Barrettone

BDH, I don't feel that your post is much of a drift...It exemplifies what good, wholesome people the Rayners are, and why I feel we all love this sport so much. I wish more families were like the Rayners...I truly feel that the image they display is what causes others to flock to their match. They truly are the heart and soul of the "Buckeye". Can't wait to meet everyone there. Jeff

Well folks, The first ever PCC only match is in the books, and despite the threatening weather, we still had over 30 shooters participate in the event. We recieved quite a few opinions from people on their response form, and I would like to share them with you, and ask for your input as well, as the people on this board are very knowledgable when it comes to rules and procedures. I need this input to forward to Michael Voight for future considerations. First a little background. We recieved "approved" status to run this as a rifle match with a pistol caliber restriction of 9mm,38 super, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. We also were granted a limited 10 division for those with the guns that could only accommodate 10 round mags (mech techs, hi-point, etc). We utilized the new rule with chamber flags to enable competitors to travel from range to range without bagging them. We scored all guns minor. We have permission for 2004 and 2005 to run these matches in our section. Responses consisted of "this is a blast!!!", and people felt that it should continue. That was a hands-down consensus. I liken it to shotgun shooting. Anybody, on any given day, can be a superstar and win a stage without being a master class shooter, so it is very enticing to veterans and newbies alike. Hosing is fun too!!! A lot of people liked the cost-effectiveness of PCC from an ammo standpoint, and being able to affordably shoot a long gun on a handgun COF (9mm is cheap!!!). Steel could be shot with them (non rifle that is), and that was appealing as well. Lots of steel shootin' is usually a winner. Some people thought that power factor should be adjusted to accept major and minor (velocities are different in a long gun versus a pistol obviously). Also some people mentioned that a magazine capacity or length should be established. I contend that with limited 10 as an option, if you cannot get 40 rounders for your gun, and only 30's are available,,,dress down to L-10 and avoid the "arms race" if you feel that you can't compete with the 40 rounders, but opinions vary. Also, tactical needs to be addressed. We only ran open, standard, and L-10, but with the new rules, we need to discuss compensators, optics, etc. Also, can you tell me if people in your neck of the woods like this style of shooting, or if you think it would be accepted there. We run it in conjunction with our monthly hand gun matches, and score it as a rifle side match. A lot of people in our area have 9mm uppers, MP-5's, Berretta Storms, High Points or Mech Tech conversions for their handguns...How about your area??? Please post your thoughts. The beauty of having it combined with your monthly handgun is that you don't have to have many shooters at first to get the ball rolling and support it. It really isn't any added work, just a few extra mouse clicks for the extra division. You simply have to squad accordingly. For example if a shooter wants to shoot his handgun and PCC, he takes two slots on the squad list, and pays a second gun entry. Please let me know your thoughts on whether or not this would work at your club. I appreciate the help. Jeff -------------------- Obi One Kenobi

Well folks, The first ever PCC only match is in the books, and despite the threatening weather, we still had over 30 shooters participate in the event. We recieved quite a few opinions from people on their response form, and I would like to share them with you, and ask for your input as well, as the people on this board are very knowledgable when it comes to rules and procedures. I need this input to forward to Michael Voight for future considerations. First a little background. We recieved "approved" status to run this as a rifle match with a pistol caliber restriction of 9mm,38 super, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. We also were granted a limited 10 division for those with the guns that could only accommodate 10 round mags (mech techs, hi-point, etc). We utilized the new rule with chamber flags to enable competitors to travel from range to range without bagging them. We scored all guns minor. We have permission for 2004 and 2005 to run these matches in our section. Responses consisted of "this is a blast!!!", and people felt that it should continue. That was a hands-down consensus. I liken it to shotgun shooting. Anybody, on any given day, can be a superstar and win a stage without being a master class shooter, so it is very enticing to veterans and newbies alike. Hosing is fun too!!! A lot of people liked the cost-effectiveness of PCC from an ammo standpoint, and being able to affordably shoot a long gun on a handgun COF (9mm is cheap!!!). Steel could be shot with them (non rifle that is), and that was appealing as well. Lots of steel shootin' is usually a winner. Some people thought that power factor should be adjusted to accept major and minor (velocities are different in a long gun versus a pistol obviously). Also some people mentioned that a magazine capacity or length should be established. I contend that with limited 10 as an option, if you cannot get 40 rounders for your gun, and only 30's are available,,,dress down to L-10 and avoid the "arms race" if you feel that you can't compete with the 40 rounders, but opinions vary. Also, tactical needs to be addressed. We only ran open, standard, and L-10, but with the new rules, we need to discuss compensators, optics, etc. Also, can you tell me if people in your neck of the woods like this style of shooting, or if you think it would be accepted there. We run it in conjunction with our monthly hand gun matches, and score it as a rifle side match. A lot of people in our area have 9mm uppers, MP-5's, Berretta Storms, High Points or Mech Tech conversions for their handguns...How about your area??? Please post your thoughts. The beauty of having it combined with your monthly handgun is that you don't have to have many shooters at first to get the ball rolling and support it. It really isn't any added work, just a few extra mouse clicks for the extra division. You simply have to squad accordingly. For example if a shooter wants to shoot his handgun and PCC, he takes two slots on the squad list, and pays a second gun entry. Please let me know your thoughts on whether or not this would work at your club. I appreciate the help. Jeff

Twix, Just FYI, we run 3 gun the second eekend of the month up here in Michigan...about 4-4.5 hours from Indy, if you want to attend more 3-gun. More info at: Livingston Gun Club Jeff

Hey Flex... As Cam said, we both are bringing down RV's...My wife is scorekeeping while I run a stage, and Tom said we could plug in down there. We are really looking forward to it. I saw the video of our people shooting last years (what a soaker!!!!!), and met the Rayners when they came up to the Michigan State sectional last year. They are quality people, and I can't wait to help them. Besides, I gotta go down and beat that little brat of theirs that had the audacity to whip my a$$ on my home range!!! That little beggar is a hell of a shot...and he's the YOUNGER of the two brothers (what a pistol this kid is...got a funny comment for everything). I missed the pleasure of getting flambasted by the older one, as he had a sporting event that weekend. Of course, with names like Jesse James, and Josey Wales, yer kinda screwed from the get anyway. I went out and bought the best open gun I could find just in the hopes that he won't beat me with that plastic toy gun of his (Glock) in the overall. My wife is coming along just for the comedic value of seeing me lose to 'em!!! Jeff

He's been freshly bitten by the IPSC bug. He'll settle down once the swelling goes down and his Visa bill arrives (talk about sobering). Soon he'll be riding the Sempta match bus with the gas prices the way they are. But for now...he's in May the alphas and thy ammo be plentiful and thy wife be forgiving as major match season is upon us. I pray to the IPSC gods for your soul...for it appears you have sold it. HEAL THIS MAN, that he might return to his family and forsake the evil temptation that is IPSC, for he is riding into oblivion. Good luck, Cam...I hope you shoot well!!! Jeff

Talked to Tom Rayner last night...All sounds well. I'll be working a stage for him. I don't know which one yet. Just look for the biggest barrel of sh*t you've ever seen RO'ing someone, and it's a pretty good guess that it's me. he-he I hope the weather is good...that place just seems to have a dark cloud over it on match days. Tom said that it has rained every match day so far this year. Sheesh...the law of averages better get off its a$$ and catch up!!! See ya there, Jeff

Alright Guys and Gals...Last call for the match. It is this weekend (Memorial Day weekend-Sunday). Get that Mech-Tech, Storm, AR, M-11, or whatever else you plan on runnin' ready!!! Go to Livingston Gun Club for further info. Hope to see you there!!! Jeff

Alright Guys and Gals...Last call for the match. It is this weekend (Memorial Day weekend-Sunday). Get that Mech-Tech, Storm, AR, M-11, or whatever else you plan on runnin' ready!!! Go to Livingston Gun Club for further info. Hope to see you there!!! Jeff

Open B...Just barely made the bump. I'm probably gonna get creamed...but I got that B card!!! Probably shoulda sandbagged and stayed C. Jeff

The rules posted on Area 1's webpage are only meant to address multi gun. The new long gun rules document, including tactical, is a much more extensive document, and should be made available soon. There are some USPSA policy issues that are holding its release. We'll get them soon enough. Jeff

Hey Guys, One question comes to mind...We talked about it previously, but the new MG rules don't seem to address it. If a competitor can be required to carry two guns, but not have to use them simultaneously...What if the competitor starts a COF by shooting his rifle, then transfers to the handgun and slings his rifle for later use in the COF (or simply has a start position of handgun in holster, and rifle loaded and slung, safety on) and is proceeding through the COF. His muzzle on the rifle is liable to break 180, and a possible DQ. They don't address slung rifles, conditions, etc...Did I miss something???? To me, it seems that this could pose a problem!!! Please advise fellow jedis. Jeff (new call sign Obi One)

Thanks for clarifying what I thought I had heard. It seems that the BoD has bigger fish to fry right now (obviously), and a few newly illegal classifiers can wait. Just wanted to bring light to the situation. For the life of me, I can't remember the other two that were specifically mentioned besides X-Mas. I'm sure it will be ironed out, and that it is just one of those growing pains that must be endured when new rules are formulated. Until then, the flexible one has approved X-mas (I'm assuming) for Buckeye, so we'll enjoy it while we can. After all, after the match we could be sending it off to Valhallah. I find it ironic that Buckeye chose a stage where you gotta hit the dirt (er...mud) if they have their typical "monsoon match". Gonna have to get real down and dirty for this match!!! If anybody can think of the other two that might become illegal due to new rules, please chime in. Thanks, Jeff

Flex, This needs to be confirmed...but , an RMI told me that they has done away with X-Mas as a classifier. Specifically, it was Jay, and it was last year. Anybody else out there in Enos Land know about this??? Anyway, it was told to me that 3 classifiers were being kabashed. Please advise if this is rumor mill or factoid. Don't wanna make waves, but I also don't want Buckeye running an extinct classifier. Please advise. Seems to me, that it would have been printed, or a new book would be out. Maybe this is tentative pending the new classifier book, and I misunderstood??? It is possible that they willbe eliminating them in the future , and that is what he meant to convey. Jeff

Hey guys: I have an important question to ask regarding this very issue. I have designed a stage for our Area 5 3-Gun that actually allows for doubles. I have placed them together to enable a limited shooter to clear them as well as an open shooter on my shotgun COF. Now under 2.1.8 of course construction, it states that "care must be taken with the physical placement of paper targets to prevent "shoot-throughs". It also states under 4.5.1, that "the premature activation of metal or activating targets" requires a REF ruling, and therefore a re-shoot. However, if the course design SPECIFICALLY states in the set-up notes, RO notes, and the course description that the designer wishes the placement of targets to call for "doubles", then the targets in my opinion, are not being activated prematurely. I think Flex has eluded to this is previous posts, but I want the issue to be addressed specifically, as it has implications in my match. If someone feels that it is REF for metal targets as well, then tell me if this includes frangibles (12.5.5), as I see no mention of doubles on frangibles in the rulebook. Thanks, Jeff

Paul B. Here are a couple of posts that were done discussing what you are proposing. I feel that it is a VERY viable solution to bringing the nationals into areas that USPSA thinks cannot hold them. Jeff Barrettone Posted on: May 2 2004, 10:27 PM Replies: 2 Views: 120 BTW...A second thought would be to entertain an effort that involves two clubs in close proximity to one another going in together so they have the facilities required. We looked at it from that angle too. You could run shuttle buses if they were, say, within five miles of each other. It doesn't necessarrily have to be two IPSC clubs. Look into IDPA ranges that are close also. They will often rent their ranges. We were close to brokering a deal with a nearby IDPA club until we came up with our change over idea. Combining resources can be an effective way to meet the Nats criteria for hosting the match. Remember...outside the box. Jeff Forum: IPSC or USPSA Discussions · Post Preview: #154662 Nationals Suggestion Box 2 Barrettone Posted on: May 2 2004, 10:04 PM Replies: 2 Views: 120 OK Guys and Gals, I think we are onto something up here in Michigan. We are hosting a 14 stage match (Area 5 3 Gun) with only 7 bays. How you say? We have a changeover. We have a four day format. Thursday, Staff shoots handgun. We have a changeover that afternoon. The stages are designed in such a way as to modify a few walls, possibly reverse the flow of travel, and modify the target arrays so the shooter does not even feel the remotest sense of Deja Vu. We simply stake the stands in place (add witness paint marks also), video the stage, and have a stage crew standing by, so an hour after the last shot goes off, we can change over to long gun. Then Friday staff shoots long gun, and Saturday competitors shoot long gun. We then do the change-back to get the handgun stages for the competitors to shoot on Sunday. See where I'm going? Everybody thinks they have to have 18 bays to have 18 good stages. That isn't necessarily true. You have to think outside the box here. Say you do this with the nationals. You could have a crack unit who handles the change over. You run the first day with stages 1-9. You then do a change over and shoot stages 10-18 on days 2 and 3. Finally, you change back for day 4 to 1-9. You would shoot the match staff prior to iron out any potential problems or pitfalls before the match starts for competitors (they are afterall a SEPERATE MATCH). You can squad people to shoot day 1 and 2 or day 3 and four with only two changeovers. You could also add days and expand as necessary. Could you IMAGINE how many clubs would be instantly capable of hosting a Nats??? They simply need the parking to accommodate the match. I'm telling you...this can be done, and we plan to prove it in July. All you need is a 10 man change over team, and it can be done while still maintaining a level playing field for competitors 1 to 1001. Staff... you just have to bring your "A" game. OK folks fire away. This is gonna get good!!! Jeff Forum: IPSC or USPSA Discussions · Post Preview: #154660

Dale: I'm sure you are right, and that it is merely a perception. But that still doesn't mean that it shouldn't be addressed to clear the air and help promote the "nationals learning process". I think we need to more effectively get the word out that we NEED people to come out and learn about major match production. Most of us will never RM or MD in anything above a level III, but it does help to ELEVATE the area and sectional matches when people "earn their stripes" at a nationals event. We just need to make the experience a little more user-friendly (IMHO). People need to feel comfortable, and need to be guided in the right direction. Unfortunately, not being open, or not addressing this type of concern leaves the prospective RO in a sort of "limbo" as they aren't sure it is for them. To get them to commit, they need to be approached, and reassured that it is a beneficial experience for them as a RO, and to their home club. I think an outreach program is in order. Something in the NROI column perhaps??? And I mean on a regular basis. Not a one-time wham, bam, thank you m'am. We need to educate people on how they can get involved in major match production, RO'ing at higher-level matches (areas, sectionals, etc). Tournaments are a great place to start, as they have a formality and for lack of a better term, strictness, that would foster a sense of respect for adhering closely to the rules...even at the local level. It would upgrade matches across the country, and help maintain a consistent baseline nationwide. A column dedicated to getting more involved would be helpful. Imagine if people all learned to chrono from Greg Lent (OK...I hear he's eccentric, to say the least), or learned stats from "the girls of USPSA" (gosh, I need to get into "stats"), or were able to learn how to MD by walking beside a Ray Hirst at Nationals? I don't know about anybody else, but I will have my notebook out, and will be listening a hell of a lot more than I talk. I'm a youngin' (only 35), and have learned that educating those around you helps alleviate the burden on yourself, as there are more people to spread the workload around. I don't want to burn out in 2 or 3 years, so everytime I learn something, I tell the 20-30 RO's and CRO's that we are fortunate enough to have at our small club. They grow, the club grows, and we all reap the benefits of only having great matches, and best of all, we only need to MD once a year since there are so many qualified people to do the work. I can show up and just shoot if I want to, and be rest-assured that our club is gonna have a bang-up match (pun intended)!!! Just tryin' to help...I tend to look at the big picture a lot. Jeff

Oh, BTW Kurt...I can't believe they even PROCESSED my app for USPSA. You'd think they'd at least do a background check or something to keep the riff-raff out!!! Jeff

Kurt: Sorry...I should have clarified. 3-Gun is in its infancy as it relates to USPSA. And I know...you HATE the red book. I think I've heard that from other people on a few occasions . Anyway, I agree, that the rules need to be better adapted to 3-Gun if it is to flourish. I hope it gets done soon so we can all type less, and shoot more!!! Jeff

Brian...I have been waiting for this issue to come up, and been slobbering to answer since I read the post!!! Here goes: When I attended the tournament directors seminar in Orlando last November, I was VERY intimidated!!! Not by any one individual, but with the whole experience...at first. I was greeted by Ken H. from Texas with the statement of: "You're here with the "who's who" in USPSA...The shakers and movers". I was awe struck at first. I even felt out of place somewhat. But then, as the weekend wore on, an amazing thing happened...These were just people who wanted to help the sport, and they are no different than me!!! A little more experienced in major match production to be sure, but they weren't super-human. Now, not for an instant do I believe that Ken meant to intimidate me...rather, I think he meant for me to pay attention, and listen a little more than I talk. I can live with that, and I did learn a lot. My credentials may look good on paper: CRO, asstinat MD at a level III tournament, and a few club matches, but in truth, I had only been in USPSA two years, and had attacked the NROI process only because my club did not have a CRO to sign off on the match (level III...a requirement) if our guy we had backed out that year. Luckily he didn't, and we had a great match due to some very experienced people in our club. In short, somebody had to get official credentials in a hurry, so I did it for the club, but I was a greenie. Anyway...By the end of the weekend, this relative newbie was starting to relate to these "icons" in USPSA, and after working up the nerve, I brought up the issue that has people in my neck of the woods not officiating at the higher levels. I asked Denise and Arnie why the nationals match staff was always to same old group of tight-knit cronies (the usual suspects) that shunned newbie match staff, and kept them from participating due to their cold reception. They were shocked!!! They said that they felt it was the other way around, and that they wished other people would offer to help. I am working my first nationals this year, and will let you know what I think afterward. Suffice to say though...and I have heard this from more than a few people...there are some people that feel that national match staff is a bunch of elitist, snooty sorts that are part of "the click", and don't treat the newbie RO's with much respect, and feel that they are better than everyone else. It may just be part of the US vs Them mentality in the shooter ranks, but some of these people are level I RO's...so it does give me pause. After the TD seminar was over, I didn't feel this to be true, but I was at one of those "in crowd" events, so I may have been given special consideration...not really sure. But one thing is for sure...some people have the perception that I outlined above. We'll just have to see how it plays. I don't see how some people can feel that working a match in 100 degree heat for a week is something a snobby person would want to do, so the naysayers opinion does give me pause. This brings me to my next point...Nationals. All the senior staff that I have encountered ( even someRMI's) have indicated to me that nationals is a pressure-cooker, and it is even mentioned in the level I and II courses. It is true, due to the fierce competitiveness for titles, prizes, glory and such (emotions do run high I understand), and I can see how it can be tense at these events...but advertising this is a bit intimidating to new pupils in the NROI ranks, and they are turned off before they even consider the possibility of working one. We have to bring people along, and nurture them, and instill confidence...not intimidate. Even fellow club members tell these people this, and unless you are a type "A" personality with a set of whoombas like me who can maintain control of said personality traits, then you probably won't ever try it. You're afraid of the match staff, the competitors, and frankly, the whole experience. Most people will say: "Screw the experience...I am not burning all my vacation time to get kicked like a dog by some pompous ass (CRO, RM, top competitor)!!!". RO's, CRO's and RM's need to be firm, yet approachable and strive to maintain a level playing field for all the competitors (and competitors need to not abuse the volunteers). That is sometimes not an easy mix. I think I have what it takes, and am willing to make the jump to hyperspace. I may be stuck up on that God-forsaken hill, sweating my ass of, with no water, with John Amidon as my RM (with a bullhorn), running a stage with 6 movers, with two speed shoots right before my stage with the two greenest RO's they could dig up, but by God Almighty, I will not have a bottleneck, and I'll get 'em through in 3 minutes!!! That is just my attitude, so I am willing to let 'er rip. But most people aren't as gung ho as me, and willing to learn at all costs and just go for it. I think this an issue that needed to be brought up. Some of the above people may have these other "issues" that they have mentioned, but there is an underlying perception such as the one I have described, and it needs to be attended to and addressed in a public forum (ala Front Site) to clear the air and bring this issue to the forefront. We need to show that the "higher-ups" want to use nationals as a training tool, and make that fact well-known if it is the case. Let's face it...the air is different at nationals events, and that air can sometimes be suffocating. As a side-note, the idea to return to a single pistol nationals (for understood cost considerations) does not allow people to gain nationals match staff experience and still shoot in their division. Last year, for example, you could work factory gun and then attend limited nationals as a competitor. That option is not there any longer. It does present a problem, as people want to shoot too, and the RO match just isn't the same for some people (amount of stages, prizes, etc...I, however, could care less, as I am there to take this knowledge back to my home club.). I understand also, that there could be thoughts (from competitors) that there was some impropriety if a match staff person won the match when they were being run by their NROI "cronies" on a seperate day or days. It's a tough mix, and does complicate things in regards to getting the match staff required for these events. This is just what I have observed...I hope it gives this board something to ponder. Jeff

Good observations Kimel...I would like to know that info myself. It would go a long way in strategizing how NROI goes about educating the masses in the most cost-effective way. That type of data could prove invaluable in furthering NROI's effectiveness and help structure it in a more user-friendly way. As for recognizing our "crown jewels"...I do not think you could be more right. These guys are the ones who really elevate USPSA in the shooting world, and continue to foster well-educated range staff at the local, area and national level. Now where the hell did I put MV's email address??? We gotta get him on the horn. Jeff

I have to agree with Troy on this guys. There is a MUCH BIGGER PICTURE than you are seeing. Suspending one rule DOES HAVE a cascading effect on the other rules!!! Target engagement with the wrong gun, condition the gun is left in when advancing, order of engagement, how the range is cleared, procedurals, handling of 3-gun carts, do we mandate flagged chambers between stages, etc.... It creates a logistical nightmare to insure that the CRO on range 6 is making the same calls as the CRO on range 9 without a COMPREHENSIVE RULEBOOK. Consistency would suffer, and would leave the competitor saying "WTF"??? I'm as pissed as all of you are about this process dragging on, and a nationals that is 6 weeks away with multi-gun stages with no CONSISTENT RULES formulated. This isn't a level II sectional guys and gals...THIS IS THE USPSA 3-GUN NATIONALS!!! OK, OK, you say that attendance suffers compared to the other "premier" 3-Gun matches...If that is what it takes...another year to get it right, then so be it. Listen, I LOVE 3-Gun, but there is a bigger picture here. Pistol matches are still the biggest motor that drives the USPSA machine, and while I do not want to alienate the 3-gunners, we have to follow the USPSA rules to honor our commitments to IPSC. Otherwise, we become a rogue, and jeoprodize our power base. 3-gun is stillin it's infancy. Look at how many MAJOR matches are pistol-only, and how many MAJOR matches are 3-Gun...'nuff said. 3-gun WILL BE a bigger motor one day, but right now, it needs to be handled with care within the IPSC (USPSA regional) rules. If not, then we are throwing the baby out with the bath water. So the IPSC "mindset" is really due to people understanding where our bread is buttered, and coming to an amicable solution to achieve a good (and fair) result for ALL involved. This comes at a price, and that is that it takes more time. It is human nature to want things now, and be impatient...but never lose sight of the BIG PICTURE. It is easy to say "just throw that rule out"...but the cost in the LONG RUN will be far greater than if you took the time to do it right the first time around. Things have "slipped under the radar" for long enough at the local and even sectional level already. That has got to stop or USPSA will lose credibility with it's constituency. Look, I'm the Co-MD for the Area 5 3 -Gun, and believe me, I'm sh#tting tacks right now over the rules, and what effects they will have on our match. How do I get my RO's, and CRO's on the same page with such short notice? How will I maintain that all-important "level playing field" for my competitors? What effects will it have on my already-approved level III stages? These are just a few of the questions that I don't think many of you are answering to the n'th degree. Because trust me, if we don't...the competitors will, when their devious minds begin the gaming process, and this can have disasterous effects for both the match, and ultimately, SAFETY. The only solice I take, is that we are after Nationals, and poor 'ol Monte is the guinea pig. Sorry Monte...but better you than me!!! In short...I CARE ABOUT 3-GUN, and where it goes. Let's just get it there intact, and piss of as few of the people as we can. We can't make everybody happy, but we can try to please the masses. Can I get an amen??? Jeff

reneet: I am not too proud to wear a wig if the price of rooms is right. Besides, I've always wanted my own harem. Do you think the inn keepers would notice??? Shaving is a deal-breaker though. I'm still getting razzed by some old college buddies from the last time (razor burn sucks!!!) . I look a little better than the guys in the Bud Light commercials when I'm dressed to the nines (sundresses really show off the legs) . Stilettos are a bit rough on the range though (no fishnets...I'm not promiscuis). Maybe we could work a deal...laundry in exchange for gear toting??? Let me know what the other ladies think. I give a mean foot rub. Your (hopefully) roomie, Jefferini Lots of bad visuals out there right now...

Oh BTW...I left out the 15 Match Directors that we have to spread that burden around as well. Jeff

Here is something that I wrote on the Area 5 page to give some helpful ideas for recruiting help for these large matches and also helping to prevent burnout: A lot of potential newbies are intimidated by everything that goes into making our sport safe. By explaining things to them, we help them to understand why IPSC shooting is the safest thing going. We also do a club-level RO and MD class to let them get their feet, before they get certified. 90% go on to become level 1 or better, and even if they don't, these classes help promote strict compliance with the rules even at the club level, as all the instructors are certified. Remember, education is power, and the only true way to prevent the dreaded "burn-out" that is far too prevalent in our sport. If you pass the torch of education, you perpetuate the cycling in of new shooters, and ease the workload of others (such as yourself) so that they may enjoy the sport more. This must be done at the club level. In just 3 years we now have 12 Level 2 CRO's, 20 Level 1 RO's, and 10 club level RO's (clip board holders). In short, we are stacked to the hilt, so nobody gets burned out. Our club is only 150 members, of which, maybe 75 shoot IPSC. So we are not overly large. You've got to get the newbies involved early while they are fresh. I hope this information proves useful to some of these clubs that are experiencing staff burn out. I'll be at the Buckeye helping out the Rayners with a stage...Hope to see you there!!! Jeff