Volume V • Issue 4

Interviews
Young Guns -Stavros Hagiantoniou
Hot Shots - Gregory Midgley
Leading Ladies - Svetlana Merkelova
Best of the Best - Mark Weisinger
Senior Shootizens - Martin Tripoli
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 CONTENTS
Volume V • Issue 4

IN THIS ISSUE

6-11 13-16

FEATURES SECTIONS
6-11 2016 European Handgun Championship 4 President’s Page
Heavy rains and mud presented a big challenge 18 Regional Ramblings
to all IPSC competitors and Officials who, as 20 On The Range
usual, rose up to the challenge!
33 Practical Fitness
13-16 2016 Australasian Handgun Championship 35 Match Medic
Once again Surabaya welcomed competitors 38 IROA Briefing
from all over the world with a vast array of
42 Action Shooting
music, food and great smiles!
44 Products Corner

INTERVIEWS 46
47
IPSC Trivia
Let’s Go Shooting
22 Young Guns
26 Hot Shots
28 Senior Shootizens
30 Leading Ladies
40 Best of the Best

3
 PRESIDENT’S PAGE

2016 IPSC
Scorecard
PUBLISHER
Marco Hernandez
media@ipsc.org

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

mailbox@ipsc.org

I’m delighted to report that the 2016 IPSC General Assembly held in ADVERTISING MANAGER
Hungary on 1 October was once again a productive meeting of synergistic Alain Joly
minds sharing a common purpose. joly@ipsc.org
IPSC Cayman Islands and IPSC Guyana were confirmed as full member
MANAGING EDITOR
regions, while the provisional acceptance of IPSC regions in Albania,
Vince Pinto
Georgia, Grenada, Kenya, Kuwait, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates
pinto@ipsc.org
were all ratified.

This year not only marks our noteworthy 40th Anniversary, it’s also the first CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:
time in our history that we have 100 affiliated regions, another significant Susan Recce
milestone. However, there are more potential regions in the pipeline, so Sean McCauley
we’re far from done yet!
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
And our match calendar continues to offer a truly exciting menu of choices Ryan Chu
for our competitors and officials. In 2017, we’ll have Handgun World Shoot
XVIII in France, the inaugural Rifle World Shoot in Russia, and an inaugural PRODUCTION
Action Air World Shoot too. TEK IT UP I.T. Services
www.tekitup.ca

facebook/IPSCWorld

@IPSCWorld
@IPSCWorldShoot

YouTube.com/IPSCWorld

Global Village
ipsc.invisionzone.com

4
Venues for other major Level IV matches in future years A Family Team is comprised of 1 Junior and 1 parent
were also selected. These include the 2018 European Rifle or grandparent. They can even be in different divisions,
Championship awarded to Sweden, the 2019 European because their team score will be calculated by adding
Handgun Championship awarded to Serbia, and the 2019 their final match percentile achieved in their division.
Australasian Handgun Championship awarded to the
Philippines. And a female competitor who declares Lady category
will still be entitled to be part of a Family Team provided
Family Teams she satisfies the age criteria. Moreover, at Level IV and V
matches, each member of the winning Family Team will
I’m particularly pleased that Family Teams have been be awarded a President’s Medal.
approved on a trial basis.
In closing this report, I wish all our competitors and our
tireless officials good health, happiness and success
during the festive season and for the New Year.

Nick Alexakos
IPSC President

5
 2016 European Handgun Championship

Felsotárkány, Hungary

A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall!

When it rains, it pours. And then some.

The 2016 European Handgun Championship held in

Felsőtárkány, Hungary in October will not be forgotten for a very
long time.

Sadly, though, this is not because of the excellent courses of

fire. It will be remembered for being one of the most washed-
out and muddiest competitions in IPSC history.

The Pre-Match, which one observer dubbed “The Pre-Mud”,

was conducted in picture perfect weather. It was dry and sunny
for four days from Wednesday to Saturday, and everything ran
like clockwork. Life was good.

However, by the time the Main Match commenced the following

Monday, the sky had turned grey, and the deluge soon began.

6
 Sascha Back
GECO Team Member

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7
 The range surface became increasingly muddy as the
first two days progressed, and there was no sign of a
Hungary

let up.

Unfortunately, the Match Organisers were insufficiently

prepared because they did not expect such heavy,
persistent downfall in October. Of course, when you’re
vulnerable, Murphy’s Law will inevitably apply, so
everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong.

The range drainage could not handle the large and

2016 European Handgun Championship

relentless volume of water falling from the sky, the

range crew had to scramble to find plastic covers for
paper targets, and target restorers decided not to face
the gloomy conditions, so they simply stayed home
with their mugs of hot chocolate.

We cannot forget the stamina and

resilience of our competitors, who
were determined to complete the
match, come hell or high water, with
the latter being the dominant force!
On top of everything else, a number of moving targets
failed to operate consistently, so this resulted in two
stages necessarily being cancelled.

As the IPSC President acknowledged during the Awards

Dinner, we encountered a perfect storm, both literally
and figuratively.

Nonetheless, despite the incredibly challenging

conditions, the match continued, largely due to the
dedication, tenacity and never-say-die resolve of
Range Officers, who continued to perform valiantly no
matter what Mother Nature threw at them.

In an effort to provide some relief, the IPSC President

embarked upon a rubber boot buying spree, and he
purchased every pair of boots available in two towns,
much to the surprise of shopkeepers!

The boots were given out to Range Officers, who clearly

appreciated the support.

8
2016 European Handgun Championship

We owe our Range Officers a huge debt of gratitude for never giving up. We often
say that Range Officers are the backbone of our sport, and this competition was
proof positive.

9
However, we cannot forget the stamina and resilience of
our competitors, who were determined to complete the
match, come hell or high water, with the latter being the
dominant force!

It’s also worth noting that the disqualification rate

was a record low 2%, which is testimony to the safety
consciousness of our competitors, especially during such
adverse conditions.

The Awards Dinner was held in the ballroom of the Hotel Eger.
Despite enduring six days of terrible shooting conditions,
spirits were as high as ever. In IPSC, camaraderie rules!

The lion’s share of the awards were won by the Italians, who
gathered a grand total of 22 awards, with first runners-up
Russia only earning a grand total of 8 awards. Additionally,
awards were won by another 13 regions.

As usual, the Italians were extremely boisterous with their

singing. Although their National anthem only played each
time for 30 seconds, their singing lasted for at least 60
seconds. It may be time for us to reintroduce overtime
penalties!

Nonetheless, it was their night, and they were determined

to enjoy it.

Luckily, the Individual Division awards were more varied.

The new European Champions are Jorge Ballesteros (Spain,
Open), Eric Grauffel (France, Standard), Gregory Midgely
(Germany, Classic), Eduardo de Cobos (Spain, Production)
and Gerald Reiter (Austria, Revolver).

We also presented our new Family Team Awards, and the

winners were the father and son team of Alexandr and Ilya
Sologub from Russia.

Full individual results can be viewed at the IPSC website.

The next European Handgun Championship will be hosted

by IPSC Serbia in 2019, and we have been assured that
rain will not be permitted.

Match Sponsors take the stage for a well deserved praise

10
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 2016 Australasian Handgun Championship
Surabaya, Indonesia
Selamat datang untuk Surabaya
Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia, which
itself is the nation with the largest Muslim population in
the world. Indonesia is undoubtedly one the friendliest
and most hospitable nations on Earth, thanks to the
warmth and cordiality of its people.
This is why we had every confidence that the 2016
Australasian Handgun Championship would be an event
full of happy memories.
Surabaya derives its name from the words “suro” (shark)
and “boyo” (crocodile), the two creatures which, in local
mythology, fought each other to gain the title of the
strongest and most powerful animal in the area.
Apparently, legend says that the crocodile won, but the
shark is still acknowledged for its bravery! And what a
beautiful, spotlessly clean city! You could walk or drive
around town for hours without seeing a single cigarette
butt or candy wrapper on the street. It’s almost surreal.
The success of the city is principally due to the
extraordinary efforts of Madam Tri Rismaharini, the
incredibly welcoming, charming and dynamic Mayor of
Surabaya. She was recently named one of the world’s 50
greatest leaders by Fortune magazine. Quite an accolade!
And the good Mayor ensured that her city made a
significant contribution to the success of the competition
by allowing the Opening Ceremony to be held in the
magnificent grounds of City Hall.
In addition to arranging for a number of performances by
dancing groups, the city also generously provided a buffet
dinner and drinks for all participants.
13
 Just prior to the Opening Ceremony, a Press Conference
was held, and it was covered by all major newspapers
and TV stations. IPSC President Nick Alexakos answered
numerous questions, and it became clear that there’s
tremendous interest about IPSC in Indonesia.

The shooting range was large and spacious, so the 24

courses of fire were easily accommodated, and in the usual
IPSC format of 3 Short Courses, to 2 Medium Courses to 1
Long Course per Area.

Match Director Yamin Tenggono, and his son Leo Afandi

who served as his deputy, worked tirelessly to prepare the
range and everything else for participants. They truly went
the extra mile to ensure this match would be remembered
fondly for a very long time.

Lively IROA Range Master Chepit Dulay from the Philippines

led the army of officials who hailed from a dozen different
regions, some as far away as Hungary, the Netherlands,
Russia and South Africa.

IROA Stats Director Geno Sioda from Poland was

responsible for crunching numbers and producing the
Match Results.

There was also an eclectic mix of competitors.

In addition to contingents from Australia, China, Hong

Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand,
Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Thailand,
there were also competitors from the Czech Republic,
Estonia, Serbia and USA.

Thanks to the superb climate, with day after day of blue

skies and toasty sunshine, a large cadre of hard-working
Match Officials, and a limitless supply of target restorers,
the competition progressed smoothly and efficiently.

The lavish awards dinner was held outdoors under the

stars at the beautiful Ciputra Golf & Country Club, where
a talented band played popular songs as participants
enjoyed a superb buffet dinner.

However, immediately after presentation of the individual

awards had completed, heavy rain started to fall, and
strong winds began to blow, as if on cue. In fact, the wind
was so strong, half of the stage was blown away!

14
2016 Australasian Handgun Championship

15
 2016 Australasian Handgun Championship

Thankfully, due to good contingency planning and

preparedness, everyone was gently guided inside to the
backup function room so that team awards could be
presented away from the elements.

Once again, competitors from the Philippines maintained

their dominance in the Australasian zone by clean
sweeping all individual divisional awards.

The new Australasian Champions are Edcel Gino (Open),

Jethro Dionisio (Standard), Jeufro Lejano (Classic) and
Jon Gotamco (Production).

The next Australasian Handgun Championship is

scheduled in the Philippines in 2019.

Considering the Filipino dominance in the Australasian

zone, on top of a home court advantage, we might
consider forcing them to shoot blanks, while wearing
ankle weights and blindfolds!

the winning choice

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ToGEThEr To Win

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17
 REGIONAL RAMBLINGS

IPSC LAOS
Mystical and Exotic

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Phoutthasack Souk Aloun

YEAR ESTABLISHED 2011

WEBSITE www.ipsc.org

If IPSC regions were described in boxing terms, then IPSC Laos is

punching well above its weight!

Despite being one of our younger and smaller regions, IPSC Laos
burst onto the international scene, with justifiable fanfare, on the
opening of their expansive, world-class shooting complex in the
capital city of Vientiane.

Known as the Five April International Shooting Range, it is

comprised of 36 IPSC shooting bays, in addition to other shooting
bays dedicated to Trap & Skeet and other Olympic disciplines.
There is also a 300 metre rifle range.

Each shooting bay has a huge overhead shelter, complete with

ceiling fans, to protect competitors from the elements. The floor
of each shooting bay has subtle but effective drainage system
similar to a roof whereby rain water is directed away from the
centre to drainage channels on each side.

However, in the event of really heavy rain, the onsite gravel trucks
appear within 5 minutes, ready to restore the range surface.

18
There are professionally paved roads running between
the shooting bays, and a veritable fleet of golf carts of
varying sizes continually plying their way to and from
the huge, air conditioned assembly hall which can
seat over 1,000 people.
Also included is a well-stocked firearms museum
alongside a modern coffee shop with comfortable
seating and the ability to serve 12 course Chinese
banquets.
And a full time staff of charming Range Assistants to
patch and restore targets is a welcome feature.
This magnificent development was created under
the leadership of IPSC Laos Regional Director
Phoutthasack Soukaloun and his partners. However,
considerable kudos must go to the executives of IPSC
Thailand, who have served as their advisors for many
years.
In fact Sunan Wattanaboon from IPSC Thailand is
now permanently stationed in Laos.
IPSC Laos held their first Level III competition in
October 2016, and it was an amazing event. They
were so concerned about efficiency, there were 75
Range Officers for only 80 competitors!
If you’re interested in having an entirely new Asian
experience, and shooting a fun competition at a
magnificent shooting range, keep an eye on the IPSC
Match Calendar for the next event in 2017.
19
 ON THE RANGE
Why would you like to shoot the World Shoot?
Lise Mahoney, 48
Homemaker/Barn Manager
CANADA
I would love to shoot the World Shoot
not only to watch some of the great
shooters like Eric Grauffel and Ben
Stoeger, but also to meet and watch
some of the great female shooters
out there.
Alain Cabaret, 58
Joiner/Carpenter
CHANNEL ISLANDS
I would love to shoot the World
Shoot to help promote Channel
Islands Practical Shooting
Association (CIPSA). This would
bring prestige to our region (CNI)
and show the authorities the need
for a dedicated IPSC range.
20
Jerome Chua, 40
Estimator
UNITED STATES
Not only can World Shoot competition
be empowering and open your eyes
to your potential, but it can also
profoundly inspire you. It’s practically
impossible not to be inspired by the
heart and force of will witnessed
during competition.
Afzal Moosa, 44
Director of Soviet Security
SOUTH AFRICA
It’s the greatest shooting event in
the World, what other reason do I
need? I would love the opportunity
to see the greatest IPSC competitors
and to meet new people.
Pia Clerté, 45
Marketing Manager
SWEDEN
I want to shoot the World Shoot
since I am afraid that the European
Union will ban my sport through the
Firearms Directive (also called EU
gun ban) and therefore 2017 might
be the last chance for any EU citizen
to participate.
John Martin Garcia, 28
Architect
PHILIPPINES
I want to shoot the World Shoot to
show the world my hopes written on
my shirt: “I still hope that someday,
guns will be just for sport and
hunting”.
21
 YOUNG GUNS

Stavros Hagiantoniou
AGE: 17
REGION: Australia

How did you first hear about IPSC?

I first heard about IPSC from my dad whilst watching him shoot.

For how long have you been shooting?

I have been shooting since I was 5 years old, but specifically
IPSC from the age of 10.

What division do you shoot and why?

I shoot Production Division. I’m attracted by the simplicity
of maintenance on the firearms. My whole family shoots
Production and often competes in the same team for Western
Australia. It makes it easier loading all the ammo and having the
same spare parts and firearms.

What is the coolest about IPSC shooting?

I love the fact that in IPSC, no stage will ever be the same. It is
so diverse, exciting, gets my adrenaline running and challenges
me to do my best in the sport.

22
What inspired you to begin shooting?
My dad has always been a great inspiration. I feel very comfortable and
competent handling any firearm.

What do your friends and family think about you shooting IPSC?
My friends are excited about what I do and are often surprised by the safety
and discipline involved in our sport. My family is paramount to my success and
has always supported me 100% whilst I have tried to achieve my best.

What are the biggest challenges you have when shooting IPSC?
Funding has always been a challenge due to the distances I have to travel to
compete in matches around the world and in Australia. I wish there was more
funding and support to the juniors in IPSC and shooting in general. Now that
I’m working and am in an apprenticeship, I have to plan time off work to attend
important matches.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy besides IPSC shooting?

I love hunting, fishing, all shooting in general, flying radio control aircrafts and
drones. I enjoy my PlayStation 3 and shooting pool. I enjoy my time off with my
family and spending time with my girlfriend.

What other sport(s) do you think help with IPSC shooting?

Squash helps me with my hand eye coordination and keeps me fit at the same
time.

23
24
25
 HOT SHOTS

GREGORY
MIDGLEY
REGION: GERMANY

How many years have you been shooting?

I started shooting air rifle at the age of 12. At 27, I discovered IPSC shooting, and
I was fascinated from the very beginning. So I’ve been shooting big bore almost
20 years.

What do you like best about IPSC shooting?

Being part of IPSC is the same as being a member of a big family. I have numerous
friends around the world who I met through IPSC shooting. This is the thing I most
value and appreciate.

How often do you practice at the range?

Depends on the season. Off season twice a week. High season 5 times a week.

What is your match pistol and ammo?

The handgun I use is a DVC Model from STI International in Texas. My ammunition
and components are from Fiocchi in Italy. Those two companies are my main
sponsors and they help me a lot to achieve my goals in IPSC.

26
 How do you unwind at the end of the day?
I don’t. I merely prepare for the next day!

Are you active in any other sport?

Not any longer. I enjoyed Thai boxing in the past, but
now I focus exclusively on IPSC shooting.

What advice do you have for up and coming shooters?

Ask when you have a question. It saves you a lot of
money. Practice often and observe and learn from the
best in the sport. As somebody once said “It doesn’t
matter if you win or lose, until you lose”. You will
learn much about yourself and your character during
competition. Stick to it even when it’s getting tough. At
the end it pays off.

How do you prepare mentally for a match?

The mental game is very important in this sport. I would
say it accounts for about 85% of personal performance.
You must have a peaceful and well-balanced life in order
to perform well. My wife Lilia helps me a lot. She is my
biggest fan and she always encourages me to perform
well and deliver good results.

Any special nutrition or diet?

This might come as a surprise, but my daily necessity is
bacon and eggs! No need for a special diet because I’m
so active.

Any special exercises?

As much shooting as possible! Repeating shooting skills,
muscle memory and reaction times.
5.11 TACTICAL ARE PROUD SPONSORS OF THE
Who do you consider your inspiration or mentor?
I did not have a mentor or an inspiration except for my
I.P.S.C. 2015 EUROPEAN
own determination. I’m always positively motivated when RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP
it comes to shooting. I just love what I do.

27
 SENIOR SHOOTIZENS

MARTIN TRIPOLI
REGION: ARGENTINA
AGE: 59
When and where did you first discover IPSC shooting?
In 1990, at my shooting club Tiro Federal Argentino de Buenos
Aires.

Which divisions do you shoot, and why?

I mostly shoot Open Division, but sometimes I also enjoy
shooting Production.

Which make and model firearm do you use?

In Open Division, I use a Caspian 9 mm MAJOR with a Delta
Point Pro reflex sight. In Production Division, I shoot a Tanfoglio
Stock III.

What do your friends and family think about you shooting IPSC?
Many of my friends shoot IPSC too. My family and my non-
shooting friends understand my passion for IPSC, and they fully
support and encourage me.

What other sports or activities do you also enjoy?

I enjoy some other shooting disciplines, and I love travelling.
IPSC allows me to enjoy two of my hobbies!

28
“Be nice to our hard-working Range Officers, be supportive to everyone
around you, and contribute to the overall friendly atmosphere on every
stage you shoot...”
What inspired you to begin shooting?
My father initially introduced me to shooting. He was an
active sports shooter, so it was natural for me to follow in
his footsteps. I still remember the quality time we spent
together at the range.

Do you have any tips for the Young Guns?

Yes. Firstly be safe, and focus on your accuracy, especially
in the beginning. Get instruction from a good teacher who
will help you identify and remedy any flaws you may have.
Watch top competitors shoot and observe their style to
help you formulate your own style. Be competitive and be
honest in assessing your performance. Put your heart into
IPSC and you will be rewarded with better results.

29
 LEADING LADIES

SVETLANA MERKELOVA

REGION: Russia
Who and/or what inspired you to begin IPSC shooting?
In February 2013, when I was preparing to represent
Novikombank at the Russian corporate games called
“Rostec”, I was given some training in practical shooting
and I won a local match! Now, I cannot resist IPSC
shooting.

How long have you been shooting?

I’ve been shooting for 2 years, and I’ve been a Range
Officer for 1 year.

30
Which division do you shoot, and why? What is the best way to get more female competitors into IPSC?
I shoot in Production Division because my favorite gun is Every year in practical shooting there are more
a CZ75 SP01 Shadow. women. And the age of young athletes is reducing.
This is a good trend. Good examples of such athletes
are Maria Gushchina from Russia and Christine
How do you balance your IPSC shooting activities with your Burkhalter from Switzerland, but there are many others.
other commitments?
I’m currently training What tips do you have for
with my coach Alexey
“IPSC has an other aspiring female IPSC
Ragozin once a week, but
I also do some training at incredible culture competitors?
home. Sometimes I serve consisting of like I don’t have enough
competitions as a Range minded people who experience in practical
Officer. For me, my job love guns, shooting shooting to give advice,
is mandatory, but IPSC but commitment and
and socializing” regular exercise is
shooting is my pleasure!
important. And for women
additionally, do not forget
What other sports or activities do you enjoy besides IPSC your femininity. Being involved in competition will teach
shooting? you the proper discipline and the fact that there is no
I like riding horses, cycling, dancing and photography. ceiling.

31
32

HUNGRY
FOR
SUCCESS! Sean McCauley, CSCS, CISSN
Finding the right balance between calories intake and an
active lifestyle is the key to keep your metabolism active.
Picture a typical day at a match: It’s
warm outside. As you get ready you
feel the stress of the competition.
You start to shoot and all is well.
You are sweating and drinking
water as needed. The competition
is rolling and now you start feeling
the effects of your physical activity
and energy expenditure.
Your reaction time is slowing. You
feel fatigued, though not bad. “I
should not feel tired right now” you
think to yourself. So you press on.
Your reaction times are slowing.
Maybe you make a sloppy reload.
Or the front sight is getting harder
to focus on. It’s getting harder to
plan your stages. Simply said, you
are making technical mistakes
you should not be making and it’s
costing you time on the clock. You
PRACTICAL FITNESS
are capable of better and you know
it. What is happening? “It must
be the heat because the other
guys out here are hurting too”
you reason. But in that moment,
it’s not the heat. The other guys
are hurting because they are
experiencing the same issue you
are.
The technical term for the issue
is exercise-induced hypoglycemia.
Translation: You have very low
blood sugar because you used your
stores of blood sugar faster than
your body can produce it. Actually,
we have all experienced them at About 80% of the time
some point. Things like fogginess in when people say they
your thoughts, hunger, decreased are eating low levels
visual acuity, decreased energy of food and are not
(lethargy), decreased neurological losing weight, they are
efficiency and even shaky hands. actually doing that.
33
 We need to recognize that each and every one of
PRACTICAL FITNESS us has different nutritional needs. There is no one-
size-fits-all approach. You can not simply dump
carbohydrates into your body and hope for the best.
Do any of those things sound helpful in competitive Many of you likely have weight loss goals and these same
shooting? No they do not. In fact those are the very principles also dictate energy balance in the body. That
things we train to avoid. So while your practice may be means if properly applied, you can easily lose weight doing
making you better, your body can betray you the day of this. However that is a topic for another day and another
the competition for reasons you likely have not article. As it applies here, however your blood sugar will be
considered. more stable if you stick to moderate carbohydrate intake
throughout the course of a given day. Doing so will help you
So how do we fix this? For starters, we need to recognize a lot each day. But when we make sure that is the case on
that each and every one of us has different nutritional the day of your event, you will see a tremendous jump in your
needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. You can level of performance.
not simply dump carbohydrates into your body and
hope for the best. Too few carbohydrates and you Once you have the right foundation, you can begin to plan out
won’t gain the energy you need and you will remain your nutritional strategy as it relates to the actual competition
hypoglycemic or at best return to a hypoglycemic state and that is going to take you to the next level, guaranteed.
shortly after you eat.

Too many carbohydrates and your blood sugar will

skyrocket. If that happens, your body will secrete too
much insulin. Insulin is a storage hormone and its job
is to remove the sugar from your blood and store it.
So insulin can actually cause the hypoglycemia you are
trying to defeat, due to the nature of the hormone itself
and the pathway by which it is released in the human
body.

34
 MATCH MEDIC
DEALING WITH INSECTS
As most IPSC matches are conducted outdoors, there’s
always a possibility that competitors can fall victim to
insect bites or stings.
Most insect bites and stings cause small reactions that
are confined to the area of the bite. They can usually be
treated by a First Aid responder, but see a doctor if your
symptoms are severe.
As soon as you’ve been stung by a bee, remove the sting
and venom sac if it’s been left in your skin. Do this by
scraping it out, either with your fingernails or something
with a hard edge, such as a credit card.
When removing the sting, be careful not to spread the
venom further under your skin and don’t puncture the
venom sac. Don’t pinch the sting out with your fingers or
a pair of tweezers because you may spread the venom.
Wasps and hornets don’t usually leave the sting behind,
so they might sting you again. If you’ve been stung and
the wasp or hornet is still in the area, walk away calmly
to avoid being stung again.
Most insect bites and stings just cause minor itching or
swelling that usually clears up within several hours.
Minor bites and stings can be treated by washing the
affected area with soap and water, then placing a cold
compress (a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) over
the affected area to reduce swelling.
If the bite or sting is painful or swollen, you can also
wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the swelling.
Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen,
if necessary. Use a spray or cream that contains local
anesthetic, antihistamine or mild hydrocortisone (1%)
on the affected area to improve comfort.
If you develop blisters after being bitten by an insect,
don’t burst them because they may become infected.
Blisters don’t usually cause pain unless they rupture
and expose the new skin underneath. If possible, use an
adhesive bandage to protect the blistered area.
If the bite or sting fills with pus and feels tender to touch,
or if your glands swell up and you feel unwell with flu-like
symptoms, immediately seek professional help because
35
 As soon as you’ve been stung by a
MATCH MEDIC bee, remove the sting and venom sac
if it’s been left in your skin.
you may be going into anaphylactic shock, which is very
serious and can be fatal.

Symptoms of anaphylactic shock can include swelling

of the mouth, throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing,
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing,
difficulty talking, flushing (feeling hot and red), stomach
cramps, nausea or vomiting, feeling weak, collapsing or
falling unconscious.

In such an event, it’s essential to have the victim

immediately transported to hospital, preferably by
ambulance.

And it’s always wise to keep mosquito repellent in your

pocket or range bag. While a mosquito bite will not cause
pain, there’s always the possibility they are carrying the
West Nile virus or perhaps Lyme disease.

IPSC
FOR

PROFFESSIONALS

WWW.CZUB.CZ INFO@CZUB.CZ FACEBOOK.COM/CESKAZBROJOVKA.CZ

36
Untitled-1 1 11/24/15 9:04 PM
37
 IROA BRIEFING

PROVEN DEDICATION
 

NEITHER RAIN NOR COLD CAN STOP IROA!

DINO EVANGELINOS
IROA PRESIDENT
Once again, IROA officials proved beyond any shadow of
doubt that they fully deserve the accolade “Best of the
Best”.

The recently concluded European Handgun Championship

in Hungary (more fully covered elsewhere in this issue),
presented huge problems and complications for officials,
but they rose to the challenge and maintained high spirits
as they valiantly contended with hostile climatic conditions.

The saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”,
was the battle cry of the event. It was truly inspirational to
watch IROA officials overcome every obstacle that came
their way.

Mother Nature was extremely harsh and cruel, and she

could flood the shooting bays, but she could not dampen
the determination of our officials to continue with the
competition.

38
However, IROA officials were not alone. The dedication
and resilience of National Range Officers was no less
impressive, and I’m delighted to know we have good
supply of future IROA officials waiting and working at the
forefront of our major matches.
As 2016 rapidly draws to a close, we must look forward
to supporting the Level V Handgun, Rifle and Action Air
World Championships that will take place in 2017.
World Shoots are always our most prestigious events, so
we will be taking positive steps to ensure that competitors
are presented with the best IPSC matches they could
possibly imagine.
I expect that, by the time you read this, the official Match
Call Up for the Rifle World Shoot will have been released,
and that will be followed soon thereafter for the other two
Level V competitions.
SPONSOR OF THE IPSC SHOTGUN 2015 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP
Points Reporting
I take this opportunity to remind IROA officials that they
must report the points they earned in 2016 online, and
submit supporting documentation by 31 January 2017.
This is particularly important for officials who are currently
shown as not being current on the list, which is available
for viewing at the IPSC website.
I wish our officials every happiness for the holidays, and I
send my very best wishes for the New Year. I look forward
to seeing you on the range somewhere soon in the IPSC
World.
39
 BEST OF THE BEST

MARK
WEISINGER
REGION: DENMARK

How many years have you been officiating?

I started shooting IPSC in 1996. Back then, we did not
have National Range Officers, so we competed and
worked at all of our training matches ourselves. Later
when we ran NROI courses I became a member of our
NROI in 2005, and I joined IROA in 2011.

What do you like best about officiating?

I have worked as an official in many different IPSC
Regions, and in three disciplines, namely handgun, rifle
and shotgun, so my experiences are always different and
I am constantly learning and developing as a person. This
is fantastic. I really enjoy being part of a match, especially
the larger matches. I have many friends, both officials and
competitors, all around the globe, so I thoroughly enjoy
meeting them and making new friendships at different
matches.

40
What was your most memorable match? Why?
As a competitor, the 1998 European Handgun
Championship in Crete, because all of the stages
were based on Greek mythology. As a Range Official,
either the 2010 European Handgun Championship in
Serbia, because it was exciting and clean, or the 2012
European Rifle Championship in Bulgaria as it was
exciting to be working as an Area Chief Range Officer at
such a high level match taking care of six stages. Also
the evenings were fun with great food with good friends.
pubb logo Fiocchi.indd 1
In addition to a timer, what other equipment do you use?
A spare timer, a current rule book, two IROA overlays, two
pens, a marker pen, a stapler and staples, a clipboard,
a multi-tool, a brass squib rod. Also spare batteries,
clothes for different weather, spare shoe laces, a few
pairs of shooting glasses, insect repellent, sun cream,
snacks and water.
What advice do you have for aspiring officials?
Study the rule book, work with many Range Officials
and learn how to apply the rules. Chat about situations
with fellow Range Officers to keep abreast of things,
but check all with the rule book, because only you are
accountable for your actions. Treat people with respect;
be firm but fair to all competitors alike. We are here
primarily for safety, but also to make sure competitors
have a good experience.
21/07/15 14:23
41
 ACTION SHOOTING

Hong Kong
Action
The first IPSC Level III Action Air competition was held in
early October 2016.
Hong Kong is undoubtedly the centre of the Action Air
universe.

There is seemingly an endless assortment of retail shops

selling everything that an Action Air competitor could
possibly want to buy, and the selection and prices are
unbeatable.

Due to the high cost of ownership of full bore firearms and

ammunition, plus the prohibitive costs to join a full bore
gun club as a result of high rents, younger people gravitate
towards Action Air as the entry level for IPSC shooting.

And now that the Hong Kong Practical Shooting Association

(HKPSA) has formally embraced IPSC Action Air and
welcomed practitioners to join, things are really booming.

The first IPSC Level III Action Air competition was held
in early October 2016. There were a total of 14 stages
requiring a total of 180 pellets.

IPSC Hong Kong Regional Director Koon Hon Chuen served

as Match Director, while NROI Chief Eddie Ho served as
Range Master. They were both supported by a large team
of Range Officers who had qualified a few months earlier
at a local seminar.

42
 ACTION SHOOTING
Ryan Chu from the Hong Kong Shooter’s Development
Union not only served as the Stats Director, he was the
tireless, driving force behind the competition.

The event attracted a lot of media attention. In addition

to numerous articles in newspapers and magazines,
there was also coverage by Hong Kong’s leading TV
station.

The overall divisional winners were Joe Lau Yiu Fung

(Open), Lee Yin Tai (Standard), Li Chak Sang (Production)
and Justin Chan Chun Hin (Classic).

The Hong Kong Practical Shooting

Association (HKPSA) has formally
embraced IPSC Action Air and
welcomed practitioners to join,
things are really booming!
Of course, as usual for Hong Kong, also the food
capital of Asia, the Awards Dinner included a lavish and
scrumptious, 12 course dinner at a local Cantonese
restaurant.

So, if you want to enjoy great shooting, incredible

shopping and the best Chinese food in the world, keep
your eye on the IPSC match calendar for the next event.

43
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44
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IPSCWORLD 45
 IPSC TRIVIA

DID YOU KNOW?

Our Handgun World Shoots used to be comprised
of 35 stages shot at a rate of 7 stages per full-day,
for 5 days. In 2008, we reduced the match to 30
stages, but each competitor now shoots 6 stages
per day, for 5 half-days. This makes squadding
more complicated, but the end result is a more
tourism friendly matrix.

46
 LET’S GO SHOOTING

UPCOMING MATCHES
3 KOENIG MATCH 2017
AUSTRIA
JANUARY 5-8, 2017

2017 ARGENTINA OPEN

ARGENTINA
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2017

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Special Reports on the
2017 World Shoots

NEXT “ON THE RANGE” QUESTION

What do you think about Classic Division?
Send your response by email to ipscmedia@ipsc.org (minimum 30 words)
with your name, age, occupation, country of residence and a photo of you
and we will publish your response in the next issue!

47