Match Registration

Match registration is the gateway to managing a smooth and efficient match day. Whether you’re hosting a small weekly local or a large monthly event, planning your registration process with clear policies and consistent communication helps reduce problems before shooters even step on the range.

Set Reasonable Squad Limits

Limiting squad sizes helps maintain consistent stage flow and match pace. While squad size can vary depending on the range, number of stages, and experience of your participants, most clubs find that:

• 12 shooters per squad is ideal for keeping squads moving
• 15 shooters per squad is typically too large unless necessary
• Reserve slots (e.g., spots 9 through 15) can be kept private or manually assigned if additional space is needed
• Hard stop cutoffs (e.g., no squadding over 13) prevent unbalanced squads and long delays

Clubs with fast-filling matches should consider limiting initial squad capacity, then gradually opening additional slots as needed to allow for controlled distribution of experience across squads.

Registration in PractiScore

PractiScore is the standard tool for USPSA match registration and squad management. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the platform and its capabilities:

• How to build a match
• How to enable squadding
• How to accept payments via Stripe
• How to manage match fees and waitlists
• Importing the match into the master tablet

Handling Fast-Filling Matches

For high-demand matches, registration can be challenging. Here are a few strategies:

• Use delayed approval: Everyone goes on the waitlist first, and match staff approve shooters in batches. This allows better control of squad balance.
• Use reserved squadding to pre-load ROs or key staff and distribute them evenly across squads.
• Monitor habitual no-shows: Keep track of participants who fail to show without notice. Consider placing limits or approval delays for repeat offenders.

Waitlist Management

If your match fills and you have a waitlist:

• Communicate clearly with those on the waitlist. If space becomes available, email them via PractiScore to confirm they still plan to attend.
• Establish a cutoff: Determine a specific time when the waitlist will no longer be considered (e.g., 12 hours before the match).
• Avoid overloading squads just to accommodate more shooters — a poor match experience can hurt long-term participation.

Match Day Check-in

Clubs handle check-in differently, but key practices include:

• Open check-in 30 to 60 minutes before start time
• Close check-in at a set time (e.g., 15 minutes prior to hammer down)
• Track who has arrived and be prepared to adjust squads
• Plan for cash payments if not using online payments
• Have change available and someone responsible for accepting money if needed

Some clubs do not accept walk-ons. If your policy is “no registration, no shoot,” be clear and consistent.

Pro Tip: If a registered shooter hasn’t checked in on time and hasn’t communicated, move them to an unassigned status (e.g., unsquad them or place them on a temporary holding squad) rather than deleting them. This avoids re-entry issues if they arrive late.

Canceling a Match

Canceling a match should be a last resort. Before making that call, consider:

• Weather and safety conditions
• Travel time: Shooters may be coming from hours away
• Communication: Email and/or text all registrants via PractiScore as early as possible
• Refunds: Issue refunds promptly if applicable
• Social media or club website updates: Use every available channel to notify shooters

Clubs should strive to make cancellation decisions early and only when necessary. Transparency builds trust with your shooters.

Taking Payments

Determine in advance how your club will handle payments:

• Online only via Stripe through PractiScore
• Cash-only at the range
• Mixed method: Online encouraged, cash accepted for walk-ons or special cases

Make payment expectations clear on your match page. If you accept walk-ons or allow day-of cash payments, ensure you have someone responsible for managing funds and making change.