Although all MDPL matches are unsanctioned we have always followed the IDPA rule book as closely as possible.
From this point on we will be using the new IDPA rulebook for all MDPL matches. The new book is a lot longer and much more comprehensive and has brought a lot of changes to the sport.
I recommend that every shooter read the book themselves to become familiar with the new rules and help us to prevent disputes which slow down our matches.
Below is a brief summary of some of the bigger rule changes and what they mean to us, this list is not complete and is based on my reading & interpretation.
Safety Rules – changes to note:
- Your first FINGER warning is a Procedural Penalty (PE), a second FINGER warning is a match Disqualification (DQ) (2.6)
- Accidental discharges over the berm, on LAMR, reloading, clearing a malfunction or at ULASC are a DQ (2.2.3.4 & 2.2.3.5)
- Pointing past 180 or a muzzle safe point is a DQ. The MUZZLE command will be used if you muzzle is close to a safe point but you will be DQ if it goes past. (2.9.1)
- Reload practice in a Safe Area is not allowed (2.10.7)
New Range Commands
- Range Is Hot, Eyes and Ears
- Load and Make Ready (LAMR)
- Are You Ready
- Standby
- *FINGER
- *MUZZLE
- *STOP
- *COVER
- If Finished, Unload and Show Clear (ULASC)
- If Clear Slide Forward or Close Cylinder
- Pull The Trigger
- Holster
- Range Is Clear
Cover & Reloads
- SO’s must identify each position of cover during the stage walkthrough (3.5)
- Cover is defined from the centre of the -0 on a target and extends to infinity. (3.5.1)
- The definition of proper cover is the same – both feet and 50% of the torso. (3.5.2)
- All reloads must begin and end behind cover. You MAY NOT ADVANCE IN THE STAGE UNTIL YOUR RELOAD IS COMPLETE. (3.7)
- This basically means that all reloads will be ‘flat foot’. (3.9.1, 3.9.2, 3.9.4)
- There is one exception for a stage that begins ‘in the open’. Then you may reload in the open but may not continue shooting until you reach cover. (3.8)
Other changes
- Flashlight rules have been added (3.20)
- Plate racks and steel chickens may no longer be used (4.19 – sorry Brad)
- You can now earn multiple COVER penalties, one for each position of cover (5.1.3)
Equipment
There have been many updates to the Equipment rules. All striker fired guns may now shoot in SSP depending on modifications. The weight limit for SSP has been raised, most CZ Shadows will now make weight without modification. There have been small changes to every division as well as to the belt, holster and mag carrier rules.
We have been very generous with equipment rules in the past but it is up to each shooter to make sure their equipment is game legal. We operate on the honour system but if your gear is found to be not game legal, your score will not count.
You can find the rulebook on the IDPA website at the following link:
http://www.idpa.com/compete/rules
http://members.idpa.com/Content/Rules/g0hunysc.eoc.pdf