ABOUT FIELD TARGET
Field Target is a precision outdoor air rifle shooting sport that began in the UK during the early 1980s—and it’s now a growing global discipline. Today, it’s governed by the World Field Target Federation (WFTF), which includes over 33 member countries across six continents.
All WFTF competitions follow a strict energy limit of 12 ft·lb (16 joules), introduced in 2007. The sport challenges shooters to knock down metal silhouette targets placed between 9 and 50 meters, often at various angles and elevations.
Scoring is simple: 1 point for a hit (that results in the “face-plate” falling), 0 for a miss. Final scores are then adjusted as a percentage of the day’s highest score, helping to level the field in varying weather conditions.
The competition rules can be found:
Equipment & Techniques
Most competitors use Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) rifles for their low recoil and consistent accuracy, though spring-powered rifles are also used by experienced marksmen. Shooters often customise their gear with adjustable stocks, cheek rests, butt hooks, and “hamsters” (platforms used for stability in kneeling or sitting positions).
High-powered telescopic scopes with side-wheel parallax adjustment help shooters accurately range their targets and fine-tune their focus. In competition you simply focus on the target and deduce the distance from the marks you made on the scope’s focus control.
One of the most critical skills? Reading the wind. Understanding how your setup performs under different conditions can make or break your performance. This website can help
Range Officers & Marshals
Range Officers (ROs) play a vital role in maintaining a fair, safe, and enjoyable environment for all shooters.
- Guides and Clarifies: ROs brief all competitors before the match and are available to answer questions or clarify rules throughout the event.
- Supportive, Not Punitive: They’re here to help—not to penalize. Patience and understanding are key, as shooters may interpret and approach challenges differently.
- Firm but Fair: Once a match begins, ROs are responsible for maintaining control of the range, including spectators, while remaining consistent and impartial in their decisions.
- Safety First: Safety is always the top priority. Any infringement is handled in accordance with SAFTAA regulations.
- Objective Scoring: ROs score what they see—no more, no less. Fairness is essential to maintaining trust and integrity in the sport.
The following ROs and Marshals have passed the SAFTAA certification exam:
| ROs Certified | Marshals Certified |
|---|---|
| Mark Fairon | Annelie Knoesen |
| Fanie van Tonder | Zelna van Tonder |
| Nettie Fouche | Marinda Kleynhans |
| Errol Mann | Sarita Klee |
| David Verner | |
| Jacques Fouche | |
| Chris Lemmer | |
| Gerhard Strydom | |
| Debbie Pienaar | |
| Wyan Schoonwinkel | |
| Cor Swanepoel | |
| Wian Strydom | |
| Gerhard Genade | |
| Hannes De Villiers | |
| Theunis Steenberg | |
| Thomery Knoetze | |
| Keith Tiquin | |
| Werner Kleynhans | |
| Zelna van Tonder | |
| Kiara Kleynhans |