Uspsa And Ipsc Relationship News

[Michaelvoigt1]

There has been much speculation concerning the USPSA Board of Directors IPSC resolution recently published with the minutes from our last in person meeting. I would like to dispel some of the incorrect rumors and explain how we have arrived at this point.

USPSA has a long history of regional rules that differ from the IPSC rule book. Since 2000, the USPSA has operated under an IPSC Executive Council waiver which officially allowed for these differences in rules and divisions. The process leading to the waiver has not always been pleasant by any means, but I believe that USPSA as the founding, largest, most active and most experienced region should be in an IPSC leadership role – not in a reactive position as in the past.

IPSC and USPSA competitions are guided by eight founding principles (listed in article three of the IPSC Constitution). These principles make our sport highly unique from other handgun sports and deviating from them will severely change (and in my opinion ruin) our sport. I view these principles to be as important and sacred as the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution. They may not be disregarded or viewed as “IPSC history”.

IPSC has reacted to a global tightening of government restrictions that we in the USA have not had to contend with. Many countries will only permit private firearm ownership with a valid reason. IPSC is an approved reason for owning a large caliber handgun in many countries. As citizens in the USA, the necessity for IPSC/USPSA membership to own firearms does not exist.

One of the current goals of IPSC is to pursue Olympic sport recognition of IPSC through the General Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF). This is an important step for IPSC worldwide, which I enthusiastically support. This recognition guarantee IPSC shooting in many countries for a good number of years due to their sporting federation rules, which mandate competition for all Olympic sports. But… IPSC President Nick Alexakos believes some of the steps necessary to achieve GAISF recognition include: not following the IPSC principles, removing all props that simulate a realistic scenario (vehicles, walls, windows, drawers, sinks, doors, etc.) and not publishing stages on the internet to name a few. These changes are contrary to the IPSC principles, fundamentally change the sport and are certainly detrimental to membership growth in the USA.

If you look at the current USPSA rule book, there are far less US rule variations than in past rule books. This has come about for several reasons. Committees were formed for each rule book with representatives from across the globe, including USPSA representatives on each committee. The IPSC General Assembly has adopted several USPSA rules into the latest IPSC rule book. Through real time involvement with IPSC rule discussions, the USPSA BOD has had input and understanding as new IPSC rules have been written. All of the above cause USPSA to be involved in writing the IPSC rules, instead of reacting to the IPSC rules. It also has allowed IPSC to understand the unique opportunities and problems we face in the USA.

IPSC President Nick Alexakos feels it is necessary to change IPSC into a more PC sport for long term survival. Many reports from regions at recent General Assemblies include: “we have increasing restrictions from our government”, “we can not shoot <insert shotgun, rifle or handgun depending on the region>, “we have less members”, etc.) While some regions are experiencing good growth, the majority of regional reports include some version of “Increasing governmental laws are restricting my region’s ability to shoot IPSC according to the principles of IPSC”.

In contrast, USPSA has experienced a continual growth in membership. Our firearms press is increasingly covering our sport. Shooting USA has placed many of our National Championships in front of viewers on both the OLN network and on Armed Forces Network across the globe. The Outdoor Wire Calendar is showing our championship match dates across the internet. NSSF is working with us to promote our ladies programs. We have firearms manufacturers working with USPSA as they see us as a valuable marketing area for their products.

USPSA has experienced much of our recent growth through our newer divisions and matches. Tactical Rifle responded to the 21st century use of optics on carbines and rifles. Tactical division in 3 Gun tournaments and Multi Gun matches responded to the actual firearms used these days in the field. Multi Gun matches responded to our member’s wishes to shoot the exciting matches where more than one firearm is used in a single stage while still rewarding major and minor power factors. Single Stack division has brought us back to our roots, showcasing the pistol that really put USPSA and IPSC “on the map” – the John Browning 1911 Single Stack pistol. (At least two other IPSC regions are currently shooting 1911 Single Stack division based on our USPSA rules). Production division has brought the most commonly purchased pistol owners and manufacturers to USPSA. All of these changes have brought us members from other competitive sports and increased media attention.

After all of the above, it is obvious that USPSA and IPSC are separate organizations which have united “for mutual welfare, and the furtherance of their common aims” exactly as spelled out in the IPSC Constitution. USPSA’s 15,000+ membership adds tremendous substance to IPSC when addressing the GAISF.

I addressed the 2006 Presidents Council in Panama with the USPSA BOD supported proposal of USPSA holding IPSC matches using the IPSC GA approved IPSC rules in the USA, as well as USPSA holding other types of matches (including current USPSA handgun, Multi Gun, etc.) in the USA under separate rule books. President Nick Alexakos supported this proposal and helped explain how this is similar to many shooting programs across the world. The USPSA BOD has agreed this agreement will be beneficial to both organizations.

I have requested a further extension of the USPSA rules waiver from the IPSC Executive Council in order to implement the necessary changes to make this plan a reality. We should have an answer immediately.

I have received an email today asking for a time/number for a phone call from IPSC President Nick Alexakos. I will certainly let all of the USPSA membership know where we are headed with IPSC as soon as decisions are made.

Michael Voigt

USPSA President

IPSC Regional Director – USA Region

IPSC Rules Committee Chairman

[ima45dv8]

Thanks, Michael. It'd good to get it straight from the source.

[benos]

Thanks for the post Mike. I'm going to lock it for now - you know, to keep it as an "announcement." Let me know when you get more info and I'll re-open the thread.

Thanks,

be