MATCH ETIQUETTE

Match Etiquette!

Drop a Comment to YOUR best advice for match etiquette!

This can be a tough one! Many new and even seasoned shooters, don't know or realize what to do at a match. Sometimes it stems from misinformation and improper training or simply......we don't know what to do!

Often times squads are self RO'ed. Meaning each member of the group spots impacts, runs time and enter scores.

Typically this is going to rotate through the group. Everyone should take a turn on something! Don't be the shooter that shoots and walks away until its their turn again.................that shooter is no fun to shoot with!

Competing in a match where members of the squad are doing nothing can be quite hard on the people that are managing the squad. EVERYONE should make an effort to participate!

It can be difficult for us to ask to be taught the ins and outs of tablets, spotting, what to say and how to approach all of it.....BUT......all you need to do is ask. Experienced shooters will assist you in making sure you know how to help out.

Getting your whole squad involved keeps the match moving and ultimately creates a level playing field for each shooter. If I spend all my time spotting, scoring and running time, I can't prepare for each stage as well as if everyone was giving me a hand. The same applies to each shooter.

What if I make a mistake spotting or scoring?!!?

Well....it happens. But usually there are plenty of people helping out and assisting that the mistake can be corrected. Mistakes happen and that's the best way to learn how to get better!

Things to think about to help out your squad!

Know the shooting order! Know who you follow and when it’s your turn. When you’re on deck, you should be all set and ready to rock!

Try not to bug a shooter who has just come off the line. Give them a minute to decompress and get ready to move on. They’ll answer questions after they are done with their post stage procedures.

Spot! Get behind glass of some kind and watch impacts. Even if you’re not the one calling “IMPACT” watch and learn!

Run time. The person running the timer needs to be confident and comfortable with the commands. “Shooter can load and make ready” , “Do you understand the COF”,  “Spotter Ready”, “Shooter Ready”, “Standby….Engage”. Wait for both the spotter and the shooter to confirm they are ready before starting time.

Learn how to enter scores in the tablet. Matches using Practiscore use tablets to score. They’re simple and easy to enter impacts. Impact Scoring utilizes a shooters phone to score. Both are simple and effective.

If you are shooting first or second on the next stage, it’s probably a good idea to move to the next stage to prepare. The rest of the squad will score and spot the current stage. If you shoot first on a stage, you’ll be last next time. Help score and spot after you finish your post stage routine.

Helping a shooter while they are shooting…….as a new shooter seasoned shooters can and will help you for your first few matches with target order and positions. But…….dont return the favor! Seasoned competitors should not be coached on the clock but can ask yes or no questions to the spotters to help get on track if they are lost.