-Robert A. Heinlein
The shooting matches my Lovely Wife and I compete in are called "Polite Society Matches". The rules are simple, the scoring is simple. Here are the rules as posted by the Firearms Academy:
Mission Statement: F.A.S. Tactical Matches are held for the education and enjoyment of the participants. They will consist of several scenario-type stages of fire, designed to depict real life or potential deadly force encounters, along with shooting exercises designed to test self-defense skills with firearms. The discipline of self-defense with firearms is one in which valid survival tactics and techniques are coming to light as an on-going process. We hope to fuel that process through critical thinking, experimentation and valid research. The shooter is encouraged to respond to the scenarios as close to real-life as possible, and to give match directors and range officers critical feedback when appropriate. THIS IS NOT A SPORT, and should not be treated as such. There is no division of equipment or classification of shooters. We hope that you will participate to learn, enjoy and help us all develop good self-defense skills. Unless otherwise indicated for a specific scenario, the following rules of engagement are in effect. The match director has the right to modify or change these rules to fit a particular scenario.
Scoring: All stages will be scored on a Pass/Fail basis. If a shooter commits a tactical error that could get himself or someone else killed, he fails the stage. Examples of tactical errors include:
1) Exposure to hostile targets. Shooter allows himself to be exposed to any hostile target for longer than 2 seconds without first engaging that target. When using cover, the R-O will be the judge on whether or not you are using cover effectively. You may only expose that portion of your body necessary for you to neutralize that particular target. If not, he will stop you, assess the penalty, (death/failure) and then allow you to proceed and finish the stage. This penalty shall be assessed anytime the shooter allows this exposure WHEN there is available cover to use.
2) Improper tactical engagement: Shooter does not engage an array of targets in good tactical order. An example of improper tactical engagement might be facing 3 targets, one at 3 yards, one at 5 yards, and one at 7 yards. All other things being equal, the target at 3 yards should be engaged first.
3) Failure to neutralize target. It is widely known that handguns, while portable, are not very effective neutralizers. Consequently, we have devised a system for judging hits that we think closely reflects what is good tactical practice. Based on a 10-point A-zone of an IPSC target, (10 points also for a B-zone, 5-points for a C-zone, and 2 points for a D-zone) at least 20 points are required to neutralize any paper target that is engaged as a single target. When facing multiple targets which must be engaged in the same shooting flurry, 10 points are required to neutralize each target. Reactive targets such as steel plates or Reactive Teds must fall to be neutralized.
4) Engaging a no-shoot target. Shooter attempts to shoot a no-shoot target, whether he hits it or not.
5) Failure to verbalize/negotiate: On any stage which clearly depicts a hostage situation, or a situation where verbal skills outweigh shooting skills, if the shooter fails to make a good faith attempt at negotiating the release of the hostage or resolve the situation verbally, then he fails.
6) Too close to targets. Shooter allows himself to get within arms reach of any target not neutralized.
7) Match disqualification: Failure to follow the established scenario for any stage shall result in match disqualification. An example of this would be in a rescue scenario, purposefully leaving the hostage behind to allow a faster time. You HAVE to follow the scenario. (NOTE: If shooter finds a better way to solve the problem than the stage designer intended, and can convince the match director that he "did it better," then shooter shall receive no penalty.)
Equipment guidelines and miscellaneous procedures:
Firearms: Any self-defense handgun, .380 caliber or larger, without add-on compensators or optical sights are allowed. If an internal compensator is used, it shall not modify the gun to the extent of changing it's original factory dimensions. If rifles or shotguns are called for in a match, they too shall be of a type consistent with normal self-defense or law enforcement application. No external compensators or optics allowed on shotguns, rifles are pretty much personal preference, due to the vast array of rifles and scopes available. If a back-up gun is carried, it should meet the above criteria also. Exceptions to the above are made on a case-by-case basis.
Holsters: Only self-defense/concealed carry/duty holsters are allowed. They should be of a type that would allow day-long concealed carry or duty use.
Magazines: Only 1 extra double stack magazine, (or two if on a L.E. duty belt), or 2 extra single stack magazines or speedloaders are allowed to be carried on the shooters person. No additional magazines are allowed for any back-up gun. No stage shall be designed to require more than 10 shots, so unless you are a real crummy shot, it shouldn't matter.
Targets used: Primarily, targets shall be either steel knockdown, cardboard IDPA or IPSC targets, Reactive Teds (dummy targets), or cartoon targets depicting good-guy/bad-guy identification problems, or a combination of these targets. Other targets may also be used from time-to-time, and shall be specified in the stage description. ALL shoot targets shall be identified as such, either in the stage description, or by physical identification, such as a picture of a gun, a word, or some other obvious identification. Any target not identified as a shoot target is automatically considered a no-shoot target. Pay attention to the stage descriptions.
That's it. Where as for IPSC and IDPA there is a rule book 100 pages long, and power modifiers, etc. So, what were the stages at this last match? There were 4 shooting stages, and 2 tactical, or "Thinking" stages.
Stage One: The Classic El Presidente. Facing up-range (away from the targets) with the hands held above the shoulders, on the signal, the shooter turns and draws, firing 2 rounds into each of 3 targets (total 6 rounds), reloads, and again fires 2 rounds into each of 3 targets.
Stage Two: Steel Challenge1. Man on Man, shooter must knock down his 5 steel plates faster than his opponent.
Stage Three: Moving Target. Shooter will have about 2.5 seconds to shoot a moving target twice. This is repeated 2 more times, for a total of 3 passes. This is not much time considering you start as soon as you see the target, and you are holstered AND concealed! (My Favorite!)
Stage Four: Steel Challenge II. Man on Man again, this time you shoot a green silhoutte first, then shoot 3 steel falling plates. NOTE: If a steel plate falls, and pops back up, which they do, you MUST shoot it down again, life ain't fair sometimes!
Tactical Stage One: Your left front tire has gone flat, you are out changing it, three armed individuals approach and demand your car keys and your money, but AFTER you finish changing the tire. Cinch the last lug nut and deal with the problem.
(Personal Note: We just cooperated, gave them everything they wanted, and they let us walk away. No car or truck is worth my life. There were 3 bad guys, who had us surrounded. It would have been bad tactics to pull a gun and try to win against a numerically and tactically superior force. I just tried to be a good witness. As it was, we both lived/Passed!)
Tactical Stage Two: Aftermath of the Robbery/Shooting (Some people did try to shoot it out). Police want a report of what happened, and a description of the bad guys. Hope you paid attention!
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