USPSA matches allow for competitors to challenge scoring and penalty calls and a couple other things, but there is a process. The goal of this post is to provide some basic information to both range officials and competitors about how arbitration works. Arbitrations rarely occur, but everyone needs to know how the process works for when it does happen.
[Read more…] about Arbitration basicsSearch Results for: popper calibration
Match duties vs. certification level
In a previous post I explained the different certification levels that NROI offers. But now, let’s look at how those certification levels play into the different roles at matches of all levels, and how certification level sometimes doesn’t equal the duties assigned.
[Read more…] about Match duties vs. certification levelNROI Podcast Episode 2
Episode #2 of the NROI Podcast is available on most podcast distribution sites. This month, RMI and former Area 8 Director George Jones joins us to discuss the updated popper calibration procedure he helped bring about and which became a part of the rules with the September 2021 rulebook.
[Read more…] about NROI Podcast Episode 2Just Do It (Right)
There were a lot of matches this year, from locals to Section Championships, and Area Championships to Nationals. In all of these matches, there is, or should be, a common goal–getting it right. Most do, some don’t. Activated targets, poppers, start positions, angles of fire, specialty props, and written stage briefings all need to be closely examined and done right, otherwise, the match loses credibility, competitive equity is lost, and both staff and competitors are unhappy. Let’s look at this effort at all levels, from competitor to Range Master and Match Director.
[Read more…] about Just Do It (Right)Interference/Assistance/”Coaching”
One of the rarer calls that is made at major matches is that of Interference, or Assistance, or more commonly called as “Coaching”, as defined in 8.6. For Level 1 matches, we have 8.6.2.1 which allows for coaching for competitors with Range Officer approval. But what constitutes each of these? Which ones can be penalized? Who gets the penalty, if any? Let’s dive in.
[Read more…] about Interference/Assistance/”Coaching”Using the correct rule matters
We often get questions related to certification and renewal exams or even about calls made at matches and why a certain rule applies versus another. Or why one can’t cite a general section of the rulebook and use that to support the penalty or scoring call being made. The short answer is that you need to use the best rule to address the situation. The long answer is all the reasons below.
[Read more…] about Using the correct rule mattersPlates and major matches
In 2023, there was a change in the rules as to the legality of using steel plates in upper level USPSA Competition matches. Most Area and National matches already avoided using steel plates to minimize reshoots to ensure the match stayed on schedule, so most competitors probably didn’t even notice the change. But we wanted to quiz our rules aficionados and see if they noticed the change in the January Question of the Month.
[Read more…] about Plates and major matchesO Range Master, my Range Master…
O Range Master! my Range Master! our fearful match is done,. The stage has weather’d every squad, the prize we sought is won… (With apologies to Walt Whitman.)
I suspect we all expect to see someone occupying the Range Master position at major matches because the rules require them and they are always there…right? But what about at your local matches? Is someone designated as the Range Master (RM) there? Do the rules require one? Do you take advantage of 7.3.1 and just have the MD be the RM? Or do you suddenly find yourself in need of an RM and go figure out who will do that task today?
[Read more…] about O Range Master, my Range Master…