The dynamics of IPSC shooting are expressed in the courses of fire and the rules of competition provide the foundation for these dynamics. IPSC shooters are able to compete not only on a level playing field with the same size "goal posts", but do it anywhere in the world.

Matches consist of individual stages and can be organized in any of the recognized disciplines. IPSC Tournaments are also available in any combination of Handgun, Rifle, and Shotgun.

Grand Tournaments are where different disciplines come together for score to calculate the overall Grand Tournament results. Each discipline is a stand alone match and the individual match scores are added to determine the overall Grand Tournament result.