So who gets ripped a new one?

Whoa... crazy.  Why didn't the guy in the field say anything?  I'd be yelling at the top of my lungs for a cease fire.

   That's why see through barriers are a good idea!   

Response to recent safety infraction
USPSA

Recently, a video was released of a competitor who shot at least half of a stage while
there was still someone downrange. I was made aware of this video almost immediately
after its release and sent the information on to the President of USPSA as well as the
director for the area where the match was held. I am actively investigating the
incident at present, and will report to the President and board of directors as I
receive more information.

While we are relieved and happy that no one was injured, this incident serves to
reinforce the importance of training for range officers and reminds us all that safety
on the range is everyone's responsibility. It's easy for competitors and RO's to become
complacent when so many stages are shot all over the country without incident. It also
serves as a reminder that this is a shooting sport, using real guns and live
ammunition, and that it would only take a split second for a tragedy to occur.

The RMI cadre has already added this video to our Level One and Level Two seminars to
improve our training capabilities and to further emphasize to all range officers that
safety is their number one priority. The range must be clear of all personnel before
starting a new competitor.

When solid walls or other opaque props are used, extra care must be taken to ensure the
range is clear before issuing the Make Ready command. The Range Officer is the last
line of defense in this, and must know that the range is clear of all people before
proceeding with a new competitor. NROI strongly recommends that the RO is the last
person to return to the starting position after each shooter has completed the course
of fire, and that there are at least two RO's working each stage — the one with the
timer and the one keeping score. Each has a responsibility to keep the range as safe as
possible. We also recommend a thorough check of the downrange area every time before
preparing the next competitor. A few extra seconds to check won't hurt; a few seconds
of inattention could be disastrous.

It's clear that these precautions were not followed in this case, and the consequences
could have been tragic. NROI will continue to investigate this incident to ascertain
the causal factors and ensure that it does not happen again.

Troy McManus
Director, National Range Officers Institute