I have put on my 7 layer Nomex suit and installed Halon on my computer, so I can now post my opinion of the match.
I thought the stages we’re a lot of fun, and well thought out. It did however take 12 hours to complete. Here below are the highlights.
The majority of the RO’s were very friendly. One was kind enough to give me a lesson on why I shouldn’t coach a 70 year old man who was now at 80 seconds on a 14 second stage and how I could be given a procedural for disregard of the rules. I think he finished 53rd in production so I do apologize to the person he beat, as my help surely gave him an unfair advantage. I do understand with out rules it would be chaos, but I think the entire squad was aware he needed some support and encouragement as he is new to the sport. I think a small minority of RO’s need to realize that we are customers and should be treated as such
The now infamous 70 year old (new to IPSC) shooter walked too close to another squad while they were patching on stage 1. He was chastised because he was not with that squad and told to promptly leave. I am of course paraphrasing; the exact words and tone were more disparaging. This was not a RO, but a very seasoned competitor, I did not say good, just seasoned.
I started the day on stages 9, and 10, did 11 and finished shooting 12 at lunch time. I was told we needed to shoot 1 & 2 before we can go to lunch? We shot those stages lethargic due to lack of food (I was starving!) Why couldn’t we go to lunch at lunch time? This one I don’t get. I feel for PMT as he did not even get lunch as they ran out during the day. I guess you need to bring lunch even when they say lunch will be served?
We returned from lunch to shoot stage 3& 4, but we had no RO’s, they showed up an hour later.
Our group was finishing on stage 8, with 3 shooters to go when the cable frayed and needed to be replaced. It was now around 7:30. We were encouraged to stay and help patch (there were seven papers targets on this stage?) so I stayed waited for the repair and applied six patches during my hour long wait. I tried to apply more but there was more than enough help for seven targets. We finally finished off at 8:30pm.
The patching thing seems to be a sore point, I am always one to patch but would not mind paying more at a match if I did not have to. I do not understand why they cannot pay someone to patch. 2 people on each range with patch guns could easily follow the RO’s as they called out each target. This is the Provincials, so why not? The cost for 12 people (2 per range) @ $10.00 per hour (8 hour day) for four days $3,840.00 plus workers comp approx. 4% 153.60 = $3993.60 divided by 245 shooters is $16.30. I would gladly pay that to speed up the match.
I say the above not to whine, but bring up the point that they could have catered a bit more to their customers. Also seasoned competitors need to realize new people should be treated with respect. I have brought 2 new shooters to IPSC this year (the infamous 70 year old and a business assoc.) and have 2 more waiting for a BB course. The sport needs new people. Mobil 1’s comment of “pick a different sport” is very short sighted. I seem to remember during the election we we’re looking for all the friends we could find?
Thanks for your time, give me a moment to slip on my fire retardant gloves as I cannot type with them on.
Kirk