The Central Florida Defensive Pistol Association is an affiliated club with the International Defensive Pistol Association. We follow the IDPA Rule Book at all our matches, including all equipment. Our compliance with the IDPA rulebook has resulted in many of our shooters winning medals and awards at numerous sanctioned matches.
To get started, please visit the IDPA.com website and read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Please come out and watch a match to see what the sport is all about. Ask questions. Learn.
Feel free to contact the Match Director, Karl Redinger (cfl.idpa@gmail.com 407-461-3193) with any questions.
WHEN ARE THE MATCHES HELD?
The first Sunday of the month.
WHAT TIME DOES THE MATCH BEGIN?
Registration opens at 8:00 AM, Shooter's Brief is at 9:00 AM and the match begins immediately after.
HOW LONG DOES THE MATCH USUALLY LAST?
Matches end at approximately 1:30 PM.
WHAT ARE THE MATCH FEES?
CFRPC Member - $10
Non-CFRPC member - $20
IS REGISTRATION REQUIRED BEFORE A MATCH?
We highly recommend registering in advance. It will make the process much simpler and faster the morning of the match. If you show up without pre-registering, you will be asked to step outside the trailer and register on your own phone or other mobile device. Registration opens two weeks before a match and is done at https://practiscore.com/clubs/cfdpa. You can also select a squad to be on when you register. If all the squads are full, you may still register, and we will place you on a squad when you show up.
IS THE REGISTRATION ALL THAT'S NEEDED?
No, all adult participants and guests must complete a Liability Release prior to competing in or observing a match. If you are a CFRPC member, presenting your Membership Card accomplishes this. You must show us your current CFRPC membership card. If you don't have it with you during sign-in, you'll be required to sign a Release. NO EXCEPTIONS - Show a card or sign a Release.
If you are not a CFRPC member, you must have a Liability Release on file. We do this 2 different ways:
1 - You can complete and sign a Release on the morning of the match. If you tell us you have completed a Release for another match the week before, we will require you to complete a new Release, since we need it in our files.
2 - You can complete and sign an Extended Release and Waiver, which can be downloaded HERE. This is a .pdf form which can be filled in, printed, signed, and brought to the range on match day. This will save you time during check-in and help us read your information. By turning in this Extended Release and Waiver, you will get a card at your next match that indicates CFRPC has a current Release on file for you. You can show this card at any CFRPC match to avoid having to sign another Release for the remainder of the year. However, if you forget to bring the card with you, you will have to sign another Release. NO EXCEPTIONS - Show a card or sign a waiver.
Minor participants or guests must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must fill out a waiver for the minor prior to each match. There are no annual waivers for minors.
HOW MUCH AMMUNITION DO I NEED?
Our monthly matches require approximately 100 rounds. The 5x5 Classifier requires 25 rounds. We have been asked if we provide, or sell, ammunition. We do not - you must provide your own ammunition.
WHEN ARE CLASSIFIERS SCHEDULED?
With the introduction of the 5x5 Classifier, the fifth Sunday Classifier Matches have been discontinued. A few times each year, we will include the 5x5 Classifier as part of a monthly match or have it as a stand-alone bay during a match.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?
Basic equipment consists of a semi-automatic pistol with a minimum caliber of 9MM, or a revolver with a minimum caliber of .38 Special, a holster with a “stay open mouth” design, at least 3 magazines, and a concealment garment. Magazine / speed loader pouches are optional, but highly recommended. We also suggest a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. We provide water in coolers, but you may want something else to drink, or a snack, which you must provide for yourself.
For new shooters, we do allow the use of a rimfire pistol. The default start position will be low ready. Please understand that not all of our reactive steel targets will be activated by the lighter, smaller rimfire ammunition. In this case, we may make accommodations.
You'll also need ear and eye protection. Most prescription lenses are not properly safety rated. Eye protection is required anytime you are not in your vehicle or in the Administration trailer. Ear protection is required any time you are near or at the line of fire.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER THINGS I SHOULD KNOW?
We do not allow you to handle your firearm at your vehicle, or any other location on the range except for 2 places:
1 - At a marked Safe Table, with no ammunition present.
2 - At the line of fire under the direct supervision of a Safety Officer.
We are questioned quite a bit about what constitutes a concealment garment. Most new shooters use an old button-down shirt - you'll see a lot of old Hawaiian shirts! Don't worry about finding the perfect vest until you decide you want to keep competing in IDPA.
Talk to the other shooters. You'll find that IDPA shooters are friendly, and want to help others learn. Pay attention to the stage briefings. If you don't understand something, ask. The goals we have for all new shooters is that you enjoy yourself, stay safe, and that you want to come back.
ARE INSIDE THE WAISTBAND HOLSTERS ALLOWED?
The short answer is yes. The Rule Book is very clear on them - they are allowed. However, we have concerns over their use, specifically the holstering motion. All holsters, both Inside- and Outside-the-Waistband must have a "stay-open mouth”, as it is difficult to holster the gun without sweeping yourself with your muzzle without this feature. This safety violation has happened too many times at our matches, – therefore, all holsters that do not have a “stay-open mouth” are not allowed.
WHAT ABOUT SERPA HOLSTERS?
Again, the Rule Book doesn't outlaw them, so they are allowed. Some local clubs do not allow "Serpa" holsters, or any other holster that has a "push-button" type release on it. At our matches, these holsters are allowed. We will tell you that these types of holsters are not the preferred type for competition, but that doesn't mean they are dangerous, just that the release mechanism does not lend itself to competition. However, we have many shooters that use them successfully. We only ask that you are familiar with the limitations the holster has and receive proper training in its use. A holster’s retention device may be removed or permanently disabled - temporarily disabling a retention device is not allowed.
WHAT ABOUT APPENDIX INSIDE THE WASTEBAND HOLSTERS?
While the Rule Book does allow them, we do not allow them in our IDPA matches. While this carrying technique is a valid self-defense technique, sweeping yourself with the muzzle while drawing in a seated or kneeling position is not allowed on our Club property.
ARE "HIGH-MUZZLE RELOADS" ALLOWED?
We allow muzzles to go above the top of the berms, but before the slide is released or the cylinder is closed, the muxxle must be below the top of the berm.
ARE PISTOL CALIBER CARBINES ALLOWED?
IDPA has a set of rules for PCC, and we allow them. The main issue with PCC is with the shoulder stock. The rifle must have a shoulder stock that is designed to be fired from the shoulder. SIG Braces, and devices like them, are not allowed. Bring both your PCC and pistol supplies - guns, equipment, and ammunition. You will use both in our matches.
ARE OPTICS ALLOWED?
Again, IDPA has a set of rules for Carry Optics, and we allow them.
WHAT TRAINING IS PROVIDED AT THE MATCH?
None. This is a competition, not a class. We recognize that some shooters choose to concentrate on the basics of drawing and firing from concealment and cover, and always welcome those that do. However, our focus is on a safe sport that tests one's abilities to draw, move and shoot using concealment, cover, and with props that simulate a real-world scenario situation. While you may gain information, and observe techniques that others use, it is not a true learning environment. We do have many shooters that find this is the perfect sport they use to begin their competition journey. We also have experienced shooters that enjoy watching themselves improve their own skills, month after month. Just remember this is a competition, and that we keep score!
IS THERE ANY TRAINING OUTSIDE THE MATCH?
In the past, we had an Introduction to IDPA class, which was offered a few times a year. Due to very low interest in this class, it has been discontinued. We do not offer any type of training. CFRPC has instructors well versed in self defense training, and they are all NRA certified. Look for those instructors on the club web site under "Programs."
ARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED?
Always! We set up on the Saturday before the first Sunday beginning at noon. We also need Safety Officers for the match. We need computer help, specifically for registration and after-match duties. Any of these volunteer duties allow you to shoot the match for no charge or earn club work hours if you are a CFRPC member.
WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE NEW 2022 RULE BOOK?
Many things! Division capacity in SSP and CCP; PCC-10 as a new subdivision; Drop and Offset holsters are allowed for both sexes, holster and magazine locations, concealment is required for all equipment – these and many other changes have been made. We encourage you to read the new Rule Book that can be found at IDPA.com.