Skeet Shooting Made Simple: How NSSA Classifies And Awards Shooters
Understanding NSSA Shooting Classifications, Events and Concurrents
Thinking about entering your first skeet competition?
Don’t let the classification system intimidate you; it's designed to make competition fair, fun and accessible for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned sharpshooters.
In this video, Jessica Wolfe, Assistant Director of the NSSA, walks you through the basics of how skeet shooters are classified and what to expect when joining your first tournament.
NSSA Event
What to Expect at Your First Shoot?
Check in at Registration
Staff will confirm your participation and classification.
Get Assigned to a Squad
You’ll be paired with up to 5 other shooters you’ll shoot alongside all weekend.
Compete in Events
Shoot your rounds, track your scores, and ask your squad for help, they're often more than happy to offer advice and support.
Most newcomers find the experience welcoming and energizing.
Shooter Levels
What Is the NSSA Classification System?
The National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) uses a classification system to ensure shooters compete with others at a similar skill level. Shooters are placed into classes based on their average scores from past events. They also compete in events against the same gauge shotguns and can be judged for awards based on age, gender and background as well.
3 Factors Determining Who You Will Compete Against at NSSA Matches
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How Are NSSA Shooters Classified?
If you’re new to registered skeet shooting with NSSA, you might be wondering what all those letters like AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, and E mean and how you get placed in one of those classifications.
NSSA uses a Universal Classification Table to assign classes based on percentages. Your class in one gauge does not affect your class in another, it’s all based on your five most recent events in each specific gauge.
In addition to individual gauge classifications, NSSA also tracks High Over All (HOA) and High All Around (HAA) performance. These categories reflect your combined scores across multiple events in a single shoot: HOA includes your 12, 20, 28, and .410 gauge scores, while HAA includes 12, 20, 28, and Doubles. Just like individual gauges, you’ll earn a separate classification for HOA and HAA based on your running average in each.
Note: The NSSA shooting year runs from January 1 to December 31, and your classification is based on your performance in registered events within the current and previous three years.
Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly where you stand and what to expect as you start shooting registered targets.
Shooter Classification Chart
| Classification | 12 Gauge | 20 Gauge | 28 Gauge | .410 | Doubles | HOA | HAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | .9850 & Over | .9825 & Over | .9800 & Over | .9650 & Over | .9700 & over | .9781 & over | .9764 & over |
| AA | .9750 - .9849 | .9700 - .9824 | .9650 - .9799 | .9450 - .9649 | .9500 - .9699 | .9638 - .9780 | .9610 - .9763 |
| A | .9600 - .9749 | .9450 - .9699 | .9400 - .9649 | .9100 - .9449 | .9100 - .9499 | .9388 - .9637 | .9330 - .9609 |
| B | .9350 - .9599 | .9100 - .9449 | .9050 - .9399 | .8600 - .9099 | .8500 - .9099 | .9025 - .9387 | .8920 - .9329 |
| C | .9000 - .9349 | .8550 - .9099 | .8550 - .9049 | .8000 - .8599 | .8000 - .8499 | .8525 - .9024 | .8420 - .8919 |
| D | .8550 - .8999 | Under .8550 | Under .8550 | Under .8000 | .7999 & under | .7925 - .8524 | .7820 - .8419 |
| E | Under .8550 | .7924 & under | .7819 & under |
Note: Numbers in the chart represent the shooter's average score from their last 5 registered events
Who is Classified as a New Shooter?
You’re considered a new shooter in a particular gauge (12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, .410 bore and doubles) if you’ve shot fewer than five registered events in that gauge over the past three years combined.
Even if you’ve shot registered skeet in the past, if it’s been a while or you haven’t reached five events in that gauge, you’ll be treated as a new shooter for classification.
How Classification Works for New Shooters
When you shoot your first registered event in a gauge, your score will determine your starting class. After each event, your classification may go up or down based on your running average. Once you’ve completed five events in that gauge, your classification becomes more stable, though it can still move up or down based on your recent scores.
How Classification Updates
Once you become a classified shooter (after five events in a gauge), your class continues to adjust as you shoot more events. Every time you complete another event, your oldest score drops off and your newest score is added to your average.
You may reclassify up or down throughout the year, but you can’t drop more than one class below where you started that year in each gauge.
Frequently Asked Classification Questions (FAQs)
Your classification is based on your average over your most recent five registered events in each gauge. This is called your running average, and it determines which class you compete in.
For example, if you shoot 100 targets in each event and your scores are 90, 92, 93, 94 and 95, your running average is 92.8%. That average puts you into a specific class using NSSA’s universal classification table.
An “event” is usually defined by the shooting program and could be 50, 100 or 200 targets. Multiple events can occur during a single shoot. For classification purposes, each event is treated as a separate entity.
Monthly and league targets count too—but only if they’re shot in proper increments (50 or 100 targets for monthly events; full league totals for league events). However, special events like Champion of Champions do not count toward classification.
Yes! You can declare into a higher class at any time, even as a new shooter. Some new members, especially those coming from other shooting sports like NSCA or ATA, are required to start no more than one class below their previous classification, depending on their experience.
Shooters are responsible for:
- Recording their own scores
- Tracking classification changes
- Ensuring accuracy on their classification card
You’ll also need to present your classification at each shoot. If you forget your card, you can sign an affidavit, but errors or false information can lead to disqualification.
You can earn awards in several ways:
- Class Awards – e.g., High B-Class in 20-Gauge
- Concurrent Awards – e.g., High Collegiate Shooter
- Open Awards – Overall winners across all classes
No matter your experience level, there are plenty of opportunities to win and grow.