in a safe direction

• No loading before the shooter is in position

• No loaded rifle when moving between lanes

• Finger off trigger until ready to shoot

Marshall Commands

• "STOP SHOOTING" → immediate ceasefire

• "UNLOAD" → check rifles

• "RANGE IS CLEAR" → safe to continue

Whistle Signals (Competition Control)

Whistle commands are used to control the entire range quickly and clearly.

• 1 whistle blast → IMMEDIATE STOP

  • All shooters must stop shooting

  • If loaded → safely discharge into the ground in front of the firing line

• 2 whistle blasts → RESTART SHOOTING

  • Shooting may resume only after confirmation the range is safe

Rules for Marshalls:

• Always reinforce whistle commands verbally if needed

• Ensure ALL shooters comply (watch especially slower reactions)

• Do not restart shooting until the situation is fully resolved

👉 Golden rule: If you are unsure → STOP the lane

3. Before Shooting Starts

Marshall must:

• Ensure that any previous issue or interruption has been fully resolved

• Confirm that there is no remaining safety risk before allowing shooting to start or resume

4. During Shooting (WHFTO Rules Focus)

Position & Shooting

• Shooter must follow allowed positions (prone, kneeling, standing)

• Muzzle must be in front of the peg

• Trigger must be behind the peg

Equipment & Behavior

• No rangefinding devices

Timing

• Monitor reasonable pace (no excessive delays)

5. Scoring Rules

• 1 point = hit (target falls)

• 0 points = miss

• Edge cases → Marshall decides based on visual confirmation

Important

• Always clearly see the target reaction

• Never guess

If unsure: → Call Chief Marshall

6. Real Competition Situations (VERY IMPORTANT)

Situation 1: Disputed Hit

Shooter says hit, target didn’t fall

Action:

• Score as MISS

• Explain calmly: "Target must fall to count"

• If deemed necessary, the Marshall should check the target for proper function

• If the target is faulty:

  • Repair or replace it

  • Or, based on Chief Marshall decision, cancel the lane and award 1 point to all shooters

Situation 2: Shooter Loads Early

Shooter loads before position

Action:

• Stop shooter

• Give warning

• Repeat offense → escalate

Situation 3: Unsafe Muzzle Direction

Action:

• Immediately: "STOP"

• Correct behavior

• Serious/repeated → disqualification

Situation 5: Equipment Failure

Action:

• Allow reasonable time

• Do not allow advantage over others

Situation 7: Target Malfunction

Action:

• Stop lane

• Check the target for proper function

• Repair or replace target if needed

• If the target is faulty:

  • Repair or replace it

  • Or, based on Chief Marshall decision, cancel the lane and award 1 point to all shooters

7. Handling Conflicts

Steps:

1. Stay calm

2. Listen to shooter

3. Apply rules (not opinion)

4. Be consistent

5. Escalate if needed

👉 Chief Marshall decision is final

8. Communication Skills

A good Marshall:

• Speaks clearly

• Is confident but respectful

• Uses short commands

• Controls the lane

Avoid:

• Arguing

• Long explanations during shooting

9. Attitude and Professionalism

• Be fair to ALL shooters

• Do not show favoritism

• Stay focused

• Be consistent in decisions

11. Training Session Plan

60–90 min structure:

1. Theory (20 min)

   • Rules

   • Safety

2. Safety training (15 min)

   • Commands

   • Scenarios

3. Practical simulation (30–40 min)

   • Real lane setup

   • Simulated problems

4. Q&A (10 min)

FINAL MESSAGE

A Marshall is not just a rule enforcer.

He is responsible for:

• Safety of people

• Fairness of competition

• Reputation of the sport

👉 When in doubt: STOP the lane and decide correctly