LTUME1978 wrote:I am disappointed that so many are dropping out of IDPA or letting their SO certification lapse. I don't like all of the changes or some of the rules either but it is the best option that we have for some type of "concealed carry" sport. I have "played" USPSA a couple of times. If you want to shoot a lot and have fun, that is a good game. However, I think it has no value in "real world" application.
I have taken training classes at CSAT to get some real world training. If you want to get better prepared for a potential self defense application, work up to the Advanced Individual Tactics Class that is taught there. Paul teaches accuracy over speed. Since he spent 10 years in Delta and has have plenty of "real world applications" under his belt, I will listen to what he has to say. Paul's "zero down area" is a 6" X 13" box (plus the head) on his target. Any hits outside that box (or head if instructed to shoot at that for the drill) are a miss. He teaches reloads behind cover, no shooting on the move in the open (run across an open area as quickly as possible), etc.
I think it would be great for some of the IDPA leadership take that class then rethink their rules to improve the sport and make it more useful for concealed carry holders. I would like to see the zero down change from an 8" circle to the 6" X 13" box as Paul teaches us that the preferred shot placement is in an area between the 8" circle and the head on an IDPA target (you get a 1 point down bonus for shooting there in IDPA). I could go on.
Am I extremely happy with IDPA? No. Will I quit? No. I maintain my SO certification but only use it at local matches (not required but I do it anyway) because I don't have time to do anything else (big matches). I continue to SO so that our local club can have matches (and I am glad to do that). I also enjoy helping the new/newer shooters when they come out to shoot a match to get them going in the right direction.
Please note that I am very much appreciate all that Charles has done and continues to do for our local IDPA club (at PSC). We have club matches at PCS that are as good as any of the state, national or world IDPA matches I have shot. Charles and Mark are the reason these great matches happen.
I don't think most of the folks who dropped their SO Certification have quit shooting IDPA. Most are not going to put up with unnecessary recertification frequency and an absurdly short window of time. There's no reason for the recertification schedule IDPA HQ is now mandating and the procedure is horrible. I received an email that gave me something like 10 days to recertify online, after which I'd have to contact the area director to make arrangements to do something else. Rule changes can and should be handled by SO updates, not a formalized recertification exam. Doctors, lawyers, CPA's and many more must meet continuing education requirements, without exams and short timelines for completion. I'm also sick of the ever-expanding and changing IDPA Rule Book with unnecessary rules, some of which are directly in conflict with self-defense tactics. Yes, some are getting better but for a "tactical sport," they never should have existed in the first place.
I resigned as IDPA Match Director at PSC and Mark Stavrakis is now the MD. I'm still involved as Assist. MD and now that we're using Practiscore, my workload has been reduced to the point that I'll have time to shoot again. I'll stay involved with IDPA as long as it's popular at our Club; but something much better is in the works. (Don't ask.)
Chas.
