Observations of a First-Time USPSA Nationals Range Officer – by Dr. Francine Terry

Courtesy of our friends at the Women of USPSA blog comes this observation piece by Dr. Francine Terry who worked as an RO at this year’s Smith & Wesson USPSA National Handgun Championships.

1. Welcome to the learning curve.  No matter how much prior experience — I’d RO’d locally for several years, coordinated (attended and participated in) 2 RO classes, earned my CRO, told several of the RMI’s that I was bucking for RM in 2012, worked a couple of Sectional matches and RO’d the first US IPSC National match at my home range in 2009 (with thanks to Phil, the Canadian IROA CRO)  – the entire 3 or 4 days on-range at Nationals is spent gripping the steep slope of the learning curve. Anticipate it, accept it, plan for the same next year.

2. I’ll face East and thank karma, the Fates and whatever other cosmic force intervened to put me with the (in)famous staff of Stage 5.  Debbie, the CRO, was nothing short of awesome — great organizer, great leader, allowed the RO’s to do their jobs while being there to back us up if asked & needed. Bobby obviously had more Nationals experience than I and was great to work with. JT (Officer JT, sir!) was way too much fun and showed me that it’s entirely possible to have an insane level of fun (can you say “conga line”?) and be consummately professional at the same time.

3. Call what you see; be certain of it when you call it. Use the overlays (have them immediately at hand). Put yourself in a position to see the competitor’s feet, hands, trigger finger. Be polite and gracious while being definitive (I said STEEP part of the learning curve).