What is the definition of issue? Does it mean standard issue to the entire CF? As there have been a number of units who have procured the VCAS sling for issuing to their guys.
I remember there was some debate about that with regards to the boarding parties "issue" holster.
Welcome to CFSAC. That's the problem, there is no definition of "issue", so if anyone protests or makes an observation to the officials, or if an official is in a #####y mood, then the debate and posturing begins. Generally, when it comes to slings there has never been much of a problem in service rifle because nobody (for the most part) uses one to any advantage.
Combat pistol rules are much more open, so anything goes (maybe that rule should be applied to the rest of the matches).
Soldiers Cup hasn't had any issues with slings yet, because only a handful of the shooters use anything except the issue sling, and once the shooting starts, you haven't much time to "sling up". As more shooters begin using the non-issue slings, then that debate may happen.
I don't recall any problems with the Navy holsters, there was some debate over the grips on the Sig and the fact that the blackhawk mag pouches did not have sufficient retention (they were open top). The rule states "The pouch must retain the magazines with a flap secured via a snap, buckle or Velcro", which the blackhawk pouches do not have In the end the mag pouches were allowed as that is what the navy issues, the grips were disallowed, but that could change in the future. I didn't think it gave any unfair advantage, but I didn't have a vote.
Using a VCAS for Service Rifle may be contentious and the competition director would have to rule on that if an official or competitor objected to it. It should be good to go for the other events though.
The rules should be harmonized to make them all the same, and be a bit more open as to what is allowed. My opinion only though,,