One of the rarer calls that is made at major matches is that of Interference, or Assistance, or more commonly called as “Coaching”, as defined in 8.6. For Level 1 matches, we have 8.6.2.1 which allows for coaching for competitors with Range Officer approval. But what constitutes each of these? Which ones can be penalized? Who gets the penalty, if any? Let’s dive in.
[Read more…] about Interference/Assistance/”Coaching”Rules Insights
Extra deep mag extensions
While the easiest way to measure magazine lengths is with the official USPSA magazine gauge made by EGW, the rulebook does offer an alternative method using a ruler in Appendix E1. But why? Well, because sometimes magazine base pad extensions are shaped differently enough to cause issues.
[Read more…] about Extra deep mag extensionsWall hits and scoring
We have received some questions recently about how to score hits that have partially or completely passed through hardcover (walls and barrels). So let’s talk about how to score those hits or determine when it is a reshoot.
[Read more…] about Wall hits and scoringWhy Does the Rulebook Keep Growing?
I get this question sometimes—on the range or via email. The answer is because competitors keep pushing the envelope. Almost 90% of the DQ and procedural rules, along with the equipment rules, have come about due to competitor actions.
[Read more…] about Why Does the Rulebook Keep Growing?Match Preparation or Not (Oops!)
I just got back from the Carry Optics Nationals and again the chronograph stage became the place where people’s match crashed and burned. Ending up shooting for no score (sub-minor) or being put in Open because your equipment failed testing should not happen but does.
[Read more…] about Match Preparation or Not (Oops!)Safeties and You
There have recently been a couple of incidents of people discharging their firearm in the holster, either while holstering or while drawing. This is a serious safety problem and is basically negligence on the part of the competitor for failing to engage the safety or disengaging it early.
[Read more…] about Safeties and YouFailure (to paint) Is Not An Option
I got an email the other day from a member, asking if not painting at level one was an option. Because he didn’t mention what discipline, I told him level one matches were exempt from painting but that it’s strongly recommended that steel get painted between hits even though the rules don’t require it. He also informed me that his entire squad had been told to leave by the match director because they didn’t want to paint. I thought that was a little extreme, but to each his own, I suppose, and thinking about it, I can see the reasoning behind it.
[Read more…] about Failure (to paint) Is Not An OptionQuadriceps Retention Devices (Thigh Straps)
At the January USPSA Board of Directors meeting, the proposed changes to the USPSA Competition, USPSA Rifle, Shotgun and Multigun, and Steel Challenge Shooting Association rules were approved by the board. These member-driven changes went into effect on February 29, 2024.
[Read more…] about Quadriceps Retention Devices (Thigh Straps)