Poorly Run Competitions

[CO-Exprs]

One of the areas where USPSA has done a great job is to standardize not only the rules but match etiquette and expectations in professionalism. People don't get to run the clock until someone is confident in their competence. I don't think I got to touch a score sheet for my first 6 months and I didn't run a timer for my entire first year. Unfortunately, in Multigun we don't have this level of standardization and with so few matches it can take several years for someone to become a good RO. I have been shooting 3 gun heavily for several years and am relied upon as an experienced RO, when in truth I feel as though I am just getting started and still have a lot to learn. In addition, multigun matches draw in a very diverse crowd, from seasoned competitors and operators to couch ninja, tacticool guys there to try out their new toys. I wasn't at the match in question, but it sounds like you fell victim to high expectations intersecting with inexperienced RO's. I am glad however that you took the time to mention the issues you saw. I will be directing my first match soon and the pressure to execute a properly run match is high. I will be very prepared for what I know, but I am chilled by the prospect of being ready for what I don't know.

[rondog]

I shoot by myself, more peaceful that way. I shoot to relieve stress and angst, not acquire more.

[skullybones]

I shoot by myself, more peaceful that way. I shoot to relieve stress and angst, not acquire more.

I wouldn't let one bad recount of a competition deter you from checking it out. There are some very professionally run competitions in the area.

[TheBelly]

I was nervous the first time I showed up to a competition. Hoser took care of me and made sure that everyone knew I was a new shooter. I took that as a good thing because everyone was able to help out... .and help out they did!

[thermobollocks]

A couple of those things I wouldn't worry about at a level one match. I used to have really strong opinions about taping targets behind the shooter, UNTIL I went to the 3gun matches in Raton where you don't shoot 4 stages in a day without resetting behind the shooter. Even USPSA has provisions for that, where you can have a delegate challenge a scoring call. I basically decided that the return:effort ratio was way too low.
Spotting rifle hits is kind of a pain in the nads. A designated spotter with at least Dick's Sporting Goods grade glass cuts down on questionable calls, however from a shooter's perspective, I have to yield the call to the RO, and from an RO's perspective, I'm doing the best I can, and while I'd like to improve, the shooter's attitude matters. I have no idea what the format was of the place you were at -- sometimes stages can be a lot tougher once people start shooting them than anyone could predict. On top of that, stuff like the MGM flashers, people will splatter the bolts allll the time, and if it doesn't wave the card, it's not a hit.
#2 is why I like to have at least a rudimentary WSB. Sometimes clubs can get really into their own special groove, and maybe not understand that there's some parts they _have_ to cover.
#3 and #5, the RO's being a dick, holy shit.

[Tim K]

I was nervous the first time I showed up to a competition. Hoser took care of me and made sure that everyone knew I was a new shooter. I took that as a good thing because everyone was able to help out... .and help out they did!

I tried to help. I only turned your windage dial one complete revolution when you weren't looking. I could have been an ass and turned it two revs.

[Zach O]

I was nervous the first time I showed up to a competition. Hoser took care of me and made sure that everyone knew I was a new shooter. I took that as a good thing because everyone was able to help out... .and help out they did!

I was very nervous. Tim K took me to a PD match in Pueblo. And I remember you were spotting hit's when I was shooting. When my string was up, you pulled me aside and told me where I was hitting and how I needed to adjust. Thanks for that. I tell everyone that story when they tell me they would like to try it. Everyone one was a huge help and made it just that much better!

[TheBelly]

My first prairie dog match, I planned on just observing. Sean had other ideas and said, "Here, use my spare gun and ammo." Then he gave me the ammo meant for his super fancy gun, which meant that he was out of that match. I promptly tried to give the whole kit back so he could finish up, but he refused.

i have always been humbled by the shooting community in CO, which is why I support as much as I can... Want to try a pair of socks? Here. Need a hand with setting up/tearing down? I'll stay late. Need a video about what 2nd focal plane really means in your optic? Done.

[quickdraw]

I have to ask, and I'm surprised nobody else has, what match was this so we can avoid it (sorry if I missed it somewhere)? TIA

[rondog]

I wouldn't let one bad recount of a competition deter you from checking it out. There are some very professionally run competitions in the area.

It's not that, I just prefer to shoot by myself. I go so rarely that I don't want to be constricted by rules and waiting, just want to do my thing. I'm not really into group activities of any kind, and really don't care for competition. Loner by nature, I reckon. I might go to a meet to watch sometime, but that's likely all I'd do is just watch.