So, you've decided to shoot your first match. Now you just need to find one, get registered, pack all your gear, and win. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know to get started. We will go over Practiscore registration, finding a match, needed equipment, and what to do when you arrive. Some links are embedded in the text of this article.

Registration/Practiscore

Practiscore is the main hub for match registration and scorekeeping. Here, you can search for a particular match/event or a local club. You can manage your match registrations and club memberships from this site as well.

First, register an account with Practiscore, then find a local club offering the matches of your choice. Keep in mind some may appear as multiple entities at the same location on Practiscore based on which leagues they offer. So may find your local club listed as "Club Name IDPA" or "Club Name USPSA". Follow any that you plan on shooting with regularly. Some will even allow you to apply for club membership through Practiscore for discounted match fees. These will later be found on the "My Clubs" page from your dashboard for easier access. If you are a club member, it will be shown here along with your most recent renewal and expiration date. If any of that information is incorrect, please contact your club.

A club's page will have upcoming matches listed with their registration dates. Once you have found a club or match you would like to attend and registration is open, simply click the link for that match and scroll down to the registration tab.

There you will fill out your information including your USPSA/IDPA member number, division, classification, and more. Once you're registered you can select a squad to join. Your squad is the group of competitors you will go through the stages with. The squad doesn't necessarily mean you are being scored against those people. Scoring and ranking is done by division and further by classification. Note: for local matches, you do not need to be a registered member of USPSA or IDPA. However, you will not be able to obtain a classification or shoot for record unless you are a member.

Many clubs will let you pay your match fee through Practiscore or at the match on the day of. Check your personal management page for that match once you're registered.

Everyone likes to talk about gear, so let's get to it. What do we need to show up and win?

What do I need?

The first step is to figure out what you're doing. Are you shooting IDPA or USPSA? What division will you be shooting in (IDPA divisions/USPSA divisions)? I would advise new competitors to use their favorite pistol out of the safe along with a few good magazines, a safe holster (no Uncle Mikes, Blackhawk Serpas, or nylon gunshow specials, please), mag pouches and a belt. Most handguns will fit into one division or another. Additionally, local clubs are often more accommodating with first time competitors in case your equipment isn't exactly competition legal, but is otherwise safe.

Find quality ammunition that works reliably in your handgun and meets power factor minimums. A typical local match in IDPA or USPSA is 6 stages requiring 120-150 rounds in total. Bring 200 and you should be set.

*Power factor is found by taking the bullet weight (in grains) times velocity (in feet per second) divided by 1000. For USPSA, most factory 9mm will easily meet Minor PF (125) and most .40S&W and above will meet Major PF (165). IDPA power factor minimums vary by division.

Aside from the obvious need for a gun, magazines, and ammunition, here is a short list of must-haves for a match:

• Range bag to carry your equipment
• Eye and ear protection (electronic is nice so you can easily hear range commands)
• Concealment garment (if shooting IDPA)
• Quality shoes
• Water
• Snack or two, even a local can run well past lunch
• Sunscreen
• CLP/lubricant
• Spare batteries for any optics

Snacks, water, and even sunscreen may not seem like necessities, just bring them. In addition, here is a non-exhaustive list of items that are nice to have but shouldn't hold you back from competing:

• Range cart/old man camping wagon
• Anti-fog for eye protection and optics (I recommend Cat Crap)
• Liquid chalk (I use Pro Grip)
• Small towel to wipe sweat and dirt from face or hands
• Hand warmers in the colder months (no such thing as off-season)
• Spare magazines
• Spare firearm
• Baseball cap
• Small notepad (in case you're the note taking type)

You've read this far, so I assume you're serious about attending your first match. The best advice at this point is to just go. Don't go to watch. Grab your gun, ammo, and gear (and a friend who has attended, if available) and go. The vast majority of competitors are happy to help new shooters and you will not be left behind.

What do I do once I get there?

First thing on arrival is to check-in. Find the check-in area or Match Director and get checked in once you arrive. Arriving at the setup time (if its the same day) is a great way to meet a few people, get any questions or nerves out of the way, and get a look at the stages so they're not so unfamiliar.

The day will start with a safety brief and often a new shooters brief to go over how the match will be conducted. Squads will be confirmed so you know who to go with and which stage you will start on. Before or shortly after this brief is the time to gear up. Put your belt and everything on (minus your firearm) and take your pistol (in its case or range bag) to a designated safe area/table. Holster up, getting a couple dry draws out of the way, but DO NOT handle magazines or any live ammunition at these safe areas. Both for safety and to avoid any bad looks and a DQ. Matches are cold ranges, meaning we don't walk around with loaded guns. I'm very much a fan of big boy rules on the range, competition just isn't the place and, well, them's the rules. Once you're geared up and briefings are done, get to your first stage with your squad.

You may request to be put near the end of the shooting order if you like. This way you can see several shooters run the stage and hear the RO/SO's range commands multiple times before you have to do any of it for record. Ask questions, just don't ask the guy that's about to walk up and shoot, the guy on deck after that, or the RO/SO if they appear to be busy performing their duties.

After each run and the RO/SO has given the "Range is clear" command, follow the rest of your squad and help paste targets. It will make the runs go much faster and smoother. No one is above sticking a little square of tape over a hole on a piece of cardboard. This is done so targets are clean for each shooter.

When it is your turn, have your magazines loaded and in their respective pouches, and pistol unloaded, holstered, and ready. Eye pro and ear pro on or in their respective holes in your head. Get up to the starting position, ask any final questions of the RO/SO and listen for their commands. Next thing you will hear is the beep. Refer to my in-depth posts on USPSA and IDPA for their respective range commands if you need more information.

Me after the beep

After the match done, it's helpful to stick around and help tear down stages. Final scores are usually posted to Practiscore the same day. This will show up on your Practiscore dashboard under recent events.

Sounds simple, right? Honestly, it really is and most people make it into a much bigger deal than it is. A few last minute tips. If they're repeated here, they're important:

• Be safe!
• Many people are nervous their first match.
• Don't be surprised if you don't set any world records at your first match.
• Even if you're setting out to claim a national title one day, keep it fun and make competing and training sustainable for you and your lifestyle.
• Be humble, or this sport WILL humble you.
• Some say disqualifications (DQs) are a matter of when, not if. Go get you some Dairy Queen ice cream after to make yourself feel better. (Get it?)
• Stick to your stage plan and try not to second guess yourself. That's what AARs and stage videos are for
• Don't be afraid to ask someone in your squad to video your stage run on your phone for later review/scrutiny