Classification

What Is It?

The USPSA™ classification system categorizes practical shooters to allow them to compete against other competitors of the same skill level. To accomplish this feat, USPSA™ publishes specific classifier stages for which scores fired by the best shooters in the world are available, and distributes these stages to the affiliated clubs. The clubs setup the stages as part of their monthly matches and submits those scores to the USPSA™ national headquarters. Submitted scores are compared to the best available (100%) and members are classified within the division or divisions in which they’ve chosen to compete, based on their percentage of the high scores.

Classification Bracket Percentages

Grand Master 95 to 100%
Master 85 to 94.9%
A  75 to 84.9%
B  60 to 74.9%
C  40 to 59.9%
D  2 to 40%

The USPSA™ staff enters thousands of scores each month and manages classified members in five competitive divisions.

Earning A Classification

To become classified, a member must have at least four valid scores from different classifier courses in a specific Division in the USPSA™ database. If more than four scores are in the database when the averages are calculated, the best four of the most recent six valid scores will be used. Any scores in excess of the most recent six valid scores are not used for the initial classification. Those scores over the most recent six may be used at the next monthly reclassification if they are within the most recent eight scores. Most of the scores will come from classifier courses set up by USPSA-affiliated clubs. The clubs are responsible for setting up these stages according to exact specifications and for administering them uniformly. They are part of the club’s monthly match, are included in the calculation of the match results, and are submitted for national classification of the member.

All valid classification scores received at National Headquarters by the 10th of each month are entered into the computer before the classification program calculates averages, unless there is a problem with the paperwork submitted by the club. After the scores have been entered and verified as correct, the computer calculates a current average for those who have become eligible for a classification and generates a classification card. These cards are mailed out around the 15th of the month.

Reclassification
USPSA™ currently classifies previously unclassified members as well as reclassifies members on a monthly basis. Whereas new classifications are based on the best four of the most recent six scores in the system, reclassifications are based on the best six of the most recent eight valid scores in the system. If the member’s current average is in a higher classification bracket, the member is moved to that class. Members may also request to be moved to a higher class, not including Grand Master. The member must comply with the same requirements for requesting to be moved down in class.

Moving Down In Class
Members may request to be moved to a lower class because of age or injury. The member must send a letter stating the reasons for reclassification to a lower class along with a letter from the club president or section coordinator endorsing the request. After the request has been received, the member’s scores will be checked to see whether there are any recent scores that indicate the member is still properly classified.

The member will be notified of the decision in writing, and if the request is granted, a new classification card will be sent.

Please note that even if a member’s current average drops into a lower classification bracket, the member will not automatically be reduced in class.

Your Scores On The Web Page
Members who want to verify their classifications may call the national office or check their scores on the USPSA™ web page at http://www.uspsa.org. Please remember that the classification data shown on the web page is updated once a month, about seven to 10 days after the classification system is run in Sedro Woolley.

Scores From Major Matches
A shooter’s performance in larger matches and tournaments may also be used to help establish a classification if at least three Grand Masters completed the match within a specific Division and performed at a level high enough to be considered a national standard. Each division is evaluated separately based on this criteria, so it may be possible for scores from one division to be used while another division is not.

In addition, if the competitor shoots an Area Championship or major tournament and wins first or second in a class higher than his or her current classification, the member may be promoted to that higher class, except for Grand Master.