[Mayonaise]

On 2001-08-09 08:00, jm10mm wrote:
Mikey, thats the response I've been looking for. The Nationals sold out in 3 days last year and 1/2 day this year. IDPA needs to do something to allow more shooters to participate. Membership has soared along with the interest in matches. Maybe they could go to an all week match in 2 or 3 waves with awards at the end of the week. That would be a blast and on your off days you could network and party.

Ted,this is not sour grapes, I'm sorry if it sounds like it. Simply put the membership has grown an IDPA should address the problem to evolve as a major sport.

You changed your tune it seems. First you say it's not a championship because it's not a tiered structure which would reduce the number of shooters. Now you want it open so even more shooters can participate? You can't really have it both ways. It's no easy task organizing a match of this size. How about we let it grow at a normal pace instead of trying to inject it with steriods.... As it stands everyone has the same chance to get in. Can't please everyone. Which is painfully obvious.

This is my first Nats. I'm looking forward to the big match experience, shooting hanging with the gang.

Mark

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mayonaise on 2001-08-14 23:30 ]</font>

 

[jm10mm]

Once again the point was missed. There are no sour grapes and I didn't have a tune to change. The question was put out there to spark debate. I simply have stated that IDPA membership has gone from like 1000 shooters to 8000 shooters. Have the slots at the Nationals grown 8 times over. IDPA has to address the growth and somehow accomodate more shooters if they are to grow as an organization. An organizations growth depends on the involvement of its members,if you keep passing them by they may disappear.

IDPA is my venue of choice. I am not looking to destroy it. I and many others are looking for ways to keep it going. As a MD and SO I listen to what the shooters have to say. So thats why I say in order to evolve to the sport it can be it must listen to its membership and be willing to change when and if necessary.

 

[SteelGun]

This year I finished 2nd in my state match,won my regional match and won the IDPA Spring Nationals at Chapman. I sent in my app for the nats on June 1st but not knowing any better I didn't overnight it. I was told I could go on a waiting list for open slots but I wouldn't be notified until a day or two before the match.
I would have loved to shoot with the best to test my skills while I am on somewhat of a roll but it's not to be. I am disapointed but I will try next year. I agree that there should be reserve slots for major match winners.

 

[John Forsyth]

There are slots available for SO's available I think. If you really want one, call HQ and verify. We would love to have you join us.

 

[abnranger]

Let's see its not really a National Championship. Last time I looked it was declared by the BOD to be the IDPA 2001 Championship. SOunds like one to me.

Oh yeah I forgot, we need to create an abortion of a slot system currently used by USPSA. Talk about a system that begs to be donw away with. Let's see you get a slot if you win an Area Match, finish in the "top16" read the first loser and the next top 14 losers. Slots are sent out, wait for slots to be returned at deadline which seem to get extended, then three weeks out from the match(this year being one of the first in many moons to have a waiting list)bitch and complain the match has slots and no one to fill them. Yeah sounds like a good system to copy, ah wrong answer.

Like it or not those that want to participate will and can with the current 1st come 1 st served system. You wil compete against those better than you and have fun. Does it matter that so&so couldn't/didn't shoot; no, you/I did that's what matters. If you feel it is not a "national championshiop"; don't shoot it, there will be some one to fill the space.

The idea of making the match a week long venture gets costly to all involved, especially the organization. It takes man hours and time to run a week long match. ALso it requires that you have sufficient staffing and they can wear thin come the end of the year. Staff expense is one reason that USPSA went to the back to back format it did for the Open and Limited Nationals; not only did it cut Hqs cost but members costs.

If you want to add more shooters, possibly the match needs to be structured as a half day format. Less shooting, but more shooters. This does require the stages to be easy to score and help from the participants on all stages. Bad weather throws a major monkey wrench in the works.

No I think the concept of you pay, you play
works. It is a Championship because it is declared to be so. I have shot USPSA, IDPA and IPSC Championship level matches, come to think of it I have officiated them too; The fun factor in IDPA is worth more than the pomposity factor of USPSA and IPSC Championships.

If you don't think the match is title of National Champion is deserved or that it is not a Nat'l Champ.; don't shoot it. There is no reason to bend over and kiss somebodies ass to attend or save them a sweetheart spot as they are sponsored by so&so, or they are so&so. If they want to shoot, they will pay and pay on time; or try again next year.

 

[SteelGun]

John, thanks for the suggestion but I remember seeing an article in one of the recent tactical journals about SO's having to be certified. If I remember correctly there are only a certain group of people who can certify an SO for an IDPA match. Is this true and if so how can I be an SO at the nationals??

 

[John Forsyth]

While I am a certified SO, I know of no requirements to be one for the Nationals. That doesn't mean it wouldn't help to be one. They are looking for experience not just certificates. You have nothing to loose by asking.

 

[Ted Murphy]

FWIW, S.O.'s are supposed to be certified for all sanctioned (state, regional &national) matches.

Ted

 

[John Forsyth]

On 2001-08-23 16:26, Ted Murphy wrote:
FWIW, S.O.'s are supposed to be certified for all sanctioned (state, regional &national) matches.

Ted

That's the goal. But for this year and this match, there could be exceptions. Depends on how many are still needed. Mute issue if they have enough SO's.