GlockSpeed31 Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Thing that really bothers me, is when a shooter is at the firing line, getting ready to shoot his/her stage and you have a group of other shooters right behind the line in a full, loud conversation. I've been shooting IPSC/USPSA for about 13 years, off & on, and run into this "problem" (my problem I guess) over & over. After about a year when I first got into this sport, we had a "Top Shooter" come to our indoor range to shoot w/ us. It was a few days before the Area match and he was wanting to practice a little. When he stepped up to the line to shoot, I was standing about 10 feet behind him in a soft conversation with a more experienced shooter on how I should try to shoot this stage. The RO and the Shooter stopped, looked back at me and told me to be quiet. The range was so quiet you could hear a mouse fart. Everyone was treating this guy like he was the "Pope" and was about to speak. Now imagine how I felt, being a "D" class shooter (at the time), trying to learn more about this sport. When I was the shooter at the line, no one was quiet for me, in fact it sounded like a local sports bar. I guess all that I'm saying is when you are the shooter, you like it to be quiet so that you can get into you "Zone" and try to shoot to the best of your abilities. So give the other shooters the same respect when they are trying to shoot. If you have to talk at that same time, step away from the shooter, give them their equal time, whether they are a new shooter or a GM. Now I know that some of you are probably saying "It doesn't matter to me if someone is right behind me in full conversation when I'm about to shoot. It doesn't throw me off". Well, that is fine for you, but what about the other shooter. You don't know how they truely feel about it. Instead of the shooter having to break his/her concentration to ask you to hold it down, just give them the same respect that you would for that "Super Squad shooter". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tightloop Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 I suppose it depends on your comfort level with the club, match, fellow shooters, etc. My buds and I used to intentionally harass each other on the line, but then we did make an effort toward decorum when others were on the line.. Just my thoughts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiG Lady Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Shooters at my local lead palace really shut the %@*&$% up when range commands begin. It's not only practical it's just polite. When you've got about 30+ pumped-up people with guns milling about in very close indoor quarters (with their reputations on the line, among other things) they get real respectful of space and focus real quickly. We ARE allowed to have a partner call time for us behind us or even have someone give low-voice coaching calls behind us if we wish, but general chatter is pretty much NOT DONE. Moreover, with ear protection on during a shoot (and the shooting noise itself) the need to talk loudly would mean the chatter would be a lot of shouting. It just isn't done here in our particular setting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chutist Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Since I've come back to the sport. I've notice the guys at my local club are pretty bad about this, I can deal with it but I think it hinders some of the shooters ability to hear the beep. We've got some guys that are hard of hearing to begin with! Then try and sort out the beep from the background noise..... When I R.O. I've taken to quieting them with a look or a raised hand as I begin the commands. I'm hoping they catch on.... It's just courtesy to the shooter on the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Run n Gun Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Doesn't bother me if World War 3 is going on behind me. This one pretty much sums up my attitude, my whole world is reduced to an A zone and a buzzer. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixgun Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Doesn't bother me if World War 3 is going on behind me. This one pretty much sums up my attitude, my whole world is reduced to an A zone and a buzzer. Ed Well said. It's all about how focused you are. I shot competitive archery for many years, and have had shooters right next to me do or have something goofy happen. I never find out about it untill after my shot is executed. My buddies all say " Didn't you notice..." I think you have to have a mindset of "tunnel focus", where you are only concentrating on what needs to happen, be it a start beep or your pin is perfectly centered on an IBO X ring. My $.02. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tightloop Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 It is rather like the dog that ran across the green during a tournament as Arnold Palmer was putting. After the round someone asked it the dog bothered him as he was putting and his comment was, "What dog?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Di Vita Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 I'm trying to remember the name of a movie with Kevin Costner in it. He was a pitcher and whenever he was on the mound you got his perspective. The crowd was going absolutely nuts, but as soon as he started to pitch you could hear the entire crowd fade away. Cool flick. If I'm focused, someone could be blowing an air horn next to me and while I would hear it, I wouldn't allow it to distract me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeeper Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Jake, For Love of the Game His line was "Clear the mechanism" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Di Vita Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Jeeper, Thanks. I need to go purchase that movie.... Think I just found a new signature line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalmas Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 It should not be like golf or tennis where even if you are 1 mile away you have to stand still and be quiet or the whimp on the "line" will bitch and moan, but some respect should be given to the shooter on the line so that he can do his business. I like to have some peace while I prepare to shot mainly so I can hear the buzzer because I always use plugs and muffs (I'm extremely scared of going deaf - family history of sudden permanent deafness). Still enough to hear the buzzer is my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 I've only been disturbed by people talking one time, and it was just a few weeks ago. I was shooting a new 9mm and it was having multiple failures to extract, so I was irritated by the gun. Then a friend started harassing me about it, and a friend of his whom I barely know joined him, thinking it was okay. Well, the friend of the friend turned out to be really annoying and just wouldn't stop. On the fourth stage, it was starting to get to me, so I solved the problem: when I went to the line, I turned the speakers on my ear protection "off." But I can't remember having been bothered by noises or conversations in the past or since then. The key was that I was already on edge, the guy who was riding me didn't know me well enough to be such an a**wipe, and he just wouldn't quit. Had it been a conversation about anything else, I probably wouldn't have noticed it much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentG Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Im guilty but I try to not be real loud, I do make an effort to not bother the shooter. Heck socializing during the match is half the fun. If it bugs someone and they let me know I would understand. I've golfed with some pretty anal players. I hope I wasnt the one Joe, I did torment you a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 Kent, you absolutely were not the one that was bothering me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasag93 Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 I phase everything out, but I know that it bothers some so as an RO I will usually give the "noisy bunch" a look. That will last for awhile and then I have to do it again. Common courtisy is to shut up but it is rarely quiet behind the line. It doesnt bother me what so ever. I literally hear nothing when I get to the line. TXAG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 It bugs me occasionally, and I usually just shot off the electronic ears. As an R.O. I try to be conscious of it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ankeny Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 It doesn't really bother me other than I get pissed to be surrounded by inconsiderate, rude people so I have to shake that off, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 you know i don't ever hear was goig on behind me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Johnson Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 DISCLAIMER: I started IPSC last November. My experience is limited to club matches. I don't even have a classification yet. I guess you could think of this as the man in the street's opinion. Being a FNG I get miffed when someone drowns out/interrupts a stage briefing. The old hands may have heard this a million times but it's new to me. Once the briefing is done it's a different story. If I'm not the first shooter I use the time available to work on my strategery. I listen to the experienced shooters and drive them up the wall with questions (Patrick Sweeney has the patience of a Saint). I keep the volume down (or clam up altogether) if the area is crowded and the starting box is close to the peanut gallery. Otherwise it's time to start planning my next amazing performance and I can use all the constructive criticism I can get. I don't see why anyone should object to this (except maybe Patrick ). This isn't the PGA. Seems to me a shooter should be able to deal with noise on a firing line. If the shooter and scorekeeper can hear the RO it shouldn't be a problem. If yacking behind the line is verboten that would put new shooters in a tough spot. They would lose access to a wealth of real-time coaching/feedback (did I mention Patrick has the patience of a Saint?). That would make IPSC less appealing for new shooters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD45 Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 The only time that it matters to me is while listening for the beep. Some of us don't wear electronics to be cool; we can't HEAR!!!! After the beep I don't give a shit what you do. Would it be so hard to give the half-deaf ten seconds of silence? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paraman1 Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 I dont mind people talking quietly but there are some people who feel they need to be LOUD LOUD LOUD when talking . I dont mind talking but please dont act out the battle of the Bulge with sound effects while I am waiting for the buzzer . After the buzzer do whatever the hell you want . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 I like to keep a range clear of close chatter during LAMR if possible when I RO shooters, but have to admit guilt to making conversation without concern for the shooter and getting the old stinkeye myself on occasion. I don't really care about noise myself and just want to get on with LAMR when I shoot. The only thing that bothers me at all during LAMR is being hurried. I'm not slow, but I will shake a start off if I am not ready. "Shooter Ready?" is a question, not a statement and if you aren't, you aren't. I don't push anyone to get going when I run-em, I just crank on the turn time between-em. That's what matters, so that the extra time is available to the shooter during LAMR. -- Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcoliver Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 It never really bothered me that the peanut gallery is loud. However, I just found out yesterday, RO's whispering in your ear about the previous shooters time when you LAMR doesn't go to well with me when it's time to shoot. ..sorry, just had to get that out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasag93 Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 It is "Are you ready" and it is more a statement than a question. I won't say "are you ready" until the shooter appears ready. I do not need a positive reply for "standby", just not a negative reply. But... it is nice to be able to hear the range commands without a bunch of racket in the background from other shooters. TXAG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j1b Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 I've never been bothered by idle chatter - and can't recall a time when someone was really load. The only time the gallery comes into play for me is when I have to turn and draw - I never look out into the crowd. I pick a point on the ground, and don't look up until the buzzer. I do remember a time when TGO was getting ready to shoot the last stage at a nationals. He was about 4 points behind Jerry. Jerry had already shot, had a decent run, but a beatable run. TGO was primed at the pump. After LAMR he's charged, ready to go, and a horn, or beep, or something goes off in the background. I feel like I could tell he heard something. He didn't really react, but somehow you can just feel the distraction. The first two targets were about 3 feet away - literally - with no shoot cover. TGO shot a no-shoot with his first shot. I've known and shot with him for many years. He is a pressure guy. Not only is he not affected by pressure, I think he thrives on it. In that particular circumstance I have to believe that the noise in the background distracted him a little. JB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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