Classification System

Your Classification		Regional Classifications
Your IPSC Alias		Classifier Stages		FAQ

The primary reason for the development of an International Classification System (ICS) is because our members are demanding it. The ability to rank shooters around the world provides a vehicle for true peer-to-peer recognition.

Policy

ICS is a dynamic system. Classifications will move up and down based on a shooter's performance records.

Classification records are calculated by Division. Shooters will have to submit scores for any Division in which they wish to be classified.

Individual records are calculated by comparing a shooter's stage hit factor to the highest hit factors for that stage. The shooter's record will be their hit factor divided by the top average hit factor for that stage. As the database develops and the best shooters record their scores, the class percentages will change to reflect better times at the top. This will accurately exhibit improvements in both equipment and technique as the sport evolves.

Classification Match scores will be recorded as shown in the Division results for any approved match.

A shooter can achieve initial Classification with 4 scores. Following this, the Classification will be based on the average of the best 4 scores of the most recent 8 classification records submitted.

In order to maintain their Classification, shooters must keep current IPSC membership and submit scores for a minimum of two Classification Stages or one approved Classification Match each calendar year. Shooters will be removed from the ICS system at the end of the second consecutive year where no scores are submitted.

Classification Breaks

Class	Breaks
Grand Master	95% to 100%
Master	85% to 94.999%
A	75% to 84.999%
B	60% to 74.999%
C	40% to 59.999%
D	39.999% and below

Classification Fees

In order to cover the cost of the ICS development and maintenance, members wishing to be classified will pay a Classifier Fee of $3 US per submission. This means that a fee must be submitted when the scores are sent to headquarters for entry into the system. Secure credit card functions are provided by WinMSS to support this.

The $3 US fee will be collected by the club or match organizers for each shooter wishing to submit scores. If a club puts on 1-4 stages (maximum) either in a match or simply as a classification match, the fee is $3 US per shooter. If more than 4 records are submitted, the fee will be $6 US per shooter.

One-third of the classifier fee collected from a Region will be credited back to that Region.

Your Classification

You can lookup your ICS classification by clicking on the link below.

Your Classification

Your IPSC Alias

The International Classification System requires all participating shooters to be current members of their home Region and to register an IPSC Alias.

Your IPSC Alias is like a nickname that is used to uniquely identify you to the International Classification System. For example:

    QuickDraw
    TopGun
    Colt45

You must submit this Alias at registration when Classification scores are being recorded. You can use your IPSC Alias to display your ICS match history and classification records online. Please note that each person needs only one alias, no matter how many Divisions you intend to compete in.

There is no charge for registering your IPSC alias. As an optional extra, for a one-time charge of $5 US, you can request a corresponding IPSC email alias. For example:

  IPSC Alias - Quickdraw
  Email address - quickdraw@ipsc.org

Any mail sent to your IPSC email alias will be relayed to your real email address. You will receive a free ICS Newsletter periodically by email if you register your IPSC email alias.

I don't have an IPSC Alias. How do I get one?

Use this link to register your IPSC Alias online.

IPSC Alias Registration

I created my IPSC Alias a few days ago, and now I wish I had signed up for the email alias also. Is there anything I can do?

Yes, you can use the link below. Please note that you must provide exactly the same alias and personal information as you did before. If the alias is still available as an email alias, it will be assigned to you.

IPSC Email Alias Registration

I just want to find out if a particular alias is available or not. Is there a way I can do that?

Yes, you can find out if an IPSC Alias is available. However, even if it is available, it is possible someone may take it in the mean time.

IPSC Alias Availability

I registered my IPSC Alias a while back, and now I've forgotten it. Can I look it up?

Yes, you can lookup your registered IPSC Alias.

IPSC Alias Search

I have changed my Internet service provider and now have a new email address. Is there a way I can change my IPSC email address?

Yes, you can use this change of email address form.

IPSC Email Address Change

I want to change my IPSC Alias to something else. Is there a way I can do that?

No. Once you have registered your IPSC Alias, it is yours for life. Make sure it is the one you want before you register it.

Procedure

ICS provides the mechanism to classify all IPSC members throughout the World. Shooters may compete in Classifier Stages, matches containing Classifier Stages, or Classifier Matches.

Classifier Stages

Currently there are 74 stages approved as Classifier stages. You can find them here, where they may be downloaded and printed.

Classifier Stages

These stages may be shot individually or as part of a match. The selection offers the choice of either Metric targets and Pepper poppers or Classic targets and Classic poppers. The stage dimensions are provided. The stages must be constructed as shown and the stage instructions must be followed.

Classifier Matches

The first type consists of any match of only Classifiers stages with at least three (3) Classifier Stages.

In the future, the second type of Classifier Match is a major competition (e.g. Level III) where the match organizers apply to IPSC for Classifier status 30 days prior to the event. The application to request the Divisional scores standing as Classifiers will be reviewed by the ICS Committee and all results will be reviewed by IPSC when they are submitted to insure compliance.

Scoring

The WinMSS scoring system includes all the features and instructions to facilitate the electronic submission of Classification scores for both stages and matches to IPSC Headquarters. The ICS features in WinMSS are both user friendly and efficient. Submissions from WinMSS must include the name and contact information of the certified (NROI or IROA) Official who approved the stage setups.

Remember, you must have an IPSC Alias recorded at IPSC Headquarters before you can register to have your scores entered.

FAQ

1. Can we setup classification stages at our own club as weekly or monthly events?

Yes. We encourage shooters interested in obtaining and maintaining their individual classification to participate as often as possible. The more data received the better.

2. We are interested in having a classifier match. What do we need to do?

For this first year, classification matches (where the overall match results count) will only be available to pre-approved Level III matches where known Grand Masters will be participating.

In the not too distant future, we hope to be able to classify shooters in Level III matches regardless of Grand Master participation.

3. Our members would like to be classified. Can we hold a match that contains 4 classifier stages and have our members classified based on these results?

Yes. Classification requires the shooter to have a minimum of 4 results. After the initial 4 results, the highest 4 results from the most recent 8 results will count. Classification also depends on having Grand Master results in that particular Division.

4. What does "Class Rank" mean?

The Class Rank number indicates where the shooter is placed within his/her Class.

Have a question? Contact us by email at:

We will attempt to answer your question by way of the above FAQ or by return email.

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Last updated Sunday, February 18 2007 at 12:11:50 PM EST