Northern Precision Rimfire Alliance 

1. Purpose of the Organization

The purpose of the Northern Precision Rimfire Alliance (NPRA) is to:

1.1 Promote participation, interest, and growth in precision rimfire shooting.
1.2 Provide a unified organization for precision rimfire competitors, clubs, and match directors.
1.3 Minimize administrative burden and operational costs for affiliated clubs and Match Directors (MDs).
1.4 Track competitor scores and rankings from affiliated clubs and sanctioned matches.
1.5 Foster cooperation and inclusivity with other precision rimfire organizations and series.
1.6 Provide seasonal rankings for competitors across all recognized divisions and classes.
1.7 Conduct and support an annual NPRA Championship Match.

2. Official NPRA Season

2.1 The official NPRA season shall begin on August 1 and conclude on June 30 of the following calendar year.
2.2 The month of July shall be reserved for the NPRA Championship.

3. Affiliated Clubs

3.1 Any shooting organization hosting precision rimfire matches may register as an NPRA-affiliated club.
3.2 During the inaugural season, there shall be no affiliation fee for clubs. Future affiliation fees, if any, may be established by amendment to these rules.
3.3 Affiliated clubs must host a minimum of two (2) qualifying precision rimfire matches during the NPRA season.
3.4 Qualifying matches must consist of a minimum of five (5) stages.
3.5 Matches sanctioned by other national precision rimfire series may qualify for NPRA recognition.
3.6 “Outlaw” style matches may also qualify, provided they follow the spirit and principles of precision rimfire shooting as defined by the NPRA.

4. Competitor Membership

4.1 During the inaugural NPRA season, there shall be no competitor membership fee. Future Membership fees will be established by amendment to these rules. Member fees and their purpose will be communicated directly to members through social media, email or the website.
4.2 Match fees established by affiliated clubs or Match Directors shall remain the responsibility of the competitor.
4.3 Competitors may register with the NPRA and will be issued an official membership number.

5. NPRA Championship

5.1 The NPRA Championship shall be conducted annually during the month of July.
5.2 The Championship shall be a dedicated NPRA event.
5.3 The Championship must consist of a minimum of eight (8) stages.
5.4 The winner of the Championship shall be recognized as the NPRA Champion.

6. Qualification and Season Rankings

6.1 Competitor season rankings shall be determined using each competitor’s four (4) highest match scores earned during the official season.
6.2 The NPRA Championship score shall serve as the fifth and final score used to determine the overall season champion.
6.3 Competitors may participate in an unlimited number of NPRA matches during the season.

7. Divisions and Classes

7.1 General Class Structure

7.1.1 The NPRA will maintain as few classes and divisions as reasonably possible in order to simplify participation and administration.
7.1.2 All rifles used in NPRA competition must utilize detachable magazines.

7.2 Recognized Classes 

7.2.1 Unlimited

Rifles weighing 14.0 pounds or greater.
Rifle weight shall be measured without a magazine and without a bipod attached.

7.2.2 Limited

Rifles weighing 13.9 pounds or less.
Rifle weight shall be measured with the bipod attached and without a magazine inserted.
Any externally attached weights, including ARCA-mounted or similar systems, must remain attached during weighing procedures.

7.2.2.1

Any competitor who adds weight to a rifle after the rifle has been weighed shall be considered in violation of the rules and shall receive a Match Disqualification (DQ).

7.2.3 Semi-Automatic

Any rifle chambered in 22lr operating as a semi-automatic firearm.

7.2.4 Air Rifle

Any rifle utilizing compressed air or gas propulsion.
Maximum caliber permitted shall be .30 caliber.

7.3 Rifle Weight Verification

7.3.1 Match Directors are not required to weigh rifles during regular season matches.
7.3.2 Competitors are solely responsible for ensuring their rifle complies with the requirements of the class in which they compete.
7.3.3 Rifles may be weighed and verified at the NPRA Championship.
7.3.4 Competitors competing in the Unlimited Class shall remain in Unlimited regardless of rifle weight at the Championship.
7.3.5 Competitors registered in the Limited Class whose rifles exceed the Limited Class weight limit at the Championship shall be reassigned to the Unlimited Class for that event and their final season ranking shall be reassigned to the Unlimited Class

7.4 Recognized Divisions

The NPRA shall recognize the following competitor divisions within each class:

-Men’s

-Ladies’

-Youth (16 years of age or younger as of the first day of the season)

-Senior (60 years of age or older as of the first day of the season)

7.5 Awards and Trophies

7.5.1 MDs will be required to recognize each Class and Division top finisher at their match. This stays inline with inclusion and accessibility for all

7.5.2 It will be the discretion of the MD as to how they are recognized either verbally, awards, certificates or other. 

8. Scoring

8.1 NPRA season rankings shall utilize a “Match Percentage” scoring system. Max points will be 100. Competitors' scores will be determined by dividing their raw score by the winners raw score.
8.2 A competitor’s top six (6) qualifying match scores shall determine regular season standings.
8.3 The Championship score shall serve as the seventh and final score for determining the season champion.
8.4 The maximum points for a "perfect score" shall be 700.
8.5 Timed stages will be utilized as tie breakers. 0.1 bonus points for every full second remaining on the clock and will be added to a competitors raw score for the stage.

9. Score Submission Requirements

9.1 Affiliated clubs must submit match scores to the NPRA within fourteen (14) days of the match date.
9.2 Scores may be submitted through PractiScore links or another approved format that clearly identifies Match Percentage results.
9.3 NPRA will post the updated scores each week throughout the season.

10. Props and Barricades

10.1 The NPRA shall not mandate specific props or barricade types for sanctioned matches.
10.2 Props and barricades must be stable and safe for competitor use.
10.3 Match Directors should consider competitor safety, accessibility, and fairness when designing stages and selecting props.

11. Targets

11.1 The NPRA shall not establish mandatory target sizes or target distances.
11.2 Match Directors shall use reasonable discretion and accepted precision rimfire practices when determining target size and placement.

12. Stage Design

12.1 The NPRA shall not mandate a required number of positional, prone, or modified prone stages during regular season or championship matches.
12.2 Stage design shall remain at the discretion of the Match Director.
12.3 The NPRA Championship must consist of a minimum of eight (8)stages.

13. Safety Rules

13.1 Any match eligible for NPRA points shall follow the safety rules and regulations of the sanctioning series associated with that event or in the case of outlaw matches not associated with any other series, the safety rules in this section can be utilized or the safety rules of the host venue.
13.2 Match Directors and Range Officers retain the authority to remove any competitor from a match for unsafe conduct or violations of NPRA safety rules.

13.3 Cold Range Policy

13.3.1 All NPRA events shall operate as a cold range.
13.3.2 Firearms must remain unloaded at all times unless the competitor is:

• Actively engaging a stage under the direction of a Range Officer; or

• Operating within a designated sight-in or zeroing area.

13.3.3 Concealed carry firearms are not permitted on the range premises during NPRA events and must remain secured within the competitor’s vehicle.

13.4 Muzzle Control and the 180-Degree Rule

13.4.1 Competitors must maintain safe muzzle direction at all times.
13.4.2 While on the firing line, a firearm’s muzzle shall not break the 180-degree safety plane.
13.4.3 The 180-degree safety plane is defined as the imaginary vertical plane extending directly left and right of the firing line. Pointing a muzzle behind this plane shall constitute a Match Disqualification (DQ).

13.5 Prop and Barricade Impacts

13.5.1 Any intentional or unintentional bullet impact on a prop, barricade, or other range structure shall result in an immediate Match Disqualification (DQ).

13.6 Safe Loading Procedures (“Skyloading”)

13.6.1 Competitors must positively identify and visually acquire their intended target through the optic prior to:

• Closing the bolt on a rifle; or

• Disengaging the safety mechanism on a semi-automatic firearm.

13.6.2 Competitors shall not close the bolt or disengage the safety while the firearm is pointed in an unsafe direction or elevated above the target area.

13.7 Loss of Control of a Firearm

13.7.1 Loss of control of a loaded firearm, including dropping the firearm, shall result in an immediate Match Disqualification (DQ).

13.8 Negligent Discharge (ND)

13.8.1 A negligent discharge (ND) is defined as any unintentional firearm discharge caused by competitor error or unsafe firearm handling.
13.8.2 Examples of negligent discharge include, but are not limited to:

• Accidental trigger activation while closing the bolt;

• Improper firearm handling or manipulation;

• Trigger activation caused by gloves, equipment, or other preventable factors;

• Discharge resulting from dropping or mishandling the firearm.

13.8.3 Any negligent discharge shall result in an immediate Match Disqualification (DQ).

13.9 Accidental Discharge (AD)

13.9.1 An accidental discharge (AD) is defined as an unintentional firearm discharge caused by a verified mechanical or equipment malfunction and not by competitor negligence.
13.9.2 In the event of an accidental discharge:

• The Range Officer shall immediately stop the stage;

• The competitor shall retain all points earned prior to the stoppage; and

• The firearm and equipment involved shall be inspected to determine the cause of the malfunction.

13.9.3 A competitor may resume participation in the match only after approval from the Match Director and confirmation that the firearm is safe for continued use.
13.9.4 Any stages missed during equipment inspection or repair shall be scored as zero points.

14. Definition of Precision Rimfire Shooting

14.1 For purposes of NPRA competition, precision rimfire shooting shall be defined as improvised positional shooting, commonly referred to as “PRS-style” shooting, utilizing a rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR).

15. Amendments and Rule Changes

15.1 These rules may be amended, modified, or expanded by the NPRA governing body as the organization grows and evolves.
15.2 Amendments shall become effective on the date specified by the NPRA governing body.
15.3 The NPRA reserves the right to clarify or interpret these rules in the interest of fairness, safety, and competitive integrity.