Match Day Time Management

 To perform well in NRA/CMP High Power matches, it is important to be able to manage the time you are given to fire your record shots. Poor time management results in rushed record shots as well as stress that reduces the fun of the match. As a general rule, match day time management is all about getting things done before they need to be done. When you have time to prepare for the next part of the match, do it. Learn to anticipate the next requirement of the match and prepare accordingly.

Managing your time for a match starts before you even leave for the match. In order to have a stress free day, verify you have all your equipment the night before. Make a checklist if you have to. Lay your clothes out and organize any food and water you’ll need the next day. Go online and double check both the match registration time as well as the match start time. Check Google Maps for the time required to get to your destination. Add a few minutes to be sure you’ll get there early. For a local match, plan on arriving at the beginning of the registration period. For a large regional match, check with the match officials to see what time it makes sense to arrive.

Upon arrival at the match, go straight to registration and get that done. After registration, don’t get distracted greeting friends. There is work to do. Load your magazines for the rapid fire stages. Concentrate to be sure you load the correct number of rounds. Take your rifle out of the case, and after checking your empty chamber indicator (ECI) is in place, attach it to your cart. While you’re at it, get your cart ready for the trip to the firing line. Pre-fill the pages you’ll use in your data book. Don’t forget your food and water in your car. Once all your equipment is ready to go, head to your firing point.

The following applies to all the stages in the match. Before you are called for your 2 minute pre-preparation, you can do some things to get ready. Put your jacket on. Put your single shot magazine in one of the pockets. Assemble your sighting scope. Check that your rifle has the correct DOPE on for the yard line and position.

You should position your cart as close to your firing point as the match allows. 2 minutes goes by very quickly, so it’s best to minimize the time it takes for you to get to your firing point and set up before your 3 minute preparation period.

As soon as the director calls your relay to the line, move your cart into position. If you’ll need your mat, unroll it and put it in position. If you are in the standing stage of the match, keep that mat close by to go right into sitting once your firing is complete. Place your rifle on your stool, or on the mat, depending on the stage of the match. Put your single shot magazine next to your rifle, along with your previously loaded magazines for a rapid fire stage. Be sure your ammunition is handy both for getting your 2 round sighters as well as any necessity to reload magazines for an alibis. For a slow fire stage, get your timer out and place it within reach. Set it to the correct amount of time for the stage. It’s important to use a timer for the slow fire stages so you can use your time carefully without running short and having to rush.

You should be getting into position during the 2 minute pre-preparation. You cannot insert a magazine and you cannot remove your ECI until your preparation period. However, you can maximize your preparation period by already being in position when the period starts.

Make sure you are listening to the match director so you don’t miss the call for the preparation period. Once your preparation period is started, you may remove your ECI and insert an empty magazine. This is your opportunity to carefully set your position to your natural point of aim. Once that’s done, you should run through your shot process several times, dry firing several times. Double check that all your important equipment is close enough that you can reach it without changing your position. Get your two sighter rounds ready to go. Check your natural point of aim again.

In matches where you get sighters, you should have your first round in your hand at the end of the preparation period. Once the match director announces the beginning of the sighter period, you should immediately load your first round. Again, 2 minutes goes by very quickly. Be sure to shoot both your sighters well before the end of the 2 minutes. Make the necessary adjustments on your scope. Check your natural point of aim again. If you are preparing for a rapid fire stage, remove your single shot magazine and check the placement of your loaded magazines.

For a slow fire stage, it’s important to develop a rhythm whereby the allotted time is used effectively. It’s ok to finish a little bit early, but if you’re one of the first shooters finished, you’re probably rushing. Develop a steady pace that averages a bit less than a minute and you’ll do well, using your time effectively. If you just finished standing, immediately start your pre-preparation for sitting. Set your sling length for sitting. Unroll your mat and get it in position. As stated earlier, you should be anticipating the next part of the match.

For a rapid fire stage, time management is about using most, if not all, the time allowed to take well aimed rapid fire shots. It takes a great deal of practice to slow down during the rapid fire stages and use all of the allotted time. Spend more of the time on the first round out of each magazine. That first round must be taken carefully as it often dictates how the rest of the magazine will go. After firing your record shots, there is a short period you’ll be waiting for scores. Take advantage of that time to grab your data book so you’ll be ready to record your shots.  At the end of each rapid fire stage, start packing your equipment as soon as the director indicates you may break position. You’ll be going to another stage, so don’t just toss your magazines, glove etc. anywhere. Put them back where they belong so you don’t waste time at the next stage searching for things. Stay organized throughout the match.

Service Rifle matches have very little down time. Good time management during the match requires anticipating the next event in the match and preparing for it before it arrives. It requires attention to detail and concentration to avoid getting distracted. It also requires being familiar with match rules so you know when you can, and when you cannot do certain things. As one develops experience with these matches, time management becomes easier.