Curious about participating in a Tactical Games event? Check out our series of videos to get started.
FIRST TIME COMPETITOR
New Competitor Guide: Everything You Need to Know About The Tactical Games
Welcome to The Tactical Games, where marksmanship meets physical fitness in an adrenaline-pumping competition like no other. If you’re a new competitor, you might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of your first event. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident for your Tactical Games weekend.
Check-In Process: Your First Step to Success
The journey begins with a smooth check-in process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Weapon Clearance: Ensure all your weapons are cleared before approaching the check-in table.
- Information Verification: We’ll confirm your contact details and the division you’ve signed up for.
- Media Package: If you’ve purchased one, you’ll receive a wristband to wear on your plate carrier’s right shoulder strap.
- Gear Inspection:
- Plate Carrier: We’ll verify the weight (15 lbs for men, 12 lbs for women)
- Rifle Inspection: We’ll check for a sling, chamber flag, and appropriate muzzle device
- Pistol Inspection: We’ll ensure factory safety features are intact
After check-in, you’re free to visit the zero bay or familiarize yourself with the facility.
Competition Day: Getting Started Right
The first day of competition is crucial. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Morning Brief: We start with a comprehensive briefing for all competitors.
- Squad Assignment: You’ll be placed in a squad of five competitors or teams.
- Athlete Number: Your squad and position determine your athlete number (e.g., Squad 1, Position 1 = Athlete 1-1).
- Lane Assignment: Your athlete number corresponds to your lane for all stages throughout the weekend.
Scoring System: Understanding Your Performance
The Tactical Games uses two primary scoring methods:
- Time Plus Point Stage:
- Your base score is your completion time
- Missed shots add time penalties (e.g., 10 seconds per miss)
- Additional penalties may apply for incomplete stages
- Point Scoring Stages:
- Earn points for completed fitness work
- Gain one point per hit on the firing line
- Your final score is the sum of all points earned
Arbitration: Ensuring Accuracy
We encourage all competitors to review their scores after each stage:
- Judge the next squad after your performance
- Check your scores at the scoring tent
- Photograph your targets for reference
- Bring any discrepancies to the arbitration tent for review
Stage Breakdown: What to Expect
The Tactical Games features a variety of stage types to test your all-around skills:
- Fitness and Shooting: Alternating between physical tasks and both weapon systems
- Long Movement: Distance runs with varying gear requirements
- Shooting Only: Engage targets with both weapons (Tac 2 Gun)
- Shooting Aggregate: Short, focused shooting stages
- Carbine Only: Rifle-specific stages
- Physical Floater: Short, workout-only stages
Preparing for Success
To make the most of your Tactical Games experience:
- Train Holistically: Combine cardio, strength, and shooting practice
- Know Your Gear: Familiarize yourself with your equipment before the event
- Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and electrolytes
- Network: Use this opportunity to connect with like-minded competitors
- Have Fun: Remember, it’s a challenge, but it’s also an incredible experience!
Chamber Flags: Your Safety Indicator
When to Use Chamber Flags
For 2024, chamber flags are mandatory in the following situations:
- Moving around the range
- Traversing between stages
- Entering the shooter’s box
- Exiting a stage after completing your shooting iteration
Clearing Procedures: Step-by-Step
Rifle Clearing Procedure
- Set your rifle in the designated rifle box
- Wait for Range Officer (RO) instructions to remove the chamber flag
- Remove the chamber flag and place it in an accessible location
- After firing your last shot:
- Remove the magazine (feed source)
- Send the bolt forward
- Pull the trigger on an empty chamber
- Ground the rifle safely
Pistol Clearing Procedure
- Draw your pistol
- After firing your last shot:
- Remove the magazine
- Send the slide forward
- Pull the trigger on an empty chamber
- Holster the weapon
Final Clearing Steps
- Verbally announce “Clear”
- Wait for your athlete judge to acknowledge “Clear”
- Only then may you turn uprange and proceed
New Rule for 2024: Negligent Discharges
A significant change for 2024 is the removal of “accidental discharges” from the ruleset. Any round fired in error is now considered a negligent discharge and will result in a match disqualification (DQ). This includes:
- Firing a round while the rifle is pointed anywhere other than the designated target
- Any unintentional discharge during the competition
End-of-Stage Clearing Procedure
After completing your course of fire, follow these steps with your RO:
For Rifle:
- Show a clear chamber to the RO
- Insert the chamber flag
- Pro Tip: Point the plastic end down the mag well, not the barrel, to avoid melting in a hot barrel
For Pistol:
- Draw the pistol
- Show a clear chamber to the RO
- Send the slide forward
- Drop the hammer
- Holster the pistol
Only after clearing both weapons systems are you permitted to exit the range.
Safety First: The Importance of Proper Clearing
Proper clearing procedures are not just about following rules; they’re about ensuring the safety of everyone at The Tactical Games. By mastering these procedures, you:
- Demonstrate professionalism and responsibility
- Protect yourself and others from potential accidents
- Ensure smooth transitions between stages
- Avoid unnecessary penalties or disqualification
Preparing for Success
To excel in The Tactical Games and maintain a safe environment:
- Practice these clearing procedures regularly
- Invest in quality chamber flags for your weapons
- Stay focused and alert, even after completing a stage
- Communicate clearly with ROs and athlete judges
- When in doubt, ask for clarification from officials