[TonyB]

I've been shooting IDPA for almost a year now and this is the first major match around my area.My problem is this:we got a copy of the stages and there's alot of going prone and kneeling and crawling.I can't do any of this.I have wicked bad arthritis.For me going prone or kneeling are out of the question,and forget crawling.So what should I do???Skip the match,or just take the precedural penalty?
I'd love to shoot the match, but I don't want to get the other contestants all pissed"how come he didn't have to crawl?!"
Any thoughts???

[Correia]

Go shoot the match and take the procedurals. If anybody gives you any lip about it even after they know about your medical condition, they are a dork and should be ignored. :) I'm sure the vast majority of the competitors would have no problem.

Now if you win the match, or place at the very top, due to your not having to go prone, crawl, whatever, then I could imagine some folks would be upset. However if you are just regular Joe Shooter, then I don't think there would be any issues.

[Jim Watson]

Take the inititative and contact the Match Director.
NOW!
Explain your disability and arrange for a Procedural Penalty for whenever you cannot assume the position IN ADVANCE. This will give you the best chance for understanding and accomodation. Don't just show up and spring it on them at the range when everybody is busy, in a hurry and suspicious of special requests.
I would consider this the equivalent of the IPSC provision for "Penalty in Lieu of Course Requirement." Give it a try.

I also wonder whether crawling is within LGB, pg 18, bullet item 11:
"Course designers MUST refrain from designing courses of fire that will substantially disadvantage senior and mobility-challenged shooters."

It will do you NO good to argue this with them, however, the match is set and other requirements of kneeling and prone ARE established IDPA technique.

[Correia]

Jim brings up a very good point. The Match Director would be very appreciative of being contacted before hand. I know I would be.

[TonyB]

Yeah,I think I'll do that.A guy from my club knows the match director.Thanks guys!!:cool: