This is a good discussion. But it is clear the new rules need more tweaking
before they are officially promulgated and put into force.
On the flashlight rule, the one thing that is clear is shooter must retain
it, whether it is used or not. That clearly is intended to prevent a
shooter from turning it on and putting it on floor or table while shooting.
So we have flexibility to use or not use it as long as we start with it in
strong hand and retain it throughout stage.
One interesting question: does the new rule permit starting with a
mountable flashlight in strong hand, then mount it on weapon? High risk of
crossing muzzle, and would add a lot of time, but I bet someone will try
it. So figured I would ask now
Bill Stewart
Sent from whatever electronic device I happen to have in my hand.
On Dec 25, 2016 10:21 AM, "Wade Price" <wade.price@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On Dec 24, 2016, at 4:15 PM, Jim Bernardo <jim@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Wade,
Merry Christmas!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too!
but
I realize it's a little early and you may not have reviewed it entirely
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 thelight
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 thiseither.
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. Ithought
they were optional? Also, it says "when" they are used "there will be onethat
fault line at each POC, that line applies to all targets engaged from
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.
Behalf
-----Original Message-----
From: bas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
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
