Whether the match is outdoors or indoors, the shooting area and start position always need some maintenance over the course of the match. Who’s job is it to maintain the range surface? Can the competitor do it? Does the RO need to do it? Let’s talk about it!
First, let’s talk about what the rules say on this topic. In the USPSA Competition and Multigun rules, this is covered by section 4.5 and it’s section 4.2 in the SCSA rules. The short version, competitors are not allowed to alter the range surface except at the start position. However, the competitor can ask the RO to correct the range surface. Good ROs will fix all that between squads and during a squad if needed. But if you are shooting a match and the range surface needs some attention, do not hesitate to politely ask the ROs to fix it.
Let’s talk about shooting areas that are on concrete, which is the norm for most indoor matches. Empty brass on a hard floor is a recipe for slips. During stage reset, have someone clear brass from the shooting area and where the timer RO walks. Most ranges have brooms to do this and it takes a few seconds. Per the rules this should be a RO, but at local matches it usually is part of the stage reset process because everyone is helping officiate the stage at some point during the match.
For irregular surfaces, such as normal outdoor bays, there are two main concerns. Holes and buried fault lines. Holes happen at the start position from folks digging their toes in and at positions where folks skid to a stop. The holes at start positions can be filled by the competitor who is up next, but for other holes, competitors should ask the ROs to make corrections. Fault lines are raised so competitors can feel where the edge of the fault line is. This is important because the outside edge of the fault line is the edge of the shooting area and touching the ground outside of the shooting area while firing shots results in penalties. So, if there are fault lines that have been buried, or have dirt as tall as them, these should be fixed by the ROs. And the competitor can ask the ROs to unbury the fault lines too. At major matches, please communicate with the ROs to remedy range surface issues. At local matches, usually everyone contributes to maintaining the stage because everyone helps RO at some point during the match.
Range surface maintenance is critical for competitive equity and match safety. It doesn’t take long to do. If you are a competitor and see something amiss, please let the ROs know. If you are the ROs, be proactive and maintain your stage. At minimum between squads, but sometimes there is a fault line that gets buried after a few competitors. Take a few seconds to clear it before starting the next competitor.