This is a grading system that addresses the ideal situation of having competitors of similar skill levels compete on a level playing field.  This type of system also gives shooters encouragement to practice towards increasing skills and classification.

Any shooter may record their results from registered matches, and subsequent classification, in a suitable classification (grade) card.  Only AIHPA, NRA (USA), HPRA (UK) or other international High Power Rifle club members (through affiliation or membership), will have their classification (grading) recognised at sanctioned tournaments.

Where a IMC is run that has additional strings added to the course of fire, only the first string will be used for determining grade.  Example:  If an additional/duplicate of the 300 rapid fire string is added to the IMC for it to now be a 60 shot match, then only the first string of the 300 rapid will be used for an IMC classification score – not the second 300 string.  An additional example is if the 80 shot Regional Match Course is shot, only the first 10 shots from the 200 and 300 strings will be used.

Classification (Grading) System:
- Classification (grade) cards are available from AIHPA (every shooter should have one).  Contact AIHPA.

- Classification is based on all iron sight rifles only.  Optical rifle Specs are ungraded (“Open”).  Other Specs per notice or event details.

- Classification is based on result attained.

 - Classification of a shooter must remain “current” by having completed a minimum of 3x recognised International Match Courses within 12 months of the to-be contested event.

 - Unclassified (ungraded) shooters, OR shooters with grade cards that are not current, may be classed as Master only if 3x, or more, Master classified entrants contest that grade.  Otherwise, the shooter will contest as “Open” (ungraded).

- Classification (grade) cards may only be signed by committee or recognised club captains or delegates.

-  A shooter is re-classified upwards equal to the 3x highest IMC results over any period.

Re-Classification:
- A competitor is reclassified upward after 3x IMC results that exceed current classification over any period of time.

 - The new classification will be the corresponding classification that is equal to the 3x highest results.  Example, if a shooter is currently “Marksman” and shoots 1x “Master” result and 2x “Expert” results, then that shooters’ new grade is “Expert”.

 - A shooter may be classified down after 12 IMC results, only by applying to the National High Power Rifle Coordinator in writing.  This request is reviewed if that shooters’ current classification has not been reached at any of the last 12 results, assuming that each match was completed and there were no outside factors that resulted in a reduced performance.