Another multigun match is in the books, and we continue to learn from each new match.  One of the first things the Match Director (me) learned is that I shouldn’t let a PractiScore setting override the proper scoring of a time limit stage.  Some competitors pointed out that the correct scoring method was to stop the shooter at the maximum time (200 seconds in this case) and score the stage as shot, with all penalties included.  Since I had selected a time limit in PractiScore, it automatically limited the time and penalties to a total of 200 seconds per stage.  I apologize for the error, and will correct it in future matches.

We had great stages created by a new group of stage designers.  As is sometimes the case, stages had to be changed during setup to accommodate differences in range bays, or to facilitate match flow.  This is a necessary part of the setup process, and a result of the translating design intent to paper, and paper to props on the ground.  Therefore, diagrams that are published on our website prior to a match may not be accurate depictions of the final, completed stage.  They are only intended to give competitors an overview of a match.

Another thing we all learned is that Mother Nature is fickle, and doesn’t always appreciate matches.  She started the day on a good note, by giving us some rain to clear the heavy smoke we had lived with for weeks.  But then she alternated small showers with warm temperatures to create a seriously muggy day.  Her final act was to create a microburst on the 50A bay, which scattered a trash can full of shotgun hulls, turned over a table full of shotguns, and knocked out range power.  The burst of weather left the mud covered-squad wondering if it was a personal attack on them or the stage designer.

In any case, we were able to complete the scoring and synchronization using battery backup, and the match teardown was completed, even if the storage buildings were dark and full of tripping hazards.  We had 36 shooters, interesting stages, and a great time in spite of Mother Nature’s harassment.

Scott