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.
- First Responders & Veterans – $35
- Single Youth Shooter – $30
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 the event a 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 matches must include a buzzer.
- Due to noise levels, music will not be played during active match rounds of any XFDA-sanctioned matches. 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 Championships
- Invitational
- 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 & Women’s
WFC Invitational Championship (Friday & Saturday)
Qualification: Open to all current paid members.
Format:
- Friday: Seven 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 invitationals), 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, or if there is an odd number of shooters, the shooter will compete alone.
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
- Invitationals: $145
- World Finals Championship (WFC): $165
We love having everyone shoot with us! To help us prepare the matches and keep things running smoothly, please RSVP before the deadline (24hrs before) Shooters registering on the day without an RSVP will be charged an additional $20 late entry fee.
*** Finals Shot Limit
In the finals of a sanctioned match, there will be a 10-shot limit. The shooter with the most points after 10 shots will advance.
If the score is 0-0, or any other tie, after 10 shots, the shooters will continue until the first points is scored.
After 15 shots, shooters are required to break and leave the line for 5 minutes.
For 1st and 2nd place, shooting will continue until there is a clear winner.
Point System/Fee Adjustments
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 Championships: 1st place = 50 points
- Invitationals Point Shoot: 1st place = 60 points
The yearly season begins at invitationals and ends at the start of the following invitationals. (September-September)
The XFDA may increase entry fees for specific events, but will be clearly advertised in advance.
Additional Information:
- Some matches 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.
Waiver of Liability
- All shooters must sign a waiver of liability at match 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.
Further Information:
- Forfeiture of Points: Shooters who drop out of a shoot will forfeit all points from that match. 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 by 3 ½ 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 Xtreme Fast Draw America LLC. 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.
New Clubs:
Clubs may join the XFDA family by submitting a completed membership application for approval by Xtreme Fast Draw America LLC. Applications can be submitted through www.xfdapro.com
Shooting Procedures:
There must be a qualified Range Master (RM) directing the actions on the shooting line during competing. All shooters must follow and obey all instructions immediately on the line.
- Ensure the shooter wears mandatory eye protection; ear protection is required for youth shooters (no earbuds or music allowed).
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Dry Firing: Dry firing is prohibited once a wax round has been loaded. Shooters must not cock the hammer or pull the trigger until the round has officially started – ends with an automatic Match DQ.
- If a gun is pulled and there is someone downrange, it will also be an automatic DQ. (you are put out of the competition).
- Drawing Practice: Once a wax round has been loaded, shooters may draw their firearm for drawing practice before the round begins, provided the hammer remains uncocked at all times.
- When all shooters are ready, the Range Master will turn over the commands to the caller to start the shot sequence. Standard commands will be given by the caller to start the shooting sequences.
- If a shell is dropped, leave it until the round is over.
- If a gun is dropped, raise your hand to the Range Master’s attention. The Range Master will properly retrieve a dropped gun, not the offending shooter. 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
- 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 and lane assignment.
- Any shooter who observes a safety violation on the firing line must immediately alert the Range Master (RM) or a Match Official so they can assess the situation.
- Do not enter the range beyond the safety barrier unless you are a current shooter, designated hand judge or the range master (RM). (with the exemption of approved photographers)
- If a competitor badgers, abuses or argues with RM the incident must be reported to match officials immediately.
- The decisions of the RM must be accepted by all shooters. Any attempt to argue with, or improperly influence a RM following a decision may result in additional penalties or disqualification.
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.
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
- Should a safety violation occur a safety incident form must be completed by the Range Master, Match Director or Safety Officer
- Any gun unless being cleaned should be holstered or in a gun case at all times
Please see RM for further information or understanding if needed.
Anticipation:
After the SET command and before the start light comes on, the gun must remain still in the holster.
Any shooter whose gun moves, twists, rocks, lifts out of the holster, or comes off its resting place before the light comes on, will be ruled as an anticipation
violation.
An anticipation violation also includes:
- Finger inside the trigger guard
- Hammer moving before the start light comes on
Flinching or shaking is not considered anticipation as long as the gun and hammer do not move.
Shooter Integrity and KPI
It is the responsibility of each shooter to compete with integrity. If a shooter anticipates the light and the anticipation results in a shot that is significantly lower than their normal average, the shooter should not take the shot as valid and should acknowledge that it was an anticipation violation.
Any such shot may also lower the shooter’s KPI and should not be counted as a valid time.
Any shot that is one-tenth of a second or more lower than the shooter’s KPI, it must be backed up. If it is not backed up during the round, the shooter will have 3 shots after the round to back it up. If it is not backed up, it is not a valid shot and the shot goes to the opponent and then the round must be finished if not complete.
Penalty
First anticipation violation: Loss of shot, and one point awarded to the opponent.
Second anticipation violation in the same round: Loss of the round, and the win is awarded to the opponent.
After the Shot
Shooters may unload and reload if they choose, but they must quickly return the gun to 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.”
KPI (Key Performance Indicator):
- KPI Rating is determined by the average of the fastest times of at least 7 rounds from your previous match 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, 0.030 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 match. 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.
- Youth who progress from fanning to thumbing are permitted to adjust their KPI. However, once they have transitioned to thumbing, they will not be approved to move back to fanning unless medically required.
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 Holster (Mexican loop) 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 holster cannot have more than a 20-degree Kant in the upright standing position.
- The hoslter must fit your gun with no more than 1⅓ of an inch maximal play or movement.
- The holster must have a hammer tether to hold the gun in the holster when off the line.
- It is recommended that the holster 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 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, your name and club name. Any XFDA branding must state Xtreme Fast Draw America.
- Pants should be Old West or denim stye.
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.
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.
Callers/Scorekeepers:
Scorekeepers, Callers, and Range Masters are crucial to keeping the match running smoothly. The Range Master should provide the range commands, while the Caller is responsible for the shooting commands. The Caller should also repeat The Range Master’s commands to ensure clarity.
- The Caller 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 Caller 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 Bell” Mason’s responsibility to enter all finals scores into 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 Caller 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 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 Range Master 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.
Only certified Range Masters are permitted on the shooting line to direct match safety.
Duties:
- The Range Master 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 Range Master 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 Range Master issues the “Load and Make Ready” command.
- Verify that guns are loaded, guns are holstered and hand judges are seated before giving the “Line is ready” command. The Range Master 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.
- The Range Master 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 a Range Master needs to issue a penalty to a shooter, it should be done in a professional, fair, and respectful manner. The Range Master should remain confident in their decision and not allow themselves to be influenced by the shooter.
- If a Range Master’s decision is overruled by an arbitration committee, they should not take it personally but learn from the experience.
- The Range Master should not engage in arguments with shooters. Any shooters who badgers, abuses or argues with The Range Master must be reported to match officials.
- The Range Master must verify the range’s readiness and communicate with The Caller before handing over control to the next Range Master.
- Always consult the official XFDA Rule Book for guidance.
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.
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.
- If you observe a safety violation on the firing line immediately raise your hand and notify The Range Master so they can assess the situation.
- Always be alert to activity downrange. If someone is downrange of there is s 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.
- 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 shooters and their opponents 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 They 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 proved capable by Safety Officers or The Range Master.
Pre-round Responsibilities
- Ensure the shooter wears mandatory eye protection; ear protection is required for youth shooters (no earbuds or music allowed).
- 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.
- 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 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.
Club matches are an excellent opportunity to practice both Hand Judging and Range Master skills. We should follow the same procedures at local club matches as at all titled matches.
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.
World Records:
World records can be broken at any XFDA sanctioned 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 (0.030) within three consecutive shots. If they fail to do so, the time will count as 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 of leaves XFDA, the buckle must be returned to XFDA.
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.