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jbmac wrote:I shot this match. I know the rules regarding cover. I finished 8 in ESP sharp shooter class. I only received one cover call (early on) for the 12 stage match but several of the guys on my squad received multiple cover calls. One guy (an experienced IDPA shooter) received three calls on one stage. I ended up shooting from 4"-6" inside the actual cover line to be safe given the numerous cover calls I observed. I agree local matches frequently do not call cover as tight as they should. Additionally at the local match the SO will frequently call "cover" to warn the shooter. The SOs at a match at this level expect us to know what cover is . In any event the rule is simple... cover is a line extending back from the MIDDLE of the target to the edge of cover an on to infinity. You need to have 100% of your lower body and at least 50% of your upper body behind the line when you break the shot. All of the shooters on my squad and everyone else I spoke to thought the cover calls were a bit excessive, BUT THE CALLS WERE CONSISTENT. On several of the stages the SOs warned us in advance and pointed out potential cover call spots. Otherwise it was fun match with challenging stages. It was very well run.

Indeed. If they are being consistently severe to everyone then I am ok with it. Whatever the standard is, consistency is the key.

MegaWatt wrote:

jmra wrote:I was considering becoming involved in IDPA but this thread has convinced me otherwise. It is ashame that egos and internal politics always seem to rule the day.

Don't judge IDPA by this match. They're fun, good practice and for the most part, without politics.

IDPA night matches are epic cool. I've also had a match where we had to carry some sort of carebare thing as a baby. You ever try to shoot one handed while the "baby" is singing "I love you!"

jmra wrote:

canvasbck wrote:

jmra wrote:I was considering becoming involved in IDPA but this thread has convinced me otherwise. It is ashame that egos and internal politics always seem to rule the day.

Please don't take my complaints about this match as an indictnment of IDPA. This is the only match that I have been to that was called this way. Most matches are called within reason and are tons of fun. As I said originally, I shot 7 previous sanctioned matches with a total of 3 cover calls prior to this one.

I will hold judgement and continue to monitor discussions on the subject. Sounds like the local level events might be much better.

Again, this was a "major." It was full of serious competitors (or TFG as we used to call them in a non gun hobby I used to frequent). Local matches are (typically) much more laid back. I would definitely check them out.

jmra wrote:

Cedar Park Dad wrote:

jmra wrote:I was considering becoming involved in IDPA but this thread has convinced me otherwise. It is ashame that egos and internal politics always seem to rule the day.

Not seeing egos or internal politics beijng discussed beyond normal human nature. I'm seeing a discussion on a technical point.

I used to run competitions for historical miniature gaming. Now THAT involved personal egos, acrimony, and politics.

What exactly do you think was implied by this quote from Thatguy in the post before mine?
"Lastly, did it seem that a high percentage of trophy's and guns went to SO's or was that just my imagination?"

And what of JF's post detailing retaliation? I think we might not be reading the same thread.

About a 9 on the Tension Scale there Vern.

JF was denoting a different match. People are petty. Thats human nature anywhere.

jmra wrote:I was considering becoming involved in IDPA but this thread has convinced me otherwise. It is ashame that egos and internal politics always seem to rule the day.

Not seeing egos or internal politics beijng discussed beyond normal human nature. I'm seeing a discussion on a technical point.

I used to run competitions for historical miniature gaming. Now THAT involved personal egos, acrimony, and politics.

Just some points if you will. Ok take this as a grain of salt as I have only been to one major (and am retyping as I lost the original post).

Good:
*SOs were excellent and friendly, even the ones who called me on cover. ;)
*SO’s were very professional. Several asked how I was, especially in the afternoon when I was very much not ok.
*Everything was organized extremely well.
*Courses were good. Some were a bit confusing for a relative newb like myself but I am sure the more experienced person had no problem.
*Location was excellent. I had to call the wife when I passed the herd of longhorns by the road with no fence between us. Reminds me of days of my youth.
*I’ll restate. I thought the location was excellent.
*Lunch was very good. I liked the “working lunch” as it kept us on track. The sandwiches were excellent. I’ve never had pulled pork before. Good job!
*Non SO organizers were excellent. One took the time to ride me out to the car to get extra ammo.
*Non SO’s who brought around water and mandated we get a drink were excellent. I was not doing well in the afternoon and that really helped.
*The Mississippi SO contingent was so excellent they make me want to travel there for one of their tournaments.
*Side note, the Best Western in Cresson was a major surprise. It was quite nice with quite a few contestants staying there.

Things I might suggest:
• Move any tents further back behind the green line. Several were at or in front of the green line, making shade difficult.
• Signs in to the actual range were good, but a few more might be appropriate, especially on the long stretches.
• Some of the SOs looked really hot towards the end. Is there a way to spell them-give them a break from the heat?
• If there is a working lunch again, it might be announced initially or in the packet so people know they will not be able to make a run to their vehicle midday. If that was done I apologize but didn’t see.
• Chrono. We were one of the first squads to go through that. I’d suggest have contestants do that beforehand OR have the SO for the stage before that peel people off after they shoot to go get chrono’d to speed the process. That may have been done later in the competition.
• Keep up the awesome pulled pork sandwiches!

11 out of 33 for my class.Considering I royally screwed up two stages I count that as a major win.
Good SO's if somewhat strict in their interpretation of cover (the old farts were saying), but I'm a newb so didn't care.
Well organized and everything went exactly on time. Now thats how you do it.


Was it me or did it seem really hot? I actually got a little sick to my stomach early afternoon for awhile.
OT but thats the first time I had pulled pork sandwich. It was excellent.

I'll be back for the October match. Hopefully the megacity that is Cedar Park will represent better then.