1.1 General Principles
1.1.1 Safety – USPSA matches must be designed, constructed and conducted with due consideration to safety.
1.1.2 Quality – The value of an USPSA match is determined by the quality of the challenge presented in the course design. Courses of fire must be designed primarily to test a competitor’s USPSA shooting skills, not their physical abilities.
1.1.3 Balance – Accuracy, Power and Speed are equivalent elements of USPSA shooting, and are expressed in the Latin words “Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas” (“DVC”). A properly balanced course of fire will depend largely upon the nature of the challenges presented therein, however, courses must be designed, and USPSA matches must be conducted in such a way, as to evaluate these elements equally.
1.1.4 Diversity – USPSA shooting challenges are diverse. While it is not necessary to construct new courses for each match, no single course of fire must be repeated to allow its use to be considered a definitive measure of USPSA shooting skills.
1.1.5 Freestyle – USPSA matches are freestyle. Competitors must be permitted to solve the challenge presented in a freestyle manner, and to shoot targets on an “as and when visible” basis. Courses of fire must not require mandatory reloads nor dictate a shooting position, location or stance, except as specified below. However, conditions may be created, and barriers or other physical limitations may be constructed, to compel a competitor into shooting positions, locations or stances.
1.1.5.1 Level I matches may use shooting boxes, specify where or when specific target arrays may be engaged and specify mandatory reloads in short and medium courses only. Long courses are exclusively governed by 1.1.5.
1.1.5.2 Standard Exercises and Classifiers may include mandatory reloads and may dictate a shooting position, location or stance.
1.1.5.3 Standard Exercises and Classifiers may specify shooting with the strong hand or weak hand unsupported. The specified hand must be used exclusively from the point stipulated for the remainder of the string or stage.
1.1.5.4 Medium or Long courses of fire may stipulate the use of either strong or weak hand, provided that only one hand, either strong or weak, is specified for no more than the last 6 shots required.
1.1.5.5 A course of fire which, through the use of props, requires a competitor to shoot both strong-hand-only and weak-hand-only must not require that the shooter transition directly from one to the other. The course of fire must provide movement and unencumbered freestyle target engagement between the two.
1.1.6 Difficulty – USPSA matches present varied degrees of difficulty. No shooting challenge or time limit may be appealed as being prohibitive. This does not apply to non-shooting challenges, which should reasonably allow for differences in competitor’s height and physical build.
1.1.7 Challenge – USPSA Handgun matches recognize the difficulty of using full power handguns in dynamic shooting, and must always employ a minimum caliber and power level to be attained by all competitors to reflect this challenge.
1.1.8 Scenarios and Stage Props — The use of scenarios and reasonable stage props is encouraged. Care must be exercised, however, to avoid unre-alistic non-shooting requirements which detract from the shooting challenge and/or may expose competitors to potentially unsafe condi-tions.
1.2 Types of Courses
USPSA matches may contain the following types of courses of fire:
1.2.1 General Courses of Fire:
1.2.1.1 Short Courses: must not require more than 12 rounds to com-plete and no more than 2 shooting locations. Course design and construction must not require more than 8 scoring hits from any single location or view, nor allow a competitor to shoot all targets in the course of fire from any single location or view.
1.2.1.2 Medium Courses: must not require more than 20 rounds to complete and no more than 3 shooting locations. Course design and construction must not require more than 8 scoring hits from any single location or view, nor allow a competitor to shoot all targets in the course of fire from any single location or view.
1.2.1.3 Long Courses: in Level III or higher matches must not require more than 32 rounds to complete. At any level match, course design and construction must not require more than 8 scoring hits from any single location or view, nor allow a competitor to shoot all targets in the course of fire from any single location or view.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
Hands Rules
After a classification has been earned in a division, new scores will be evaluated according to the flagging system shown above. This can and does result in new scores not being used for reclassification purposes even though they are higher than some of the initial scores that were submitted, but still lower than your clas-sification bracket. Any such low score should move out of the most recent group as newer scores that conform to your current classification are entered into the system.
The classification system is run between the 10th and the 15th of each month, depending on whether the 10th is on a weekend. ALL scores received in the Sedro Woolley office on or before the 10th of each month are entered into the classifi-cation database. Over the next day or two, those scores are checked to ensure that they were entered correctly from the printed summary sheets submitted by clubs. After any corrections have been made, the computer classification program is started to evaluate each member’s current scores and to calculate a new current classification percentage. At the conclusion of this procedure, the new data is compiled and sent to the USPSA web site. Please note that the classification data on the web site is updated only one time each month.
If you feel your classification is too low, you may request the next higher class, up to but not including Grand Master. Requests are made in writing and submit-ted with a letter from your club president or Section Coordinator (SC) endorsing your request. If your request is approved, you will be moved up at the next regu-lar calculation period.
Your performance in larger matches and tournaments may also be used to help establish classification. Placement in a major event with a score above your assigned class percentage may result in your being promoted to a higher class, even if your current average is lower. Winning first or second in class at an Area Championship or Major Tournament AND shooting into the next higher class may result in promotion (except to Grand Master); winning High Overall in an Area Championship may promote you to Grand Master class. In addition, if you score 95% or higher at a USPSA national championship, you will be immediate-ly moved to Grand Master class for that division.
To go down in class you must: 1) request in writing to be moved down, citing your reasons and justification; 2) have a club president or SC concur with your request in writing; and 3) have no current scores on record that indicate you should remain in your assigned class.
You may also participate in the classification system if you are a USPSA member living outside the United States by forming, or shooting with one of our foreign affiliate clubs. Foreign affiliate clubs need to request a special registration form from USPSA headquarters and pay a yearly registration fee for this service. Members shooting outside the United States do not pay individual classification fees and do not earn activity credit to attend the Nationals.
The classification system is run between the 10th and the 15th of each month, depending on whether the 10th is on a weekend. ALL scores received in the Sedro Woolley office on or before the 10th of each month are entered into the classifi-cation database. Over the next day or two, those scores are checked to ensure that they were entered correctly from the printed summary sheets submitted by clubs. After any corrections have been made, the computer classification program is started to evaluate each member’s current scores and to calculate a new current classification percentage. At the conclusion of this procedure, the new data is compiled and sent to the USPSA web site. Please note that the classification data on the web site is updated only one time each month.
If you feel your classification is too low, you may request the next higher class, up to but not including Grand Master. Requests are made in writing and submit-ted with a letter from your club president or Section Coordinator (SC) endorsing your request. If your request is approved, you will be moved up at the next regu-lar calculation period.
Your performance in larger matches and tournaments may also be used to help establish classification. Placement in a major event with a score above your assigned class percentage may result in your being promoted to a higher class, even if your current average is lower. Winning first or second in class at an Area Championship or Major Tournament AND shooting into the next higher class may result in promotion (except to Grand Master); winning High Overall in an Area Championship may promote you to Grand Master class. In addition, if you score 95% or higher at a USPSA national championship, you will be immediate-ly moved to Grand Master class for that division.
To go down in class you must: 1) request in writing to be moved down, citing your reasons and justification; 2) have a club president or SC concur with your request in writing; and 3) have no current scores on record that indicate you should remain in your assigned class.
You may also participate in the classification system if you are a USPSA member living outside the United States by forming, or shooting with one of our foreign affiliate clubs. Foreign affiliate clubs need to request a special registration form from USPSA headquarters and pay a yearly registration fee for this service. Members shooting outside the United States do not pay individual classification fees and do not earn activity credit to attend the Nationals.
The USPSA Classification System
Grand Master 95 to 100%
Master 85 to 94.9%
A Class 75 to 84.9%
B Class 60 to 74.9%
C Class 40 to 59.9%
D Class Below 40%
Scores are sorted according to the match date to determine which scores are the most recent. For matches that are Level I Specials, the scores are further sorted by the score percent in descending order. In doing so, the lowest scores from a special will be the first scores to drop out of the most recent scores on file.
After a member has earned a classification, the classification system will look at the best six unduplicated scores of the most recent eight to evaluate the member’s current classification percentage.
No scores that calculate to less than 2 percent are used.
Also, to prevent unusually low scores from affecting your classification percentage, scores that are more than 5 percent below your classification bracket (e.g. a score of 34.99% for a
C-class competitor) are not used for classification purposes. To guard against the possibility of incorrect stage setup or typographical error, scores that are more than 15 percent above your current classification bracket are evaluated at the time of entry to see if such a score would adversely affect your classification. In general, those scores are entered, but occasionally a score is so out of the ordinary it is not used and flagged with an A.
So members can keep track of their scores, all scores received are entered into the database, but may be given a “flag” to indicate its status. The possible flags are:
A —A score that is more than 15% above the member’s current classification bracket.
B — A score that is more than 5% below the member’s current classification bracket.
C — A score that is more than one class below the highest class in any division attained by the member. e.g. A member has a Master class in Open division and a B class score in Limited is submitted. This score will be flagged with C and not used.
D — Duplicate course - a higher score for this course already exists in the most recent six or eight scores.
E — A score that is not in the most recent six or eight scores.
F — A score that is one of the two lowest scores in the most recent six or eight scores.
Y — A score that has been used as part of the classification percentage calculation.
Please note that for unclassified members, the first scores submitted, except for those that are 2 percent or less, will be used to calculate an initial classification.
PRINCIPLES of USPSA Competitions
1. Practical competition is open to all reputable persons without regard to occupation. It may specifically not be limited to public servants.
2. Accuracy, power and speed are the equivalent elements of practical shooting and practical competition must be conducted in such a way as to evaluate these elements equally.
3. Firearm types are not separated within their respective divisions, all compete together without handicap. This does not apply to the power of the firearms as power is an element to be recognized and rewarded.
4. Practical shooting competition is a test of expertise in the use of practical firearms and equipment.
5. Practical competition is conducted using practical targets, which reflect the general size and shape of such objects as the firearm used may reasonably be called upon to hit in their primary intended use.
6. The challenge presented in practical competition must be done with the utmost safety in mind. Courses of Fire should follow a practical rationale and simulate hypothetical situations in which firearms might reasonably be used.
7. Practical competition is diverse, never permitting unrealistic specialization of either technique or equipment. Problems are constantly changed. The exception is Classifier Stages which are used to measure practical shooting skill.
8. Practical competition is free-style. In essence, the competitive problem is posed in general and the participant is permitted the freedom to solve it in the manner he considers best within the limitations of the competitive situation as provided.
2. Accuracy, power and speed are the equivalent elements of practical shooting and practical competition must be conducted in such a way as to evaluate these elements equally.
3. Firearm types are not separated within their respective divisions, all compete together without handicap. This does not apply to the power of the firearms as power is an element to be recognized and rewarded.
4. Practical shooting competition is a test of expertise in the use of practical firearms and equipment.
5. Practical competition is conducted using practical targets, which reflect the general size and shape of such objects as the firearm used may reasonably be called upon to hit in their primary intended use.
6. The challenge presented in practical competition must be done with the utmost safety in mind. Courses of Fire should follow a practical rationale and simulate hypothetical situations in which firearms might reasonably be used.
7. Practical competition is diverse, never permitting unrealistic specialization of either technique or equipment. Problems are constantly changed. The exception is Classifier Stages which are used to measure practical shooting skill.
8. Practical competition is free-style. In essence, the competitive problem is posed in general and the participant is permitted the freedom to solve it in the manner he considers best within the limitations of the competitive situation as provided.
Transporting Firearms
You are responsible for your firearm at all times.
A firearm should be unleaded before it is put into a vehicle. The best way to transport a firearm in a vehicle is unloaded, inside a case, in the trunk. This keeps it safe and out of sight. Firearms should not be leaned against automobiles, trees, fences or other insecure rests. Firearms that are taken care of properly are not only safer, but also last longer and need fewer repairs.
Gun Cleaning and Storage A gun should be cleaned inside and out if it has been exposed to mud, sand, rain or snow. If moisture has formed on the metal parts (sweating occurs when a cold firearm is brought into a warm home) or if the gun has been stored uncovered and exposed to the air for a long time it should be cleaned before it is used. Cleaning equipment should include a cleaning rod, flannel patches, powder solvent and light gun oil.
A cleaning cloth treated with silicone is
also advisable. Always check to be sure that the gun is EMPTY. Make
sure that no ammunition is nearby.
Clean the firearm from the breech end (rear of the firearm). Too much oil
or grease can be dangerous – just a few drops will do for most jobs. Too
much oil on the safety can stop its action.
Fingerprints left on a firearm work as an acid and can corrode the metal.
When storing firearms, make sure they are UNLOADED.
Store firearms in a locked cabinet. Be sure to store ammunition separately in a locked compartment. When different types of ammunition are store together, each kind should be kept separate. Each kind should be in its own container to avoid mixing.
A firearm should be unleaded before it is put into a vehicle. The best way to transport a firearm in a vehicle is unloaded, inside a case, in the trunk. This keeps it safe and out of sight. Firearms should not be leaned against automobiles, trees, fences or other insecure rests. Firearms that are taken care of properly are not only safer, but also last longer and need fewer repairs.
Gun Cleaning and Storage A gun should be cleaned inside and out if it has been exposed to mud, sand, rain or snow. If moisture has formed on the metal parts (sweating occurs when a cold firearm is brought into a warm home) or if the gun has been stored uncovered and exposed to the air for a long time it should be cleaned before it is used. Cleaning equipment should include a cleaning rod, flannel patches, powder solvent and light gun oil.
Store firearms in a locked cabinet. Be sure to store ammunition separately in a locked compartment. When different types of ammunition are store together, each kind should be kept separate. Each kind should be in its own container to avoid mixing.
Watch Where You Shoot
If you are hunting with other people, everybody should
agree
BEFORE the hunt on the area each shooter will cover. Don’t move to any other position. This is very important. Care must be taken so that others are not mistaken for game. This illustration shows the common shooting zones used with two or more hunters.
Never shoot at a bird that flies back across the line of hunters. If a bird flies low between two hunters, forget the shot. Never let any gun point at another hunter. If you are following game with your gun, shoot only in your zone. Never swing your gun out of your zone. Keep your muzzle under control. Don’t shoot if you can’t see the target clearly.
Obstacles in the field can cause safety problems. Weather can produce hazards to the shooter. Wet, slippery ground is a danger. Mud, snow and ice can make walking difficult. Formations and obstructions such as steep banks, downed timber or ditches all need to be handled carefully.
Crossing a fence, entering a boat or climbing a tree are particularly dangerous when carrying a gun. Unload your gun when traveling on slippery ground, steep hillsides, uneven or unstable ground. If you should fall, hold the gun securely.
DON’T throw the gun away from you. Afterwards, check the action and barrel for damage, dirt and obstructions. When hunting with another shooter, unload your gun and open it before handing it to your companion. Take both unloaded guns while your partner crosses a fence. Never point the gun at another person. When entering and leaving a boat, handle your gun by the muzzle. In the boat, guns should be held carefully. Always point them in a safe direction.
BEFORE the hunt on the area each shooter will cover. Don’t move to any other position. This is very important. Care must be taken so that others are not mistaken for game. This illustration shows the common shooting zones used with two or more hunters.
Never shoot at a bird that flies back across the line of hunters. If a bird flies low between two hunters, forget the shot. Never let any gun point at another hunter. If you are following game with your gun, shoot only in your zone. Never swing your gun out of your zone. Keep your muzzle under control. Don’t shoot if you can’t see the target clearly.
Obstacles in the field can cause safety problems. Weather can produce hazards to the shooter. Wet, slippery ground is a danger. Mud, snow and ice can make walking difficult. Formations and obstructions such as steep banks, downed timber or ditches all need to be handled carefully.
Crossing a fence, entering a boat or climbing a tree are particularly dangerous when carrying a gun. Unload your gun when traveling on slippery ground, steep hillsides, uneven or unstable ground. If you should fall, hold the gun securely.
DON’T throw the gun away from you. Afterwards, check the action and barrel for damage, dirt and obstructions. When hunting with another shooter, unload your gun and open it before handing it to your companion. Take both unloaded guns while your partner crosses a fence. Never point the gun at another person. When entering and leaving a boat, handle your gun by the muzzle. In the boat, guns should be held carefully. Always point them in a safe direction.
Safety in the Field
There are times when you need to be on guard against possible accidents.
These times include:
• When you’ve had just enough experience to think you know all the answers. Accidents in the field can
happen if you don’t follow all the rules.
• When carrying a gun. Be very careful handling guns around the home, camp or near the car. Be alert for
rocks, holes and other hazards when in the field.
• When plinking. Plinking is shooting at informal targets. Beware of the temptation to “horse around.” Never
allow yourself or your friends to cause a tragedy.
• When you are tired. At the end of a long day’s hunt, reflexes may become dulled. Gun carrying is relaxed.
Watch for carelessness and try to avoid it.
• When you first spot game. The excitement sometimes causes you to rush into a careless shot. This
eagerness cannot be felt in a class or on the training range. It comes naturally when spotting game. When
you first see game, double your caution. Be sure to carefully identify your target.
• When a hunting buddy forgets or ignores the safety rules. Tell him immediately. He may be a close friend,
but anyone careless with a gun is careless with your life. If he can’t improve, be his friend someplace other
than around firearms.
You need to learn how to carry firearms when you go out in the
field. The safest way to carry is probably the two-hand carry
which gives the best control of the gun and the muzzle. With this
carry, the small of the stock is gripped with the trigger hand. The
fore end is held with the other hand. The gun is carried diagonally
across the body with the muzzle pointed up and away. Other
carries are the cradle carry, the side carry, the trail carry and the
sling carry.
In all carries the following rules apply:
1. Keep the muzzle under control and pointed away from all people, animals and your self.
2. Keep the safety on until ready to fire.
BE CAREFUL!
Most safeties block the trigger and nothing else. A hard blow in the right place can still fire the gun. A safety can wear out or it may not work. Handle every gun as if it were loaded and the safety off. 3. Keep the fingers outside the trigger guard and not on the trigger. Fingers should only touch the trigger when firing. Covering the trigger guard with the hand will help prevent other objects from hitting the trigger. 4. When target practicing, all firearms should be left unloaded until shooters are ready to fire at the targets. Placement of targets is also important. Make sure that nothing behind the targets can be injured or damaged or cause bullets to ricochet.
These times include:
• When you’ve had just enough experience to think you know all the answers. Accidents in the field can
happen if you don’t follow all the rules.
• When carrying a gun. Be very careful handling guns around the home, camp or near the car. Be alert for
rocks, holes and other hazards when in the field.
• When plinking. Plinking is shooting at informal targets. Beware of the temptation to “horse around.” Never
allow yourself or your friends to cause a tragedy.
• When you are tired. At the end of a long day’s hunt, reflexes may become dulled. Gun carrying is relaxed.
Watch for carelessness and try to avoid it.
• When you first spot game. The excitement sometimes causes you to rush into a careless shot. This
eagerness cannot be felt in a class or on the training range. It comes naturally when spotting game. When
you first see game, double your caution. Be sure to carefully identify your target.
• When a hunting buddy forgets or ignores the safety rules. Tell him immediately. He may be a close friend,
but anyone careless with a gun is careless with your life. If he can’t improve, be his friend someplace other
than around firearms.
BE CAREFUL!
Most safeties block the trigger and nothing else. A hard blow in the right place can still fire the gun. A safety can wear out or it may not work. Handle every gun as if it were loaded and the safety off. 3. Keep the fingers outside the trigger guard and not on the trigger. Fingers should only touch the trigger when firing. Covering the trigger guard with the hand will help prevent other objects from hitting the trigger. 4. When target practicing, all firearms should be left unloaded until shooters are ready to fire at the targets. Placement of targets is also important. Make sure that nothing behind the targets can be injured or damaged or cause bullets to ricochet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)