As many course designers and match directors know, the Speed Shoot type of stage is useful for testing reloading and strong- or weak-hand skills in a fast, easily set up and defined course of fire. Rule number 1.2.2.3 sets the parameters for a speed shoot in detail, but it’s basically a course of fire of no more than 16 rounds, with a mandatory reload after 8 rounds, shot on two different arrays of targets. An array is defined as “a grouping of more than one target”. Arrays can be engaged in any order, as can targets within an array, and only one reload may be required. Competitors are free to reload if need be, however, as long as the mandatory reload is performed when required. Speed Shoots may be scored using either Comstock or Virginia count scoring.
[Read more…] about Speed Shoot TipsHolster Position Redux
In a previous post, I explained that, while the position on the belt requirement (behind the point of the hips for Production, Single Stack, and Carry Optics) has been removed, the requirements in all divisions, yes, even Open and Limited, for the height to belt and distance from the belt have not changed. This is found in all the appendices, D1-D8, item #10. Here’s the text of the previous article:
[Read more…] about Holster Position ReduxFlashlights, Magnets, and Hip Bones
Recently, the USPSA Board of Directors made some changes to the rules involving the use of Weapon Mounted Lights, or WML’s, magnetic retention of magazines, and the location of holsters and magazine pouches. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about this, so here are some answers.
[Read more…] about Flashlights, Magnets, and Hip BonesWhat’s My Line?
Many people understand the role of the range officer with the timer: to issue the range commands, to supervise and observe the competitor while they shoot the course of fire, to correctly and accurately score targets, and to ensure safety and procedural rules are followed at all times. But, what about the second, or third, or even fourth RO on a stage? What are they supposed to do? Most people understand that the second RO is typically considered the scorekeeper, and while the competitor is shooting, they watch the stage in general, look for foot faults, safety issues, and other procedural errors that may be made. The scorekeeper is also responsible for accurately recording the competitor’s score, whether that’s done on paper or electronically. The third Range Officer on a stage has responsibility for an even wider view of what’s happening while the stage is being shot, looking for faults, procedural errors and safety problems. Let’s look at each job and its responsibilities a little closer, though.
[Read more…] about What’s My Line?Help Wanted/Looking for Work
Did you know you can set up a way to get notified when matches near you need Range Officials? As part of the new notification system, you can opt in to receive notifications when Match Directors put in a request for help using the Form C system.
[Read more…] about Help Wanted/Looking for WorkStand Alone
Stop me if you’ve heard this one:
[Read more…] about Stand AloneNROI Tips – Target Construction
Consistent, easily repeatable target construction is critical to the success of any match. There are several simple things that will help maintain consistency in target placement, preservation, and scoring.
[Read more…] about NROI Tips – Target ConstructionBe Teachable – You’re Not Always Right
I saw this on a meme on social media and it sort of struck a chord. I get a lot of questions describing a mistake some RO allegedly made at a match, or a declaration by a supposedly knowledgeable RO or local “rules guru” that is completely wrong and not found in the rules, but I have also been guilty of this very thing. Case in point, I was asked recently about a situation where the RM did not disqualify a competitor for being more than 6 feet from a berm and uncasing a PCC. The original sender wasn’t complaining as much as just wanting to know the possible reasons for allowing this. I explained the rule, and then asked, “Who was this? I will try to send him some information and educate him a little bit.” Imagine my chagrin when the original sender said, “Um, well, it was you.” Ope! Once he said that, I remembered the match and circumstances, and I had to admit that yes, per a strict interpretation of the rules, it should have been a DQ, but at the time, he wasn’t pointing the gun at anybody, and was somewhere around 7 feet from the berm or so, with the gun in a cart. And, remembering that match, I was probably distracted by something else at the time. All things considered, it seemed like the right call, and I can’t say I wouldn’t do it exactly the same way again, but I got a little lesson in humility and I haven’t forgotten it.
[Read more…] about Be Teachable – You’re Not Always Right