Chapter 9 · Scoring · p.51
9.2Traditional USPSA Hit Factor Scoring
The written stage briefing for each must specify one of the following 2 scoring methods:
“Comstock” – Unlimited time stops on the last shot, unlimited number of shots to be fired, stipulated number of hits per target to count for score.
9.2.1.1.1 A competitor’s score is calculated by adding the highest value stipulated number of hits per target, minus penalties, divided by the total time (recorded to two decimal places) taken by the competitor to complete the , to arrive at a hit factor. The overall stage results are factored by awarding the competitor with the highest hit factor the maximum points available for the course of fire, with all other competitors ranked relatively below the stage winner.
“Limited Time Comstock”
9.2.1.2.1 In order for match flow it may be necessary to limit times per shooter on long range rifle stages. May be used only for Rifle stages that have rifle targets set at least 100 yards away. When the shooter "times out," the stage is scored as shot including any misses and
FTSA penalties. The max time is the time recorded.
9.2.1.2.2 Minimum length of “max time” is 180 seconds on a long course and 30 seconds per string on a standards course, maximum of 3 strings.
9.2.1.2.3 “Limited Time Comstock" must be included in the course description along with the time limit.
“Fixed Time” – Limited time and stipulated number of hits per target to count for score.
9.2.1.3.1 A competitor’s score is calculated by adding the highest value stipulated number of required hits, minus penalties. The overall stage results are not factored, and competitors are ranked by the actual net points achieved by them.
9.2.1.3.2 Fixed Time courses of fire do not incur failure to shoot at or miss penalties.
Stage results must rank competitors within the relevant Division in descending order of individual stage points achieved, calculated to 4 decimal places.
Match results must rank competitors within the relevant Division in descending order of the combined total of individual stage points achieved calculated to 4 decimal places.
Scoring and Penalty Values
Scoring hits on authorized targets will be scored in accordance with the values assigned such targets. (See Appendix B1)
Each hit visible on the scoring area of a cardboard no shoot will be penalized the equivalent of twice the point value of a maximum scoring hit.
For rifle targets, each full or partial diameter hit visible on the frontal surface of a metal no-shoot will be penalized the equivalent of twice the point value of a maximum scoring hit, regardless of whether or not it is designed to fall. (See Rules 4.3.5 and 9.5.3.5.) Shotgun no-shoot metal targets must be shot and fall or overturn to score and then will be penalized the equivalent of twice the point value of a maximum scoring hit.
Each miss will be penalized twice the value of the maximum scoring hit available on that target, except in the case of disappearing targets. (See Rule 9.9.2.)
Spinner targets are that are successfully spun one complete revolution are awarded 20 points. Failing to spin a spinner is a 40 point penalty.
Optional Enhanced Target Values
Certain targets may prove to be “not worth shooting” when the standard target values are used (5 points for clays, 5 or 10 points for rifle and shotgun steel). Using an extreme example, a plate at 500 yards may be “not worth shooting” given that the 5 or 10 points gained for a hit would likely cost the average shooter an inordinate amount of time.
Frangible flying targets will be scored at 10-point value with an option of 20-point value should the Match Director choose and are to be considered disappeared once they land. On rifle courses, frangible targets will usually score 10 points, but the Match Director may choose 20 points.
Steel handgun target values may be doubled (10 points) at distances beyond 50 yards. Use of steel handgun targets beyond 50 yards is discouraged.
Steel shotgun shot target values may be increased 10 points (to 15 points or 20 points) at distances beyond 20 yards. Use of steel shotgun shot targets beyond 35 yards is discouraged.
Steel shotgun slug target values may be increased 10 points (to 15 points or 20 points) at distances beyond 50 yards. Use of steel shotgun slug targets beyond 100 yards is discouraged.
Steel rifle target values may be increased 10 points for each 100 yards of distance
— 0-99 yards value is 5 or 10 points — 100-199 yards value may be up to 20 points — 200-299 yards value may be up to 30 points — 300-399 yards value may be up to 40 points
Enhanced target values for steel should comply with the following constraints:
9.2.5.6.1 Enhanced target values are defined at the discretion of the course designer or match director, before the match begins. There is no requirement that steel target values be enhanced; this only provides an option that the course designer may use to make targets “worth shooting.”
9.2.5.6.2 Enhanced target values should be used only to ensure competitive equity and to remove any competitive “benefit” which might arise by choosing to ignore a distant target. Enhanced target values should not be used abusively or punitively. (e.g., Assigning high target values to difficult shots resulting in a large number of “zero-scores” on a stage.)
9.2.5.6.3 Enhanced target values should be used sparingly, in order to preserve “balance” in the stage designs. It is recommended that no more than 50% of the points in any stage be derived from “enhanced target values.”
Enhanced target values apply to steel or thrown/launched frangible targets only. Providing enhanced scoring values for cardboard targets is prohibited.
Stage descriptions must clearly identify enhanced-value targets.
9.2.5.8.1 It is NOT required that all steel on a stage have the same value. Steel target values may be mixed on a single stage.
9.2.5.8.2 Except as specified in Rule 10.2.11 and exception
10.2.13, procedural penalties are assessed at twice the value of a single maximum available scoring hit on a cardboard target as stated in Appendix B1. If the maximum available scoring hit on a cardboard target is 5 points, each procedural penalty will be minus 10 points.
The minimum score for a or string will be zero.
Chronograph and Power Factors
One or more official match chronographs are used to assist in the determination of the power factor of every competitor’s ammunition. In the absence of official match chronograph(s), the power factor declared by a competitor cannot be challenged. (This section does not apply to Shotgun matches.)
9.2.7.1.1 The power factor rating to enable a competitor’s scores to be included in match results is called “Minor.” Some Divisions offer a higher power factor rating called “Major,” which enables competitors to earn more points for peripheral shots on scoring cardboard targets.
9.2.7.1.2 The power factor floor for Minor rating and the power factor floor for Major rating, if available, and other specific requirements applicable to each Division are stipulated in Appendices D1 to D5.
9.2.7.1.3 The associated values awarded for Minor and Major scoring hits are illustrated in Appendix B1.
The method used to determine power factor and the procedures used at the Chronograph Station are stipulated in Appendix C2.