[bas] Re: FYI: "Official" 2017 IDPA Rulebook
- From: Wade Price <wade.price@xxxxxxx>
- To: BAS Freelist <bas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2016 10:21:26 -0500
On Dec 24, 2016, at 4:15 PM, Jim Bernardo <jim@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Wade,
Merry Christmas!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too!
I realize it's a little early and you may not have reviewed it entirely but
these are a few of my questions:
1. What happened to the classifier instructions?
"9.6 The Pistol Classifier Match - The pistol classifier and the pistol caliber
carbine classifier stage description, layout diagram and score sheets can be
found at www.idpa.com"
I suspect that, with the last minute addition of the 4” down zero in the head,
they had to revise the classifier and/or classification times in order to
accommodate it. I have heard that they want the new rule book to last for five
years. By leaving the classifier out of the rule book, it gives them
flexibility to tweak it going forward.
2. Section 3.10 Flashlight doesn't say that you have to hold onto the light
in your hand. Could you clip it to your visor or hold it in your mouth? It
just says you must "retain" it. Section 8.8.4 doesn't clarify this either.
The old rule was: "3.15.3 The flashlight must be retained by the shooter
throughout the course of fire, or held in the shooter’s hand while shooting.”
The new rule is: “3.10-B Shooters must retain the flashlight throughout
the course of fire.”
So, you’re right. The light does not need to be held in the hand when shooting.
However, it does need to start in your hand, unless the stage description says
otherwise. So why change this? Perhaps because in some cases, the shooter
decides he does not need the light to shoot accurately. The old rule forced
them to shoot with the flashlight in their hand, even if it was turned off. I
think that the stage description could direct shooters not to put the
flashlight in their mouth, etc. Also, if it’s a prop flashlight, then the
choice of flashlight will control how it’s used. In a stage that shooters use
their own flashlight, if they want to put it in their mouth, then why not? The
revised rule allows some flexibility.
Over the years IDPA has added a lot of arbitrary rules to prevent “gaming.” The
problem is, being arbitrary, many shooters think IDPA is far to rigid. I think
the new rules are trying to back off on that, e.g. all targets can be
re-engaged as long as they can be re-engaged safely.
3. Section 3.6 Fault Lines says that fault lines "shall" be used. I thought
they were optional? Also, it says "when" they are used "there will be one
fault line at each POC, that line applies to all targets engaged from that
POC" (3.6.3 A). That's going to make stage layout pretty challenging for
shooting around barricades.
You’re right. In the preliminary rules, there were two different types of
visible lines: "Visible cover reference lines" and "Fault lines." Fault lines
were only allowed on standards stages. Visible cover reference lines were
allowed, but not required, to be used as an alternative means of calling cover.
However, with the 2017.1a revision, they decided to go with Plan “B”. Plan B
eliminated cover reference lines altogether and replaced them with Fault lines.
They also eliminated the “Cover” command entirely! SO’s will no longer call
cover. They will simply penalize foot faults.
I think this is a good thing. I was only going to use one "Visible cover
reference line" per “Position of Cover” anyways. So, that line would have been
used for the first target, and then the standard “Invisible cover reference
lines” would be used for the remaining. Since, IMHO, 99% of all cover calls are
on the first target around cover, this would have sufficed. Also, most shooters
set their feet once and then shoot all the targets.
However, one of the most contentious aspects of IDPA is calling “Cover.” So
eliminating it altogether is even better. I understand your concern with stage
design. But I think it can be managed and will be a worthwhile tradeoff.
I'm sure more questions will pop up.
If they want this rule book to stand for five years, they will need to address
a great many questions.
BTW, Rule 8.8.4 refers to rule 3.17, which doesn’t exist in the new Rulebook.
It’s actually 3.15. So, I’d be surprised if 2017.1a is the last revision.
-----Original Message-----
From: bas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Wade Price
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2016 11:19 AM
To: Undisclosed recipients:
Subject: [bas] FYI: "Official" 2017 IDPA Rulebook
Hot off the presses. I have not had a chance to review it yet.
http://www.idpa.com/misc/Rulebook%202017%20Master.pdf
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