Match Procedures

The match will be conducted according to a posted schedule released prior to the match.

4.1 Fixed Squadding Matches

Every competitor will be on a squad, except in the case of RM approved situations (such as a competitor needing to “shoot through” due to scheduling conflicts).

4.1.1 Squad time requirements

Every competitor must shoot each stage with their assigned squad at the designated time as outlined by the schedule. If a competitor fails to show up to shoot a stage at their squad’s designated time, they will receive a DNF for the stage and a 0 score. The RM may approve a secondary shoot time on a case-by-case basis.

4.1.2 Participation in Stage Reset

Unless the match is staff-only reset, all squadmates are required to stay with their squad at their designated stage and time. All competitors are expected to assist with stage reset to the extent that they are physically able. If a competitor abandons their squad, they may be subject to a Strike per Section 13.1 or Match DQ for unsportsmanlike conduct (15.7) based on the severity and recurrence of the incident. Doing so is disrespectful to fellow squadmates and match staff. Taking a break as needed whether to use the restroom, take a breather, or other reasonable actions is not considered abandoning a squad.

4.2 Open Squadding Matches

During the match schedule, competitors may queue for any stage they have yet to shoot. This may be done individually, or with any sized group.

4.2.1 Single stage queue

Competitors may only queue for a single stage at a time.

4.2.2 Participation in Stage Reset

Unless the match is staff-only reset, competitors are required to assist with reset to the extent that they are physically able at the stage they are currently waiting to shoot. If a competitor neglects their duty to reset or abandons their stage, they may be subject to a Strike per Section 13.1 or Match DQ for unsportsmanlike conduct (15.7) based on the severity and recurrence of the incident. Doing so is disrespectful to fellow competitors and match staff. Taking a break as needed whether to use the restroom, take a breather, or other reasonable actions, is not considered abandoning a stage.

4.2.2.1 Reset completion before leaving

If a competitor or group of competitors finishes a stage with no other competitors available to help reset, they are expected to reset the stage entirely before moving on to the next.

4.3 Match timing

Matches are deemed to start when the first “Make Ready” command is issued and end when the MD declares the scores and results final (see Section 4.7).

4.4 Stage Inspection/Walkthroughs

4.4.1 Free walkthrough

During the specified open hours of the event, and only if there is not a competitor or squad currently shooting on a stage, competitors may freely walk through and inspect the stage.

4.4.2 Prohibited manipulation

Activating or manipulating moving targets or altering/marking the course of fire to gain an unfair advantage is not allowed and shall result in either a Strike per Section 13.1 or Match DQ for unsportsmanlike conduct per Section 15.7. In these situations, the RM must be called.

4.4.2.1 Resetting fallen steel

Falling steel targets that are down may be reset by competitors to get an accurate view of the target presentation. However, activated or moving targets that are set in place or at rest must be left untouched.

4.5 Chronograph & Power Factor

4.5.1 Division power factor testing

If the match includes divisions that require a minimum power factor as listed in Section 3, Match Directors may elect to implement a fair procedure to test some or all of the competitors’ adherence to the power factor requirement as part of these divisions.

4.5.1.1 Multiple ammunition types

If a competitor has used or plans to use different types of ammunition and firearms throughout the event, each firearm/ammunition pairing must be submitted for testing.

4.5.2 Power Factor

Power Factor is a measure of the average momentum of projectiles from a singular type of ammunition fired from the competitor’s firearm based on the projectile’s weight in grains, and average velocity in feet per second of at minimum a 3-shot string of that ammunition. It is calculated by multiplying the projectile weight in grains by the average velocity in feet per second, and then dividing by 1000.

4.5.3 Failing power factor

A competitor failing to meet minimum power factor for their declared division shall be reassigned to the next most open division with no power factor requirement that all of their equipment used thus far in the match fits into.

4.5.3.1 No suitable division

If no division in the match is suitable for the competitor’s equipment and measured power factor, the competitor shall shoot the match for no score.

4.6 Suspending shooting activities

If the Range Master and/or MD deem that climatic or other conditions have, or are likely to, seriously affect the safety and/or conduct of a match, they may order that all shooting activities be suspended until a “resume shooting” directive is issued.

4.7 Final Results

4.7.1 Arbitration period

When all scores have been collected and posted, the MD will announce the beginning of the arbitration period. This arbitration period will last no more than 1 hour and may be waived by majority vote of competitors present provided there are no outstanding requests to arbitrate.

4.7.2 Results finalization

Upon completion of the arbitration period, the MD will declare the scores and results final. No further editing may occur.

4.8 Unaddressed situations

Any situation not specifically addressed in the rulebook shall be up to the RM to issue a fair and thoughtful ruling.