Why IPSC Matches are scored using Stage Points instead of adding up Hit Factor?

[adrenaline681]

Why IPSC Matches are scored using Stage Points instead of adding up Hit Factor?

I'm pretty new to this but for what I understand to score a match in each stage the person that has highest "Hit Factor" takes all the points of that stage. For example: for a stage with 14 ipsc and 4 poppers (14 targets * 2 shots each * 5points + 4 poppers * 5 points each) = 160 max points.

Then all the other competitors take a percentage of points depending on their hit factor compared to the highest hit factor.

Finally all the "Stage points" are added up to make the "Match points"and the person who has the highest is the winner of the match 100% and then everyone else depending on their match points will get a % compared to the highest match points.


Why is this system used instead of adding up all the hit factors for all stages and checking who has the highest "match hit factor"?

 

[pauls]

Assuming I'm understanding you..

If you were to add up all the hit factors rather than points earned per stage, it wouldn't reflect the true results of the match.

A short course of fire that can earn a 10+ hit factor would be worth a lot more than a long course of fire that can often have a hit factor of 3 or 4.
When in reality the short course is is really worth 40 points vs 160 for the long.

 

[adrenaline681]

Assuming I'm understanding you..

If you were to add up all the hit factors rather than points earned per stage, it wouldn't reflect the true results of the match.

A short course of fire that can earn a 10+ hit factor would be worth a lot more than a long course of fire that can often have a hit factor of 3 or 4.
When in reality the short course is is really worth 40 points vs 160 for the long.

Gotcha, so its done this way to give more value to longer/more complicated courses compared to easier ones.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

Gotcha, so its done this way to give more value to longer/more complicated courses compared to easier ones.

Sort of / not really.
It provides a balance that reflects the accomplishments per round fired per competitor.

Remember that there is a recommended (and required at higher level) balance for stages.
There are 3 short courses of up to 12 rounds for every 1 long course of 32 rounds.

And if you look at the IPSC balance rules closer (3 Short -2 Medium -1 Long) - at level 3s+ the most # of rounds are actually fired during medium courses.