I contacted Mr. Troy McManus, the DNROI for USPSA, for guidance on how I should approach future matches. Within 20 minutes he responded that he would handle the situation, and gave me the pertinent rules below. I'll print out the email and have a copy of the USPSA rule book on hand for future matches. I'll also try to contact the MD and RO days/weeks before the match to give them a heads up on my intentions.
The rules support using an AIWB or any IWB holster, as long as you are meeting division requirements and can safely draw from concealment.
Here are some pertinent rules:
- 10.5.5.1 Exception – A match disqualification is not applicable for sweeping of the lower extremities (below the belt) while drawing or re-holstering a handgun, provided that the competitor’s fingers are clearly outside of the trigger guard. This exception is only for holstered handguns. Sweeping does not apply to a handgun holstered in compliance with Rules 5.2.1 and 5.2.7.
- Appendix D2, #12, #20: No restrictions on type of holster.
- This is the important one in this instance:
- 5.2.6 USPSA Competition matches will not require the use of a particular type or brand of holster. However, the Range Master may deem that a competitor’s holster is unsafe and order that it be improved to his satisfaction, failing which it must be withdrawn from the match. Divisions may restrict a specific type of holster. Providing the Division does not restrict the type or physical location of the holster, IWB or concealment holsters are legal, as long as the firearms can safely be drawn and replaced, and so doing does not break any safety rules.