I have hosted a monthly carbine match at our local club for about five years and have recently begun hosting a shotgun match. I was wondering what some of the match directors on this forum use as criteria for cancelling a match. The criteria that I have developed is based on safety, which is paramount. I will cancel a match when the conditions are dangerous, or if it is raining. If the ground is wet/slippery and there is a good possibility of a shooter slipping and/or falling with a firearm, I will cancel the match. However, I go to the range to make the determination, because occasionally it is okay when the surrounding areas aren't. Sometimes, if there is rain overnight, but the ground is in good shape, I will alter the stages so there is less or no movement.
If there is a forecast for 50% or more chance of rain, I usually cancel the night before because I have shooters that drive quite a distance. Although we are forecast to have wind gusting to 30 mph this coming Saturday, I haven't had a problem with wind before because the berms offer some protection. We stake the target holders and barricades to minimize blow overs. I have never called a match because of wind. We shoot in 30 degree weather and 100 degree weather. During the winter, we have had 20 degree temperatures while we are setting up ths stages. Some of the shooters that attend are die hards and get upset when I cancel, but I will always do it if the conditions are dangerous.
I am open to suggestions and would like to know what criteria other match directors use.
Thanks,
Gary