mactiger

It's called an "Executive Order." No need to bother the BOD with a rule change. Actually, this was voted on at the board meeting as part of the technology update topic. Since it's not a rule (even though it's in the rule book, it's not and never has been a rule--it's a policy printed there for informational purposes), this policy change does not require board approval. It has been approved, however.

Duly noted, but let me point out that the rules were out for member comment for a little over 3 months.

There is no move to Open. Period. Our way is simpler to measure and to understand, IMO; IPSC language calls for measuring the handgun grip as well. I can imagine the controversy that would cause if we can't seem to decide where to measure here. And, lastly, what is an NIH mindset? Troy

I'll make a few points here and then you can go back to your regularly scheduled arguing. Regarding rule 5.2.5: First, the 2 inch measurement is taken from the grip, which is the part with the scales or grip panels on it, to the inside of the inner belt up against the body. Everybody I've ever asked to adjust their holster did so willingly and without complaint, and I've helped a few people with that adjustment. I've never made that measurement off the body, fwiw. If you continue to read the rules in that section, you'll see that it only mentions having to comply. There is no penalty for non-compliance up to the point that you are requested to make the adjustment. If, after making the adjustment, you move it back when the RM or RO isn't looking, and get caught, then the provisions of 10.6 would apply. I've never had to do that. And, as some of you have mentioned, it's more noticeable when the gun or magazine (reloading device) is WAY out there. Sticks out like a sore holster? It's a simple matter of complying with the rule when or if you get caught, and there is no provision for moving to Open, since Open division shooters must comply as well. I will say this: almost every time I've been called to measure a competitor's equipment, or noticed it myself, the competitor had no idea that there was a 2 inch limit. I don't consider that cheating. Non-compliance once you've been instructed to adjust the equipment is a different matter, however. See 10.6. See 5.2.5.2 and 5.2.5.3. If your anatomical considerations preclude getting the gun or magazine within the 2 inches, the RM has some leeway, and he can also require you to move or adjust your equipment. The grip, as I said, is the grip panel or scale, not the magwell, not the safety, not the magazine release button. Look at the picture, Appendix E2. You'll note that the measurement is high up on the grip, but it's still on the grip, not the safety, cocking lever, scope, etc. The slide stop (or slide release) lever is not a reloading device. Neither are your hands, the magazine release button, the magwell--you get the picture. Magazines, speedloaders, and moon clips are reloading devices. We don't have an official definition of a "reloading device" because it's pretty well spelled out in the appendices, and we didn't think we needed one. Again, look at the pictures in Appendix E2. Also, take note of the text in Appendix E2, which is definitely a part of the rule book: (All Divisions) In accordance with Rule 5.2.5, the maximum lateral distance of the handgun and mag/speedloaders from the inner side of the belt is specified in Appendix D, Item 10. Which says: Maximum distance of handgun and mags/speed loaders from inner side of belt Handgun and Mags - 2” Note that this applies to all Divisions, and is in the Division requirements section of the Appendices. No mention of "reloading device" in here, so I doubt that an arbitration would get you much, except a lighter wallet. You'd still have to adjust your equipment. Disclaimer: this is my opinion, based on many years of dealing with the rules, competitors, and matches. But I believe it to be the right call. Carry on. PS: A field expedient way to measure is to slide an overlay between the inner belt and the grip or magazine.

I fixed that. I also have a summary to post, just need to make sure it's "clean". Troy

Exactly correct.

I made several formatting corrections so that the hidden areas can now be seen. I would hold off on downloading anything until after Monday, because there may be a few more issues to correct.

I fixed the problems with 9.1.4 and 9.1.5. Should be re-posted on the web page soon, if it's not there already. troy

It is going to be maroon. I'll check the .pdf. I think it was clean when I sent it. PM me with anything missing also. Troy

Yes. Women can wear lowered loops (no lower than the top of the femur) in all Divisions beginning in February. Troy

Area 4 will not change dates, either. I suspect we'll have very little overlap due to geography. I've been in contact with Steve and we are both good with the dates. Troy

Shoes, like other personal equipment, are not regulated by our rules. Same thing for knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, hat, glasses, all your clothing,e tc. The only thing the USPSA rules regulate are your gun, holster, belt, magazines and mag pouches. Everything else is up to you. Troy

Every Gator match that I have been to after blake threw his mag at the stomp box, they have always specified in the stage description that the activator(stomp box) must be activated by your foot. And they specify it with emphasis when you are squaded with him. lol It was not specified this year, at all. It's not legal to specify that, and if I'm RM, it won't be. Troy

The 2014 Area 4 match will be held at Old Fort Gun Club, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, on August 28-31, 2014. Please check the web page for details--the page will be updated shortly.

Just an FYI regarding Jeff's throw--perfectly legal, as long as he can do it safely, and there is no "Blake Rule" in effect there, simply because that would be a local rule and those are not allowed per the rule book. It was an outstanding match: thanks to all the competitors, sponsors, and staff who made it possible. Looking forward to next year!

Crossbones LLC provide the BCG's that were on the prize table. Email: David King <david@crossbonesllc.com> to thank him. As soon as I can did out from under 3 Nationals, I'll take care of any missing plaques. Troy

No, you posted it here. If you want to help them out, call the office. Also, waiting to be asked is not necessarily volunteering. Troy

You are all thinking that the popper had to be down to have activated the max trap. Moving targets can be set to activate at any point the activating mechanism's movement, so this one could have been set to pop really early. If the original shot rocked the popper enough to trip the max trap at the point it was set to trip, it's not activated prematurely--it's activated, period. A miss is the appropriate call on the popper. Troy

5.4.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5

Why don't you call them up, get the information, and get it done for them, then? Your assumptions are way off base, and the fact is that you are speculating. Finding problems without offering solutions is bitching, plain and simple. Troy

There are 22 stages in the match, with 18 places to go on the squad matrix.

Thank you, Troy. That's clear in situations where any magazine greater than the capacity allowed by local legislation is prohibited without exception. But the question still remains - are grandfathered magazines with highter capacity allowable in a USPSA match where new competitors only have access to the lower capacity, or is the club/match admin required to use the lower capacity limit for all Divisions, regardless? This!!! This question is not answered in fact I would argue that the proposed wording means no grandfather clause no pre existing equipment. Nothing. If your state, or federal says 8 round mags from here out then sorry Charlie, you may lawfully possess standard capacity mags and shoot em all day long per applicable laws for pre ban equipment but once you shoot under USPSA sanctioning you be become day one neophyte as far as equipment goes. Make allowances for level playing field amongst newcomeres. But don't ban equipment which I legally can use outside of USPSA! Again, I'm speaking for myself and not the entire board, but I think I understand the rule. So, let's keep our collars on and think about what the rule actually says. First off, this proposed rule does not ban anything. USPSA is not in the business of banning legal equipment. We are, however, concerned about the legal implications involved in not specifying that a match director, in a state or other location that does not allow standard capacity magazines, can limit the magazine capacity at his/her match to comply with the law. (And not get into legal trouble) Secondly, if standard capacity magazines are grandfathered, i.e., legal to use if you already have them, then this rule doesn't prevent that. Third, the comment, "Make allowances for level playing field amongst newcomeres." (sic), seems to imply that we should create some special division for new shooters who don't have standard capacity magazines, and let everyone else play with their existing magazines. Not exactly equitable. Although, I suspect that "grandfathered" magazines would not be hard to get. In NY, I don't understand all the nuances of their law. I've heard that 10 round mags are allowed in competition, and I've heard all kind of other things. However, if you can't legally own more than a 10 round magazine, then this rule says that's what everyone shoots, because that's the letter of the law. USPSA isn't banning anything. We are merely saying, "comply with the law in your area". Troy

I'm not speaking for the entire board here, but basically the mag capacity rule is there to level the playing field in states, such as NY, where they've passed a maximum magazine capacity law, and to keep everyone there legal. What it's essentially saying is: go by the letter of the law.

I like Jay's suggestion and I'm actively working to make that happen. Even though the BOD only meets in person twice a year, there is nothing preventing us from having either online or teleconference meetings to vote for rules changes and other matters. Troy

Not enough information. If the safety was off, DQ under 10.5.11. If not, stop him and re-clear. Not so fast. Making assumptions gets us nowhere. If the gun was loaded, then yes, it's a DQ under 10.5.11. If the competitor had unloaded and failed to drop the hammer by means of pulling the trigger, the RO must stop him, have him demonstrate the gun is clear, and then have him dry fire the gun prior to holstering. A cocked hammer on an empty gun is not automatic grounds for a DQ. See my earlier post for more information, and also 5.2.2. Again, this is an RO having control issue more than anything. Troy