In the RO seminar we stress that working major matches is a great way to get experience as a new RO. You not only get to see all the competitors in the match shoot the stage you are working (which can be interesting), but you also get teamed up with experienced match staff who can mentor you and help refine your RO skills. But how do you get on the staff list for a major match?
For me, I shot matches at a club that was starting to host their section match as a Level II (the major match level right above local matches) and they wanted to use as many local staff as possible. So it was very easy for me to be one of the bodies that assisted on a stage. During the local matches, I had done a lot of scorekeeping (paper scoresheets at the time) and after I got certified I had run the timer on my squad. The match director and range master knew I would work hard and would do a good job. Basically my involvement with the local matches allowed me to get that foot in the door for their major match. They eventually hosted the Area match (Level III) and I was a CRO on a stage for that. Over time I built my reputation as a range official and also became well known to other MDs and RMs, who are involved with other major matches, which earned me invites or acceptance when I threw my name in the pile to work their matches.
If your home club hosts major matches, and you have helped officiate or even assisted with other tasks for your local matches, you should have an easy time getting on staff for their major match. If your club does not host major matches, is there a club nearby that does? Do you shoot their local matches and do you help officiate your squad to make a good impression? Have you reached out and asked the MD if they need help?
I am not going to lie. Getting on staff at major matches sometimes depends on if you know the MD and/or RM and if they think you will be a good fit for their match. Think of it this way, the MD and RM want to make sure the match goes well and are going to select staff that will ensure that. And popular major matches have quite a few staff that return year after year. Those folks get the first chance at staff slots but inevitably folks retire from working matches or have conflicts for that year, which means the MD needs to fill those holes. But this means that not everyone that wants to work a match will get selected, but don’t let that discourage you!
Also keep an eye on the match details/information for a match on PractiScore. Many times if the match is newer, the MD will put out a request for staff in the match information section on PractiScore and ask folks to email or even have an option to register as potential staff. MDs who submit a Form C for their Level II and above match with USPSA also have the option of sending out an email requesting staff who are geographically nearby.
Want to work Nationals? The applications for this year are closed, but if you want to work next year, keep an eye out in January for the staff application to open here. New ROs have been selected to work Nationals in the past and we are always looking for new faces.
Remember that making a good impression on match directors and range masters helps get your foot in the door and selected as major match staff. Every year there are more and more major matches and these matches would not happen without our volunteer range officials. We all look forward to working with you!