Rules
RULES
1. General Conduct
1.1 Code of Conduct
All participants, spectators, and officials are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the entirety of the match. It is everyone’s responsibility to read and understand the rules set forth in this document. Everyone in attendance will be subject to these rules.
1.2 Eye Protection
Wrap-around eye protection is MANDATORY for all participants, spectators, and officials while on or near the range complex.
1.3 Ear Protection
Ear Protection is MANDATORY for all participants, spectators, and officials while on or near the range complex.
1.4 Hats (Brimmed Headwear)
Hats are MANDATORY for all participants, spectators, and officials while on or near the range complex.
1.5 Pants and Long Sleeve Shirts
Pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for all participants.
1.6 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
A participant shall be disqualified at the discretion of the Match Director (MD) or shall receive a penalty from the Range Officer (RO). Unsportsmanlike Conduct includes but is not limited to cheating, harassing, disruptive behavior, etc.
1.7 Cheating
1.7.1 Altering a target prior to scoring to avoid incurring a penalty or to gain an advantage.
1.7.2 Altering or falsifying scores
1.7.3 Blind firing at a target to avoid incurring a penalty
1.7.4 A participant who intentionally loses or displaces eye or ear protection during a course of fire shall be deemed to be cheating.
1.7.5 Disruptive behavior from another participant, in an attempt to disturb or distract other participants that are shooting a course of fire.
1.8 Grounds for Disqualification
A participant shall be disqualified for safety, or unsportsmanlike conduct, which includes, but is not limited to cheating.
1.8.1 Any violation of any of the Cardinal Rules as set forth in 2.2 shall be immediate grounds for disqualification.
1.8.2 Endangering any person, including yourself. This includes flagging oneself or anyone else with a loaded or unloaded firearm. Flagging is defined as allowing the muzzle of the firearm (loaded or unloaded) to cross or cover any portion of a person. (failure to follow safety rule #2).
1.8.3 Intentionally engaging (discharging the firearm) at anything other than a designated target or activator.
1.8.4 Dropping a loaded or unloaded firearm at any point after the “Make Ready” command or before the “Range is Clear” command.
1.9 Accidental Discharge
A participant who causes an accidental discharge during a stage will be stopped as soon as possible and shall be disqualified. Examples of an accidental discharge are as follows.
1.9.1 A shot, which determined by a match official, is deemed to be in an unsafe direction.
1.9.2 A shot which strikes the ground within 2 yards of the participant, except when shooting a target from an engagement within that prescribed distance.
1.9.3 A shot which occurs while holstering or unholstering, the firearm during or after the conduct of the stage has concluded.
1.9.4 A shot which occurs when loading or unloading the firearm.
1.9.5 A shot which occurs when transferring the firearm between hands.
1.9.6 A shot which occurs during movement, unless actively engaging targets on the move.
*Exception: A bullet or shot that strikes the ground within 5 yards of the participant due to a “squib” shall not be subject to rule 1.9.
Disqualifications will be reviewed and finalized only by the Match Director.
2. Safety
2.1 Safety Brief
An initial Safety Brief will be conducted by the Match Director or Designee prior to the beginning of the entire match.
2.1.1 The initial safety brief will cover at a minimum
- Cardinal firearm safety rules
- Required safety equipment
- Weapons handling throughout entirety of the match
- Medical mishap procedures
- Identification of key personnel
2.1.2 The Match Director (MD) or Designee will brief the shooters on the commands they will be hearing throughout the entirety of the match. These commands are used to conduct loading, unloading, firing, movement, and to indicate safe and unsafe range conditions.
2.2 Cardinal Firearm Safety Rules
2.2.1 Rule 1 - Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2.2.2 Rule 2 - Point your firearms in a safe direction - one where an unintentional discharge will cause NO HUMAN INJURY and, at most, minor property damage. AKA "the laser rule".
2.2.3 Rule 3 - Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, indexed along the frame or slide until you are on target and have decided to fire.
2.2.4 Rule 4 - Be sure of your target/threat, backstop, and beyond.
2.3 Cold Range Procedures
The Battle of the Badges operates a cold range. All weapons must be unloaded and holstered with no magazine inserted unless under the direct supervision of a Range Officer (RO). Upon arrival and during the shooter's meeting, ensure your weapon is completely empty and holstered. All weapons will be unloaded and holstered throughout the whole event unless under the direct supervision of a Range Officer or in designated “Safe Areas”.
2.4 Safe Areas
2.4.1 NO AMMO will be allowed in or around the “Safe Area”
2.4.2 The safe areas are designated areas that are clearly marked and are areas where shooters can remove their firearms from the holster to inspect them and check functionality.
2.4.3 While firearms are out in the safe areas, all safety rules previously stated still apply.
2.5 180 Degree Rule
2.5.1 The 180-Degree Rule is an imaginary line parallel to the participant in relation to the downrange area when the participant is facing downrange squared to the target area.
2.5.2 If the participant allows the muzzle of a firearm to break the 180-degree plane as determined by the specific stage, it shall be grounds for disqualification.
2.5.3 The 180-Degree Rule applies to both vertical planes, as well as horizontal planes.
2.5.4 Variations MAY be authorized to the 180-Degree Rule if explicitly stated in the written stage brief.
2.6 Flagging
2.6.1 Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to point at another participant, spectator, or personnel during a stage shall be grounds for disqualification.
2.6.2 Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to point at your own body, also referred to as “sweeping”, may result in a disqualification. The only exception to this rule is during the draw process on any part of the body below the waist of that participant.
3. Equipment
3.1 Firearms
Firearms will be or resemble (in nature) those issued by the participant’s Law Enforcement agency.
3.2 Magazines
Magazines and their capacity will be or resemble that of the participant’s standard-issued duty magazines.
3.3 Body Armor / Duty Belt
Body armor, duty belt, and holster will be or resemble (in nature) those issued by the participant’s Law Enforcement agency.
3.4 Ammunition
Tracer, incendiary, armor piercing, steel jacketed, and steel/tungsten core rounds are prohibited with no exceptions.
4. Range Personnel, Commands, and Procedures
4.1 Match Director (MD)
The MD will oversee the conduct of the match with safety, disqualifications, and overall conduct of the match. The MD has the final input on any and all issues regarding, but not limited to, disqualifications, reshoots, calibration contests, etc.
4.2 Range Officer (RO)
There will be a dedicated RO to each individual stage and will remain at that stage for the entirety of the match. The Range Officer issues commands, oversees participant compliance within the written stage brief, and monitors the conduct of the participant throughout the execution of that specific stage. Declares times, hits (when applicable), and oversees the correctness of scoring each participant’s course of fire.
4.3 Volunteers
The volunteers’ duties will be assisting in any way deemed necessary by the Match Director and Range Officers for the entirety of the match. They will adhere to the same guidelines as outlined in this document.
4.4 Range Commands
4.4.1 “Make Ready” This command signifies the start of “the Course of Fire”. Under the direct supervision of the RO the participant must face downrange, or in a safe direction as specified by the RO, fit eye and hearing protection, and prepare the firearm in accordance with the Written Stage Briefing. The participant must then assume the specified start position. The RO will not proceed with any further range commands until the participant is still and is in the correct start position.
4.4.1.1 Once the “Make Ready” command has been given, the participant must not move away from the make ready position prior to issuance of the “Start Signal” without the prior approval, and under the direct supervision, of the RO.
4.4.1.2 Sight pictures may be taken during the “Make Ready” process and
while preparing for the next string. Should the participant experience an accidental discharge while taking a sight picture a disqualification under rule 1.9 shall be issued.
4.4.2“Are You Ready” The lack of any negative response from the participant indicates that he fully understands the requirements of the course of fire and is ready to proceed. If the participant is not ready at the “Are You Ready?” command, they must indicate to the RO that they are not ready.
4.4.3 “Standby” This command should be followed by the start signal within 1 to 4 seconds.
4.4.4 “Start Signal” The signal for the participant to begin their attempt at the course of fire. If a participant fails to react to a start signal, for any reason, the RO will confirm that the participant is ready to attempt the course of fire and will resume the range commands from “Are You Ready?”
4.4.4.1 In the event that a participant begins their attempt at the course of fire prematurely (“false start” prior to the issuance of the start signal) the RO will, as soon as possible, stop and restart the participant once the course of fire has been restored.
4.4.5 “Stop” Any RO assigned to a stage may issue this command at any time during the course of fire. The participant must immediately cease firing, stop moving and wait for further instructions from the RO.
4.4.6 “If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear” or “Unload and Show Clear” If the participant has finished shooting, they must lower their firearm and present it for inspection by the RO with the muzzle pointed downrange, magazine removed, slide/bolt locked or held open, and chamber empty.
4.4.7 “If Clear, Hammer Down and Holster” While continuing to point the firearm safely downrange, the competitor must perform a final safety check of the firearm as follows:
4.4.7.1 Release the slide/bolt and pull the trigger
4.4.7.2 If the gun proves to be clear, the participant must holster their
firearm.
4.4.7.3 If the gun does not prove to be clear, the RO will issue the Stop command (4.4.5), order the participant to unload and show clear (4.4.6), and complete the range commands in 4.4.7 and 4.48.
4.4.8 “Range Is Clear, Score and Reset” This declaration signifies the end of the course of fire.
Once the declaration is made, officials and participants may move forward to score, patch, reset targets etc.
4.5 Additional Range Commands (When Applicable)
4.5.1 “FINGER” Any RO can issue this command at any point throughout the course of fire. This command is an initial verbal warning indicating to the participant that they are close to breaking rule 2.2.3
4.5.2 “MUZZLE, MUZZLE, MUZZLE” Any RO can issue this command at any point throughout the course of fire. This command is an initial verbal warning indicating to the participant that the muzzle of their firearm is approaching the 180-degree safety plane in respect to that stage.
4.5.3 “FOOT” Any RO can issue this command at any point throughout the course of fire. This command is an initial verbal warning indicating to the participant that their foot is stepping on the ground or an object outside of the Shooting Box or Fault Line.
4.6 Written Stage Brief
4.6.1 A Written Stage Brief must be posted at each course of fire prior to the commencement of the match. This briefing will take precedence over any course of fire information published or otherwise communicated to participants in advance of the match, and it must provide the following minimum information:
Scoring Method
Targets (Type and Number)
Minimum number of rounds required
Firearm ready condition
Start Position (Should be demonstrated by the RO)
Procedure
4.6.2 The RO must verbally read the Written Stage Brief to all squads verbatim.
4.6.3 The Match Director (MD) may modify a Written Stage Brief at any point in time for the sake of clarity, consistency, or safety reasons.
4.6.4 After the Written Stage Brief has been read, questions must wait until the 5-minute walkthrough commences.
4.7 Stage Order of Events
Upon arrival at the stage, the following will be the order of events
4.7.1 Roll call of all shooters in the squad
4.7.2 Shooting order established by the RO
4.7.3 Written stage brief read aloud by RO
4.7.4 5 Minute walk-through period given to all participants
4.7.5 Clear stage for 1st participant
4.7.6 Conduct stage run
4.7.7 Score and reset all targets
4.7.8 Clear stage for next participant
4.7.9 Repeat 4.7.5 – 4.7.8
4.8 Shooting Order
Announcing the shooting order will be conducted by the RO or designee. The usual way to announce shooting order is as follows:
Name 1 “is my shooter”
Name 2 “is on deck”
Name 3 “is in the hole”
Name 4 “is in the deep hole”
5. Scoring
5.1 General Regulations
5.1.1 Approaching Targets - while scoring is in progress, participants or their delegate must not approach any target closer than (3 feet) without the authorization of the RO. A violation may, at the RO's discretion, incur a procedural penalty.
5.1.2 Touching Targets - while scoring is in progress, participants or their delegate must not touch, gauge, or otherwise interfere with any target without the authorization of the RO. Should the RO deem that a participant or their delegate has influenced or affected the scoring process due to such interference, the RO may:
5.1.1.1 Score the affected target as a miss; or
5.1.1.2 Impose penalties for any affected no-shoots.
5.1.1.3 The Match Director must be called in all cases and will make the final decision to either score as a miss or impose penalties.
5.1.3 Prematurely Patched Targets – If a target is prematurely patched or taped, which prevents a RO from determining the actual score, the RO must order the participant to reshoot the course of fire. However, if following the scoring of a target by any assigned RO, the target is patched or taped by anyone other than a RO, the score will stand as called regardless of the competitor's opportunity to see the target in question and the participant will not be permitted to appeal the score as called. Targets must be scored as is, using the actual target as the basis for the scoring call.
5.1.4 Unrestored Targets – If, following completion of a course of fire by a previous participant, one or more targets have not been properly patched or taped, or if previously applied pasters have fallen off the target for the participant being scored, the RO must judge whether or not an accurate score can be determined. If there are extra scoring hits or questionable penalty hits thereon, and it is not obvious which hits were made by the participant being scored, the affected participant must be ordered to reshoot the course of fire. Targets must be scored as is, using the actual target as the basis for the scoring call.
5.1.5 Impenetrable – The scoring areas of scoring targets and no-shoots are deemed to be impenetrable:
5.1.5.1 If a bullet strikes wholly within the scoring area of a cardboard target and continues on to strike the scoring area of another cardboard target, the hit on the subsequent cardboard target will not count for score or penalty, as the case may be. If it cannot be determined which hit(s) struck wholly within a cardboard target and subsequently struck another cardboard target, a reshoot shall be ordered.
5.1.5.1.1 In accordance with Rule 5.1.4, the scoring areas of scoring targets and no-shoots are impenetrable. Whenever two targets (scoring and/or no-shoots) are in direct contact where one target directly overlaps part of another target, the area of the "under" target which is directly covered by the scoring area of the "over" target and its perforations is deemed to be non-existent.
5.1.6 Target sticks and barrier supports are not hard cover. Shots which have passed wholly or partially through target sticks and or barrier supports, and which hit a cardboard or metal target will count for score of penalty, as the case may be.
5.2 Comstock Scoring
5.2.1 Unlimited time stops on the last shot, unlimited number of shots to be fired, stipulated number of hits per target to count for score.
5.2.1.1 A participant’s score is calculated by adding the highest value stipulated number of hits per target, minus penalties, divided by the total time (recorded to two decimal places) taken by the participant to complete the course of fire, to arrive at a hit factor
5.2.2 The participant is able to fire as many rounds as they deem necessary to achieve the best score per target.
5.3 Scoring and Penalty Values
5.3.1 Scoring hits on authorized targets will be scored with the following values:
5.3.1.1 Scoring hits in the “A” zone will award 5 points
5.3.1.2 Scoring hits in the “C” zone will award 3 points
5.3.1.3 Scoring hits in the “D” zone will award 1 point
5.3.2 Each hit visible on the scoring area of a cardboard no-shoot will be penalized 20 points.
5.4 Scoring Policy
5.4.1 Unless otherwise specified in the written stage briefing, scoring cardboard targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each, with the best two hits to score. Scoring metal targets must be shot with a minimum of one round each and/or must fall to score.
5.4.2 If the grease ring of a hit on a scoring target touches the scoring line between two scoring areas, or the line between the non-scoring border and a scoring area, or if it crosses multiple scoring areas, it will be scored as the higher value.
5.4.2 If a grease ring touches the scoring area of both a scoring target and a no-shoot, it will earn the score and incur the penalty.
5.5 Score Verification and Challenge
5.5.1 After the RO has declared “Range is Clear”, the participant will be allowed to accompany the RO for scoring to verify the scoring.
5.5.2 A participant who fails to verify a target during the scoring process loses all right of appeal in respect of scoring that target.
5.5.3 Any challenge to a score or penalty must be appealed to the RO by the participant prior to the subject target being painted, patched, or reset, failing which such challenges will not be accepted.
5.5.4 In the event that the RO upholds the original score or penalty, and the competitor is dissatisfied, they may appeal to the Match Director for a ruling.
5.5.4.1 Participants with the RO must take a picture of the target in question for the final ruling, so as not to stop the flow of the match.
5.5.5 The Match Directors' ruling will be final. No further appeals are allowed with respect to the scoring decision.
5.6 Scoring Responsibility
5.6.1 Each participant is responsible to accept their score upon the completion of their stage scoring via the tablet.
5.6.2 After all competitors have completed the match, results will be published to PractiScore for verification by participants.
5.6.3 If a participant detects an error in the provisional results at the end of the match, they will be allotted an arbitration period before scores are finalized.
6. Penalties
6.1 Procedural Penalties
6.1.1 Procedural penalties are imposed when a competitor fails to comply with procedures specified in a written stage brief. The RO imposing the procedural penalties must clearly record the number of penalties and the reason why they were imposed.
6.1.2 Participants will be penalized 10 points for each procedural penalty incurred
6.1.3 Procedural penalties cannot be nullified by further competitor action. For example, a competitor who fires a shot at a target while faulting a line will still incur the applicable penalties even though they subsequently shot at the same target while not faulting the line.
6.2 Procedural Penalty Examples
6.2.1 If a Participant fires shots while touching the ground or any object completely outside the fault lines.
6.2.2 Except If a participant fails to comply with the procedure specified in the written stage briefing.
6.2.3 A participant who is creeping or physically moving to a more advantageous shooting position or posture at the start signal.
6.2.4 A participant who fails to shoot at any scoring target with at least one round.
6.3 Incomplete Stage
6.4.1The participant for any reason was unable to complete a stage due to gear, ammunition, weapon, or anything related to a failure in respect to the participant. When this occurs, the stage will be scored “AS IS”.
6.4.2 The only exception to this rule is if there is a failure in anything stage specific which may include, but is not limited to, broken walls, props, or targets. This will result in a reshoot being awarded to the participant.
6.4 Did Not Complete Match
6.5.1 A participant who chooses to not fire a stage will receive a DNF “Did Not Fire” on that stage.
6.5.2 The shooter may continue to shoot the rest of the match.
6.5 Reasonable Doubt
6.6.1 When a Range Officer has a reasonable doubt on a scoring call (including penalties) the RO will award the better score to the shooter. This also applies to possible doubles. However, this does not automatically mean that every miss is a double.
6.6.2 Typically, bullet holes leave a grease ring, and it is used to determine the outside diameter of the hole for scoring. However, bullets do not have to have a grease ring to be scored as a hit. (e.g., bullets passing through other targets, clothing, soft cover, etc., may not produce a grease ring) so it is possible to allow the hit to be scored.
6.6.3 A radial tear must not be used to give a shooter a better score. If the actual area of the bullet hole does not reach the next better scoring ring, the shooter gets the lower score even if the tear reaches the next higher scoring ring.
7 Miscellaneous Matters
7.1 Props and Barriers
7.1.1 Stage props are commonly used to represent hard cover or impenetrable objects such as walls, cars, barricades, and furniture such as desks and file cabinets.
7.1.2 Truly impenetrable objects may also be used as hard cover in a stage. Props used to simulate walls are considered impenetrable and extend from the ground to infinity.
7.1.3 Walls shall not be shot under or over unless specifically stated in the written stage brief.
Simulated walls can have ports and/or windows within them for shooting or other purposes. Mesh and netting may be substituted for solid coverings and are always considered hard cover for scoring purposes.
7.1.4 The Battle of the Badges requires that course designers standardize black for simulated hard cover.
7.1.5 The Battle of the Badges standardizes white for soft cover simulation, or use props such as windows, curtains, shrubs, etc.
7.1.6 Any shot that puts a full diameter hole in an object designated as simulated hard cover and continues to penetrate a target will be considered to have missed the target (whether the target is a threat or a non-threat). If the range officer cannot tell which shot through the hard cover hit a threat target, remove the best hit from the target for each full diameter hole in the hardcover. Shots that penetrate soft cover and go on to strike a target will be scored as hits (whether the target is a threat or a non-threat). Simulated Threat and Non-Threat indicators painted or marked, regardless of color, are not hard cover. Threat indicators made of impenetrable material are considered hard cover.
7.2 Bullet Holes
7.2.1 Oval or elongated bullet holes made in a target that exceed two bullet diameters (of the caliber used by the shooter) do not count for score.
7.2.2 The elongated bullet hole rule does not include keyhole bullet holes (a keyhole bullet hole is created by a bullet which tumbles out of the firearm barrel and appears to have gone through the target sideways,) which count for score.
7.2.2.1 Exception: A bullet that had been fired and shot through a wall, barrel, or any other stage prop, that tumbles in the air and hits the target will be deemed as a shoot through and will not be scored.
7.2.3 Only holes made by whole bullets, not fragments, are scored.
7.2.4 Only bullet holes entering the front of the target will be scored.
7.3 Target Scoring Zones
7.3.1 “A” refers to the part of the cardboard IDPA silhouette above the neckline.
7.3.2 “C” refers to the part of the cardboard IDPA silhouette below the neckline. Shots designated for the “body” or “body only” must hit the part of the cardboard silhouette within the scoring area below the neckline, or they are counted as a miss, even if they hit another part of the silhouette.
7.3.3 “D” refers to the whole cardboard IDPA silhouette, including the head and body described above. Shots designated for a “target” (or sometimes T1, T2, etc.) can hit anywhere within the scoring area in the body or the head for score. A single points down cardboard IDPA silhouette target must not be divided into two or more scoring areas that are scored separately. For example, a line of black tape may not be used to turn a single target into two targets, with separate scoring being possible on both areas.
7.4 Calibration of Reactive Targets
7.4.1 Reactive targets must physically react to score.
7.4.2 All reactive targets in a match, poppers, plates, etc., will be calibrated so they will react properly when hit in the “calibration zone”.
7.4.3 Typically, the “calibration zone” of the target is the circular plate portion of the popper.
For initial calibration, each reactive popper must be set to fall when hit within the calibration zone. The shot must be fired from the furthest location the specific stage permits.
7.4.4 The Match Director or designee will calibrate all reactive targets prior to the start of the match.
7.4.5 The stage RO can call for a reactive target calibration on their stage at any time if deemed necessary.
7.5 Calibration Challenges
7.5.1 If during a stage a reactive target does not react properly when hit, the participant has three choices.
7.5.1.1 The participant shoots the target until it reacts properly, the target is scored as hit, and the stage score stands. In this case, no calibration challenge will be permitted.
7.5.1.2 The target does not react properly, and the shooter does not challenge the calibration, the target is scored as a miss, and the stage score stands. A challenge after the shooter knows the stage score or individual target scores will not be permitted.
7.5.1.3 The target is left standing, and the participant wishes to challenge the calibration. In this case, the target and the surrounding area must not be interfered with by any person. If a Match Official violates this rule, the participant will receive credit for a hit, and no penalties will be added. If the participant in question violates this rule, the participant will receive no credit for the target and the stage will be scored “AS IS”. If any other participant violates this rule, that participant will receive a procedural penalty, and the participant in question will receive credit for the target, and no penalties will be added. If the reactive target falls for any non-interference reason prior to calibration (i.e. wind, etc.), the participant will be afforded a reshoot.
7.6 Calibration Test
7.6.1 The Match Director will fire one round of calibration ammo at the reactive target calibration zone from the same position, or as near as possible to the point from where the participant engaged the target.
7.6.2 If the target is hit in the calibration zone or lower and the target reacts properly, the calibration is deemed correct, and the target will be scored as a miss.
If the target is hit above the calibration zone, the Calibration Test failed, and the shooter will receive credit for the target and no penalties will be added. The target must now be re- calibrated.
7.6.3 If the target is hit anywhere on the scorable surface and the target does not react properly, the target calibration will be deemed improper. The participant will receive credit for the target, and no penalties will be added. The target must now be re-calibrated.
.
8 Divisions
8.1 Optics Division
Optics division is for shooters that have optics on their firearms that are issued by their agency
8.2 Iron Sights Division
Iron sights division is for shooters that have only iron sights on their agency issued firearms.
8.3 Retired Division
Retired division is for any shooters that are retired from any law enforcement agency. The retired division will require an entry fee.
8.4 Women’s Division
Participation in the Women’s Division is optional. Female shooters only.
9 Arbitration
9.1 Arbitration
9.4.1 Arbitration will occur at the end of the match after the scores have been posted onto PractiScore.
9.4.2 During this time shooters will have approximately 10 minutes to locate any errors in the scores and bring them before the match director.
9.4.3 Any arbitrations must be approved by Match Director.
9.4.4 The arbitration period is for major and obvious errors in the score.
9.4.5 Arbitration is not for correcting small scoring errors. These must be spotted after each course of fire by the shooter and brought to the attention of the range officer.