The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) classification system is a critical component of the sport, providing a structured way to measure and recognize shooters’ skills. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to practical shooting, understanding how this system works is essential for tracking your progress and setting goals.
Here’s a detailed look at how the USPSA classification system operates, including how to monitor your progress and the specifics of the match classification policy.
HOW THE USPSA CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WORKS
The USPSA classification system categorizes shooters into different skill levels based on their performance in standardized shooting stages, known as classifiers, and eligible major match performances. The primary purpose of this system is to ensure fair competition by grouping shooters of similar skill levels together.
SKILL LEVELS
Grand Master (GM): 95-100%
Master (M): 85-94.99%
A Class: 75-84.99%
B Class: 60-74.99%
C Class: 40-59.99%
D Class: Below 40%
TRACKING AND MONITORING YOUR PROGRESS
To monitor your progress in the USPSA classification system, follow these steps.
1. Participate in Classifier Stages
Regularly participate in matches that include classifier stages. Each classifier stage is a pre-designed course of fire that remains consistent across all matches.
2. Submit Scores
Ensure your scores are submitted to USPSA by match organizers. Your performance in these classifiers will be used to calculate your classification percentage.
3. USPSA Membership
Maintain an active USPSA membership. This allows you to access your scores and classification data through the USPSA website. Additionally, ensure that you are registering for matches under the correct USPSA membership number in order to have your scores accurately assigned to you.
4. Track Your Scores
Log in to the USPSA website and navigate to the Classification section to view your scores. Here, you can see your performance history and current classification. Also, download the mobile app and access your classification and the Classifier Calculator.
5. Regular Updates
USPSA updates classifications every Wednesday. Check for updates to see if your classification has changed.
MAJOR MATCH RESULTS
The USPSA Major Match results policy was recently updated, lowering the threshold of how many competitors needed to be in a division for it to be recognized. Previously, it required 50 competitors in a division for that division’s overall match score for competitors to be used as part of the classification process. The number was lowered to 10, which should allow for more match-based performances to be part of the classification calculations when determining a member’s overall classification. The policy still requires that at least three Grand Masters shoot at 90% or higher along with the minimum of 10 competitors.
By understanding how the USPSA classification system works and actively tracking your progress, you can set realistic goals and continually improve your skills. Participate regularly in classifier stages, analyze your performance, and use the resources available through USPSA to monitor your development. With dedication and consistent effort, you’ll see your classification rise, reflecting your growth as a practical shooter.
THE 24 SERIES HIGH HIT FACTORS
During the USPSA Board of Directors meeting in June 2024, the process for determining the High Hit Factors was explained, but several questions have arisen regarding this process.
The stages were run as provisional from April through June, with the intention of gathering enough scores to determine a High Hit Factor for each stage. Nine potential stages were being tested to see if there was sufficient data to move forward. The goal was to evaluate how well-received the stages were—there’s no sense in advancing a stage if no one shoots it.
Here is a breakdown of each stage.
Based on these results, it was decided to hold back stages 24-03, 24-05 and 24-07.
From the results for each stage, we can track not only the submitted scores, but also who the shooter is and their current classification. This allows us to look at the top High Hit Factor shot during the provisional period, as well as the average of the top five or 10 scores.
Let’s take a look at 24-01, “Can you strong and weak hand?” This was the second most popular stage during the provisional period. To break it down by division, of the 1,628 times it was shot, Open division accounted for 227 submitted scores. At the end of the data collection period, the High Hit Factor was shot by a Master Class shooter at 10.9057. To ensure that the Hit Factor wasn’t set too low, the high score was rounded up to 100% by using the top shooter’s class (Master) and starting from 85%, then calculating what a higher hit factor could be.
In this case, the calculation looked like this:
10.9057 x 0.15 = 1.6358
10.9057 + 1.6358 = 12.5415
The thought process was that, to avoid setting the hit factors too low initially, rounding up from the classification of the shooter with the high score would be closer to what a top Grand Master shooter could achieve on the stage.
When a stage is shot at USPSA Nationals with 10 to 15 of the top Grand Masters in that division, it’s easier to determine the hit factor. However, when collecting data from regular club matches, you have to estimate what that High Hit Factor might be if top Grand Masters had shot it.
This same process was applied to all divisions in each of the potential classifiers that were moved forward. If a Grand Master shot the stage during the data collection period, the score was also rounded up from 95% to 100%.
This was the case for 24-09 in Revolver, with the top score coming from a GM in that division:
6.7093 x 0.05 = 0.33546
6.7093 + 0.33546 = 7.0447
The High Factors for each of the stages that moved forward began in July and currently have about 45 days of data. At the end of September, the new scores will be evaluated to determine if additional adjustments are needed, with updates expected in October.
Article from the September/October 2024 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
