All sports have some sort of referee, umpire or in the case of our sport, range officers. The jobs of the officials are to ensure that the rules are applied fairly and equitably and to make sure the competition remains safe. But in order for that to happen, there needs to be good sportsmanship from the competitors, spectators, and officials.
The National Association of Sports Officials did an annual survey of over 35,000 sports officials and asked questions related to a variety of topics, but one section was in regard to sporting behavior. 68% of the respondents said that sportsmanlike behavior is getting worse and 44% of them feel that sportsmanlike behavior changes during upper level competitions (big games, playoffs, championships).
I don’t know if sportsmanship is getting worse in USPSA, but we do see more calls for overlays, especially for perfect doubles, and maybe more discussion around penalties at higher level matches. Is that behavior unsportsmanlike? No, not really as long as the discussions are respectful and relatively calm. But if there is any tension in those instances it usually is due to higher excitement levels related to shooting a major match.
But what is good sportsmanlike behavior at USPSA matches? Some examples of good behavior are being ready to shoot when it’s your turn, helping reset the stage, and being respectful to your fellow competitors. At local matches, good sportsmanship includes helping out to make sure the match happens. This includes volunteering some time to help design stages or setup or teardown the match. Or while at the match taking a turn or two to help officiate shooters so the same one or two people don’t have to do it the entire match.
The biggest difference we have between the officials that took the NASO survey and USPSA officials is that we don’t pay our officials to work matches. Yes, most major matches offer a free match entry and maybe some funds towards travel, but we do not pay our officials for each match or by the number of competitors they run. Mainly because matches already have enough expenses, but also because we want our officials to still be competitors too. If they still compete, then they will keep in mind how they want to be treated by range officials as they are doing the job.
It’s a different model for officiating than other sports, but it also contributes to the community feel of USPSA and SCSA. While we are all competing as individuals, we come together to organize and hold local matches and socialize with other competitors at matches. Same is true for major matches. Clubs and sections come together with members from all over to hold these major matches.
If you are a competitor, range official, or spectator at our matches, please keep good sportsmanship in mind. Good sportsmanship ensures that everyone has a good time at the match and wants to come back to compete and officiate.