ATHLETE SELECTION PROCESS FOR IPRF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 (Centrefire)

Overview

This document outlines the selection process for the Australian Precision Rifle Association (AUPRA) to select athletes fairly and transparently for the Australian Team, who will participate in the International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championships (centrefire), from 2026 onwards.

Principles and Goals

The AUPRA wishes to select the strongest team that will represent Australia at the IPRF World Championships in the best possible light, and with the highest chance of success.

Principally, the AUPRA will provide a fair and equitable selection process for prospective competitors.

Team Positions

The following positions are available (maximums):

•      6x Open Division

•      4x Limited (.308 Winchester) Division

•      4x Factory Division

•      4x Mil/LEO Division

•      4x Ladies Division

•      4x Seniors Division

•      4x Juniors Division

Note: Divisions and/or number of athletes per division may change as per IPRF directives, please refer to the current rules provided by the IPRF for the latest information. There is no minimum number of athletes per Division, however a minimum of 3 (4 for Open) are required for a Team score to be eligible.

Generally speaking, athletes are encouraged to nominate for, and will be offered, positions in any sub-Division they are eligible for ahead of Open. For example: an applicant over the age of 50 is encouraged to nominate for Seniors ahead of Open. This is to maximise team size and strength.

Representation

Selected individuals, who form the national team, are a representation of the AUPRA and Australia.  Therefore, AUPRA may select, within the breadth of this policy, the team who best embodies the values of the AUPRA and Australia as a country at the Precision Rifle World Championships.

National selection requires that high standards are achieved before Australian colours are awarded, and that standards are maintained up to, throughout, and following the event.  Wearing Australian national colours, representing the country, and the AUPRA, is a privilege that must be earned and carried with pride.

Athlete Eligibility

For any athlete to be eligible for selection to compete at the IPRF World Championships the athlete will be required to fulfil and maintain the following until after the Championships have concluded: 

•      Be an Australian Citizen and have resided in Australia continuously for a period of 12 months prior to the World Championship match

•      Maintain a firearms licence within the state for which they reside (or guardian for junior competitors)

•      Be able to self-fund any activities relating to qualification matches and the IPRF World 22LR Championship event

•      Meet the minimum participation requirements

Australian Competition Environment & Team Structure

World Championship matches vary from year to year depending on what the host country allows and can be held on either square ranges or field style matches, with target distances out to 900yds. The AUPRA recognises the limitation of Australian domestic matches (specifically Precision Rifle Series Australia matches) to equal some of these conditions (field conditions and target distances >500m). However, the quality of matches held to date, and the quality of shooters produced, means PRS Australia matches are the fairest measure and comparison of shooter ability.

Further to this, is the distribution of PRS Australia matches across both Australia and New Zealand for the 2026 series (and assumingly into the future), enabling shooters from all parts of Australia to compete and have their skills measured.

It should also be noted that the IPRF World Championship is predominantly a team event. Thus, in the first instance, the AUPRA will (and all attending athletes should) make decisions based on what is best for the team over the individual. This approach is based on match format (day-on, day-off) and podium structure (4+ shooters per country, per Division) making the probably of a podium result for the team higher than for the individual. Conversely however, if an individual shooter is in strong contention for a podium finish, resources will be reallocated to support them as much as possible. In short, the AUPRA wants our athletes on the podium, via the shortest means possible.

Qualification Matches

The AUPRA will not host qualification matches, nor maintain any competition calendars, with the exception of the qualification period. The nominee (rather than the AUPRA) is required to select matches when submitting their application.

Eligible Matches

Any Precision Rifle Series Australia match within the qualification period is eligible for consideration by the AUPRA. The qualification period will be confirmed each year, but is generally taken from (and including) the previous (centrefire) World Championship match, through to 31st December of the following year (approximately 15-16 month period). This period may be adjusted based on timing of the upcoming World Championship, to allow sufficient time for team selection and preparation.

Note: results from all previous World Championships to date (of the same discipline) will be considered eligible.

The AUPRA also recognises not all matches are the same and additional weight should be added to ‘big match’ results. Consequently, within the application template, any Finale or World Championship result from within the qualification period shall be given a +10% modifier to boost that matches’ worth.

Other Match Considerations

The AUPRA recognises our shooters are competing at international matches with increasing frequency. Comparing international matches with Australian domestic matches is difficult, but should also not be ignored. Consequently, within the application template will be a section to include any notable international matches the shooter has achieved and would like the AUPRA selectors to consider (for example; a top 10 finish at the PRS USA Finale). While these matches may not directly affect the applicants score, they will be taken into consideration by the selectors.

Minimum Qualification Match Requirements and Scoring

Prospective athletes must compete in at least 4 qualifying matches during the qualification period. 

To demonstrate willingness and capability of travel, a competitor must attend at least 1 of the 4 matches nominated, outside of their home state. 

Nominating athletes will submit their match scores through the AUPRA website form for evaluation and will need to provide Practiscore links (or other tracking website, such as the PRS Australia standings) when submitting their application.

Prospective athletes will submit scores as a percentage of the outright winner’s score. Divisional results are only applicable if applying for the same Division (for example; a Tactical Divisional win [100%] in a PRS match cannot be used towards Open Division score, but can be used towards Limited Division). The nominated match scores (as a percentage) will be aggregated, weightings applied (where required) and ranked. The AUPRA will use this ranking to select the team members for each category and division, based on preferences supplied by the nominee.  

Timeline

As noted above, the qualification period is typically from (and including) the (centrefire) World Championship match, through to 31st December of the following year (approximately 15-16 month period). Team selection will typically be early in the year of the World Championship. However, timelines may be tailored to suit scheduled milestones identified by the IPRF.

The specific timeline for the nomination process for the upcoming World Championship event will be available on the AUPRA website.

National Team Fitness 

From the end of the Qualification Period until the conclusion of the IPRF Precision Rifle World Championship, the national team will be required to: 

•      Be fully committed to the team and the match

•      Actively contribute to trip planning and volunteering to manage some of these tasks

•      Promptly obtain travel documentation and required approvals for required travel

•      Provide the AUPRA with evidence of your travel plans, as reasonably requested

•      Develop and adhere to a training plan in preparation for the event

•      Knowledge share with teammates before, during and after the match

•      Attend and contribute to team meetings

•      Buddy up with a team member from an alternate Division

•      At the event, on non-shooting days, assist your buddy with their match

•      Attend the range every day of the World Championship event, including Opening and Closing ceremonies

•      During the World Championship event, give 100% attention and dedication to the match (i.e. no site seeing on non-shooting days)

•      Positively promote yourself, the match and the AUPRA through media, social media and your clubs

•      Be a representative of Australia and always behave in an appropriate manner

Closing

If you require clarification or have any other questions, please reach out to the AUPRA (via email austpra@gmail.com ).  

AUPRA Committee