First Time Competitor

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:

1. Weapon Clearance: Ensure all your weapons are cleared before approaching the check-in table.
2. Information Verification: We’ll confirm your contact details and the division you’ve signed up for.
3. Media Package: If you’ve purchased one, you’ll receive a wristband to wear on your plate carrier’s right shoulder strap.
4. 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:

1. Morning Brief: We start with a comprehensive briefing for all competitors.
2. Squad Assignment: You’ll be placed in a squad of five competitors or teams.
3. Athlete Number: Your squad and position determine your athlete number (e.g., Squad 1, Position 1 = Athlete 1-1).
4. 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:

1. 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
2. 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:

1. Judge the next squad after your performance
2. Check your scores at the scoring tent
3. Photograph your targets for reference
4. 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:

1. Fitness and Shooting: Alternating between physical tasks and both weapon systems
2. Long Movement: Distance runs with varying gear requirements
3. Shooting Only: Engage targets with both weapons (Tac 2 Gun)
4. Shooting Aggregate: Short, focused shooting stages
5. Carbine Only: Rifle-specific stages
6. Physical Floater: Short, workout-only stages

Preparing for Success

To make the most of your Tactical Games experience:

1. Train Holistically: Combine cardio, strength, and shooting practice
2. Know Your Gear: Familiarize yourself with your equipment before the event
3. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and electrolytes
4. Network: Use this opportunity to connect with like-minded competitors
5. 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

1. Set your rifle in the designated rifle box
2. Wait for Range Officer (RO) instructions to remove the chamber flag
3. Remove the chamber flag and place it in an accessible location
4. After firing your last shot:
   • Remove the magazine (feed source)
   • Send the bolt forward
   • Pull the trigger on an empty chamber
5. Ground the rifle safely

Pistol Clearing Procedure

1. Draw your pistol
2. After firing your last shot:
   • Remove the magazine
   • Send the slide forward
   • Pull the trigger on an empty chamber
3. Holster the weapon

Final Clearing Steps

1. Verbally announce “Clear”
2. Wait for your athlete judge to acknowledge “Clear”
3. 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:

1. Show a clear chamber to the RO
2. 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:

1. Draw the pistol
2. Show a clear chamber to the RO
3. Send the slide forward
4. Drop the hammer
5. 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:

1. Demonstrate professionalism and responsibility
2. Protect yourself and others from potential accidents
3. Ensure smooth transitions between stages
4. Avoid unnecessary penalties or disqualification

Preparing for Success

To excel in The Tactical Games and maintain a safe environment:

1. Practice these clearing procedures regularly
2. Invest in quality chamber flags for your weapons
3. Stay focused and alert, even after completing a stage
4. Communicate clearly with ROs and athlete judges
5. When in doubt, ask for clarification from officials