World Cup #1, Palm Springs, USA,
- first world cup in Palm Springs. The report include the technical matters, the practical side, weapon test and questions about our rules. We all have to think about modification due to the laser shooting.
Technical Matter:
- The LOC prepared a range for 38 targets as it is requested but not in that way as it has to be. The places of the athletes didn´t correspond to the targets. Targets were presented by Mr. Kremer the LOC rent them. IQ prepared in that way, that the included diods didn´t work because it disturb the concentration of the competitors Easiepenta was responsible for the result system, so for the lights. The LOC in Palm Springs was not able to know what is needed for a competition. They ordered only lights for the athletes no repeaters which creates new problems for spectators. Spectators were not able to follow the competition because they couldn´t see the lights. Sebastian brought 8 new lights and the rest was an older generation of lights. For this 30 lights we had to bought electric adapters. At the moment there is no financial solution for that case! For the future the LOC has to be informed about this matters. The preparation for the range took all in all 2 days. Not acceptable. This details has to be clear before the competition.
We had 2 complete electric breakdown during competition. Therefore the rule 5.18.1.vii for a power backup system is not longer a additionally detail it is a must for laser shooting and all LOCs! The backup power system was bought also by Mr. Kremer.
Hit & Miss shoot after connecting targets and pistols were no problem. Sometimes in case of a miss shoot we didn´t see the flash. Without flash there will be no data registration. This is also one of the important points for the result system to have a certificate for all shoots in cases such as protests. After the Budapest indoor championships and now Palm Springs, IQ knows about that case and they are working on that problem to solve it for all result systems.
Practical side:
- Some athletes had a very short time to train with the laser because they received the laser container at Palm Springs. But they accepted the system and shoot very well and very fast (see the headline about the shooting time world record on the UIPM side). They understand how they have to pair and unpair weapon and target. The handling didn´t change. The athletes load, take aim and shoot like ever. For them it was not a big change in shooting and it was absolute clear to follow the rules that means during the loading action they have to get in contact with the table.
Weapon test:
- As I told you before we tried a new way to check the laser pistol because we have now the chance to simplify that procedure and if we want to check the laser class and the caliber we need more time and a place which is inside. One day before the first semifinal we checked all the weapons for the first competition. The next day we checked the second semifinal. Each test took about 2 hours. Additional to the normal test we had a caliber and a laser class test. If the weapons pass it we changed all batteries, replace a new one and seal the weapon. That makes it easier for the athletes, LOC and judges. When athletes arrived at the range we had only a seal check. The battery is good for the whole competition days. Only the caliber tester is a problem. IQ ordered one tester from Schneider company. If we want to place this test for all competitions there must be a solution about the financing from UIPM side.
500 gram and size test has to be also reconsidered.
Rules:
- During the technical meeting for the finals we had a big and strong discussion with trainers about rules 5.14.1. v. We had to think about the sense with laser shooting to remain on that rule. For everybody it is easier to accept the loading action during the movement to the table. They have to touch the table but that´s it. Think about that question. Maybe we could modify that rule and announce our solution in the next news letter before the next big competition. This would help the athletes, trainer and of course the shooting judges. If we decide in that way we could reduce the number of shooting judges and range officials. The view to the spectacle at the range would be much more better for TV spectators etc. and there is no more disturbance during the competition.
Seal:
- We have to think about a broken seal. Is the concerned athlete punished by elimination? A new caliber test is to wasteful to organize at the range at the moment. What would you say?
Conclusion:
- The laser system works successful! The athletes are satisfied with the new system, they accept it and handle it very fast! The electronic protection have to be explained and recorded to the rules. For weapon test and rules adaption everybody have to think about. If wished we could send Santos our proposals to forming an opinion. Thanks a lot next report will follow Sassari world cup.