Classifications - how does it effect you?

[ironb]

Soo... I shot my first classifier. According to my results, it puts me at a 'C' shooter. I still need 3 more classification scores before I get classified. Should I just have shot that same stage three more times? Is this something I can do? Does it matter if I have a higher or lower classification; ie, how does this effect me?

[chirpy]

No, you have to shoot 4 different classifiers. Check out the USPSA web site and they explain the system there.

www.uspsa.org under additional info...classification info.

Richard

[L-10_shooter]

If its your first classification I think you have to shoot six and they take the best four. I just got my first classification and that is how it seemed to work.

[JThompson]

If its your first classification I think you have to shoot six and they take the best four. I just got my first classification and that is how it seemed to work.

Not true...

1. Classification hit factors will be input every month. All classifiers received at USPSA headquarters on or before the 10th of the month will be input that same month. Those received after the 10th will be input and reported the following month.

2. For initial classification, shooters who have 4 or more valid, different classifier scores input at Headquarters by the 10th of a month can expect to receive their classification card by the end of that same month.

3. For reclassification, the most recent 8 unduplicated classifier scores are used for determining classification percentage, the two lowest which are not duplicates are dropped before averaging the remaining high six.

4. If a shooter's membership has been expired for more than two months, classif er scores are not entered for him/her. Once a membership is renewed, classifier scores will again be entered for that shooter.

5. If a person shoots a hit factor that results in a final score of 2 percent or lower on a classifier it is not entered. That score does not count for credit for shooting the four diff rent classifier scores required for classification.

6. Effective January 1, 1997, if a classification score for one category is more than one class below the shooter's other category, the low score will not be entered. No category class will be more than one class lower than the other.

7. A person may be up-classed if the percentage he receives at a major tournament match (e.g.: Nationals, Area matches, some large Sectional and State matches, Tournaments, etc.) is in a higher class than his present classification status.

8. A person may be down-classed if the shooter requests in writing a review of is classification record; if there are no scores on record for at least one year in his assigned lass; and if the president of his club, or the Section Coordinator, writes and verifies that the shooter's ability actually is in the lower class requested. Final decision to down-class remains with President of USPSA. (Special circumstances may be considered in cases of severe, permanent injury.)

9. If a person loses his classification by dropping membership for a period of three years or less, he shall be reinstated in class according to previously known ability once he resumes competing.

10. All classification score sheets must be returned toUSPSA for entry. Neither the Range officer nor the Competitor may cross out or invalidate a score, and that future revisions to the classification score sheets reflect this change in policy. (adopted 2/1/98)

11. If a shooter is not classified in a particular category, the first four scoresheets will be accepted regardless of percentage, but the shooters initial classification wil not be more than one class lower than the other category. (adopted 2/1/98)

Edited April 14, 2009 by JThompson

[ironb]

If its your first classification I think you have to shoot six and they take the best four. I just got my first classification and that is how it seemed to work.

Not true...

1. Classification hit factors will be input every month. All classifiers received at USPSA headquarters on or before the 10th of the month will be input that same month. Those received after the 10th will be input and reported the following month.

2. For initial classification, shooters who have 4 or more valid, different classifier scores input at Headquarters by the 10th of a month can expect to receive their classification card by the end of that same month.

3. For reclassification, the most recent 8 unduplicated classifier scores are used for determining classification percentage, the two lowest which are not duplicates are dropped before averaging the remaining high six.

4. If a shooter's membership has been expired for more than two months, classif er scores are not entered for him/her. Once a membership is renewed, classifier scores will again be entered for that shooter.

5. If a person shoots a hit factor that results in a final score of 2 percent or lower on a classifier it is not entered. That score does not count for credit for shooting the four diff rent classifier scores required for classification.

6. Effective January 1, 1997, if a classification score for one category is more than one class below the shooter's other category, the low score will not be entered. No category class will be more than one class lower than the other.

7. A person may be up-classed if the percentage he receives at a major tournament match (e.g.: Nationals, Area matches, some large Sectional and State matches, Tournaments, etc.) is in a higher class than his present classification status.

8. A person may be down-classed if the shooter requests in writing a review of is classification record; if there are no scores on record for at least one year in his assigned lass; and if the president of his club, or the Section Coordinator, writes and verifies that the shooter's ability actually is in the lower class requested. Final decision to down-class remains with President of USPSA. (Special circumstances may be considered in cases of severe, permanent injury.)

9. If a person loses his classification by dropping membership for a period of three years or less, he shall be reinstated in class according to previously known ability once he resumes competing.

10. All classification score sheets must be returned toUSPSA for entry. Neither the Range officer nor the Competitor may cross out or invalidate a score, and that future revisions to the classification score sheets reflect this change in policy. (adopted 2/1/98)

11. If a shooter is not classified in a particular category, the first four scoresheets will be accepted regardless of percentage, but the shooters initial classification wil not be more than one class lower than the other category. (adopted 2/1/98)

vegas doesnt have classifiers but once a month...so it's going to take me 4 months to get classified? that seems like a long time. also, how does my classification effect me? can i shoot at nationals? (it's in vegas!)

[Flexmoney]

ironb,

You can shoot any Major USPSA match...no classification required (you need to be an USPSA member to shoot Major matches, but not local matches).

If you really want to learn about classification...try hitting the search page here...tons and tons of info already posted.

[bbbean]

vegas doesnt have classifiers but once a month...so it's going to take me 4 months to get classified? that seems like a long time. also, how does my classification effect me? can i shoot at nationals? (it's in vegas!)

If you're only shooting regular club matches, yes it'll take 4 months. However, many clubs will shoot "special classifier matches" once or twice a year. These matches will feature 4 or more classifiers, and you'll have a classification at the end of the day. You may want to check around with other clubs near you to see if and when they'll be shooting special classifier matches.

As long as you're a member of USPSA, you can shoot the major tournaments. You won't take home any prizes, but you'll still have a great time and learn a lot.

[cnote]

If its your first classification I think you have to shoot six and they take the best four. I just got my first classification and that is how it seemed to work.

Not true...

1. Classification hit factors will be input every month. All classifiers received at USPSA headquarters on or before the 10th of the month will be input that same month. Those received after the 10th will be input and reported the following month.

2. For initial classification, shooters who have 4 or more valid, different classifier scores input at Headquarters by the 10th of a month can expect to receive their classification card by the end of that same month.

3. For reclassification, the most recent 8 unduplicated classifier scores are used for determining classification percentage, the two lowest which are not duplicates are dropped before averaging the remaining high six.

4. If a shooter's membership has been expired for more than two months, classif er scores are not entered for him/her. Once a membership is renewed, classifier scores will again be entered for that shooter.

5. If a person shoots a hit factor that results in a final score of 2 percent or lower on a classifier it is not entered. That score does not count for credit for shooting the four diff rent classifier scores required for classification.

6. Effective January 1, 1997, if a classification score for one category is more than one class below the shooter's other category, the low score will not be entered. No category class will be more than one class lower than the other.

7. A person may be up-classed if the percentage he receives at a major tournament match (e.g.: Nationals, Area matches, some large Sectional and State matches, Tournaments, etc.) is in a higher class than his present classification status.

8. A person may be down-classed if the shooter requests in writing a review of is classification record; if there are no scores on record for at least one year in his assigned lass; and if the president of his club, or the Section Coordinator, writes and verifies that the shooter's ability actually is in the lower class requested. Final decision to down-class remains with President of USPSA. (Special circumstances may be considered in cases of severe, permanent injury.)

9. If a person loses his classification by dropping membership for a period of three years or less, he shall be reinstated in class according to previously known ability once he resumes competing.

10. All classification score sheets must be returned toUSPSA for entry. Neither the Range officer nor the Competitor may cross out or invalidate a score, and that future revisions to the classification score sheets reflect this change in policy. (adopted 2/1/98)

11. If a shooter is not classified in a particular category, the first four scoresheets will be accepted regardless of percentage, but the shooters initial classification wil not be more than one class lower than the other category. (adopted 2/1/98)

vegas doesnt have classifiers but once a month...so it's going to take me 4 months to get classified? that seems like a long time. also, how does my classification effect me? can i shoot at nationals? (it's in vegas!)

Your classification as "C" for the one match is really nothing compared to where you landed overall in your division. If you beat a couple of B's or an A, you shot a great first match. The classification will come over time, but some shooters shoot matches far better than their classification, while others are classified higher than there overall results at matches. Compare where you finish, but most of all have fun, safely

[ironb]

okay, so if there are 4 stages and they are all "classifiers" then my friends and I should be all good?

[Ed K]

okay, so if there are 4 stages and they are all "classifiers" then my friends and I should be all good?

If you mean to run them all in 1 night, you can't do it. The club may only submit 1 classifier to USPSA per month. Because I shoot in the frozen north, we are allowed to submit our max of 12 per year in a shorter time.

Unless you get permission (in writing) from your SC to run a special classifier match. This consists of 4 - 6 classifier stages. Your club may do this twice per year, with advance permission.

Here's a link for you.

http://www.uspsa.org/classifiers/NCCB_4ed_2008.pdf

Hope this helps.

Ed

Edited April 14, 2009 by Ed K

[Ron Ankeny]

It's pretty common for a local to shoot a special a month or two before a Level II or Level III match that is held in the area. If you can find a special and get the scores input before a major match you will be good to go. If not, just like Flex said, no classification is necessary. Of course you also have the option of shooting at more than one club.

Heck, if you want to come to Wyoming I'll run a special for you and your buddies at our next match.

Edited April 15, 2009 by Ron Ankeny

[murkish]

To get back to the original question, "Classifications - how does it effect you?"

It generally depresses me and makes me want to take up synchronized swimming.

[AlamoShooter]

To get back to the original question, "Classifications - how does it effect you?"

It generally depresses me and makes me want to take up synchronized swimming.

Kind of funny I was thinking close to same response. but My "How does it effect you"? is more like ....It embarrasses me some times

Edited April 15, 2009 by AlamoShooter

[G-ManBart]

okay, so if there are 4 stages and they are all "classifiers" then my friends and I should be all good?

If you mean to run them all in 1 night, you can't do it. The club may only submit 1 classifier to USPSA per month. Because I shoot in the frozen north, we are allowed to submit our max of 12 per year in a shorter time.

I've shot a classifier match and had all four input in the same month.

[ironb]

okay, so if there are 4 stages and they are all "classifiers" then my friends and I should be all good?

If you mean to run them all in 1 night, you can't do it. The club may only submit 1 classifier to USPSA per month. Because I shoot in the frozen north, we are allowed to submit our max of 12 per year in a shorter time.

I've shot a classifier match and had all four input in the same month.

ron,

when's your next match? wyoming isnt that far away from me (although if you're close to SLC it's much easier!) i can fly my piper mirage up there in a few hours, no prob.

[ironb]

but my big question still...how does the ranking effect your entry into other matches? does it? are you competing against people of the same ranking? how does it work?

[kgunz11]

Yes, you compete against others in your division of your same class, and of the division overall.

[G-ManBart]

but my big question still...how does the ranking effect your entry into other matches? does it? are you competing against people of the same ranking? how does it work?

It depends on the match in some ways. Generally speaking kgunz11 has it right. For awards (other than winning a division or high lady/mil/LE etc) it's you versus the other folks of the same class in the same division, i.e. all Limited C shooters are competing against one another for awards. Prizes depend on the match. Some award special prizes for first C, before second B (if that makes sense). Others go strictly by overall placing within your division and it doesn't matter what class you are. R,

[eric nielsen]

ironb -

Some [okay, many] will not appreciate this, but here goes:

If you completely ignore the classification system, and completely ignore prizes, you will be on the fast track toward becoming a much better shooter, one who gains much more satisfaction than any prizes can provide.

You could work on how to shoot the classifier stages better, those are valuable skills. And work on climbing higher & higher up the Combined Overall sheet - if your local clubs still print those. That means you're shooting better, with whatever gun you shoot.

The rest is just futility. With 42 classes, everyone can be the champion of something [and nothing] every week.

[ironb]

ah...okay, so it sounds like it's better to be a really good 'C' then a crappy 'B' in a prize tournament? very interesting. I really don't care about the prize thing though, so I think having bragging rights amoung my friends of being a higher rating sounds like more fun...

[kevin c]

The classification system is supposed to be a measure of your skill compared to other shooters in the sport, but it turns out that it is only a rough approximation at best, and sometimes is radically off the mark.

It may be fun to have a classification, but bragging rights go by order of finish in a match, not what's on your USPSA card. And it can be embarrassing to shoot well below your class.

It's good that you don't care about the prizes. "Sandbagging" - deliberately shooting in a class below your actual skill level, is not generally looked upon favorably.

So I'd say it's better to shoot for fun, to improve your skills, and let the classification be a reflection of your progress, not a proof of your accomplishments.

my $0.02 worth

kc

[ATMester]

Desert Lake Shooting club web calendar

They have a classifier also once a month.

This makes it 2/month in Vegas.

[Get'em Duck]

Not sure about your neck of the woods, but I just started shooting and we go to two different clubs and shoot so i should have my classification in two months. though it doesn't effect me too much. I just push my self to beat my friends....lol

I don't look at or shoot against people in my class (U right now) I look at it over all. I see how I compare and finish as a whole and what I need to work on to catch up to the top guys. I shoot Single Stack but still look at open and limited guys alike. If I can get to where I can run close to those guys I'd be happy?

To me a classification is just a measurement of your growth. Say you start your summer as a 10% D shooter but by the end of summer you are on the verge of breaking over to C you improved over the summer and your practice is paying off. how ever if you are still at 10% at the end of summer you know your method of practice needs to change so you can get better.

[ironb]

Desert Lake Shooting club web calendar

They have a classifier also once a month.

This makes it 2/month in Vegas.

Yeah, there should be, but there isn't a classifier this month at Desert Lake. I dont see anything on the schedule for May either, but I'm sure Allen (the nice guy who runs the matches at DL) will have a classifier in May if he's around.

[Ron Ankeny]

Actually, I think a shooter's classification effects everyone else more than it does the shooter with the card. If you don't perform exactly as expected, you will be either a grandbagger or a sandbagger. If I had it to do all over again I would avoid classifiers like the plague. Oh the fun I could have had shooting in C or D class with A class skills. Then I would make a fast and hard push for GM just so the folks who called me a sandbagger would go freaking nuts.