Qualifier stage???

9mm1033 · June 8, 2007, 08:22 AM

I started USPSA recently and what exactly is a "qualifier" stage?

Jim Watson · June 8, 2007, 09:29 AM

Qualifier is a misnomer, that is what cops do.
Most matches will have at least one classifier stage for which the scores are sent in to USPSA. When you have accumulated enough - they now go by the best four out of the latest six shot - you will get a classification card, Grand Master, Master, A, B, C, or D based on your scores versus the best on record. Then you can get prizes at major matches based on your placement within your class (ability) and division (gun.)

9mm1033 · June 8, 2007, 09:47 AM

Ah, now I understand. I've heard it called by both names. Thanks

RickB · June 8, 2007, 12:46 PM

I believe you can get your initial classification with six scores on record, but your ongoing classification will be your best six of your most recent eight. They find all sorts of ways to disqualify scores, both because they are "too high" or "too low", so your classification can lag behind your actual ability. It does serve to sort of flatten the peaks and valleys, but the ultimate result is that it is almost impossible for your classification to go down. I shoot a classifier almost every weekend, three or four of my best scores are almost two years old, and my classification percentage has never been higher.

Jeff22 · June 9, 2007, 06:57 AM

go to www.uspsa.org.

on the tool bar on the left hand side, click on "additional content" and then when you get that menu, go to "classifier stage diagrams".

All the current USPSA classifiers can be found there.

I REALLY like classifier matches myself (both the IPSC classifier matches and the IDPA classifier match) as tests of basic skills.

June 8, 2007, 08:22 AM	#1
9mm1033 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: A big city with far too many cars and people. Posts: 932	Qualifier stage??? I started USPSA recently and what exactly is a "qualifier" stage? __________________ No one reads or cares what is written in ones signature box. So I'm not writing anything worth reading or remembering.

June 8, 2007, 09:47 AM	#3
9mm1033 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: A big city with far too many cars and people. Posts: 932	Ah, now I understand. I've heard it called by both names. Thanks __________________ No one reads or cares what is written in ones signature box. So I'm not writing anything worth reading or remembering.

June 9, 2007, 06:57 AM	#5
Jeff22 Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2004 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 715	USPSA classifiers go to www.uspsa.org. on the tool bar on the left hand side, click on "additional content" and then when you get that menu, go to "classifier stage diagrams". All the current USPSA classifiers can be found there. I REALLY like classifier matches myself (both the IPSC classifier matches and the IDPA classifier match) as tests of basic skills. __________________ You can only learn from experience if you pay attention!

June 8, 2007, 09:29 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	Qualifier is a misnomer, that is what cops do. Most matches will have at least one *classifier* stage for which the scores are sent in to USPSA. When you have accumulated enough - they now go by the best four out of the latest six shot - you will get a classification card, Grand Master, Master, A, B, C, or D based on your scores versus the best on record. Then you can get prizes at major matches based on your placement within your class (ability) and division (gun.)

June 8, 2007, 12:46 PM	#4
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I believe you can get your initial classification with six scores on record, but your ongoing classification will be your best six of your most recent eight. They find all sorts of ways to disqualify scores, both because they are "too high" or "too low", so your classification can lag behind your actual ability. It does serve to sort of flatten the peaks and valleys, but the ultimate result is that it is almost impossible for your classification to go down. I shoot a classifier almost every weekend, three or four of my best scores are almost two years old, and my classification percentage has never been higher.