The team is selected from competitors who are identified by performance over the preceding season – looking at averages, consistency and commitment in the Gallery Rifle Centre Fire 1500. It is recognised as the National Team by the National Governing Body, the National Rifle Association.

Prospective team members should first demonstrate ability and determination. Attend as many fully classified open meetings as you can throughout the year. The national classification system is designed to ensure that your efforts are recorded and the results are used as a basis for selecting the team.

Given that there aren’t too many opportunities to take part – the four weekends at the National Shooting Centre and some open meetings around the country – it’s difficult to be precise about how many meetings you should attend. Common sense dictates that a single appearance won’t demonstrate measurable ability or commitment. At least two attendances in a season will be required, but the more times you turn out the better.

The United Kingdom Gallery Rifle National Team is selected by the National Rifle Association elected Gallery Rifle Discipline Representative using the data available in the national classification system.

There are additional qualifying conditions and criteria. Every team member must be a member of the National Rifle Association. There must always be sufficient team members present to compete at the three international matches and this involves travelling to Germany and the Republic of Ireland. Team members must therefore give an undertaking to be available for some, if not all, of the matches. They must also be prepared to attend some of the meetings and coaching and training sessions throughout the year. The Team meets as many times as possible, usually during competitions at Bisley or at regional clubs, for coaching and practice.

This years Team Captain Sharon Bowden has been Elected by Shooting Committee, which appoints the Captain. The Captain then appoints an Adjutant (who will not be a shooting member of the team). Both the Captain and Adjutant will be members of the National Rifle Association.

The Team Captain has sole responsibility for selecting which members of the Team will actually shoot in any match. In his selection he will try to strike a balance between choosing the best team on the day with giving as many of the Team as possible experience of shooting under international match conditions.