Stage Disqualifications
In all situations involving Stage DQs, the Range Master must be called to confirm the punitive action with the RO Team.
Breaking certain safety rules may not result in an immediately dangerous situation, but may allow for a potentially dangerous situation to develop if the competitor is allowed to continue. Instead, the Stage DQ is a penalty that stops any potentially dangerous situation from arising in the moment but allows the competitor to review their actions and apply corrections to their behavior for the duration of the match.
If one of these situations arises, the “Stop!” command shall be issued by an RO and the competitor’s score for the stage will be removed. This offers a less punishing learning opportunity than a Match DQ, giving the competitor an opportunity to continue the match with higher standards. If a competitor receives two Stage DQs at any point during the event, the competitor shall immediately receive a Match DQ (15.10).
14.1 Engaging steel targets at unsafe distances
Per Section 1.8
14.2 Dropping an unloaded or inert firearm
14.2.1 Procedure
If this occurs, an RO will issue the “Stop!” command, secure and check the firearm safely, and if the firearm is unloaded, the competitor will receive a Stage DQ.
14.3 Holstering a loaded handgun not in a Safe Condition
Per Section 2.6.
14.4 Keeping a finger inside the trigger guard while clearly not engaging targets
Such as while reloading, moving, etc. The RO shall clearly issue a “Finger!” warning when the incident is first noted and issue the “Stop!” command and Stage DQ on any further occurrence. ROs should only issue this warning if the trigger finger is clearly inside the trigger guard (not hovering around trigger guard).
14.4.1 Failure to hear warning
Failure by the competitor to hear the “Finger!” warning the first time is not grounds for reversal of a Stage DQ.
14.5 Prone with a holstered handgun outside of conditions listed in 7.6.1.2
Per Section 7.6.
14.6 Engaging targets while handling multiple firearms simultaneously
14.7 Engaging targets while a firearm is grounded or leaving the vicinity of a grounded firearm
Per Section 7.8
14.8 Improper abandonment of an unloaded firearm
Per Section 7.7
14.9 Committing a disallowed action
Per Section 7.12.
14.10 Using a prohibited firearm or accessory
Per 2.7
14.11 Physically displacing stage props to reveal unintended or previously unavailable shooting opportunities
Per Section 7.9
Other situations mandating Stage DQs:
14.12 Refusing to conduct a mandatory re-shoot
14.12.1 Consequence
A competitor who refuses to re-shoot a course of fire as ordered by a Range Official will receive a Stage DQ on that stage regardless of any previous attempt.