Boxers punching each other

Confused By “Punches”?

Understanding the classification system for Sporting Clays.

For the novice shooter, few concepts are as difficult to grasp as the NSCA classification system for sporting clays. To advance in class, a shooter must earn a required number of “punches.” Competing in NSCA registered shoots and either winning or placing in one’s class earns punches. This chart will make calculating punches much easier!

Oct 2003 - Sept 2004 Rules

NATIONAL SPORTING CLAYS ASSOCIATION

This is a simple "calculator" that will help you determinehow many NSCA punches you are entitled to.

  • Punches are awarded in registered events of 50 targets or more.
  • Top Scores include that score and all ties within each class.
  • Punches are given ONLY for scores, not awards. In other words, you can win HOA but you will get punches depending on:
    1. What score you received & how it placed in your class (i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).
    2. Number of shooters in your class.
Number in Class Number of Punches Awarded
Less than 5 Zero
5-9 1 to High Score and all ties
10-14 2 to High Score and all ties
15-29 4 to High Score and all ties
2 to 2nd High Score and all ties
1 to 3rd High Score and all ties
30-44 4 to 1st and 2nd High Score and all ties
2 to 3rd High Score and all ties
1 to 4th High Score and all ties
45 or more 4 to 1st, 2nd, 3rd High Score and all ties
3 to 4th High Score and all ties
2 to 5th High Score and all ties
1 to 6th High Score and all ties
Punches for Main Event of National Championship and U.S. Open remain as outlined in current rule book.
Number of Punches Required to Move up in Class
AA to Master16
A to AA10
B to A8
C to B6
D to C4
E to D4
  • Thousand target reviews will be done only at the request of the shooter having shot 1000 targets since last review.
  • Lewis Class Punches eliminated from calculations to move shooters up in class at year end.
  • Based on number of shooters in class, punches shall be awarded in all registered events (including sub gauge events) where the NSCA Classification System is used.
  • In all registered tournaments, all ties shall be shot off unless otherwise specified by shoot management and published in the program or posted at the registration table. Procedures for shootoffs and squads shall be posted prior to beginning of shoot.
  • If shootoffs are held, these shootoffs must be held on targets or positions not previously shot by any participating competitors.


The Tennessee Clay Target Complex
1100 County Hospital Road
PO Box 90131
Nashville, TN 37209-0131
Phone 615-742-5297
Fax 615-742-4280

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