Sometimes it is important in life to stop and remember our “Why”. Why are we doing something; be that being involved in a hobby, a sport, or even as drastic as our job. Some call it soul searching, others have other terms for it. Regardless, it is often a good idea to break the repetitious cycle and really spend time determining why we are doing something.
[Read more…] about Remembering Your WhyWhat’s Your Line?
In USPSA we have two types of “lines” that we use to define boundaries on stages. Note that we differentiate between lines and other barriers like walls, barrels, and other physical barriers to movement. Lines are defined under 2.2.1 and subs as “Fault Lines” and “Off-Limits Lines”.
[Read more…] about What’s Your Line?O Range Master, my Range Master…
O Range Master! my Range Master! our fearful match is done,. The stage has weather’d every squad, the prize we sought is won… (With apologies to Walt Whitman.)
I suspect we all expect to see someone occupying the Range Master position at major matches because the rules require them and they are always there…right? But what about at your local matches? Is someone designated as the Range Master (RM) there? Do the rules require one? Do you take advantage of 7.3.1 and just have the MD be the RM? Or do you suddenly find yourself in need of an RM and go figure out who will do that task today?
[Read more…] about O Range Master, my Range Master…Plates: Just for Dinner?
Metal Plates (see Appendix B3) and things that use plates like various stars, racks and so on can be popular with stage designers and shooters alike so why don’t we see more of them in major matches? It’s simple: Range Equipment Failure (REF) and then the shooter gets to reshoot the stage costing the match schedule time maybe worse. A fellow RMI once told me that “The only use for a plate at a major match is to put food on.” He’s likely right.
[Read more…] about Plates: Just for Dinner?Bootcamp? What’s That?
Bootcamp? Well, if you have visions of running five miles with a full size popper on each shoulder or overhead pressing wall sections, …wrong type of bootcamp. A few years ago NROI started field testing a new concept for the Level 2, Chief Range Officer course called a Bootcamp. This was the brain child of Instructor Ray Hirst and it entirely changed the way we do the CRO class now. Years ago, the CRO course was more about stage design, mostly in the classroom or by correspondence, and less about running a stage efficiently. That left us with a problem finding people that actually knew how to run stages at major matches. The Bootcamp format of the class changed all that.
[Read more…] about Bootcamp? What’s That?The RO Seminar isn’t just for ROs
So you have been enjoying the sport for a few weeks, months, or years and you say you have never taken the RO seminar because you don’t want to be an RO. Okay, but do you realize that the RO seminar will quite likely make you a better shooter? Yes, really. If you have been shooting for a while you probably have learned the rules, such as you know them, from fellow shooters and by watching others. But do you really KNOW the rules and are the rules you “know” really the rules? Maybe, maybe not.
[Read more…] about The RO Seminar isn’t just for ROsJoining the Range Master Program
Let’s get this out of the way up front. The Range Master Program is not for everyone. If you just want the title, want the certificate to hang on your wall, and all the wealth and fame associated with being a Range Master; you are in the wrong place. The Range Master Program is intensive; not a “check the boxes and get the title” type situation.
[Read more…] about Joining the Range Master ProgramGetting Selected for Major Match Staff
Working major matches (Level II, Level III and Nationals) can be one of the best things you can do for your RO career. You are guaranteed to get more experience and see more “things” at a Major than you will at your local matches and all this adds up to great experience and helps make you a better RO.
[Read more…] about Getting Selected for Major Match Staff