Nick Weidhaas Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I'm just getting back into USPSA and recently started shooting IDPA as well. S&W runs indoor IDPA and USPSA matches in the winter so I have been shooting there. My Son is 10 (11 in March) and he shot two local IDPA matches (his 1st) this past week with me. Our intention was for him to try a USPSA local match next month as well. He shoots a single stack 1911 (.38super.) He is very safe and mature for his age and gets good hits. He has been shooting rimfire rifle since age 7 and clays since age 9. He asked me if he could shoot a IDPA classifier match coming up. I called IDPA to get him sighed up and they told me he COULD NOT JOIN. I explained his shooting experience and was politely told sorry, no exceptions, write a letter to the BOD's if you want, but he can't join until he is 12. I asked where the age 12 minimum membership age came from or how it was established? They did not know. I then asked why he could not shoot? I was told for "liability reasons" he could not join IDPA until age 12. I then called USPSA and asked them if my son could join and shoot. They said of course, as long as he is safe and a parent will supervise him, no problem. I then proceeded to get my son a USPSA membership. Interesting how the two associations treat juniors differently. One welcomes them with open arms and the other slams the door in their face. I have to say that my local IDPA club was very supportive of my son shooting. It is IDPA HQ and this rule I take real issue with. Nick- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Sims Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 (edited) This is interesting, I don't recall IDPA asking for my age when I joined. I am 20 years past the young age of 12 but don't recall the question being on the membership application. Correct me if I'm wrong...... Is this rule in the green rule book? I guess maybe I should have read before typing.......Pg 45 in the green book says effective 9-1-97......members must be 12 years of age. Sounds like IDPA must have different lawyers than USPSA. Good luck to you and your son! Families that play together stay together! Edited February 22, 2004 by C Sims Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chp5 Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Interesting. Way to go USPSA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scandog Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 My 9 year old daughter will be shooting this year. I am starting her out with a .22 that she ca handle. This summer I plan to allow kids to shoot at our IDPA matches. We will just run them in and IDPA "LIKE" side match just for kids. They will all shoot for free and they will all get ribbons. Our club runs a weekend for the kids with the help of the NRA. I don't remember them asking to turn away kids under 12. The Kids get to shoot different types of guns. What a great concept, "Teach the kids safe gun handling skills". If IDPA doesn't want kids under 12, just don't get them a membership. Talk to your local match directors. I will bet they will set something up for the kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dunn Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 I would also talk to the local MD, I bet there are some that would let a safe 10 yo shoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Pinto Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Hi guys, For what it's worth, IPSC has no minimum age and a statement to that effect appears on the IPSC website here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trenavd Posted February 22, 2004 Share Posted February 22, 2004 Nick, You are doing it right, when my son was about 6 I read a sign at a shop that said "Take your son huntin and you won't have to go huntin for your son" I not only continued that I got into USPSA shooting with him, many years later we are still hunting and shooting together and so far I have never once had to go huntin for my son. Good luck to you and your son. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemo Posted February 24, 2004 Share Posted February 24, 2004 Nick, Don't let IDPA discourage you on bringing your son to the range and having him shoot. If he's anything like my kids he'll be excited upon receiving his USPSA membership card and the other goodies. Go to TGO's website and take a look at the KIDS THAT SHOOT section, there you will be able to show your boy other kids, including mine, that are involved in the sport. Those little guys are TGOs of tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Posted February 24, 2004 Share Posted February 24, 2004 My son has shown an interest in shooting, and I just ordered another holster setup so he can have his own gear. I have seen young kids shoot at our matches before, and it is great to see someone so young like the hobby. Good luck to you and your son on being able to convince the RO into letting him shoot. Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkS_A18138 Posted February 24, 2004 Share Posted February 24, 2004 My daughter started shooting when she was 8 1/2 at our local club. She started out with a P22 with a C-more on it. She shot her first big match in Dec. at the SA steel match and ended up 3rd in .22 div. I am still having her shoot the .22 just but she will be shooting a 38 super at the Lady Smith match in April. She just turned 9 in Jan. I have never been told by any of the USPSA clubs that she was to young. I don't understand what IDPA see's wrong! Our Jr's shooters are what will carry all shooting sports further down the road. 1st. FOCUS FIRST AND FOREMOST ON GUN SAFETY AND PROPER GUN HANDLING!!! 2nd. Don't except them to shoot well at first. It took 6 months for Shea and then she took a huge leap and now has been in the middle of the pack every week for the last 3 weeks. The greatest reward I have had with her shooting was a Master Class shooter complementing Shea on her safety and her gun handling. He told her it was the best he had seen in a long time. Like some of the others said don't let IDPA get you down. It maybe just that club! But I will say USPSA as far as I know is the only group that does focus on it's JR's!!!!! Mark S (AikidoGirls Driver and ammo slave) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPSCDRL Posted February 24, 2004 Share Posted February 24, 2004 Like some of the others said don't let IDPA get you down. It maybe just that club! But I will say USPSA as far as I know is the only group that does focus on it's JR's!!!!!Mark S (AikidoGirls Driver and ammo slave) It was not the local club that had the issue, it was IDPA HQ. The local club allowed the junior to shoot their match. I just hope this does not put a damper on the junior's enthusiasm. You're doing great dad, keep it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Weidhaas Posted February 25, 2004 Author Share Posted February 25, 2004 Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone. I am a firm believer in spending quality time with your kids. It is a big bonus when you kids enjoy the same hobby you do and get excited about it. The local IDPA club is very supportive and will let my son continue to shoot. It is IDPA HQ that I am upset with. I can't believe they are willing to turn away a junior member due to his/her age. Amazing. I am happy that USPSA is not this close minded and is willing to support junior shooters. IMHO, the big issue here is safety. My son handles his pistol (Caspian 1911 single stack in .38super) in a very safe manner. He gets all his hits on paper (he might miss a upper A zone once in a while, but don't we all). I believe it is the parents responsibility to make sure their child is safe when they bring them to a match. I have a friend who is not letting his son shoot matches yet, because he does not feel he is ready. This should be a parental decision. A junior shooter should not be limted by a standing rule made up by a BOD. Take care everyone and remember to take your kids shooting. Nick- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lance22 Posted February 27, 2004 Share Posted February 27, 2004 I have a 15 y.o. who shot IDPA with me last month. Nobody said boo about his age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1badcisco Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 I just started training the youngest recruit rto our club She is 10! As long as they are mature enough to understand the consequence of their actions and can control the gun, whats the problem. We need to start the kids young, as they are the future of the sport! My 2c worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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