ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
“The Importance of EST Training for ISSF Judges”
A presentation by Derek Ivy
Director ISSF EST Training for Judges
for the 14th ISSF Organisers’ Workshop
18 November 2016
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
“The Importance of EST Training for ISSF Judges”
Of course, you will say that since I have been closely
associated with this topic since 1988, I am bound to
think it is important.
Over the next 25 minutes I try to convince most of you
that EST Training IS very important.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
This is a somewhat difficult subject as it comes at the
end of the afternoon and many in the ISSF and the
Organising Committees don’t really want to hear
some of what I am about to say.
[$ € $ € $ €]
Briefly, I intend to cover three main aspects:
1. The Past (History) from which clever people learn;
2, The Future for which we need to prepare;
3. And how we need prepare.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
History
My first Major Competition Jury appointment was
to the Pistol Jury at the 44th World Championships
in Suhl, East Germany in 1986.
My main duty was with 25m Pistol – scoring was
conducted on range. With two Bays – one Range
Section of ten targets – and eleven relays in the
25m Rapid Fire Men Event, this took many hours
of gauging and scoring. This was a full time
involvement for Jury and Range Officers alike.
Although we were well experienced, by the end we
were a very quick and very accurate team.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
History 2
In 1988, I was assigned to the Classification Jury of
the Seoul Olympic Games. Again, this was a great
experience. For example in the 50m Pistol Event,
we supervised the scoring. There were 8 tables of
8 Classification Officers plus those transporting
targets from the ranges and within the large
hangar that was the Classification Room.
Two scorers examined each target. If both agreed
the apparent shot value, that score was recorded.
If they did not agree, or could not decide, the
target was brought to the Jury – a few metres away.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
Targets /
Scorecards
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Scoring
Recording
CCO
JURY
JURY
R
A
N
K
I
N
G
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
On the first day we gauged, wrote the score on the
target, and three Jury Members initialed the result
– 168 times. Then it was returned to the scorers.
After classification team had entered the results on
score cards and ranked them, the ‘top ten check’
was carried out ‐ checking scores from targets to
score cards, then additions, and then ranking.
Only then were names added and Results published
for Protest Time. Coaches and Managers played
the “game of protesting shot values” – in the hope
of increasing scores and improving rankings!
In all, this took a long time – hours not minutes.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
During the time of Classification on Paper targets,
all the 25m and Classification officials worked long
hours and became very capable, as ‘Practice makes
Perfect’.
But they were not dealing with the
unexpected; procedures were clear !
With Paper Targets, necessary officials outnumbered
athletes by more than 2 : 1 (with. register keepers).
In Seoul 1988 there were more Classification Officers
than the total number of NTOs at Rio 2016!
Thus, many more officials gained practice, so those
selected for main positions at Major Events were
well trained, well practiced and very capable.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Opportunities to Practice
Before the World Cups, MQS and Quota Places,
there were many more smaller competitions;
between nations and in Regions. So, there were
many more opportunities for judges to gain Jury
experience; making Jury Selection easier and
making it much easier for judges to be upgraded;
even with the more stringent upgrading rules at
that time.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
The Outcome
The outcome of more competitions and the
involvement of many more judges, following a well
rehearsed routine, led to few classification
problems, but took far too long. Almost the only
Classification protests were about scoring – and
gauging (the decision of the majority of three
judges of the Jury) provided the solution for these.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
EST Advantages are well known:
 Spectator and media appeal;
 Reduction of number of officials;
 Reduction of workloads.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Without the successful introduction of EST at
Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, the days of
Rifle and Pistol shooting events in the future
Olympic Games would have been in doubt.
These days everyone needs results instantly.
With Electronic Scoring Targets, and their
associated computers and software, the only
functions remaining for RTS officials are to
conduct the ‘top ten check’, and to resolve any
problems or protests.
That sounds simple, but can be more difficult!
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
With EST there are, thankfully, fewer problems and
fewer protests to resolve.
But, there is a larger range of possibilities, far more
varied than just the paper target gauging and
simple score protests. These range from targets
not registering, unexpected zeros, and so on.
However, Juries, Range and Classification (now
RTS) officials are unlikely to have personally
experienced before some of the problems they
may encounter .
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
When problems do occur, answers are demanded
(by Athletes, TV and Spectators) urgently.
Reduced numbers of officials needed for EST ranges,
together with the lack of opportunity to officiate,
as there are many fewer events, means that the
practical experience of most RTS judges is much
lower than in the past.
Today, there are less than ten highly capable EST
Judges and some of those are not available, except
for instruction.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
In the early days, such as for the Manchester 2002
Commonwealth Games, Jury Members were
invited to attend two days early in order to attend
an EST Course. This worked well and even
included some Shotgun Jury Members looking to
find out about the new system.
Accordingly, it is essential to ensure all Rifle, Pistol
and RTS judges receive good EST training.
Properly conducted, this goes a long way to
preparing officials for competitions.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
You will all be aware of ISSF Rule 6.3.2.8:
“When EST are used, the targets must be checked to ensure the targets
are scoring correctly under normal conditions of use before each ISSF
Championship under the supervision of the Technical Delegate.”
Although some of you know this, there is a very good
reason for it:
At the Lahti 2002 World Championships at the start
when the 50m Rifle Junior Men Event was in
progress, one of the athletes was getting very
unexpected high scores.
Crowds gathered.
Immediately afterwards we took the Control Sheet
and the Printer Log Strip and plotted the shots.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
As a simplified illustration here are five shots,
those shown Blue are the holes in the Control
Sheet. The target centre is the black dot and only
the 10 ring is shown.
Score 45
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Here in Red are the same five shots, as plotted from
the EST coordinates on the Log Print, using x & y
coordinates. The target centre is the black dot and
only the 10 ring is shown. This was the score
shown on his monitor and score strip.
Score 50
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Here are the combined results: As before, those
shown Blue are the holes in the Control Sheet and
those shown in Red are the same shots plotted
from the EST co‐ordinates. Radial lines are from
the target centre.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
The patterns are the same but the dispersion is
greater. The radius of each shot (Blue) from
the centre can be seen in each case to be 1.5
times the radius to the EST plotted shots
(Red).
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
So, the score given by the EST was 50 (for the five
shots), whereas the real score was only 45.
There was a good technical explanation for
this – come on an EST course to find out more.
Score 45
Score 50
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
But the outcome was that the ISSF President decided
that ALL EST immediately before ALL ISSF Competitions
must be checked to avoid a similar situation.
Score 45
Score 50
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
This was a real problem that had to be dealt with
immediately. Without a clear understanding of
EST it would have been impossible to solve.
The other Members of the Classification Jury were
all capable of making speedy calculations, so that
all targets were able to be checked ready for the
start of the main competition in the morning.
25m and 50m EST are checked in the same was as
just illustrated. Checking 10m targets is more
difficult because the black strip moves so there is
no group of shots about the same centre point.
Returning briefly to the pre‐event checks:
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
ISSF Rule 6.3.2.8:
“When EST are used, the targets must be checked to ensure the targets
are scoring correctly under normal conditions of use before each ISSF
Championship under the supervision of the Technical Delegate.”
Three points:
“Scoring correctly” does not mean checking for
accuracy. [This is done for every new target model,
and then for every Olympic Cycle, by the Ad Hoc
EST Testing Committee of the ISSF – using
equipment capable of measuring to 0.06 mm = (6
x 100ths) of a mm.] This could not be achieved
using a sharp pencil and 1 mm graph paper.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
ISSF Rule 6.3.2.8:
“When EST are used, the targets must be checked to ensure the targets
are scoring correctly under normal conditions of use before each ISSF
Championship under the supervision of the Technical Delegate.”
Second Point:
Supervision means to check that the tests are
conducted correctly.
So, in my opinion, all
Technical Delegates should hold EST Licences.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
ISSF Rule 6.3.2.8:
“………..under the supervision of the Technical Delegate.”
Third Point:
It takes a long time to check all targets, so it is usual
to get Jury Members to assist. Because the RTS
Jury may well have other pre‐competition work
(checking Start Lists, etc), Range Jury Members
should all be ready to assist.
So, in my opinion, all Rifle and Pistol Jury should
hold EST Licences – not just for target checking,
but so that they know what must be done should
any EST problem arise during competition.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
As I said, few things go wrong with EST, but this
actually reduces the experience available.
At the Sydney 2000 OG there were just two score
protests: one in the first event (10m Air Rifle
Women) that must finish on time for the first
medal (traditionally presented by the IOC
President); and the second in the last 4 sec series
of the Finals of the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men.
Without EST training and experience these could
not have been successfully and speedily resolved.
Let us now look briefly at the official ISSF EST
Courses.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
EST Course History
In 1998, Secretary General Horst Schreiber
decided EST training was necessary and asked for
a Pilot EST Training Course that he would attend.
This was prepared and presented by Hans Ruedi
Walti and Roger Sauter of Sius, and myself. Franz
Schreiber also attended. Sadly Gary Anderson is
the only other attendee still active today.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Various improvements were suggested and were
incorporated. The course has been expanded as
experience was gained, but is otherwise the same.
Since then, over 18 years, there have been 83
courses.
There have been 1,650 individual
attendances. Of these, 840 gained a Cat 6 (EST
Control) ISSF Licence Recommendation.
Unfortunately, in 2016, there are now only just
500 still holding valid licences, and many of these
have not had the opportunity to gain further
practical experience as there are few Jury places at
top level competitions.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
The EST Course Objectives
 To educate all Judges;
 By testing, to identify an adequate number of ISSF
Judges for RTS (Classification) Jury duties at ISSF
Championships;
 This means to ensure they have adequate
knowledge and the capability to carry out
mathematical work under time pressures.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Course Outline
 The course is in six parts:
 General Principles and Background Knowledge
 50m Calculations & Problems
 10m Calculations & Problems
 25m Calculations & Problems
 300m & RT Targets
 Special Situations: Cross‐fires, Strip/Band fails to move, Shot‐Score Protests, Unexpected Zeros, Shot fails to register on EST, etc.
Remember, this is a practical course to ensure the conduct of ISSF competitions is good for all the athletes.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
The Final Test
During the courses there are many practical tests
designed to get results quickly. These do not count
towards the final result, but are competitive in that
the order of finishing and individual’s results are
written on a black board for all to see;
The Final Test, that has been little changed over the
years, is in two parts – Knowledge (mainly of the
ISSF Rules regarding EST procedures); and
Practical Calculations. Students must gain 60% in
each of the two parts to gain a Cat 6 ISSF licence.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
ISSF RULE BOOK
Remember, the ISSF Rule Book is also a universal
translator – since if the Rule Number is given,
those of any nation that has translated the Rule
Book can see the text in their own language. So
being able to find and quote the relevant Rule
Number is very important (and not just for EST).
The Final Test and the official EST Courses are
conducted in English as officials at Major
competitions must be able to work in English.
The Final Test
The time allowed is 2 hours for native English
speaking students and an extra 30 minutes is
allowed for those speaking other languages.
Every effort has been made to simulate the real
situation, so the time limit and strict invigilation is
an important part of the stress‐training.
The Papers are similar for all courses, but of course
different. They are marked centrally, so there is
one standard world‐wide.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Because EST experience at major competitions is
difficult to gain. And because we are all getting
older, it is important to ensure the maximum
experience is passed on to the next generation.
This is another reason for EST Course training.
In 2014 National EST courses were introduced and
several have been conducted very successfully; in
each case the pass‐rate on subsequent official ISSF
Courses was much improved. All Organisers are
encouraged to give EST problem solving practice
by using the National Course ‐ for which an ISSF
Manual is available for National Instructors.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Future
For the future, the ISSF should seriously consider
having more RTS Jury Members at ISSF World
Championships to allow selected future younger
officials to gain valuable first hand experience.
This would be a valuable ISSF investment.
Three on an Event Jury is the absolute minimum,
but these need to be very experienced. Two or
three more should be added to gain experience –
and the extra cost at World Championships
should not be a burden, but would be good
preparation for the future.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Independent Working
 To ensure the correct result is achieved in any RTS
scoring problem situation, each Classification Jury
Member must work independently.
 This means that the result is at least treble‐
checked (in the same way as for gauging with
paper targets).
 So, there need to be enough capable Jury Members
to deal with a problem without delay.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Finals. We are to hear two presentations tomorrow
morning – and I look forward to these.
However, the ISSF needs to take care that any new
proposals for Rifle and Pistol cover the need to
state what action needs to be taken by Juries if
problems do occur. It is possible to teach and train
in techniques, but what to do in any possible
problem situation needs to be set down clearly.
Also, care needs to be taken to ensure not too
many shots are fired before Control Sheets and
Backing Targets are changed – otherwise, despite
the need, fair solutions may not be possible.
NATIONAL
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Cross Shots. A big problem facing RTS Juries is
that of Cross Shots ‐ when an athlete fires at the
wrong target, but does not declare it, and the
Range officials fail to notice. The problem can be
solved by measurements taken from Control
Sheets and Backing Targets. So, Backing Targets
are especially important, not just on 25m but also
for 50m. For a well‐aimed shot fired onto the next
target, the displacement on the Backing Target will
be 8 x greater than on the Control Sheet; so it is
likely to be seen clearly, away from the main group.
Organisers and TDs need to be aware of this.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
In Summary
The lack of opportunity for judges to gain practical
experience means that greater emphasis needs to
be placed on training. Especially on EST aspects.
Unfortunately training to deal with EST problems at
events in real time is a little like First Aid Training:
you can practice and simulate casualties, but only
when the real thing happens do you really learn.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
In Summary 2
So far the ISSF has been lucky. There has been no
big problem that has caused a spectacle for the TV,
but it could happen and this would be a great pity.
So it is most important to ensure that we do not
place RTS officials in an untenable positions, by
not having procedures to cover all foreseen
eventualities; and ensuring they have been trained.
Spending a lot on TV is fine, but the ISSF and
Nations need to provide for judges’ training to
avoid any future TV and News spectacle!
Finally
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
Future EST Equipment Changes
Finally, we need to be aware that technical things do
not standstill. Manufacturers continue to strive to
reduce the cost of EST. Many users found that
replacing lights on the 25m targets was expensive,
especially at National level where some clowns try
to see what happens when they shoot at the lights.
Sius has come up with a new solution. This entails
showing both Red and Green lights above the
target by a mirror; this is not contrary to the ISSF
Rules, but everyone needs to be aware.
ISSF Organisers’ Workshop 2016
EST Training for ISSF Judges
25 m Target Lights
I asked Sius to kindly bring an example, so that you
can all see it and ask any questions of Sius; they are
here tomorrow as well.
Past and Future
I am happy to say that we have enjoyed a great
relationship with Sius over the years – and in
particular I appreciate what they have done for the
shooting sport – in particular for helping RTS
judges to gain the knowledge to do their work well.