New rules recently approved by the USPSA Board of Directors allow for the use of digital evidence, i.e, video, photo, audio, even information from apps such as the PractiScore competitor app, to appeal a call. Competitors can appeal procedural penalties and disqualifications using digital evidence.
Normally, this follows the appeals sequence noted in rule 11.1.3 in the USPSA competition rules, namely Range Officer –> Chief Range Officer –> Range Master, and then if the matter isn’t resolved, arbitration. Steel Challenge would logically follow the same appeals process, and digital evidence is allowed there as well. Same goes for Rifle, Shotgun and Multigun rules. Notably, rule 11.1.3.1 limits the decision process to just the matter at hand. In other words, if a procedural such as a foot fault is being disputed using video, and a safety issue is noted in the video, the range officers can’t use that against the competitor–only the foot fault can be called and acted upon.
NROI anticipates that this sequence of appeal will resolve almost 100% of the disputes over procedurals and disqualifications, provided the digital evidence shows what happened. But, if the problem can’t be solved on the stage, the competitor has the right to arbitrate, even if it’s a safety call. Here, in part, is what rule 11.1.2, the access rule, has to say about that: “Appeals arising from a disqualification for a safety infraction will only be accepted to determine whether exceptional circumstances warrant reconsideration of the match disqualification. The commission of the infraction as described by the Range Official is only subject to challenge or appeal with digital evidence.” Without any digital evidence, the infraction as described by the range officials is taken at face value. Range Master involvement in all of this is paramount.
At the time the competitor states his desire to arbitrate, the RM will follow the arbitration procedures outlined in the rules, but the competitor filing the arbitration must supply the digital evidence to the RM at that time. This can be done by email, airdrop or similar, uploading to a separate file service such as Dropbox, or any other means of transferring the file to the RM. This is to prevent any tampering of the evidence prior to the committee seeing it.
Keep in mind that the CRO is still in control of the stage and that in certain instances, he may control access to the stage by persons not actively shooting, so the video may not end up being NFL-quality replay. This is normally done for safety reasons, especially on courses of fire where the competitor may move in unexpected ways.
Digital evidence can be a useful tool in arriving at an accurate call or score, but it has the potential to be over-used as well, and create a time suck at matches. As range officials our goal is to be accurate and consistent, and to call what we see. “Observers and Reporters” if you will. As competitors, the goal is to shoot accurately and safely within the rules. As we ease into a new “digital age” for USPSA, please be patient and observant. We are all in the same sport.