The NRAA Shooter Unique Identification Number (UIN) System

The NRAA Shooter Unique Identity database is a list of all shooters the NRAA has a record of as having competed in a Queens Prize or Lead-up event since 22 January 2005. This information has mainly been obtained by gathering results information from NRAA Member websites. A lot of the information is known to be incorrect, incomplete, or simply missing. In fact, this is one of the reasons for the existence of this document.

As most shooters will be aware, especially A-grade shooters, the NRAA maintains a system of National Rankings. These rankings currently apply only to A-grade shooters but plans are underway to extend this to F-class. While there does not seem to be much point in applying rankings to B or C grades, a case can be made to justify the recording of their results as well – especially if a Divisional System is to be trialled and/or adopted in the future.

In the past the Rankings system has been largely a manual process in that shooter data (Queens and Leadup A-grade placings) have been manually entered into a database from which the ultimate rankings have been derived. This method is prone to error and very time consuming. Should a Divisional System be trialled or adopted, that would require results to be gathered from not just Queens event A-grade shooters but from Prizemeetings and all entrant shooters as well. A manual system in this case is simply not viable. As a result, a system is being developed to increase the level of automation of results gathering and processing for various purposes.

The first requirement to be met in this process is a system that ensures that results are attributed to the correct individual. From analysis of Queens results over the last two years it is apparent that the way individual shooters have been identified has been highly variable, ambiguous, and inaccurate, resulting in a considerable number of errors when software has been used to process the information. Typically, initials instead of full first names have been provided, names mis-spelt, shortened or abbreviated firstnames extensively used. Some individual shooters have six ways in which their identity is portrayed. In a number of cases there are shooters with the same names – and sometimes within the same club. This is an insurmountable problem if initials only are provided to identify the shooter.

In order to implement a software driven rankings system this is clearly a major difficulty that needs to be overcome. It can be done simply by assigning to each NRAA affiliated shooter a unique Shooter Identification number that, if used, will ensure that results from Queens/Leadup (and Prizemeetings if necessary) are correctly attributed to that shooter. Of course, entry forms will have to provide a field for the Shooter Number, and results forwarded on to or otherwise made available to the NRAA for rankings or other purposes will need to include this number. Otherwise the integrity of the entire system will not be able to be maintained.

This webpage provides links to pages that allow Shooters to either apply for assignment of a unique Identifier or request any incorrect details to be rectified. Before applying for this Shooters are invited to look at the Shooter Identity database as it currently exists to see if their name is not already present. If you cannot find an entry there for you then the Shooter Number Application form needs to be submitted. If you do find your details, there is no reason to apply for another one. But if some detail is incorrect or missing, the Shooter Number Details Corrections form can be used to advise of the corrections required.

The Shooter Unique Identity database contains the current club and last, first and preferred first names ONLY. These details are used to derive the number. Any information of this nature provided to the NRAA are for the above stated purposes only, and no personal information will be distributed to any third party. The form asks for current State and Club Membership numbers simply so that the information submitted can be independently verified prior to entry into the database. The email address is to provide notification of the assigned number. The Shooter Number is intended to remain assigned to an individual person for life regardless of any change of name (generally ladies) and/or club.

If you know of any fellow shooters that do not use or have access to the internet or email then please feel free to forward their details on their behalf (asking for their permission first of course).