Earlier today I received my first match DQ. Ever. The worst part - it was for breaking 180.
Initially I was shocked and taken aback because I didn't think I had broken 180 -- I honestly thought I was shooting within the bounds of 180 degrees. I wanted to argue about it -- but didn't. Instead, I quietly walked to the back of the bay (obviously after everything was clear and the RO announced accordingly), got my stuff together, and loaded out.
I stayed around for another hour and watched the next stage before leaving for the day. During that hour, I did something I now view as stupid -- I made (2) passive comments about my DQ.
I regret that now.
Regardless of whether or not I broke 180 -- I'm glad I got DQ'd. I would even say I needed to be DQ'd.
Why? Because when it happened, I felt like it was bogus.
I love shooting. I grew up competing in American skeet -- today was my first 3 gun match -- shooting sports are something for which I have a great passion.
The fact someone called my violation and held me responsible is awesome. Safety is a big deal, and today proved there are a lot of people that share that sentiment. The minute we stop making safety the number 1 priority is the minute we should lay things down and step away. I'm glad I got called out, and I guarantee I won't react the same way if this ever happens again. My RO did an exceptional job today.
A big thank you to all ROs and range staff today. While my first match may have been cut short, it was a great experience and I will be back.
On a side note -- the few people I met today were a class-act. Extremely kind and helpful. I look forward to shooting another match in the future.
Initially I was shocked and taken aback because I didn't think I had broken 180 -- I honestly thought I was shooting within the bounds of 180 degrees. I wanted to argue about it -- but didn't. Instead, I quietly walked to the back of the bay (obviously after everything was clear and the RO announced accordingly), got my stuff together, and loaded out.
I stayed around for another hour and watched the next stage before leaving for the day. During that hour, I did something I now view as stupid -- I made (2) passive comments about my DQ.
I regret that now.
Regardless of whether or not I broke 180 -- I'm glad I got DQ'd. I would even say I needed to be DQ'd.
Why? Because when it happened, I felt like it was bogus.
I love shooting. I grew up competing in American skeet -- today was my first 3 gun match -- shooting sports are something for which I have a great passion.
The fact someone called my violation and held me responsible is awesome. Safety is a big deal, and today proved there are a lot of people that share that sentiment. The minute we stop making safety the number 1 priority is the minute we should lay things down and step away. I'm glad I got called out, and I guarantee I won't react the same way if this ever happens again. My RO did an exceptional job today.
A big thank you to all ROs and range staff today. While my first match may have been cut short, it was a great experience and I will be back.
On a side note -- the few people I met today were a class-act. Extremely kind and helpful. I look forward to shooting another match in the future.