Rules & Stage Conventions

 
Mattaponi Sundowners – Rules and Stage Conventions
– Revised 04-24-2013 –

  • SASS Rules: All SASS Rules are in affect; unless documented here, address during the Shooter Safety Meeting or specifically stated in the stage description for a given stage.
  • Round Over Berm: A round fired over the berm is a Match DQ, excluding shotguns.
  • “No Alibi”: All matches at Mattaponi are “no alibi” matches. “Once the first round goes down range, the competitor is committed to the stage and must finish the stage to the best of his or her ability. Reshoots/restarts are not awarded for ammunition or firearm malfunctions. However, if there is a range failure (failure of props, timer, or the range officers) beyond the competitor’s control, a restart may be granted. On a reshoot/restart, the competitor starts over clean, carrying only accrued safety penalties forward. Restarts shall be allowed for a competitor to achieve a “clean” start up to the point at which the first round goes down range. Multiple restarts by the same shooter, that in the judgment of the R.O. are seen to be taking advantage, will not be entertained as they are not in the spirit of the game.”
  • SASS Stage Conventions: Unless specifically stated in the stage description for a given stage, all SASS Stage Conventions are in affect.
  • Shotgun Knockdown Misses: Unless specifically stated in the stage description for a given stage and pursuant to SASS rules, all shotgun knockdown targets may be reengaged until down, aka “Comstock Rule”.
  • Loading on the Move: Loading on the move is permitted pursuant to SASS rules.
  • Drawing on the Move: Drawing on the move is permitted pursuant to SASS rules.
  • Muzzle Position: When there is a risk of a prop blocking the muzzle of a firearm, the muzzle must be positioned downrange of the prop, as determined by the Range Officer. For example: shooting through the window of a store front or shooting beside a wall.
  • End of Stage: Unless otherwise directed by a Range Officer, after a stage has been completed the shooter will safely retrieve rifle, shotgun, and pistols and move them to the unloading table. The shooters firearms will not leave the unloading table until they have been verified “cleared” by a Range Officer.
  • Coaching: Any shooter who wishes to not receive coaching must state their preference at the beginning of each stage. The Mattaponi Sundowners strongly believe that shooters helping shooters (coaching) is a critical component of the “Cowboy Way” and part of what makes this game great!! Therefore coaching is strongly encouraged and supported.

 

The Spotters Creed:
If you know that it’s a Hit…It’s a Hit
If you know that it’s a Miss…It’s a Miss
If you think it’s a Hit…It’s a Hit
If you think it’s a Miss…IT’S A HIT
Benefit of the doubt always goes to the shooter