broadside72

Shoot the left targets from within the fault lines then run around to the front and from within the forward projection of the side fault lines shoot the rest from as far away as you want

There seems to be one post that implies it is okay to go under and another that says otherwise. Then the rest is speculation or off topic. So what is the ruling here? The WSB declares the bottom is open so without a fault line and the wall does not go to the ground, what rule(s) would you use to penalize a shooter that simple shoots the left and runs around the front? Or what interpretation of what rule and why? The stage name is "Technicality"...

I'll jump in on this one as I think gamers are not cheaters and cheaters are just that, cheaters. Gamers "game" the rules but work within then as the edges, trying to eek out every advantage but stay legal.

I say not supposed to because of several things. An RO's response or how they ask the question could be seen as coaching. The shooter's response could purposely be incorrect to force contact with the RO but they "changed their mind at the last minute". There might not be a specific rule for it, but when Troy gave my RO class he said to not do it for reasons similar to above. The RO has a job to do. Maybe s\he should just stick to that. I've RO'd noobs and GM's and only once did I have contact with a shooter (incidental contact after the last shot). I've never asked a shooter, that wasn't in my new shooter class, the direction they were going.

As an RO you aren't supposed to ask that and as a shooter you have no obligation to answer or follow through if you do answer.

The problem with not being close as the RO during a retreat is if there is a malfunction or other reason the stage needs to be scored as shot its not possible if you aren't capturing the shots correctly

This will eventually lead to dedicated squad RO's and hopefully they get comp'd or discounted match fees for the trouble. But some days I just want to shoot... It would be nice if there was a pool to draw from at each local club. Maybe I'll propose that where I shoot.

It happens to me often but as a volunteer sport, would you rather squad with your buddies or have the matches go away because not enough people are willing to be more than just a shooter?

I am not talking about 100% retreat, I am not a fan of those either, especially as an RO. My main question was about having to back out of areas 4-8 feet where the otherwise main flow is L<->R or downrange.

I have been tempted to make some of my 20-26 round stages be Virginia just to irritate people

My local range has class for new to USPSA and part of it includes retreating and going around a wall. You need to pass that class and not get a DQ your first match or you take it again

I don't disagree at all. I kept telling them it's part of the game. There are DQ rules if someone is unsafe. I just don't want my stage designs ignored because they often have retreats as options

Some folks balk at having to retreat for portions of a stage. Are they really that bad? RMs and MDs at some locals have expressed safety concerns as well. But I'm of the mindset that they are unavoidable and should be practiced and are perfectly reasonable to have. I do not like stages that are 100% shot in retreat but having to move into a space or two and back out 4-6 ft seems reasonable to me.

Disassemble it first

Often hard to know if it went into battery as the RO though at the time you need to call stop because you thought you heard a squib.

If you suspect a squib call for stop but be able to defend why you called it. If it wasn't one they get a reshoot but if it's messed up a really good run for the shooter expect the angry eye. But I agree PCC can be hard to tell.

Since you mention Uncle Mikes but not if they are the kydex or fabric ones, if they have a flap/retention attached at the Standby command, you need to use it. Rule 5.2.5.3 But yes you can use the doubles in Production since the pouch itself holds the mags individually

A holstered firearm is considered inert, loaded or not. Is it smart? Debatable. Is it legal? Yes

Muzzlng yourself or someone else is not a safe direction. But I won't call you for muzzling yourself but i will for doing it to someone else. Once the gun is apart or otherwise non functional then it's ok

"or failing to comply with 2.4.1"

USPSA 2.4.1

You should mark the muzzle direction on the bag or have some other reference point. Muzzling rule applies at the safe table! I use the locking end as the muzzle end. Gun always goes in the same way.

I haven't squared with my buddies in a long time because the MD balances the squads not just for size but for ROs as well. I often get moved to help RO other squads since for locals we don't do dedicated. I do prefer when there are 3 or 4 people willing to RO on each squad, otherwise it makes for a really long day and my shooting is impacted.

and no tactical reloads or shooting to slide lock!

But that is how you get division stage and match wins. Nothing like taking first and last place at the same time by being only competitor....