The real game.

Youth Shooter Policy
 

The Montana Defensive Pistol Association (MDPA) wants to encourage and support the introduction of young people into the shooting sports and in particular to the MDPA. The following Youth Shooter Policy has been adopted by the Voting Members of MDPA to govern "under-age" shooters at MDPA matches.

 
  1. Young Shooters are 12 to 14 years of age. No one under 12 years of age will be allowed to participate in an MDPA match.
  2. Junior Shooters are 15 to 17 years of age and have completed a minimum of 6 MDPA matches in the previous two shooting years.
  3. The MDPA match experience requirement to become a Junior Shooter maybe waived by the Match Director if, in his or her sole judgment, the 15 to 17-year old shooter's ability warrants such a waiver. The age limit may not be waived.
  4. A legal guardian must sign the Waiver of Liability for all shooters under 18 years old.
  5. Young Shooters must be accompanied on the same squad by a legal guardian who is also participating in that match.
  6. Qualified Junior Shooters do not require guardian accompaniment.
  7. Young Shooters and Junior Shooters must have their own full set of required safety and shooting equipment just like our adult shooters. No sharing of any required equipment is ever allowed.
  8. All Shooters participate at the sole discretion of the Safety Officer. The judgment of the squad Safety Officer is final in all cases.
  9. Safety Officers are specifically instructed to disqualify a Young Shooter who is unable to safely control their handgun due to recoil, weight, or size.
  10. Young Shooters will always start a stage at the Low Ready Position. MDPA-legal holsters are required to hold the handgun when not in use.
  11. Young Shooters will not be allowed to shoot complicated stages such as, but not limited to, "shoot houses."
  12. Junior Shooters are allowed, but not required, to draw from the holster, use concealment, or shoot advanced stages.
  13. Young Shooters may use a small-caliber handgun, but a rigid, strong-hand, hip holster is still required.
  14. Junior Shooters are required to use MDPA-legal handguns.