15/08/2026
Prohibition on the use of dispersers — FITASC and ACTA competition
I am advising on the use of dispersers cartridges/shells in competition, following a number of enquiries.
FITASC position
The FITASC rules for Compak Sporting expressly prohibit the use of dispersers. The prohibition is not limited to Compak Sporting — the same restriction applies across the FITASC disciplines, including Sporting (Parcours de Chasse), UT, etc.
For clarity, a "disperser" is any device or loading intended to spread or otherwise alter the shot pattern beyond what the chosen choke produces. This includes:
• any dispersal or spreader device fitted to, or inserted into, the fi***rm;
• cartridges containing a spreader insert, cross-piece, or similar dispersal component;
• duplex loads or any other unusual loading device.
The FITASC am******on requirements also remain in force: a maximum shot load of 28 grams, spherical shot of 2.0 to 2.5 mm, no mixing of shot of differing size or grade, no reloaded cartridges, and no black powder or tracer cartridges.
Under the FITASC rules, the jury and referees may inspect fi***rms and am******on, and shots fired with non-compliant equipment or am******on may be scored as lost. Continued or deliberate use may result in disqualification.
ACTA position for other disciplines
Dispersers are not specifically mentioned in the rules for a number of ACTA disciplines. To remove any doubt: they are not permitted in any ACTA-registered competition. The intent of our rules has always been that competitors shoot standard, unmodified fi***rms and commercially loaded am******on, and that no competitor gains an advantage through equipment falling outside the accepted standard. Permitting dispersers in one discipline while they are banned in another would be inconsistent, difficult to police, and out of step with international practice.
Kind regards,
Les Kadziela
Executive Officer
Australian Clay Target Association
