The ISSF Technical Committee met in Wiesbaden, Germany to provide updates on the next Olympic cycle and other topics.
A positive update on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games confirmed that all rifle and pistol events will be held in one enclosure for both qualification stages and finals in all events. Qualification and finals will be held on the same day, unlike at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In a review of the Paris 2024 Olympics, ISSF Sport Director Peter Underhill reported the ISSF and shooting sport performed very well, particularly in digital media - where the sport was ranked in the top third of Olympic sports, while the ISSF were ranked in the middle third for TV broadcast and press.
Sport presentation changes are to come into place on January 1 2026 in time for the next Olympic cycle. These include live aiming laser trace in finals, which are to be trialled in the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl in May and then tested at following events throughout 2025.
Stress monitors are to be implemented for athletes in finals and further studied regarding feasibility, with graphics and explanatory videos being added to help new audiences understand the sport.
Video assistant refereeing systems will be tested at ISSF World Cups in shotgun, with target graphics also expected to be introduced to better depict a hit zone for audiences in 25m events.
A new ISSF Rule Book is to be implemented in two stages - one has interim changes to carry through 2025, with an updated version to be published by November 2025, in time for changes to come on January 1 2026.
The rolling world ranking system was confirmed here, as well as improved equipment control measures, which allows registration online.
Improvements in rifle clothing was also discussed as a critical issue, with many athletes concerned over the stiffness of the garments. Now the Technical Committee will implement a two-stage approach to allow more leniency on jacket and trouser stiffness come 2026. A second stage, which will introduce new stringent rules - following a fundamental review and medical advice - will likely be introduced for January 1 2029, allowing time for manufacturers and athletes to adapt.