Safety Video
Calling the Line
Calling the Line is a critical part of ensuring both safety and fairness in an XFDA competition. This process begins when the RangeMaster gives the instruction to “Load and make ready,” ensuring all firearms or wax rounds are safely prepared for the upcoming round. After this, the Range Master checks that each competitor’s hand judge is sitting to ensure their competitor is ready. The Range Master will then command “The line is ready” to the caller/scorekeeper table. The Caller will announce “Shooters on the line, shooters set.” At this point, each competitor positions themselves correctly on their mark, with their holster set and ready. The competitors wait on a random light from 3 to 7 seconds. The light will then illuminate, triggering the competitors to draw and fire as quickly as possible.
This process not only sets the pace of the competition but also ensures that all participants are alert and clear on what’s happening to prevent any accidents. Proper communication from the Range Master and focus from the competitors are essential, as any premature movement or anticipation can result in penalties or unsafe actions. “Calling the Line” establishes a controlled and safe environment, reinforcing the importance of listening to commands and acting only when directed.
Anticipation on the Line
In Fast Draw, “anticipation on the line” refers to when a competitor reacts too early before the light illuminates in the center of their target. Participants stand ready, waiting for the light that signals them to draw their gun and fire as quickly as possible. Anticipation happens when a competitor draws their gun prematurely due to nerves, trying to predict the light, or reacting to something else.
This is considered a mistake in competition, as timing is crucial. The goal is to react to the actual light, not to guess when it will happen. If someone anticipates the light, it typically results in a penalty or disqualification for that round subsequently giving their opponent the point.
Dropped Gun Protocol in XFDA
1. Immediate Action
If a competitor drops their gun on the line, they must immediately freeze and not attempt to pick it up themselves. This is to ensure that no accidental discharge or mishandling occurs.
2. Notify the Range Master
The competitor’s hand judge should calmly notify the Range Master by standing up and raising their hand. The Range Master will say, “Hands off guns” to alert everyone on the range that a gun has been dropped.
3. Range Master’s Role
The Range Master is the only person authorized to retrieve the dropped firearm. They will carefully approach the gun, assess the situation, safely pick up and unload it with the barrel facing down range, and then show it clear to the competitor’s hand judge to ensure that it is secure. The Range Master will place the gun in the competitor’s holster.
