Here's a rundown of the positions:

Standing slow fire.

During the standard match you would shoot either 10 or 20 shots, standing, at 200 yds., with one minute per shot.

Sitting rapid fire.

You will shoot either one or two strings of 10 shots, sitting from standing, with a magazine change, in a time limit of 60 seconds per string, from 200 yds.

Prone rapid fire.

You will shoot either one or two strings of 10 shots, prone from standing, with a magazine change, in a time limit of 70 seconds per string, from 300 yds.

Prone slow fire.

You will shoot 20 shots, from prone position, at a distance of 600 yds., in a time limit of 20 minutes.

At all positions, you will get two sighting shots with one minute per shot.

General information.

Highpower matches can be fired at any distance, starting at 100 yds.  Reduced targets are used to simulate the full distance.  Although technically it is as hard to shoot a reduced target, wind is not much of a factor at 100 or 200 yds.  To really test yourself, shoot a full distance course when possible.

Another very important aspect of highpower which I mention to all the newbies, is to KNOW YOUR RIFLE!  Know how it functions.  Develop a cleaning routine which you repeat every time.  Also, KNOW YOUR ZERO'S.  When you step to the line, you do not want to shoot 6 or 8 sighters!  You want your first shot in the X-ring.  The only way to accomplish this is to shoot OFTEN, and when you shoot, take notes.  Record those light and wind conditions.  Record your sight dope.  Take special note of your position on the rifle, and do your best to repeat it.  Nothing will instill more confidence than stepping to the line and knowing you can put it down the middle.

I would like to include one final comment about what I feel is the most important aspect of highpower shooting.  Your mental ability.  It's all between the ears.  If you do not think you can shoot an X in standing position, you will not.  It's that simple.  Be mentally prepared.  Develop a routine at the line. Breath the same.  Load the same.  Mount the rifle the same.  All will help you develop the proper state of mind.  You need to block out the rest of the world and get in the "zone".  In this zone there will be nothing but you, your front sight, and the target.  It is possible.  Remember, shooting is NOT physical, it's mental.

Now a little bit on classification.

You are always shooting for score in highpower, with a possible 10 points per shot ( X's count as 10 points, but are used as a tie breaker should that be required).  You're classification is represented as a percentage of what would be a perfect score.  You will see here the percentage and the associated classification.

19.16 Establishing Classification-A competitor will be classified when
his scores for not less than 120 shots have been reported as prescribed, except
that classification will not include tournament or league scores until after all
scores for the tournament or league concerned have been reported. When his
classification is assigned, he will be furnished an official classification card
showing the effective date.

19.17 Reclassification-A competitor who has been classified by the NRA
will be reclassified as follows:

(a) NRA Headquarters will record all scores which qualify for classification 
     purposes according to Rule 19.4.
(b) A competitor will be considered for reclassification upward
     when his recent scores for not less that 240 shots (120
     shots for Long Range), fired subsequent to the tournament
     date at which he earned his current classification, have
     been recorded as prescribed, except that such consideration
     will not include tournament or league scores until after all
     scores for the tournament or league competition concerned
     have been recorded. If his average score so justifies, he
     will be reclassified upward accordingly.
 

For a look at the official NRA highpower rule book, CLICK HERE.

Just click on the pictures at the right to enter the magical world of highpower shooting!