Match Briefing — 2026 Vortex Optics Race Gun Nationals

Rules, policies and safety

BRIEFING.

Read This Before You Travel

MANDATORY CHECK-IN

All competitors, spectators, guests, and media personnel must check-in at the clubhouse before entering the range. No exceptions.

PRE-CHECK-IN · REGISTRATION

DO THIS
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.

USPSA Nationals uses a pre-check-in system. You'll get an email on August 17 with instructions. Verify your registration information, sign the required waivers, and complete the equipment survey.

This must be completed before you arrive at the range. Once you're finished you'll get a confirmation email and a QR code to check in with.

You still need to check in at the registration building before the start of your first stage. Check-in is at Red Feather Outfitters, 3547 County Road 225, Marengo, OH 43334.

AT CHECK-IN YOU RECEIVE

01ZeroSports match jersey
02Swag items
03Match information
04Waiver badge

WAIVER BADGE

Your waiver badge must be visible at all times while on the range — everyone, including shooters, staff, and spectators. Display instructions are given at check-in.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

These policies are just as important as the rules. You are expected to read and understand all the contents of this match publication.

Safety & Range Rules

COLD RANGE

The range is a cold range. Firearms will not be handled anywhere on the range except in designated safety areas or under the direct supervision of match staff. Handling firearms in parking areas is unsafe gun handling.

SAFETY AREAS

The range is equipped with a number of safety areas to bag and holster guns for dry fire practice and gun repair. No ammunition may be handled in any safety area.

EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION

Eye and hearing protection is required for everyone while on the range — spectators as well as competitors. Eye and hearing protection may be purchased at Red Feather Outfitters.

HAZARD AREAS

Orange cones and/or safety flagging may be used to restrict certain areas of the range. Do not enter these without permission.

Competition Rules

RULES

The match rules are found in the current edition of the USPSA Competition Rules.

NO SHOOT TARGETS

Targets painted Red are No Shoot Targets.

OBEY YOUR ROs

Range Officers are here to assist you in completing a safe shooting contest. Please comply with their requests.

SET STEEL AND TAPE TARGETS

Competitors are expected to stay together as a squad to tape, set steel, and help maintain efficiency on each stage.

ELIGIBILITY

Competitors must be current USPSA members in good standing. Awards will follow Appendix A2 of the USPSA Competition Rules for National Championships.

Scheduling & Inspection

SCHEDULING

No competitor will compete for score on other than the scheduled dates. Occasionally, stages will clear squads early. If your entire squad is available and the Range Master and/or Match Director approves, the squad will be allowed to shoot ahead of schedule.

INSPECTION

When the entire squad is assembled, the written stage briefing will be read, followed by inspection and questions.

RANGE OPENING

The range is closed to all competitors until authorized. Competitors may inspect stages when available but may not handle, activate, or reset any equipment.

CLOSED RANGE

If the range is marked closed, no competitors may enter for any reason. Competitors on a closed range will be required to leave and may face disqualification.

Chronograph & Scoring

CHRONOGRAPH

Competitors will report to the chronograph at their scheduled time. Certified Match Ammunition (App C3) must be declared at registration and turned in prior to your first stage. Competitors declaring Certified Match Ammunition must still follow the Chronograph procedures (App C2).

Certified Ammunition Form

CHRONO LOCATION

Chronograph shares Bay 8 with Stage 8 — check your squadding matrix for the session when your squad rotates through it.

MATCH SCORING

The Race Gun Nationals will use PractiScore. Questions should be directed to the Stats crew.

Media Information

NEW · 2026 NEW MEDIA POLICY

USPSA Nationals has a new media policy that applies to all competitors, vendors, and spectators.

Official Media Policy Drone / UAS Policy Apply to be Media

MEDIA POLICY

All photography, videography, and drone operations are subject to USPSA Nationals media policy.

MEDIA AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED

If you are conducting any type of media coverage, photography, or videography for business, journalism, or social media purposes, you must obtain an official USPSA Media Pass. Your Media Pass must be visible at all times while photographing or recording video.

FILMING YOUR OWN SQUAD

Media Passes are not required for individuals filming themselves or competitors within their own squad. However, those individuals must have direct consent from every person being filmed.

WHERE TO GET ONE

Media passes may be obtained at the Registration building — Red Feather Outfitters.

Drone Policy

NEW · 2026 NEW UAS POLICY

USPSA Nationals has a new media policy that applies to all competitors, vendors, and spectators. Drone and UAS operation is governed by its own companion policy.

Official Drone / UAS Policy Official Media Policy

RECREATIONAL DRONE USE IS PROHIBITED

Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for recreational purposes is strictly prohibited at all USPSA National Championship events. No exemptions will be granted.

AUTHORIZED DRONE OPERATIONS

If you are an FAA Part 107 Certificated Remote Pilot and designated as official media personnel under the USPSA Nationals Media Policy, you must obtain written permission from the USPSA Chief Technology Officer before operating any drone.

Apply to be Media

Range Facilities

FOOD SERVICE

Southern BobbyQ is on site. Lunch will be available for purchase, and water will be provided on the bays. Bobby and his team also provide staff breakfasts and lunches, plus meals on request for competitors.

REST ROOMS

Portable toilets are located conveniently around the range.

VENDORS

A vendor area sits between Bay 6 and Bay 7, with the food area just south of it. See the range map at the bottom of this page.

Vehicle & Parking

GUN HANDLING IN THE PARKING AREA IS PROHIBITED

Firearms may only be handled in a designated safety area or under the direct supervision of match staff.

PARKING AREA

Competitor parking areas are designated on the map. Competitors are not allowed to park next to the bays. Please do not exceed 10 mph.

PARKING

Parking areas are clearly marked. Please lock your car and secure your valuables. Do not exceed 10 mph and follow staff directions.

PERSONAL VEHICLES

Unless you have permission from the Match Director or Range Master, do not take privately owned vehicles onto the range. Golf carts may be used if approved and operated safely.

Spectators & Exhibits

SPECTATORS

All spectators must wear eye and hearing protection. Children must remain under direct supervision of an adult. Eye and hearing protection can be purchased at Red Feather Outfitters.

SPECTATOR WAIVER BADGES

Waiver badges are required to be displayed by spectators while on the range. Specific display instructions are provided at check-in.

EXHIBITS / DEMO AREA

The Vortex Optics Race Gun Nationals will feature sponsor displays and demo areas. Please thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their support of this event.

PRIZE TABLE / TROPHIES

Awards are presented at the ceremony on Sunday, August 23, following the banquet dinner starting at 6:30 PM at the Ag Center, Delaware County Fairgrounds. Prizes and trophies are distributed after the awards.

Additional Policies

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

Alcohol and recreational drugs may not be consumed anywhere on the range. Violators will be disqualified and asked to leave. Please note, alcohol is not permitted inside the Ag Center or in the parking lot at the awards banquet.

DRESS CODE

Practical shooting is a sport. The match director will be the final arbiter of dubious taste.

LOST BRASS

All brass is donated to the staff.

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