INTERNATIONAL PRACTICAL SHOOTING CONFEDERATION
Introduction
Welcome to a page dedicated to the IPSC Sporting Discipline. The Shooting Association of Fiji is now a proud member of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC).
The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) is the world's second largest shooting sport association and the largest and oldest within practical shooting.
Founded in 1976, the IPSC as of 2016 affiliates 100 regions from Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Competitions are held with pistol, revolver, rifle and shotgun, and competitors are divided into different divisions based on firearm and equipment features. While everyone in a division competes in the Overall category, there are also own separate awards for the categories Lady (female competitors), Junior (under 18 years), Senior (over 50 years) and Super Senior (over 60 years).
IPSC's activities include international regulation of the sport by approving firearms and equipment for various divisions, administering competition rules and education of range officials (referees) through the International Range Officers Association who are responsible for conducting matches safely, fair and according to the rules. IPSC organizes the World Championships called the Handgun World Shoot, Rifle World Shoot and Shotgun World Shoot with three year intervals for each discipline.
The Shooting Association of Fiji had comunicated with IPSC head office for 2 years with the intention to set up a Fiji Chapter to this dynamic and challenging sport and as of June 2017, became a fully fledged and bona fide member of this Confederation.
SAF has received numerous invitations from regional IPSC chapters including PNG and New Caledonia who field IPSC teams represented.
The challenges faced by the SAF have been locating suitable areas and venues to conduct the activity as the sport is unique from traditional formats of shooting.
IPSC is a body like the ISSF (International Sport Shooting Federation), the origins of which SAF, was formed on.
IPSC was established to promote, maintain, improve and advance the sport of IPSC shooting, to safeguard its principles and to regulate its conduct worldwide in order to cultivate the safe, recreational use of firearms by persons of good character.
It represents a new, exciting form of sport shooting and was established to promote, maintain, and advance practical marksmanship.
WHAT IS IPSC SHOOTING?
IPSC shooting is one of the fastest growing shooting sports in the world today. Its courses of fire utilizes many aspects not found in the more traditional shooting disciplines, such as, movement by the shooter, moving targets, multiple targets, and the freedom for the shooter to solve the shooting challenges presented in the courses of fire.
WHAT MAKES IPSC SHOOTING UNIQUE?
The appeal of the sport lies in the diversity of the courses of fire available to the shooter. By offering different courses of fire rather than set types, IPSC shooting continues to challenge the competitor and to improve his skills. There are continually new demands to challenge the IPSC shooting enthusiast.
WHAT ARE IPSC REGIONS?
Regions (countries) are the organizations which promote the sport of IPSC and are the representatives of IPSC. All IPSC shooters become members of the IPSC by joining their affiliated Region. Regionally (Oceania), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Guam, Australia and New Zealand have representative Teams and Individuals that compete on a regular basis.
WHAT TYPE OF MATCHES DOES IPSC PROMOTE?
IPSC matches are based on the principles of accuracy, power and speed. The matches are varied and based on the safe use of the handgun. Participation in these matches will develop a high degree of safety and proficiency, as well as providing an exciting means of recreation.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE COMPETE IN IPSC MATCHES?
As in any other popular sport, a wide variety of people enjoy IPSC shooting. IPSC membership spans almost every occupation, from craftsmen to executives. Many women and families are also involved in IPSC shooting programs. It is not unusual to find husbands and wives and families participating in IPSC activities. All of the people at IPSC competitions are strong believers in safety and safe gun handling as well as good sportsmanship.
IS THERE A PLACE IN IPSC FOR BEGINNERS?
Absolutely! All of those currently competing were once at the beginner stage. By becoming active in matches hosted by an IPSC club, the shooter will have the advantage of qualified range officials and courteous range staff. At most regional competitions, you will normally find that IPSC shooters are pleased to give a helping hand in getting beginners started. By using the ICS classification system shooters can be assured they will be facing an equal skill level when competing.
THE IPSC CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (ICS)
The reason for the IPSC Classification System (ICS) is to have the ability to rank competitors both nationally and internationally and to provide Regions with their own vehicle for true peer-to-peer recognition.
ICS is a dynamic system. Classifications may move up or down based on a competitor's performance.
Classifications are calculated by Divisions. Competitors may submit scores for each Division in which they wish to be classified.
Individual records are calculated by comparing a Competitor's stage hit factor to the highest hit factors for the ICS stage.
The competitor's result will be their hit factor divided by the top average hit factor for that stage. As competitors record their scores, the class percentages might change to reflect better times at the top. This method accurately reflects the all performances.
A competitor achieves initial classification after 4 scores. Classification will be based on the average of the best 4 scores of the most recent 8 submitted.
In order to maintain a Classification, competitors must keep current IPSC membership and submit scores for a minimum of two Classification Stages or one Classifier Match each calendar year. Competitors may be removed from the ICS system at the end of the second consecutive year where no scores are submitted.
IS IPSC SHOOTING AN EXPENSIVE SPORT?
As in any other recreational activity there is virtually no limit to the amount you may spend on firearms and associated equipment. However, to get a solid start in IPSC shooting, all that is required is a reliable firearm, suitable equipment, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and a big dose of enthusiasm.
WHAT KINDS OF GUNS ARE USED FOR IPSC SHOOTING?
You will see standard stock firearms as well as exotic custom guns in IPSC competitions.
The following is the list of Pistols approved for IPSC Competitions.