January IPSC match

8.3 Range Communication
The approved range commands and their sequence are as follows:
8.3.1 “Make Ready” – This command signifies the start of “the Course of
Fire”. Under the direct supervision of the Range Officer the competitor
must face down range, or in a safe direction as specified by the Range
Officer, fit eye and ear protection, and prepare the handgun in accordance
with the written stage briefing. The competitor must then assume
the required start position. At this point, the Range Officer will proceed.
USPSA Handgun Rules, January 2008 Edition • 31
8.3.1.1 Once the “Make Ready” command has been given, the competitor
must not move away from the start location prior to issuance
of the “Start Signal” without the prior approval, and under the
direct supervision, of the Range Officer.
8.3.2 “Are You Ready?” – The lack of any negative response from the competitor
indicates that he fully understands the requirements of the
course of fire and is ready to proceed. If the competitor is not ready at
the “Are You Ready?” command, he must state “Not Ready”. It is suggested
that when the competitor is ready he should assume the required
start position to indicate his readiness to the Range Officer.
8.3.3 “Standby” – This command should be followed by the start signal within
1 to 4 seconds.
8.3.4 “Start Signal” – The signal for the competitor to begin their attempt at
the course of fire. If a competitor fails to react to a start signal, for any
reason, the Range Officer will confirm that the competitor is ready to
attempt the course of fire, and will resume the range commands from
“Are You Ready?”.
8.3.4.1 In the event that a competitor begins his attempt at the course of
fire prematurely (“false start” prior to the issuance of the start
signal) the Range Officer will, as soon as possible, stop and
restart the competitor once the course of fire has been restored.
8.3.5 “Stop” – Any Range Officer assigned to a stage may issue this command
at any time during the course of fire. The competitor must immediately
cease firing, stop moving and wait for further instructions from
the Range Officer.
8.3.6 “If You Are Finished, Unload And Show Clear” – If the competitor has
finished shooting, he must lower his handgun and present it for inspection
by the Range Officer with the muzzle pointed down range, magazine
removed, slide locked or held open, and chamber empty.
Revolvers must be presented with the cylinder swung out and empty.
8.3.6.1 When conducting Standard Exercises, Range Officials may
issue other interim commands on completion of the first string,
in order to prepare the competitor for the second and subsequent
strings. (e.g. “Reload if required and holster”). This option may
also be applied when two or more courses of fire share a common
shooting bay or area.
8.3.7 “If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster” – After issuance of this command,
the competitor is prohibited from firing (see Rule 10.4.3). While continuing
to point the handgun safely downrange, the competitor must
perform a final safety check of the handgun as follows:
8.3.7.1 Self-loaders – release the slide and pull the trigger (without
touching the hammer or decocker, if any).
32 • USPSA Handgun Rules, January 2008 Edition
8.3.7.2 Revolvers – close the empty cylinder (without touching the
hammer, if any).
8.3.7.3 If the gun proves to be clear, the competitor must holster his
handgun.
8.3.7.4 If the gun does not prove to be clear, the Range Officer will
resume the commands from Rule 8.3.6 (also see Rule 10.4.3).
8.3.8 “Range Is Clear” – This declaration signifies the end of the Course of
fire. Once the declaration is made, officials and competitors may move
forward to score, patch, reset targets etc.

8.6.1 No assistance of any kind can be given to a competitor during a course
of fire, except that any Range Officer assigned to a stage may issue
safety warnings to a competitor at any time. Such warnings will not be
grounds for the competitor to be awarded a reshoot.

Cliff,

I don't see anything about an RO being required to not say anything other than the specific range commands. I remember there being a thread on brianenos.com about this and I think, if my memory serves me, the consensus was that the range commands should be adhered to but it is not uncommon. I think the "Do you understand the COF," along with another non-specific commands are simply courtesy, friendship, et al.

Personally, I don't want to hear any of it. Again, I think it's my (the shooter's) responsibility to listen for the proper commands but the RO should make sure he is sticking to them as well.

Thanks.