For Chris:
(Note - this is a reprint of a message sent to the BE-List)
Since this event is the National Indoor Match for Conventional Pistol, the NRA itself provides the Program template for each (and all) venues. The venues are then to only add in their particular local information. They should not alter the program as provided. Just to note, the program requires turning targets, states the distance to be 50 feet and that the targets to use are B2 and B3.
That Official Program, provided by the NRA also states as follows:
"MATCH SCHEDULE:
Match #1 - 20 shots slow fire, 2 strings of 10 rounds, 10 minutes per string
Match #2 - 20 shots timed fire, 4 strings of 5 rounds, 20 seconds per 5 shot string
Match #3 - 20 shots rapid fire, 4 strings of 5 rounds, 10 seconds per 5 shot string
Match #4 - 30 shots, 10 rounds slow fire, 10 rounds timed fire, 10 rounds rapid fire - Gallery Course
Match #5 - 90 shot aggregate
Match #6 - Team Match - NRA Gallery Course - All members of team must fire - This is a paper match
"
**Note the error in the Team Match wording - more to follow**
Would you think it was within the spirit of the rules, to have half your shooters fire it based on the above schedule, half your shooters fire it the other way and then combine the two groups for awards. Some shooters find it difficult to change from firing Rapid Fire to firing Slow Fire when they begin the Gallery course. Do the others have an unfair advantage? I suppose, if we follow the logic provided, we really don't need to fire the Gallery course as Slow, Timed, Rapid. The stages aren't even actually numbered.
If the NRA provides a program with a "Match Schedule" of numbered matches, should they have to tell us to do them in that order? I consider that numbering the matches from 1 through 4 means that they should be fired as 1, 2, 3, 4. But, I consider things in a logical manner. Also, does doing something in a particular way for a long period of time make it correct or merely the local fashion?
When I provide a numbered list of steps through a procedure, I don't preface that list with a statement to follow the steps in order. I expect the reader to know that. Perhaps I expect too much...
I am disappointed that Tom Hughes did not address this the last time it came up and he was asked for clarification, but maybe that request was unseen.
I suppose the question is this: Is it OK for "some clubs" to "bend" the program, or should all competitors for the National Indoor Championship - Conventional Pistol, follow the same format? Personally, I believe the same format is necessary and further feel, that is why the NRA supplies the Program template themselves for this match.
**The way the Team Match is described is a contradiction,"All members of team must fire - This is a paper match." This definitely can lead to ambiguity, but I don't feel that the numbering of the matches leaves them open to interpretation. And, as for "doing it that way for years," that doesn't make it right. However, I have seen in at least one other Sectional Program (for a different discipline) provided by NRA, the following statement:
"Unauthorized deviations to the program or NRA Rules may result in disqualification."
That statement is not in the Conventional Pistol program. Perhaps that allows us to deviate as we like, or, perhaps they didn't think it necessary.
All views expressed by myself are my own "Not So Humble Opinions" and do not reflect the views of others.
Sorry, I'm getting carried away. (I know, you guys think I should be...)
Pile it on - I have high shoulders...
================
For Orion:
As mentioned, you can use a temporary classification for this match, based on any scores you have already fired in competition. Simply acquire a Temporary book. If you happen to have a classification from another discipline that would be used and would override the temporary book. See rules 19.6 and 19.7 for more clarification.
Also, remember that this will not be a permanent classification based on only 90 (or 120 with Team) shots. As also mentioned previously, you need 360 shots for the permanent classification from NRA.
If interested, a very detailed match program is currently still available for the Sectional fired at Troy Pistol League in New York. You can view that program at:
NRA Open Indoor Championships Conventional Pistol
Take Care,
Ed Hall
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