The SASS Convention was held in Las Vegas Dec 2-6 of 2015. Attendance was down from previous years when the convention was held in Las Vegas. Due to the lack of participation SASS is discounting the Convention for the present time and it is undetermined when the next one will be held.
The Territorial Governs Summit will continue to be held as it was in the past prior to be included in the Convention. The TGs will meet for a one or two day summit in the future as required.
Below is a summary of the Territorial Summit voting items and discussion items
Changes will become effective on Monday, December 7, 2015
RESULTS
To pass, an item must receive 66% of the votes For. Less than 66% and more than 50%,
means the item failed but can be re-introduced and the next TG Summit as an agenda item.
1) Should the rules be changed to allow the inclusion of "sub-gauge" shotguns such as 28 and 32 gauge for Buckaroos/Buckarettes?
For 99.63% Against .037 Abstain 00.0% PASS
2) Should the MSV for retrieval of dropped/ejected ammo be deleted?
For 88.56% Against 11.07% Abstain .37% PASS
3) Should the equipment regulations for GUNFIGHTER-style shooters be changed to allow the "butt forward" carry/Cavalry "twist" draw?
For 83.76% Against 16.24% Abstain 00.0% PASS
4) Should the penalty for not holstering revolvers at the end of the revolver shooting string be changed from a MSV to a Procedural penalty?
For 85.61% Against 14.39% Abstain PASS
Item 5, the Stage/Match DQ for failure to adhere to the command of "cease fire" was removed from the agenda. It was universally accepted that when a shooter willfully continues to shoot after the command "cease fire" they should be done for the day. Wording, in a clarification, will add verbiage to that effect. There is no change in the match DQ, but the additional verbiage will describe willful or a deliberate refusal to cease fire.
ADDITIONAL (Non-Voting) DISCUSSION ITEMS : These items may become agenda items at future TG Meetings.
1) Shall we consider a change to the maximum number of "P"s per stage to two…or one per gun/type of firearm. Also, should we reclassify "P"s for "stage/target engagement" issues vs "out of category" progressive penalties. Discussion points: This might alleviate the problem of some shooters committing multiple "P" violations, knowing they can only receive one. Many times this would be an SOG situation, but proving intent can be problematic; besides the reluctance on the part of most T/Os in assessing the additional 30-second penalty.
TG Discussion: Views on both sides for and against multiple procedural's. It was felt if we enforced the Spirit of the Game penalty, when a shooter knows they have a P, dumps or shoots an easier target sequence because they will not get another procedural.
Some felt this would over penalize a shooter that just got confused.
Straw pole showed most felt that one P was adequate. It was also felt that an additional P could be received if shooting out of category.
2) NON-SASS matches sometimes allow NON-SASS legal firearms. Clubs advertising as "SASS-affiliated" need to follow SASS rules. Discussion points: Example would be a club that allows "new shooters" to compete in monthly match settings with DA revolvers, hammer-less pump shotguns (e.g. 870) and other "illegal" equipment. Those wishing to "try out" the stages with other types of firearms should do so outside of the actual match environment.
TG Discussion: If you advertise SASS Rules used, that is what you should do. Some felt that it should be permissible to allow a new shooter some leeway with firearms if they do not have the proper firearms yet. Example, 870 shotgun or double action pistols.
Some felt that strict rules should be state level and above but monthly matches should be free to allow new shooters flexibility on firearms until they obtain the SASS firearms.
3) The wearing of "logo’d" outerwear during inclement weather (up to, but not ON the stage), particularly during cold/wet seasons.
TG Discussion: In severe weather, it was mentioned that a logo should not prevent a shooter from shooting the stage. Others shoot until they come to the firing line. Consensus was not while shooting, all other times are OK.
4) Suggestion from some TGs regarding attendance at the TG Summit. Should a TG be "present to vote"? Discussion points: Territorial Governors carrying proxy votes should either ask the clubs they’re representing if and under what circumstances (e.g. specific amendments) they may change the club vote. TGs should also be given that same leeway by the clubs they represent directly if they can be convinced through additional information that an agenda item would be for the betterment of the sport.
TG Discussion: Most felt the TG need not be present to vote. There were 556 clubs that were not represented. We should not make it difficult for clubs to vote.
5) Should the RO1 Course materials be amended to disallow CRO/TOs running the timer for family members? Considerations: Some family members, especially Buckaroo/ettes benefit from having a family member running the timer. Better able to coach through any problems due to familiarity with equipment. Same applies to spouses and offspring. Just as much, if not more, "buddy posse" cheating than among family members. Positives outweigh the negatives of having family members run the timer. Issues: "fortuitous interference" and "re-shoots" should be "peer pressure" regulating. Some smaller clubs have a limited number of qualified T/Os.
TG Discussion: Overwhelming NO.
6) Should the "B" Western rules be amended to allow "any SASS-legal rifle"? We need to hear from the BW shooters. ROC recommendation to "leave BW rules alone".
TG Discussion: Again overwhelming NO. However some felt it was preventing some others from shooting the B Western Category. Without the gun restriction, B western would just be a costume contest.
7) Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl: rifle (all firearms) cutoff change to 1880. Discussion points: This would allow the TTN 1878 Colt SxS hammer gun but NOT the 1887 Winchester lever action shotgun in the category. Would also disallow the Remington 1890 revolver, and other models of a later date. We need to hear from Classics on these issues?
TG Discussion: Overwhelming NO.
8) Should chaps and spurs be MANDATORY in the "Classic Cowboy/Cowgirl" category? Considerations: heat issues in some parts of the country. Also how do we apply this to Classic Cowgirls?
TG Discussion: Most felt it was OK like it was. Some felt real cowboys walked around with chaps, spurs, gloves and bandanna. There was no question the you "Looked Cowboy" when you wear chaps and spurs. There are different visions as to what a classic cowboy wore. Making chaps and spurs mandatory was not proper. The number of items required is sufficient to create the classic look. Consensus was to leave it alone.
9) Should Territorial Governors (TG’s) be required to take a Mandatory RO I and/or RO II refresher at least every two (2) years? TG’s are charged with providing up-to-date info on rule/policy changes & clarifications to their respective club members, as per the Description of Duties listed on the SASS website. As such, they should be knowledgeable in regard to all SASS rules and clarifications.
TG Discussion: Some wanted to add match directors to this requirement along with the TG’s. It was mentioned that TG’s should be ROI and Match Directors up to ROII refresher requirements. It was mentioned that we should consider getting more instructors because it is difficult in some areas to get the training.
Question, are we going to require ROII Instructors to be re-certified?
The overall concern was many, in charge of matches, do not know the rules.
10) Rank point scoring. Discussion about rank point or total time scoring. It was mentioned that the match directors should have the choice to select which type of scoring to use for all match levels.
Some felt that rank point scoring was a way to insure the fastest shooter does not win.
Rank point scoring was good in the early days to even out the differences with different firearms and different stage designs.
Some felt that rank point, by category, was OK. Rank point by category would eliminate an overall winner in a match.
BLACK JACK ZAK CLARIFICATIONS FROM ROC :
1) Definition of "Designer Jeans" (Outlawed item) - "Designer Jeans" refers to those modern jeans that have slogans or logos embroidered, silk screened and such, saying things like "PINK" or "BABY". (Jeans with fancy or flashy adornments are acceptable)
2) Welding the firing pin in the bolt of a rifle so as to cause a "slam-fire" situation when levering the action (without the need to manipulate the trigger or hammer) is an ILLEGAL MODIFICATION subject to DISQUALIFICATION PENALTIES. REF: SHB p.4
3) Definition of "short sleeve shirt" for men’s clothing: A shirt with sleeves that do NOT extend to the wrist. Note: Rolling up a long sleeve shirt is acceptable, but fastening a rolled up shirt sleeve in place is the same as short sleeve; either of which are Outlawed/Prohibited and subject to DQ penalties.
4) Regarding the CRO/TO’s command of "CEASE FIRE" or "STOP", and a failure of the shooter to comply with this command, the language will be changed to read "…..the shooter WILL receive a MDQ ……". Should the voting item be passed the shooter WILL receive a SDQ for not complying with the CRO/TO "cease fire" or "stop command". The Range Command of "Cease Fire" or "Stop" as given by the CRO/TO must be followed by the shooter, as it may have serious safety consequences.
5) The point at which the "failure to adhere to loading/unloading procedure" SDQ applies is as follows: "Once control of the firearm(s) is relinquished, be it in a rack on the stage or at the shooter’s gun cart. (i.e. leaves the shooter’s hand(s"
6) The only ammunition you can use on the stage is ammunition you initially bring to the line – you can’t run to your cart for ammunition or even to get another firearm. In other words, you can’t leave the "firing line" (as defined in the RO1 "Glossary of Terms") once you start the stage, and until all firearms have been verified as clear.
7) The action of a CRO/TO saving a long gun from falling over, still results in a penalty for the shooter. Basically if the CRO/TO had not been present to save the shooter from a penalty such as this, and the long gun would have fallen over regardless, then the penalty would still apply. The CRO/TO was just there to save the firearm from getting dirt on it!
Note: This is the only way to apply a penalty such as this, as some TOs may not be able to save the rifle from falling, and it would not be fair for those shooters who receive the penalty purely because of the action / inaction of their particular TO.
8) Revolvers (loaded or empty) that fall to the ground while holstered (e.g. gun belt buckle breaks) is a NO CALL, provided they remain holstered. The SHB and RO Manuals will be revised to read: "A dropped unloaded firearm on the firing line (from the loading table to the unloading table) results in the shooter’s disqualification from the stage. A dropped loaded firearm results in a match disqualification. A shooter may not pick up a dropped firearm. The Range Officer will recover the firearm, examine it, clear it, and return it to the shooter. This does NOT apply to holstered revolvers that remain "in leather" in the event of an equipment failure (e.g. broken belt buckle) causing the gun/ammo belt to fall. Shooters may safely recover a fallen gun/ammo belt and continue finishing the stage without penalty.
SHB p.25/RO1 p.18"
9) All rounds (live or empty) from the firearm in question MUST be cleared before the next gun of the stage is fired (or before leaving the shooter's hands if it's the last gun of the stage). This applies to all types of long guns. The language of the rule as written, "...of the gun in which it was loaded..." gives the clarification regarding a rifle round falling into the shotgun, which would be a NO CALL. In a different situation, if a shotgun hull comes out of a 97 but falls back in the port as the shotgun is put down and then not cleared before then next firearm is cleared, it IS still a MSV(this includes empty rifle case falling off hat into open rifle action after being set down).
10) Not bringing enough ammo to the line is NOT a "P" (just misses for un-fired rounds). The "P" in this case would only apply to ammo (like firearms) when not correctly staged on the line (e.g. on/in a prop), and not corrected by the shooter on the clock. The definitions in the SHB and RO Manuals will be revised to clarify.