Stage Procedures
7.1 Written Stage Brief (WSB)
Each stage shall have a written stage brief published and posted at the stage. The WSB shall contain all pertinent information required for a competitor to fairly and correctly shoot the stage including:
7.1.1 Total round count
The total scored round count for each firearm.
7.1.2 Target types and numbers
Types and number of targets for each firearm.
7.1.3 Maximum points
Maximum point value of the stage.
7.1.4 Par time
Par time (if applicable).
7.1.5 Start position
The start position of the competitor (and the competitor’s equipment, if starting somewhere other than on the competitor’s person).
7.1.6 Start conditions
The start condition(s) of the competitor’s firearm(s).
7.1.7 Stage procedure
The full stage procedure.
7.1.7.1 Fault lines implicit
It is understood that fault lines indicate the acceptable shooting areas on a stage. A WSB does not need to specifically state that “targets must be engaged from within the shooting area”.
7.1.8 Uncommon elements
If applicable, notes regarding uncommon stage elements like props or physical obstacles, along with a specified penalty for failing to interact with these elements as described by the stage procedure.
7.1.9 Safety notes
If applicable, safety notes related to the specific stage (such as safe-angle modifications on non-standard bay layouts or natural terrain areas).
7.1.10 WSB limitations
The WSB may not supersede any rule in the general rulebook unless the rule specifically allows for it.
7.1.11 WSB reading
The WSB will be read to the squad at the beginning of the scheduled stage time and will remain available for the competitors to review throughout their time on the stage.
7.1.12 Missed WSB reading
When a competitor is not present for the WSB reading for any reason (like a bathroom break), they should make themselves known to the ROs as soon as they return to the stage. The ROs should, but are not required to, make reasonable efforts to read the WSB to the returning competitor. A competitor being unaware of crucial stage information due to missing the WSB being read is not grounds for a reshoot.
7.2 Pre-Loading Areas
Pre-loading areas may be designated on a per-stage basis. Shotgun pre-loading areas are handled differently from Admin pre-loading areas.
7.2.1 Shotgun Pre-Loading Areas (Tube-Fed Magazines Only)
7.2.1.1 Shotgun pre-loading without RO supervision
The WSB or RO team may specifically allow for shotguns to be pre-loaded without direct RO supervision as long as there is a defined shotgun-only pre-load area within 6 ft of a side berm or backstop, and competitors point their shotgun directly into the side berm or backstop while pre-loading.
7.2.1.2 Timing of shotgun pre-loading
If there is a specified shotgun pre-loading area, competitors may only pre-load their shotguns after the WSB is read and the walkthrough period has begun.
7.2.1.3 Transport of pre-loaded shotguns
Pre-loaded shotguns may be carried vertically without RO supervision only from the pre-load area to the stage, or the reverse. Pre-loaded shotguns must stay on safe while being transported.
7.2.1.4 No chambered round
Pre-loaded shotguns may never be left with a round chambered. Only the magazine tube may be pre-loaded.
7.2.2 Admin pre-loading areas
Admin pre-loading areas may be implemented in order to increase the stage’s efficiency.
7.2.2.1 Admin pre-loading area requirements
Admin pre-loading areas must be defined with a box or boundary and be within 6 ft of a side berm or backstop. If multiple firearms need to be pre-loaded, a table or dump box between the pre-loading area and the backstop is required.
7.2.2.2 RO supervision required
Firearms may never be pre-loaded unless the competitor is in a specified Admin pre-load area and under direct RO supervision.
7.2.2.3 Make Ready command
Once in the Admin pre-loading area, competitors must wait for an RO’s “Make Ready” command before pre-loading the applicable firearms.
7.2.2.4 Pre-loading direction and movement
Competitors must point their firearms directly into the side berm or backstop while pre-loading. Once the applicable firearms are pre-loaded, the competitor must stay in the admin pre-loading area under direct RO supervision until directed to proceed to the course of fire by the RO.
7.2.2.4.1 Exception for long gun in dump box
Where only a long gun is pre-loaded and remains in the dump box, an RO may excuse the competitor to take a final walkthrough while the stage is being reset. In this case the RO must remain with the long gun until the competitor returns to retrieve it.
7.2.2.5 Transport to course of fire
When stage reset is complete, the ROs will ask the competitor to take their firearms to the course of fire. During this time(as soon as they leave the pre-loading-areas) and until they get another “Make Ready” command from the RO, the competitor may not draw their pre-loaded handgun or point their long gun in any direction other than vertical.
7.2.2.6 Safety during transport
Pre-loaded long guns must stay on safe while being transported.
7.2.3 No pre-loading area specified
If no pre-loading area is specified, competitors may never load their firearms prior to receiving the “Make Ready” command from an RO.
7.3 Competitor & Firearm Start Conditions
7.3.1 WSB start conditions
The WSB may dictate any competitor or firearm start conditions that can be safely and equitably achieved by competitors of all sizes and strengths. Any aspect of these start conditions not covered by the WSB has no restrictions.
7.3.2 Option to start unloaded
The competitor always has the option to start with an unloaded firearm by choice, even if the WSB specifies that the firearm starts loaded, unless this option is specifically disallowed by the WSB.
7.3.3 Default Start Conditions
The Default Competitor & Firearm Start Conditions are:
7.3.3.1 Firearm loaded and safe
Firearm loaded, in a Safe Condition per 2.6 and,
7.3.3.2 Handgun start position
If the competitor starts with the handgun: handgun holstered, competitor’s wrists below belt and strong hand wrist completely below backstrap of handgun
7.3.3.2.1 No hand contact
Unless otherwise specified by the WSB, no part of the hands forward of the wrist may be in contact with the handgun prior to the start signal.
7.3.3.3 Long gun start position
If the competitor starts with a long gun: [Carbine/Shotgun] held with stock touching belt and muzzle pointed generally downrange.
7.4 Re-holstering
Re-holstering of a handgun in a Safe Condition (2.6.2) is always allowed during the course of fire unless prohibited by the WSB.
7.5 Drop-Mag Target (DMT) Procedure
A stage design tool to safely and fairly require unloading firearms on the clock as part of a stage procedure. DMT procedures are valid for handgun and carbine firearm types only.
7.5.1 Correct DMT procedure
The correct and safe way to implement this mechanic into a stage is the following:
7.5.1.1 Remove magazine
Competitor completely removes magazine/source of feed from the firearm with a round chambered.
7.5.1.2 Engage DMT
Competitor engages the specified DMT with the single remaining chambered round.
7.5.1.3 Firearm cleared
At this point, the firearm is considered to have been officially cleared by the RO, and the competitor can proceed with the next portion of the stage.
7.5.2 Example use cases
7.5.2.1 Carbine to handgun transition
Requiring the competitor to re-sling their carbine after engaging a carbine DMT, then complete a handgun portion without worrying about the safety angle of the carbine while slung, allowing the competitor to reload the carbine and finish the stage after engaging all the handgun targets.
7.5.2.2 Prone after handgun
Requiring a prone carbine position after a handgun portion of a stage, ensuring that the competitor does not go prone with a loaded handgun holstered.
7.5.3 RO magazine warning
If the RO notices a competitor moves to engage a DMT without first removing their magazine, they should verbally issue a “Mag!” warning to remind the competitor to remove their magazine before engagement. This is not considered coaching or interference.
7.5.4 RO verification of clear
If the RO is unable to make an absolute determination that the firearm is clear, such as in the case where the competitor does not exactly adhere to the correct DMT procedure, the RO must issue a “Show clear!” command on the clock, visually inspect an empty chamber, then issue the “If clear, hammer down” command. The time it takes for the RO re to be confident that the firearm is clear before allowing the competitor to continue is considered the competitor’s inherent penalty for failing to follow instructions. The RO will then issue the “Clear!” or “Good!” command to let the competitor know they may continue with the stage.
7.5.5 Revolvers
Revolvers: no action needed before engaging the DMT. After engagement, the cylinder must be emptied completely and shown to the RO in an easily visible manner. The RO will respond “Clear!” to let the competitor know they can proceed with the stage.
7.5.6 Lever Action Carbines
Lever Action Carbines with fixed magazine: No action needed before engaging the DMT. After engagement, the magazine tube & action must be emptied completely and shown to the RO in an easily visible manner. The RO will respond “If clear, hammer down!” The competitor must dry fire the carbine in a safe direction, then the RO will issue the “Clear!” command to let the competitor know they can proceed with the stage.
7.6 Prone with a holstered handgun
7.6.1 Prone requirements
All stages requiring prone shooting with a long gun where a handgun may be holstered at any point during the stage must require the competitor to either:
7.6.1.1 No handgun on person
Not have a handgun on their person during the prone position (such as requiring a mandatory handgun abandonment somewhere other than the competitor’s holster), or
7.6.1.2 Verified unloaded handgun
Have a verified unloaded handgun by one of the following methods:
7.6.1.2.1 DMT procedure
Properly executed DMT procedure
7.6.1.2.2 Start unloaded
Competitor starts the stage with an unloaded handgun, and does not load it at any point on the stage before the prone position
7.6.2 Elective prone
On stages where a competitor elects to go prone as an option, it is the competitors responsibility to ensure that either 7.6.1.1. or 7.6.1.2 apply (otherwise - Stage DQ per 14.5).
7.7 Abandoning/Dumping of Firearms
7.7.1 Required abandonment locations
Stages may require competitors to abandon firearms in specific abandonment locations per the WSB.
7.7.2 Proper Abandonment of Firearms
7.7.2.1 Correct abandonment positions
Firearms must be abandoned in their corresponding type of abandonment positions (9.5.1) or for handguns, in the competitor’s holster (unless specifically prohibited by the WSB).
7.7.2.2 Proper orientation
The firearm must be completely contained in the intended orientation that the abandonment position was designed to safely contain the firearm (e.g. muzzle down into a slant box or barrel), or, for non-standard variants, abandoned in a specific way outlined by the WSB.
7.7.2.3 Correcting botched abandonment
Competitors may correct a botched attempt at abandoning a firearm provided that 15.3 and 15.4 are not applicable, and the competitor does not leave the vicinity of the improperly abandoned firearm, or fire rounds with another firearm, before correcting its position.
7.7.2.4 Rangemaster discretion
The Rangemaster has discretion on determining safe abandonment positions.
7.7.3 Safe condition requirement
Firearms must be abandoned in their defined Safe Conditions per Section 2.6, else one procedural will be assigned per occurrence (12.7), or for handguns re-holstered while not in a Safe Condition, the competitor will receive a Stage DQ (14.3).
7.7.4 Firearm transitions
Competitors may always transition back and forth between firearm platforms (for example, if a competitor realizes that they did not neutralize all designated targets with their original firearm), provided that no other rules are violated, unless specifically prohibited by the WSB.
7.8 Grounding of Firearms
7.8.1 Grounding allowed
A competitor is allowed to place their firearm on the ground, provided that the 15.3 and 15.4 are not violated (including inert firearms) and the firearms are in a safe condition per Section 2.6.
7.8.2 Stay within reach
A competitor must stay within reaching distance of a grounded firearm. Leaving the vicinity of a grounded firearm will result in a Stage DQ (14.7).
7.8.3 No engagement while grounded
While a firearm is grounded, a competitor may NOT engage any target with any other firearm. Doing so will result in a Stage DQ (14.7).
7.9 Bracing on stage props, walls, and other equipment
7.9.1 Definition of bracing
Bracing is defined as using a physical structure to gain support or stability while taking a shot, and does NOT include touching or “brushing against” the physical structure while taking an unsupported shot.
7.9.2 Bracing restrictions
Unless otherwise specified by the WSB, competitors may not brace on or use for support any prop, wall, or other equipment that is not inside the marked shooting areas.
7.9.3 Prohibited wall manipulation
It is never acceptable to push against a wall or other stage prop in a way that changes its position to reveal a new shooting position or opportunity that was otherwise not available. This is considered cheating and shall result in a “Stop!” call, a Strike, and a Stage DQ (14.11).
7.9.4 Wall bracing rules
Walls are divided into three recognized “pieces” consisting of the two end posts and the midsection or “field” (9.1.1). The following situations address when it is acceptable to use a wall for support:
7.9.4.1 Entire wall inside shooting area
The entire wall is inside or acts as a boundary of the shooting area: competitors may brace on any portion of the wall.
7.9.4.2 One post and field inside
One post and any part of the field is inside or act as a boundary of the shooting area: competitors may not brace on the post outside the shooting area, but may brace on the post inside the shooting area or the wall’s entire field.
7.9.4.3 Only one post touches
Only one post touches the shooting area: competitors may only use that post for support.
7.9.4.4 Entire wall outside
The entire wall is outside the shooting area: competitors may not use the wall for support unless otherwise specified by the WSB.
7.9.5 Bracing on barrels, dump boxes, and other props
7.9.5.1 Entire prop inside
The entire prop is inside or acts as a boundary of the shooting area: competitors may brace on any portion of the prop with their body or equipment.
7.9.5.2 Prop partially inside
In the case that the prop is partially inside the shooting area, or tangent to it, (for example, a single leg of a dump box resting on the ground inside the fault lines), the entire prop shall be available for support, provided the competitor does not touch the ground outside the shooting area with their body or equipment.
7.9.5.3 Prop completely outside
If a prop is completely outside the shooting area, it may never be used for support unless otherwise specified by the WSB.
7.9.6 Bracing penalty
Any shot fired while bracing in a way not permitted in this section will earn a per-shot procedural penalty (12.2).
7.10 Malfunctions
7.10.1 During make ready
During make ready, a competitor may safely correct any malfunction they notice with no penalty. If the firearm needs to be worked on off the stage, the RO will guide the competitor through safely unloading all firearms, and then the competitor will be given the opportunity to correct the problem or change equipment followed by shooting the stage further down in the squad order (or at a later time with RM permission should the schedule permit).
7.10.2 During stage execution
During the execution of a stage (i.e. after the start signal), a competitor may reasonably attempt to correct malfunctions while always adhering to safe gun handling principles.
7.10.3 Malfunction time limit
If a competitor takes longer than 2 minutes to correct any malfunction, the RO Team may either terminate the course of fire, or tell the competitor to “Switch to Handgun/Carbine/Shotgun” (5.12.3) depending on if there is still a firearm left to shoot.
7.11 Squibs
7.11.1 RO squib stop
It is recognized that squibs stuck in the barrel can result in catastrophic malfunctions and potential injury to the competitor or other nearby persons if additional rounds are attempted to be fired out of the firearm. As a result, any time an RO suspects a squib, they should issue the “Stop!” command and terminate the course of fire.
7.11.1.1 Competitor squib stop
If the competitor suspects a squib and does not receive a “Stop!” command, they must stop themselves and inform the RO of a possible squib. Eligibility for a re-shoot follows the same criteria as if an RO made the “Stop!” command.
7.11.1.1.1 Squib rule abuse
Abusing this rule in order to get a re-shoot is considered cheating, and the RM must be called if suspected. After discussing the situation with the RO Team, the RM will make a decision on any necessary action to take, which may include a Strike or Match DQ as covered in Section 13.1 or 15.7.
7.11.2 Squib reshoot eligibility
Eligibility for re-shoots after a potential squib:
7.11.2.1 True squib found
If the suspect firearm is found to have a true squib, the course will be scored as shot and any penalties will be assessed. No re-shoot will be granted.
7.11.2.2 False squib
If the competitor was stopped due to a suspected squib but the firearm is found to be clear, the competitor must re-shoot the course of fire.
7.12 Disallowed Actions
7.12.2 Purpose
A Disallowed Action will typically relate to safety or maintaining stage integrity, and may include things like restricting a problematic movement path or engagement angle.
7.12.3 Reshoot for disallowed action
If an action is committed by a competitor during their stage which results in the Range Master declaring the action as Disallowed, a reshoot is mandatory.
7.12.4 Repeat offense
Committing a Disallowed Action after being declared by the Range Master as such shall result in a Stage DQ.
7.13 False Starts and Creeping
7.13.1 False start procedure
In the event where a competitor begins moving out of the start position between the “Standby” command and the Start Signal, the RO Team will stop the competitor (regardless of whether the start signal is subsequently issued) and restart the Range Commands at either “Make Ready” or “Are You Ready?”.
7.13.1.1 No penalty
As such, no procedural penalties for false starts should ever be issued.
7.14 Clearing of firearms by an RO during the Course of Fire
7.14.1 Clearing procedure
ROs may clear firearms while the competitor is active on the Course of Fire. To do this, the RO must take the following steps while maintaining safe muzzle direction:
- Verify the safe dumping condition of the firearm
- Remove the magazine
- Remove any chambered round
- Verify the chamber is empty either visually or by retaining the chambered round.
- If possible, lock slide/bolt to the rear
7.14.2 Firearm placement after clearing
The RO may then leave the firearm in the abandonment position or return it to a Pre-Loading Area, safely transporting it with the muzzle vertical.
7.14.3 Competitor responsibility
After an RO clears a competitor’s firearm it remains the competitor’s responsibility to verify the condition of their firearm when they retrieve it. (1.1.1)