USPSA Question

[vbirddogs]

In a tier 3 match when no rain is expected, should the top of the target sticks be trimmed?

 

[rwj]

Used to know from my MD days. If not expressly addressed in the rule book, contact your local section coordinator or area director for clarification.

 

[Titandriver]

How high above the targets are the sticks? I don't believe it is mandated in the rulebook that they be trimmed flush with the target but you'd think a level 3 match would go the extra mile as far as presentation goes.

 

[vbirddogs]

I'm just curious, we have a huge match this week, I trimmed all my targets for the stage I'm running and now the MD wants me to replace them because he says the sticks need to be left on! I thought at one time this was the preferred method of target presentation!

 

[Titandriver]

I'm just curious, we have a huge match this week, I trimmed all my targets for the stage I'm running and now the MD wants me to replace them because he says the sticks need to be left on! I thought at one time this was the preferred method of target presentation!

Dang! Is the match director fairly new to the sport? What is his reasoning for you changing out your target sticks? I'm assuming all your targets will be on one stage only so the presentation would be consistent. Now if your targets would be mixed with the long sticks on a stage then I could perhaps see why - otherwise it makes no sense!
Pretty certain IPSC recommends, or requires, target sticks to be trimmed due to the shape of the "stop sign" targets.

 

[Titandriver]

Check out the USPSA online rulebook section 4, which defines targets and their use. Nowhere could I find a requirement that sticks "need to be left on"!

 

[vbirddogs]

No, I'm pretty sure that I'm right, I was mainly wanting to see if others out there felt the same way. Our MD is a little whacky, very type A, and a control freak! I thought I did a great job getting my targets done right, and as a master level shooter myself, I appreciate it when targets are presented in a clean manner, without sticks popping up and obstructing your view, and possibly bullets, to other targets.

 

[Titandriver]

Agreed, you did a great job building those targets! I'm a GM in Open & Limited and have been shooting IPSC/USPSA since 1988 - so I've seen just about every half-assed target presentation imaginable! Sounds like there will be no reasoning with the MD, can't imagine he'll be around for long by pissing off the folks that are doing the work on-the-ground.