Coaching & Coachable Competitors
6.1 Coaching & Coachable Competitors
For standard competitors, coaching is not allowed either by an RO or other person. It is the competitor’s responsibility to understand the course of fire, prepare their equipment for the stage, and keep track of their progress on the stage in real time.
6.1.1 Coaching penalties
If a competitor coaches another or gains an advantage by receiving coaching, the competitor and coaching party shall be assigned procedural penalties per occurrence of help given (by the coaching party) and help acted on (by the competitor), or other appropriate penalties determined by the RM. Procedurals may be assigned solely to the coaching party even if the shooter does not act in response to the coaching.
6.2 RO/Competitor interaction during static rifle steel engagement
On certain long range targets requiring hit calls, the RO and competitor may interact, and the RO may inform the competitor if they are unclear on which targets have been neutralized.
6.2.1 Proper Coaching Example
There are three long range targets. The competitor accidentally begins on the center target, then engages the right target, then is confused as to where the third one is. They come back to the middle target and re-engage it but don’t receive a hit call and are clearly wondering why. The RO should inform the competitor that the target is already hit but should not offer any additional help to guide the competitor toward their remaining target.
6.2.2 Improper Coaching Example
Competitor gets into their long range position and engages the first of three long range targets. They get lost and can’t locate the second target. The RO begins walking them in “look just past the crest of this first hill, see that bright green bush, the target is just to the right of that…” etc. Instead, the RO should let the competitor solve the problem, and only provide clarification on which targets have been engaged/neutralized if necessary.
6.3 Coachable Competitors
It is highly recommended (but not required) for matches of all levels to offer a “Coachable Competitor” option. Coachable Competitors are not eligible for any order of finish prizes, awards, recognitions, and their results shall not be taken into account for any PCR calculations. Otherwise, there is no difference between them and standard competitors, aside from being allowed to receive unlimited coaching and verbal aid from ROs or squadmates/spectators. This is a fantastic option for individuals who are new to competition shooting and allows a much more comfortable environment when starting out.
6.3.1 No reshoot for poor coaching
Poor coaching is not a valid reason for reshoot. However, if an RO suspects unfair interference by another competitor or RO, the RM shall be called to determine a fair course of action.
6.3.2 MD eligibility decisions
MDs may make reasonable denials regarding the eligibility of a competitor to register as a Coachable Competitor based on the competitor’s known previous practical shooting experience.
6.4 Special event types that wish to allow unlimited coaching
Certain special match formats using the PCSL Rules may lend themselves to allowing all forms of coaching. In these cases, coaching is encouraged by both ROs and squadmates. If a competitor would prefer not to receive coaching, it is their responsibility to notify the RO and their squadmates prior to the stage. The MD must communicate the match’s allowance of coaching to the competitors prior to the match start.
6.4.1 Excluded match types
The following affiliated match types of Level 1 or higher are excluded from this rule and may never offer unlimited coaching: