15. Match Disqualifications

In all situations involving Match DQs, the Range Master must be called to confirm the punitive action with the RO Team.

At events where competitors may be allowed multiple entries (such as shooting multiple divisions or multiple schedules), a Match DQ will apply to all of the competitor’s entries in the event. The following major safety violations will result in a Match DQ.

15.1 Accidental discharge (AD)

15.1.1 Round over backstop

Any round traveling directly over a backstop or berm.

15.1.2 Round near competitor

Any round impacting the ground within 1.5 meters of the competitor, provided it is not at a legitimate target within 1.5 meters from the correct shooting area (such as with low targets through a port, etc)

15.1.3 Round during manipulation

Any round discharged while manipulating the firearm during reloading, unloading, taking corrective action of a malfunction or perceived malfunction

15.1.4 Round while not engaging

Any round discharged while clearly not engaging targets

15.1.4.1 Exception for burning rounds

With the exception of safely “burning” the round. “Burning” the round means deliberately firing a shot into a safe backstop in order to unload the firearm or transition to the next round in the magazine (such as in the case of switching ammo types - e.g. bird to buck/slug, short range to long range, etc.)

15.1.4.2 RO notification recommended

If a competitor is planning a burned round on the stage, it is highly recommended that they inform the RO Team prior to the stage start to avoid confusion. In the case that the RO Team interprets a burned round as an AD and stops the shooter, the RM must be called to determine the proper resolution, and a reshoot may be issued.

15.2 Dropping a loaded firearm

15.2.1 Competitor instruction

If this occurs, the competitor shall not make any effort to retrieve the firearm.

15.2.2 RO procedure

The RO Team must issue the “Stop!” command, then proceed to safely handle and unload the dropped firearm before returning it to the competitor.

15.3 Flagging/Sweeping

15.3.1 Muzzle pointing at person

If at any point the muzzle of an unholstered firearm (whether loaded or unloaded) points at any part of the competitor’s person or other person, the competitor shall be disqualified from the match.

15.3.2 Holster exception

Depending on holster type or the competitor’s physical build, drawing and re-holstering may require flagging of the competitor’s person. In these cases, the competitor will be exempt only at the moments of re-holstering or drawing the handgun.

15.4 Breaking the 180 or other modified safety angle for the course of fire

15.4.1 Uprange pointing

If the competitor points any firearm uprange of the designated 180 plane for the bay (by default: perpendicular with the direction of the bay at the competitor’s position), or other modified safety angle as defined by the WSB, they will receive a Match DQ.

15.4.2 During draw/reholster

15.4.2.1 Hip direction

The direction that the competitor’s hips are pointing must not be uprange of the 180 or defined safety angle.

15.4.2.2 Exclusion radius

The competitor has a 1 meter exclusion radius around the midpoint of their feet where the exact muzzle direction of the handgun is not considered to break the 180 (for example, in the case of holsters with a slight forward cant).

15.5 Intoxication or being under the influence of mentally or physically impairing substances

During a competitor’s scheduled shooting

15.6 Violation of the cold range policy

Per Section 1.2

15.7 Blatant unsportsmanlike conduct, attempts to cheat, or aggressive behavior

Whether physical or verbal, toward any person

15.8 Improper abandonment of a loaded firearm

Per Section 7.7

15.9 Receiving two Strikes

In a single event.

15.10 Receiving two Stage DQs

In a single event (see Chapter 14).

15.11 Using prohibited ammunition

Per Section 2.8.