Rule Book
XFDA Rule Book
Membership:
Starting April 28, 2025, the annual XFDA membership fee will be $55 per member. Membership is mandatory for all club members and runs from April 1 to March 31.
Membership Rules:
If membership is not renewed within 30 days of expiration, the member’s Profile will be removed, and the alias will be forfeited and made available for others.
For further information please see our Terms & Conditions
Club Events:
- All events must be posted at least 120 days before the event start date.
- All event dates must be pre approved by the XFDA.
- All designs of buckles and conchos must be approved by the XFDA, all buckles must feature the XFDA logo. In event the club does not get approval the reimbursement fee will be forfeited.
- Event schedules may vary depending on the venue. Details will be provided on the website and flyer.
- Preacher Dave, XFDA’s official preacher, will deliver the Sunday service when in attendance unless stated differently by the hosting club.
- Timer systems at sanctioned events must include a buzzer.
- Due to noise levels, music will not be played during active match rounds of any XFDA-sanctioned event. Music will be allowed prior to the beginning of the match.
- Flash photography is prohibited.
Event Categories:
- City/County Championships
- State Championships
- District Championships
- National Championship
- World Finals Championship (WFC)
World Finals Championship (WFC):
The WFC consists of two parts:
- Friday and Saturday: WFC Invitational Championship
- Sunday: World Finals Championship Men & Womens.
WFC Invitational Championship (Friday & Saturday)
Qualification: Open to all current paid members.
Format:
- Friday: Nine rounds.
- Saturday Morning: Three final rounds, followed by the finals.
World Finals Championship (Sunday)
Eligibility: The Top 15 Men and up to the Top 10 Ladies on the leaderboard qualify.
Declined invitations will be offered to the next eligible shooter.
Format:
- 2x elimination.
- Winners will be declared XFDA Men’s and Ladies’ World Champions for that year.
Match Structure: (All events Excluding National & Worlds)
All shooters will shoot together, with no categories, brackets, or divisions. Shooters will compete according to their own personal KPI rating.
Finals: The top 10 men and top 5 ladies.
Top 10 Men Awards:
- 1st: Cash & buckle
- 2nd-5th: Cash & concho
- 6th-10th: Trophy (cash to 6-10 with 30+ entries)
Top 5 Ladies Awards:
- 1st: Cash & buckle
- 2nd-3rd: Cash & concho
4th-5th: Trophy (cash to 4-5 with 30+ entries)
During the World Finals (not invitational), pre-loaded shells will be provided to the top 10 women and top 15 men to maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the competition.
Match Format:
- Rounds will be run using the Round Robin format. The match director will determine the number of rounds for a complete match.
- We aim for no shooter to compete against the same shooter twice in a match.
- Ghost Rule – If an opponent drops out, the shooter will compete alone or if there is an odd number of shooters.
Entry Fees:
- Point Shoot: $45 – 50/50 Matches: $35 entry fee and proceeds will be split equally between XFDA and the shooters.
- State & District Championships: $85.
- National Championship: $125
- World Finals Championship (WFC): $165.
Point System:
Points are earned by competing in four types of championships. Points start with first-place seeding and diminish with placement until all points are distributed.
- City/County Points Shoot: 1st place = 20 points
- State Championships: 1st place = 30 points
- District Championships: 1st place = 40 points
- National Championship: 1st place = 50 points
The yearly season begins after the WFC and ends at the start of the following WFC. (September-September)
Fee Adjustments:
The XFDA may increase entry fees for specific events, but will be clearly advertised in advance.
Additional Information:
- Some contests will include meals, while others may not. Contest fliers should clearly indicate what is included and provide a basic understanding of the contest schedule. This should include details on meal availability, meet-and-greet locations and times, and any meals provided.
- Open practice times should be announced for participants without a KPI, allowing them to establish one during these sessions or a KPI shoot.
- Warm-up jackpots before the contest are permitted at the host’s discretion.
- The XFDA range may be available for some contests at the expense of the hosting club. For more information, contact Gunbelt.
- Unsportsmanlike or unsafe conduct on or around the range will not be tolerated. If a problem arises, an arbitration committee will be formed to address any issues not covered in the rule book or other disputes. The committee, consisting of no fewer than 3 and no more than 7 members, will render a final and binding decision.
- New shooters are welcome to attend up to two club meets to try out XFDA before membership is required. Experienced shooters or those with other fast draw affiliations may attend one club meet before joining. For any sanctioned match, all participants must be paying members, regardless of experience.
Shooting Procedures:
- The shooter gets one attempt per light to hit the target. No recovery shots are allowed. Recovery shots are considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Penalty for recovery shots or a second attempt on the same start light will result in the loss of a shot point to the opponent.
- There must be a qualified Range Master directing the action and actions on the shooting line during competition. All shooters must follow and obey all instructions immediately on the line.
- No guns can be removed from the holster on the line until the Range Master has determined a safe environment to load guns for the round. The penalty for removing your gun from the holster before the “Load and make ready”
- 1st offense: Loss of round.
- 2nd offense: Match DQ.
- In addition, if their gun is pulled and there is someone downrange, it should be match a DQ. (They are put out of the competition)
- After the “Load and make ready” command, shooters may remove their guns and safely load up to 5 shells in any order or method deemed safe.
- When all shooters are ready, the Range Master will turn over the commands to the announcer to start the shot sequence.
- Standard commands will be given by the announcer to start the shooting sequence.
Anticipation:
- Guns cannot move out of or twist in the holster after the SET command and before the light comes on.
- If the gun is moved in the holster or comes off the resting place before the light comes on, it will be ruled as an anticipation violation.
- Penalty for anticipation: Loss of shot and a point to the opponent.
- A second anticipation violation in the same round will result in the loss of the round, and the win will be awarded to the opponent.
- Anticipation violation is defined as: Gun moving in the holster, lifting off the holster, rocking in the holster, Finger inside the trigger guard, or moving the hammer before the start light comes on.
- Flinches and shaking are not considered anticipation if the gun or hammer does not move.
- After the shot, shooters may unload and reload if they choose, but they must quickly replace the gun in the holster.
Mercy Rule:
- If, after 10 shots, there are fewer than 3 winning hits, the match will be called Mercy, and both shooters will receive an X for that round, regardless of who was ahead.
- The fastest time of all rounds, win or lose, will be recorded and averaged to determine your KPI (Key Performance Indicator).
- When the winner is determined, shooters will unload their guns while the hand judge watches. The shooter will slowly rotate the cylinder for the hand judge to confirm all chambers are empty. The hand judge will confirm the following: “Gun clear, hammer down, and holster.”
- If a shell is dropped, leave it until the round is over.
- If a gun is dropped, raise your hand to get the Range Master’s attention. The Range Master will safely unload the gun, and the hand judge or shooter will clear it. The Range Master will then replace the gun in the holster. Penalty for a dropped gun:
- One dropped gun = loss of the round.
- Two dropped guns = loss of the match.
- Hand judges will act as safety officers, assisting shooters and the Range Master in the safe operation of the firing line.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator):
- KPI Rating is determined by the average of the fastest times of at least 8 rounds from your previous event or club practice. (Must not include shots over your KPI)
- All rounds, including the top 10 finals, will be counted for your KPI. Once the average is determined for a shooter, .030 will be added to establish their KPI.
- If your KPI is exceeded in a round, that shot does not count and is scored as a miss. Example: Average = .450, KPI = .480. Any shot .481 and over is scored as a miss & will not be counted towards any change in your KPI.
- KPI may be adjusted down after each event for a new rating, but it will never be adjusted back up (except for medical reasons at the board’s discretion).
- In this example, if your average for the shoot drops to .460, your KPI remains the same at .480 and will not be adjusted to .490 for the next event. If you improve your average fastest time for each round to .440, your new KPI will be set to .470.
- If you have not shot in a match for a period of 12 months, you must renew your KPI before participating in a match. It will not be increased unless there is a health reason.
- During the match, your scored rounds will determine your actual KPI. If you shoot consistently .060 below your initial KPI during the match, your KPI can be lowered.
- If you are a new shooter without an established KPI, the match director will watch you shoot 10 shots and average all hits on target to establish an initial KPI.
- Fanning is only allowed for youth shooters (ages 8-12) or adults with medical conditions. The fanning hand must always start outside of the body on the SET command.
Procedural Rules:
Guns:
- Only single-action .45 Long Colt revolvers with fixed sights are allowed for competition.
- Only internal action modifications are permitted.
- No exterior or structural modifications are allowed. All parts must remain factory stock for the model. The only exception is that the front blade sight may be reduced in size or removed entirely.
- No Factory safety devices can be removed.
- Race guns with altered parts are not permitted.
- Shortened or widened hammers are prohibited.
- Gun barrels must be no shorter than 4.5 inches.
Holsters:
- Only loop-style holsters that slide over a belt are allowed.
- The boot may be permanently affixed to the belt but must be the type that slides onto the belt and rests on the top edge of the belt.
- The boot cannot have more than a 20-degree Kant in the upright standing position.
- The boot must fit your gun with no more than ⅓ if an inch maximal play or movement.
- The holster must have a hammer tether to hold the gun in the boot when off the line.
- It is recommended that the boot have a deflector or plug for safety.
Ammo:
- All shooters will supply their own ammo for all events unless previously advertised that the host will provide ammo.
- Shooters may use any brand of wax or primer combination of their choosing as long as it is approved by the host of the event. Some ranges may have restrictions on certain brands for health or other concerns.
- All projectiles must be XFDA-approved .45 caliber wax bullets only. Approved bullets must be .402 inches in length. Short loads are illegal.
- Wax bullets travel between 550 and 750 fps. They must always be handled with the same respect given to live ammunition, as they can cause serious physical harm if not handled properly.
- If you are found to be using illegal wax you will be disqualified.
Dress Code:
The objective of this clothing guideline is to create an atmosphere that is as exciting for the public to see as it is for them to watch the shooters. When selecting your shooting outfit, keep in mind that you are representing XFDA.
Old West, B Western, Modern or Rodeo, and Steampunk are the best categories to style from.
- Hats: Cowboy or themed hats are required for men and optional for women—no ball caps.
- Footwear: Western or Old West-style boots are required for all shooters—no athletic shoes.
Men:
- Shirts should be long-sleeved. No T-shirts.
- You may have sponsorship on the sleeve and your name, club name, Any XFDA branding must state Xtreme Fast Draw America.
- Pants should be Old West or denim style.
Women:
- Ladies may wear short or long-sleeved shirts—no tank tops, T-shirts, or plunging necklines.
- Skirts, pants, and dresses should follow the Old West or Western-themed categories previously mentioned.
- No shorts except under a skirt or dress.
KPI BIBS are now required during sanctioned events.
It is the responsibility of each club’s owner or president to ensure that all members are familiar with and follow XFDA’s required dress code.
The above dress code also applies to all youth shooters.
Announcers/Range Masters:
Scorekeepers, caller, and range masters are crucial to keeping the match running smoothly. The range master should provide the range commands, while the announcer is responsible for the shooting commands. The caller should also repeat the range master’s commands to ensure clarity. Scorekeepers should only communicate with the caller.
The announcer should call shooters and hand judges to the line as quickly as possible to maintain a fast pace and call shooters by alias along with their lane assignments.
The announcer should be familiar with the operation of the timing system in use. This ensures proper timing of the lights, so shooters can be confident that the lights will not be too short or too long.
Scorekeeping is the responsibility of each club. Clubs need to make arrangements with XFDA for assistance as required with Kellie “Kel Belle” Mason.
It is Kellie “Kel Belle” Mason’s responsibility to enter all finals scores into the XFDA scoring programmes for all competitions.
Commands:
- “The Hand judges are down; the Line is ready” – Used by the range master to convey to the caller that the line is ready.
- “Shooter on the line… shooters, set!” – Used by the announcer to let shooters know to be ready to shoot.
Shooters should be aware of all commands and always listen for their alias. Rounds will be posted in advance at most matches, so shooters know their group & lane assignment.
XFDA Range Master:
The Range Master (RM) is responsible for overseeing the firing line and hand judges. They must thoroughly understand the rules and be committed to running an efficient and safe line. The RM should be courteous, firm, and fair in all interactions with competitors. They have the authority to stop a round for safety reasons and must remain vigilant about all activities on the range.
Duties:
- The RM has final authority on hits, misses, and penalties unless formally protested by an arbitration committee.
- Verifies that all shooters, hand judges, scorekeepers, and callers wear safety glasses and ensures youth participants wear earplugs. This includes anyone the RM permits on the line (e.g., photographers, extra-line judges).
- Issues official commands to manage the range.
- Once all shooters and hand judges are in place, the RM issues the “Load and Make Ready” command.
- Verifies that shooters are loaded with guns holstered and hand judges’ hands are down before giving the “Line is Ready” command. The RM should make eye contact with the caller.
- Oversees the entire firing line, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Stops all activity with the “Freeze” command in case of a safety violation.
- RM will properly retrieve a dropped gun, not the offending shooter.
- Issues the “Hands Off Guns, Down Range” command before anyone steps across the firing line.
- Gives the “Range is Hot” command once the range is cleared.
- At the end of a round, issues the “Hands Off Guns, Down Range to Paint” command, ensuring targets are cleaned and ready for the next round.
- If an RM needs to penalize a competitor, it must be done in a professional manner but not allow themselves to be intimidated by the competitor.
- If an RM’s decision is overruled by an arbitration committee, they should not take it personally but learn from the experience.
- Never allow competitors to badger, abuse, or argue with the RM. Any such behavior should be reported to match officials.
- The RM must verify the range’s readiness and communicate with the caller before handing over control to the next RM.
- Always consult the official XFDA Rule Book for guidance.
XFDA Hand Judging Guidelines:
The Hand Judge plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and fairness of an XFDA match. In most contests, the Hand Judge is the next shooter scheduled to participate. While it may sometimes be viewed as a secondary task, hand judging is essential for safety and fair competition. New shooters can serve as Hand Judges, but the Range Master should ensure they understand the responsibilities. Youth shooters must be accompanied by an experienced adult until deemed capable of solo hand judging.
Main Responsibilities of the Hand Judge:
- Assist your shooter throughout the match.
- Ensure that, after the “set” command, the shooter does not violate any rules (e.g., moving the gun in the holster, rocking the hammer, or placing their finger in the trigger guard before the light turns on).
- Confirm hits and misses for both your shooter’s and their opponent’s targets.
- Serve as your shooter’s voice if necessary.
- Check for hits without times.
- Load and unload as requested by the shooter.
- Watch for anticipation. (The gun must move)
- Identify where the shooter is missing (e.g., high right, low left) and inform them.
- Stand when your shooter has their gun out of the holster and remain standing until they give you the go-ahead to sit.
- Hand Judges must sit when their shooter is ready unless physically unable.
- Sitting helps the Range Master know the line is ready.
- Accompany the Range Master downrange if a hit is in question for either your shooter or their opponent.
- Ensure your shooter stays behind the firing line.
- Remind your shooter of the 70-degree rule. If the barrel starts to wander during loading, unloading, or shooting, be prepared to control it.
- After the bout is over, visually inspect the chambers of your shooter’s cylinder and then give the command: “Gun clear. Hammer down and holster.”
- Youth shooters must be accompanied by an adult until they are proven capable by Safety Officers or the Range Master.
Pre-round Responsibilities:
- Do not allow your shooter to unholster their gun until the “Load and Make Ready” command is given by the Range Master.
- Load no more than 5 rounds in the gun. The hammer must be down on an empty or fired chamber. If using a Colt or Colt clone, engage the safety notch after loading but before holstering.
- Ensure the shooter wears mandatory eye protection; ear protection is required for youth shooters (no earbuds or music allowed).
- Once your shooter has loaded and holstered their gun, sit down to signal readiness to the Range Master.
Positioning and Observations:
- Your position relative to your shooter will depend on their shooting arm. You need to be able to see their gun hand, thumb on the hammer, trigger finger, and front of the holster pouch and light.
- Avoid encroaching on the shooter’s space. You should not be visible to the shooter while they are preparing to shoot.
- If your shooter is new, you can offer suggestions, like spotting misses, but be honest about what you see. Never invent a miss you didn’t observe.
- If an issue arises during the bout, stand up & raise your hand behind the shooter to signal the Range Master. Communicate directly with the Range Master, not the Announcer or Scorekeeper.
- If there is a dispute over hits or misses, both Hand Judges and the Range Master should go downrange to inspect the target, keeping at least 12 inches away from the target and avoiding unintentionally touching it.
After the Bout:
- Stay with your shooter until their gun is holstered before allowing them to leave the line. This can prevent penalties.
- If bouts are still in progress and the next shot is ready, and your shooter has finished their bout, ask them to “Stand Easy” so the firing line remains undisturbed. They can complete clearing after the next shot is fired.
- In the case of a safety violation, immediately raise your hand to alert the Range Master, but do not shout or disrupt other shooters.
Safety and Awareness:
- Always be alert to activity downrange. If someone is downrange or there is a safety issue, immediately yell, “FREEZE” if the command has not been previously given.
- Shooters on lane one and the last lane will typically go downrange after all bouts to tend to the targets before the next round begins.
- Be prepared to testify in an Arbitration Committee meeting if needed.
Club matches are an excellent opportunity to practice both Hand Judging and Range Officer skills. We should follow the same procedures at local club matches as at all titled events.
World Records:
World records can be broken at any XFDA sanction shoot! A new World Record is valid only if:
- There is no anticipation
- The shooter’s time is below the current World Record.
- The shooter must back up the time (.030) within three consecutive shots. If they fail to do so, the time will count as an anticipation.
As of February 2024, XFDA has purchased World Record Buckles for both Men and Women. These buckles remain the property of XFDA and will be in the possession of the current record holders. If a record is broken, the buckle will transfer to the new record holder.
The world record holders must bring the buckle to every sanctioned shoot they attend in case the record is broken by another member.
Conditions for World Record Buckle Holders:
- The holder must be a paid XFDA member.
- If the holder retires or leaves XFDA, the buckle must be returned to XFDA.
Range Rules:
Prohibited Ammunition and Firearms
- No live .45 LC ammunition is allowed in the shooter’s area or on the range past the parking lot.
- Concealed or open-carry firearms of any Caliber are prohibited on the range.
Safety Responsibility
All shooters act as Range Officers for safety. If you observe anyone engaging in unsafe behavior on or near the shooting line, take action to stop it or alert a Range Master for assistance.
Role of Range Masters
- Range Masters oversee and direct activity on the shooting line.
- Shooters must obey all directions and instructions from the Range Master, even if you disagree. They are there to ensure safety and may have knowledge of hazards or considerations you are unaware of at that moment.
- Only certified Range Masters are permitted on the shooting line to direct match safety.
Certification Requirements
- Currently, XFDA Range Master certification is required to direct the line.
- XFDA reserves the right to revoke or deny certification as it pertains to safety on or around an XFDA range.
Waiver of Liability
- All shooters must sign a waiver of liability at event entry and check-in. Shooting is a potentially dangerous activity, and by participating, shooters acknowledge and accept all risks and responsibilities.
- By signing the waiver, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify XFDA, the host, property owner, match directors, officers, and volunteers.
Violations resulting in immediate match disqualification include but are not limited to:
- Foul language: 1st violation: Verbal warning 2nd violation: Match disqualification
- Arguing with the Range Master.
- Arguing with the Match Director.
- Throwing guns or equipment.
- Handling guns in an unsafe manner that endangers others.
- Possession of live ammunition of any Caliber on the range.
- Possession of a loaded firearm of any kind on the line, whether concealed or not.
- If you are found to be using illegal wax, you will be disqualified.
- XFDA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for anyone using or handling drugs at any XFDA shoot; individuals found in violation will be asked to leave immediately.
Spectators:
- Spectator sections must be clearly marked and located at least 30 feet from the targets, where space allows.
- Spectators are not permitted to be in the shooting range during the contest.
- Match directors are responsible for ensuring ranges are secure and safe for spectators.
Further Information:
- Forfeiture of Points: Competitors who drop out of a shoot will forfeit all points from that event. Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Sanctioned Matches:
All sanctioned matches must be shot on blocker targets with the light centered in the target. The round light hole must be 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The target must be 20/40 and positioned 24 inches from the ground. Additionally, all start buttons must be equipped with a buzzer.
- The use of the XFDA logo is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the XFDA Board. Unauthorized usage may result in immediate action, including revocation of membership and/or legal consequences. All requests for logo usage must be submitted in writing and approved in advance by the Board.
New Clubs:
Clubs may join the XFDA family by submitting a completed membership application for approval by the XFDA Board of Directors. Applications can be submitted through www.xfdapro.com
General NRA Recommended Gun Safety:
XFDA recognizes and adheres to the safety rules set forth by the NRA.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Whether you are shooting or simply handling your gun, never point the muzzle at yourself or others. Common sense should dictate the safest direction based on your location and other conditions. When on the range, always point the firearm downrange.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
There is a natural tendency to place your finger on the trigger when holding a gun. Avoid this! That is what trigger guards are made for—to enable you to hold the gun comfortably with your finger off the trigger.
Keep the action open and the gun unloaded until you are ready to shoot.
Whenever you pick up any gun, immediately open the action and visually check to see that the chamber is unloaded. If the gun has a magazine, remove it and ensure it is empty.
