Chair’s Update – February 2026

With the first IPSC matches of the year already up and running, thoughts turn to the new competition season. 2026 already looks like it will be a bumper year for IPSC competition in Great Britain, with over twenty national and international matches already in the calendar. Even more pleasing, we have multiple level 3 (international) matches not just in IPSC Shotgun, but also in IPSC Action Air, IPSC Mini Rifle and IPSC .22LR Handgun.

In January, the new Charity Board and Sports Council came together for the first time to discuss our strategy for the coming years, with an emphasis on how we can sustainably grow IPSC shooting in Great Britain. We agreed a focus on grass roots participation in the sport, working to grow our club network and the transition from club shooter to individual membership and then national and international competition. I would like to really thank all the volunteers who took the time and effort to travel to the meeting for their positive contributions and commitment to making a real difference for the sport and our members.

One thing we discussed was the importance of bringing in new members, especially from under-represented groups like young people, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. This is something all members can contribute to, either through supporting outreach activity/open day events at your own club or simply by encouraging a friend to have a go, something I plan to do more myself in 2026. IPSC Action Air and IPSC Mini Rifle disciplines both present great opportunities for new people to get involved. A good example recently was the Recoil Scotland “Twixmass” Action Air competition, where family and friends enjoyed an exciting introduction to our sport which has already generated new members. 

At the strategy meeting we also noted that nearly two-thirds of our members do not actually shoot UKPSA national or international matches. We know that a lot of people just enjoy the camaraderie of club competition but one of the barriers identified was a lack of confidence, with a concern about being able to perform safely and well at a higher-level match. I would encourage everyone to think about how they can help people transition from club-level training to formal competition. For example, you could mentor a new shooter providing reassurance and hints and tips, create a ‘beginners squad’ where some experienced competitors could help with advice about how to approach a course of fire or host a match at your range so more of your members can see and experience a higher level IPSC match on familiar territory.

We are trying to communicate much more regularly now via email and on social media. For the latest news and to stay in touch please make sure that your email address is up to date on the membership system and join our many social media groups. Don’t forget that as UKPSA members you can also get involved in debates and ask questions on the recently updated members only UKPSA Forum and if you have any questions or concerns, you can raise these informally via the website at CONTACT US | UKPSA, or by emailing the UKPSA General Secretary.

As you may know, the government announced last year that there would be a consultation on whether to merge Section 1 and Section 2 firearms controls, something that would have a massive negative impact on the shooting sports, firearms industry and rural communities, as well as significantly increasing the workload of already stretched police firearms licensing departments. 

The government consultation has yet to commence, however prompt action by the shooting community has already forced a parliamentary debate scheduled for 23 February through a petition to Parliament, which asked them, “Do not merge section 1 and 2 regulations on firearms licenses”. Now would be a good time to write or speak to your local Member of Parliament so that they can go into this debate better informed. There is a really good Facebook Group with more information that we have been working with called Support Our Sport,  and I would suggest all members join the group and get involved. 

On a final note, as you know we take our responsibility for Safety and for Safeguarding very seriously, with a focus on helping to ensure everyone can enjoy the sport. If you have any concerns yourself or are concerned about someone you know, especially vulnerable adults or children you can always speak to someone in confidence. See our Safeguarding Policy for more information and contacts.

So go out, enjoy our sport and hopefully I’ll see you on the range soon.

Martyn Spence

Chair, UKPSA Board