IDPA defensive shooting is open to all legal firearm owners in possession of a valid carry or transport permit. It is a discipline that welcomes a diverse and broad community: men and women, young and old, all united by a passion for dynamic shooting.
Philosophy & Scenarios
IDPA is more than just a shooting competition; it is a sport that simulates real-world defensive scenarios. Each course of fire is designed to test the individual shooter’s ability to manage complex tactical situations, balancing precision, speed, and analytical decision-making.
For Every Skill Level
The IDPA system is meritocratic and inclusive by design: from the novice shooter to the experienced athlete, everyone finds a stimulating competitive environment. Thanks to the classification system based on skill levels, the sport ensures that every participant competes against peers of similar ability, making every match a fair and rewarding challenge.
The Core Pillar: Safety & Responsibility
Beyond the score, the shooter’s ethics are the cornerstone of the discipline. The non-negotiable requirement for every athlete is to be “Safe and Responsible.” Absolute mastery in firearm handling and rigorous adherence to safety protocols are not just rules—they are the fundamental principles upon which the entire IDPA community is built.
THE IDPA CLASSIFICATION PROCESS
Operational Protocol & Registration
The official Classification must be conducted under the direct supervision of a certified Safety Officer (SO). Upon completion, results must be validated and uploaded to the official IDPA database by the Match Director or an authorized club delegate.
Weapon Systems & Gear
- Division: The shooter must perform the test using the firearm specific to the Division (Pistol or Revolver) in which they intend to compete.
- Concealment: Unlike official matches, the use of a concealment garment (vest or jacket) is not mandatory during the Classification process.
Course of Fire Structure
The Classifier consists of 3 stages of 24 rounds each, totaling 72 rounds. Scoring is conducted under Limited Vickers rules: shooters may not fire more rounds than strictly required.
Note: In the event of a mechanical malfunction or a mental error, the shooter is permitted to restart and repeat the entire stage.
Safety Note: Students who fail to demonstrate or maintain minimum safety requirements or the technical competencies necessary at the start of the course may be dismissed at the technical staff’s discretion.
Evaluated Skill Sets
Each stage is divided into specific strings designed to test the shooter’s technical fundamentals, including:
- Freestyle (two-handed) shooting.
- Strong-hand only and weak-hand only manipulations.
- Engaging targets while on the move (advancing and retreating).
- Tactical use of cover (standing and kneeling positions).
Ranking & Classification Levels
The average duration of a Classification session is approximately 30–40 minutes. The total accumulated time (raw time plus penalties) determines the shooter’s Classification level. This system ensures a “level playing field,” allowing shooters of similar skill sets to compete against one another.
Shooters are ranked in the following descending order:
- Master (MA): Exempt from the annual classification requirement.
- Expert (EX)
- Sharpshooter (SS)
- Marksman (MM)
- Novice (NV)
ENROLLMENT FEES & COURSE DETAILS
The registration fee is “All-Inclusive” and covers the entire training and administrative package:
- Technical Documentation: Official IDPA Rulebook.
- Membership: Official IDPA Italy affiliation.
- Credentials: Issuance of the IDPA Membership Card and the Classification Record Card (signed and validated by the Safety Officer).
- Ranking: Evaluation and official entry into the international ranking via the Official IDPA Classifier.
- Recognition: Certificate of Participation.
- Logistics: On-site lunch provided to maximize training time and team bonding.
COURSE SCHEDULE
The program follows an intensive curriculum balanced between classroom doctrine and live-fire activities:
- 08:00 AM | Theoretical Session: Analysis of the rulebook, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
- 11:00 AM | Practical Training: Handling techniques, draw strokes, and target engagement drills.
- 01:00 PM | Social Lunch: Lunch break and technical debriefing with instructors.
- 02:00 PM | Dynamic Session & Classifier: Advanced maneuvers and completion of the Official IDPA Classifier.
- Registration Fee: € 450.00 (Without any accreditation 16 H)
- Registration Fee: € 200 (With accreditation 8 H)
