Changes to USPSA classification system

[GJM]

Very interesting video. I can already hear the wailing and gnashing of teeth. I stopped worrying about classification along time ago. I worry more about where I place overall in the match.

I don't know anyone shooting matches that is impressed by your classification. Classification seems like a big deal, though, to people trying to impress you on the internet.

[Lon]

I don't know anyone shooting matches that is impressed by your classification. Classification seems like a big deal, though, to people trying to impress you on the internet.

Ya. A lot of people like to have that M or GM after their name. I try to stay in the top 20-25% overall of any match I go to. I’m really happy about the reshoot rule. Seems like a better way to do that.

[Gio]

I think these are solutions in search of a problem. I don't think the classification system is perfect, but it works as well or maybe better than any other sport with similar handicaps (as evidenced by looking at distributions of classification vs. match finish at nationals). I think you could solve 99% of classification related issues by banning reshoots, which should have been done a long time ago.

I think messing with the HHF and how it's counted at all is going to have growing pains. They'll either set it way too easy at first and you'll end up with a bunch of paper GM's, or way too hard and no one will make GM until they realize what's happening and fix it, which could take a couple years of data to build up. All this to fix something that does what it's intended already and accurately handicaps shooters for major events.

[Gio]

Another thing to add, I do very much care about classification. I think reaching GM is a huge achievement (unless you cheat your way there), and it's a great barometer of shooting skill that is recognized in the shooting world regardless of what shooting discipline you're in. I run into a lot of gun toters who have never even competed in a shooting sport, but have heard about "grandmaster" competition shooters. It takes a ton of work to get there, and it's a level of shooting most people outside of USPSA can't even comprehend. I think having a system that recognizes and rewards it is a very positive thing for the sport and for individual shooters.

[DaBigBR]

The goal with the changes is to create a system that better reflects match performance. I think most people would agree that a classification system that reflects match performance is a good idea. HHFs are going to be adjusted. Go to HitFactor.info and look at the recommended HHFs there. My understanding is that those numbers are where they plan to start. One of the goals is to get better, more uniform distributions and to use the data to drive that. The 23/24 Classifiers were obviously an issue and preventing that from happening again is important.

I think they should have either dumped the G flag (scores < 2% don't count) or if you want to really be spicy, allow an unsportsmanlike conduct disqualification for somebody who intentionally zeroes a classifier. I shot an all classifier match last month and squadded with a Master that intentionally zeroed three stages. It was stupid and certainly made me think less of the guy.

I suspect that there will be a massive increase in all-classifier matches and clubs running two classifiers instead of one for the next few weeks. I've certainly seen them pop up locally.

[Bucky]

When I started this game, sandbagging (keeping a class below your ability) was a big problem. Of course, that was also a time when matches had real prizes. The first gun I won was for second B open.

I wonder the push towards grandbagging, and if social media was partially a catalyst?

[Gio]

I actually think the best classification system was the old 90 round IDPA classifier course or the new 72 round classifier course. The downside was it took awhile to run shooters through it, and those classifier matches tend to be a slog fest. However, it was 72 or 90 rounds, all different kinds of shooting, and you couldn't really zero or hero it or it would not work out. You had to shoot it at match pace. IDPA ruined it though by handing out easy match bumps regardless of the heat in the division and then allowing the 5x5 classifier to count, which doesn't come anywhere close to testing the same range of skills.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Well, if you qualify at super duper levels:

1. In court, you will painted as training to be a killer. This has happened in at least one case.
2. You may be asked if you are so hot, why didn't you shoot him in the leg! I was told this by a LEO snipe SME (ha).

Just adding nothing as I don't care about qualifying or classifying for anything, anymore.

[Zincwarrior]

I don't know anyone shooting matches that is impressed by your classification. Classification seems like a big deal, though, to people trying to impress you on the internet.

Those of us too old or too crapped and know we aren't going to be winning tournaments like it because its a way for us to show improvement to ourselves and within a group of more equals. I am sorry but I can be Dead Eye Dick and am still going to get stomped by below average shooters that are young enough to be my grandkids.

[Rocky Racoon]

Well, if you qualify at super duper levels:

1. In court, you will painted as training to be a killer. This has happened in at least one case..

What's the source on this?