During a recent NROI Podcast, a topic briefly touched upon was the fact that we run a whole lot more Level I Range Officer (RO) classes than we do Level II Chief Range Officer (CRO) classes. But why?
There are a number of logical reasons for this, including the obvious fact that you need to be an experienced RO in order to be eligible to attend the CRO course. Many individuals who take the RO class choose not to take on increased Match Official duties, and that’s fine. In fact, we encourage all shooters to take the RO class, regardless of their intent to ever help run shooters, as a way to help them better understand how our self-officiated process works and of course the rules.
One of the biggest reasons that we have less requests for CRO classes than for RO classes is that local clubs may not see the value, or the “Return on Investment”, for hosting a CRO class when their club (and most of their shooters) are not likely to ever work a major match requiring CRO certifications. From a club perspective, paying for/hosting a RO class is going to be far more beneficial than running a CRO class (which require the same level of effort from the club to host as an RO class).
Most clubs have an immediate, pressing need for certified ROs to help them get through their monthly or weekly matches. They don’t necessarily see the need for certified CROs as much as they do for new ROs to build stages and run shooters. Although there are skills developed in the CRO class that do help at the local level (stage design and review, match efficiency and problem solving, etc.), most clubs perceive a greater need for more ROs. Wouldn’t your club benefit from more stage designers?
For some clubs, scheduling CRO classes is sort of a reward, or a way to help acknowledge local individuals that have been helping make a greater contribution. Other clubs may choose to run a CRO class to help to prepare locally to run a major match. And don’t forget a reduced cost seminar is available for clubs hosting a Level III match. There are tangible benefits to the club in having CROs, but it is easy to see that their need for new ROs is greater.
Beyond the local club benefit is the long-term benefit to USPSA and NROI: every Range Master Instructor, Range Master, Chief Range Officer, and Range Officer in our sport started out as a shooter trying to do more, and to help out at local matches. Every club is at some level recruiting, training and developing staff for some future Nationals or other Major Match. Hosting RO classes, as well as occasional CRO classes, is a way for clubs to meet their current needs as well as help prepare their volunteers for increased future responsibility.
If your club is interested in hosting a RO or a CRO class, find out how to do so at this link.