Grace, Dignity, Friendship

We're new to this CFDA game, and we knew, going into the Southern Territorials, that we wouldn't burn the house down with speed, but maybe, just maybe we could have some fun, learn a little bit more about the game, and enjoy the company of some fine people.  We were right on all counts.

During the main match, I lost track of Milady (aka: Louisiana Calamity Jane) for a while, but caught up with her after I had collected my Xs in the 5th round.  She was still alive, with two Xs, so I became her cheering squad.  She X'd out in the seventh round, and we walked outside to take the breeze and reflect on the experience.

Suddenly, Zach came to the door "Grandma, they're calling you for a shoot-off!"

Calamity walked inside the venue, and headed to the line.  Her opponent for the shoot-off was a lady from Colorado known as Honey Badger.  Honey Badger is fast, very fast, and Calamity told me on the way to the line that she didn't think she stood a chance.

"Shoot the target, Sweetie" I told her.  "Just find the target."

So, Calamity walked out to the line for the match.  I don't recall the score before the last shot, but I managed to think to drag out my camera for the shot.  I posted it on Saturday, but we'll replay it again for illustration.



Watching this video, we see Honey Badger take her shot, and miss.  We don't get a time on this particular shot, so I took out my IPSC timer to try to get the splits.  We know that Calamity hit her target in 1.271 seconds, and after I had played with my timer, we find a split between the first and second shot of 0.860 seconds.

In this game, 8/10ths of a second is a long time.  Trophies, titles, and bragging rights are set on times a lot shorter than that.  But, as long as the timer is running, you can still hit your target.  Simple match tells us that Hone Badger fired her shot in 0.411 after the light.  (1.271 - 0.860 = 0.411).  That's quick, really fast.  Three times as fast as Calamity's 1.271.

Honey Badger told us later (I don't recall the exact quote) that coming into the shoot-off, she thought she could win it, but she knew that Calamity was hitting the target.  Hitting it well in the earlier rounds.  But, Honey Badger decided to make no adjustments, shoot her game like she always did, and let the timer tell the tale.

That shows great sportsmanship on Honey Badger's part, and also shows the randomness of this game.  Speed counts, but hitting stops the timer.  Honey Badger is a great competitor, a fast shooter, and sterling individual.  Going into the shoot-off, she could have slowed her draw just a little, took another 3/10ths and hit the target, but she decided to compete "wide open".  That's the spirit of the game.  Wide-open competition, let the timer tell the tale.    It's grace, and dignity, and letting your opponent keep their dignity.  Two people on the line, letting the timer record the result and after it's over walking off the line with your head high, your dignity intact, and a smile on your face.

Grace, dignity, friendly competition.  That's what this game is about.  Our motto is Safety First, Fun second, and Competition third.  In our quest for speed, accuracy and bragging rights we have to remember that our opponent is our friend after the match.  Thanks, Honey Badger for reinforcing that lesson.

See you on the line.