Some explanation of what "classifiers" are with respect to USPSA competition. (If you already shoot USPSA, you probably already know this.)USPSA has a classification process that all members are a part of---it ensures that in large matches, in addition to competing against everyone in your division you also compete against people of your own approximate skill level. (It also gives people a set of goals to strive for.)
On the USPSA website at
http://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-classifier-list.php there are a set of diagrams for stages called "classifiers." The purpose of the classifiers is to have shooters across the U.S. all shoot the exact same stages once in awhile, and compare them to each other. (More importantly, to compare them to the top scores ever shot for those stages.)
For example: one of the stages from the April USPSA match at ENGC was classifier 09-13: Table Stakes. (
http://www.uspsa.org/classifiers/09-13.pdf ) We took the stage diagram from the USPSA website, and set it up exactly as the diagram states. As part of the match, shooters went through the stage, and got their scores---which were then send to the USPSA national headquarters, where:
1) It was compared to the top score for that division. For example, in Production division a hit factor of 6.200 is considered to be a "100%" score for that stage. So, say your hit factor was a 4.9700 on that stage. You then got a 4.9700/6.200 = 80.16% on that stage. In other words, you got 80.16% of the top score. (That, by the way, is an A-class score.)
2) That score of 80.16% is then recorded in their database as one of your classifier scores.
So what?
Well, every month, USPSA headquarters runs the classification program, and it takes the best 6 out of the last 8 classifers you have shot, and averages them. Based on that average you receive a classification, from D on up to Grandmaster. In large matches you can receive trophies and such for beating all of the rest of the shooters in your class in addition to how you may do in your division overall.
For people who are just starting USPSA shooting, your initial classification is the best 4 out of your last 6 classifiers. (After that, it goes to the best 6 out of your last 8.)
What do you have to manage to get to a specific class? Here are the averages you have to get:
D 00 - 39.99%
C 40 - 59.99%
B 60 - 74.99%
A 75 - 84.99%
M 85 - 94.99%
GM 95+%
...if you haven't guessed, there aren't a whole lot of GMs compared to the other classes.
As you continue to shoot classifiers, hopefully your skills go up, and as it does, so does your classification. Like I said, the program is run every month---but most people take quite a bit of time to move up. (There are actually more rules to this, and parts are a bit more complicated---but these are the main points of how the classification process goes.)
Why am I explaining this now? Because ENGC is holding a Special Classifier match in which we will have 6 stages---with ALL of them being classifiers. We only do this once a year, but it is a great chance for either 1) people to have a big effect on their classification level all at once, or 2) new USPSA shooters to get their initial classification all in one match. (Otherwise it takes quite awhile, because we only hold a classifier every other month.)
If you want to shoot USPSA, get yourself to
https://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-join-renew.php and join up online. When you come to the classifier match, make CERTAIN to give your USPSA member number at registration---that way your classifiers will be matched to your membership correctly. And you'll get an initial classification all in one match!
Why bother with classification? Well, 1) it is fun to try to get better---having goals is a great way to push yourself. 2) If you want to shoot a larger match, such as the Great Plains Sectional in Sioux City in the beginning of June, or the Area 3 match in Grand Island in August, you'll have a lot more fun as a classified shooter. Unclassified folks aren't up for nearly as many prizes.
Again---you need to be a member to be classified, so make sure that happens as soon as possible. You can still shoot the match without being a USPSA member---but your scores won't count nationally. (They'll still count for the local match, of course.)
If you decide to come to the Special Classifier match, make sure you get there early. We generally have quite a few extra shooters from surrounding states who come to either get their initial classification, or in the hope that they have gotten better enough to jump up a classification level.
