Chair’s Update – October 2026

I write this soon after my return from the IPSC Shotgun World Championship in Greece. Team GB put in some good performances with both individual and team medals, and I would like to congratulate all our athletes who completed a challenging course of fire competing against the best IPSC shooters in the world. I would also like to highlight the splendid work of the GB match officials. Two stages were led by GB match officials and the two other were individually singled out for praise by the Range Master. Well done again to all our athletes and match officials.

At the IPSC General Assembly, held in Greece at the same time as the World Shoot, they approved a number of continental and world championships and of particular interest to GB competitors will be the new European IPSC Mini Rifle and PCC Championships in Hungary which will be held in June next year. It is planned that these be run as concurrent but different matches meaning that you will be able to compete in both the Mini Rifle and the PCC match.

On a less welcome note, the IPSC General Assembly debated a proposal that Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to compete again in international events under their own country flag from January 2027. Great Britain was one of thirty regions that strongly argued and then voted against this proposal, but a majority of IPSC regions voted in favour. Unfortunately, a reminder of the ongoing war in Ukraine soon became evident when Mariia Kotoba, a Ukrainian Range Officer who worked in my area, returned to Kyiv after the World Shoot to find her home was a burnt-out shell, hit by a Russian drone. On behalf of Great Britain athletes and match officials I have set up a personal GoFundMe campaign to help Mariia, The UKPSA as a charity cannot contribute of course, but I would welcome any contributions from individuals who would like to help Mariia rebuild her life and set up a new home.

I sometimes hear suggestions about how the UKPSA could serve its members differently or better. If you have time and relevant professional or life experience to offer, why not volunteer? Several Associate Director roles on the Sports Council (covering Communication and Diversity, Disciplines, and Training) are currently open for election, as is the role of Head of the Conduct and Standards Committee. Details are available on our website and nominations must be submitted by midnight on 26 October. For an informal discussion about what each role involves, you can contact Jayne, our General Secretary Jayne. You can also help in non-elected roles; contact Jayne to learn more.

Finally, remember that national and club competitions, along with the Winter League, offer plenty of opportunities to keep your skills sharp throughout autumn and winter.

Wrap up and get shooting!

Take care and stay safe.

Martyn Spence

Chair, UKPSA Board