Punted from USPSA... I fire back at the BOD

[@bake7221]

I want to immediately correct one thing you said, "I'm flying Solo." You may be the only person in this video tonight, but you're not flying solo. There are a lot of us here watching this charade play out and unequivocally stand behind you as you fight to make the organization we all participate in a better one.

[@graynotescartridgebox]

Hold on…dude caught cheating gets to stay, but multi-year champion gets the boot for calling that situation out, and general criticisms?

[@S1deshowRob]

What’s the cheating story? And how would one cheat at USPSA? I’m pretty new to the sport so I’m not sure how everything works yet, but wouldn’t you get caught immediately since there’s a guy watching over your shoulder the whole time?

[@matthewshelton9573]

⁠@@S1deshowRobUsing underpowered ammo to be able to get shots off faster/have less recoil in general

[@matthewshelton9573]

⁠@@S1deshowRobUsing underpowered ammo to be able to get shots off faster/have less recoil in general

[@domanikbutler2060]

@@matthewshelton9573 Using underpowered ammo to be able to get shots off faster/have less recoil in general

[@duty5127]

@@domanikbutler2060 Using underpowered ammo to be able to get shots off faster/have less recoil in general

[@wcw2793]

Tony Cowden: *Cheats his way to GM and gets exposed for it* The BOD: "That was wrong but meh we'll just give him a slap on the wrist." Ben Stoeger and Practical Shooting Insights: *Gives well thought out and constructive criticism in regards to the BOD's handling of the Cowden Scandal, Bylaw Changes, and Cameo Incident* The BOD: "WHAT?! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!! BAN THEM!!!" This will do nothing but backfire on them and make even more members either not renew their memberships, pull out of majors, or both. Congrats USPSA BOD, you've proven to the members that you don't care about us.

[@alonsoarellanocarryoptics]

Does anyone know exactly how Cowden cheated? This is interesting

[@wcw2793]

@@alonsoarellanocarryoptics Multiple edits, reshoots, and setting up classifier stages incorrectly.

[@graynotescartridgebox]

I’m not renewing my membership. I’ve decided after realizing they don’t do anything for me. All they do is take my money and send me junk mail. Their one job they screwed up…they had me down as A-class after my first three classifiers. It should have been B-class. After trying to fix it, they finally erased everything and put me back to unclassified. I’ve decided half the shooting I do is outlaw, or the USPSA matches I do shoot don’t require membership, even the state championships. Why do I need USPSA?

[@alexmol]

I'm a nobody in the shooting sport, but I started early with IPSC in Brazil at the age of 14, back in '95. In my opinion, Ben is one of the best things that ever happened to the practical shooting sport - how I wish I had a teacher like him when I started. He revolutionized the way the sport is taught and so many people (including myself) benefitted from it. Whatever/whoever led to his punting from USPSA - you're harming the sport in ways you cannot imagine - this event is to be looked back on in the future with great shame.

[@umami0247]

This is exactly what happened to the NRA back after the Cincinnati yearly meeting and we know how that worked out. I support you and the fact you have contributed to this sport more than any of these individuals. Good luck hope you do what is necessary to win this.

[@nctrlnet]

Lean into it. Start putting taglines on your books and classes like, "Teaching you shooting secrets that the USPSA doesn't want you to know!"

[@PopsQuest]

Thanks for everything Ben, You have my support

[@richardc6884]

Seems fair - you get banned for some unidentified offences but have the chance to defend yourself to the guys that banned you without knowing what in fact got you banned. Good job @theuspsa. I didn’t think you could actually lower the bar quite this far.

[@henrywong3871]

I think it's time for you or one of the other top level uspsa champions to start a new competition organization. Building a new organization will probably be easier than trying to fix the current uspsa circus. Much respect to you for speaking the truth and calling out BS.

[@hrdcoreRider]

I’d like to see you move to IDPA for awhile. Sure you’ll find it easier but it will be fun as hell to watch. Just for the hell of it.

[@tokyosan7906]

The situation as you describe it reminds me so so much of a typical power crazy HOA board at a nightmare housing development, complete with the financial irresponsibility.

[@WoodsDog]

Pointing out all the issues I thought you were talking about the NRA

[@Oysteims]

You have given so much to the competative shooting community in terms of teachings - via your books and videos. That's insanely humble of you, no matter the personality. And it has outreach to people all over the world who are into competitive shooting. But then you have this bunch of unknown bozos who have only ever taken, and never given to the community having to fuck it all up...

[@GLOCKsh00ter24]

I emailed my area director to express my displeasure with their BS. I'm sure much will come of that 🙄. I have been shooting USPSA since 2003/2004. I can say without a doubt you have been the major factor for seeing so many Ms and GMs we see shooting today. For years there was one GM in my area (a paper GM at that) and very few M's. After you hit your stride with the books and training I now see a huge increase in the skill levels of shooters overall. This was a big mistake, and it would be nice to see some of the other top level guys step up and call out their bullshit.

[@fudj12]

"I'm gonna do this carry optics thing." Boy how times have changed.

[@bobl2833]

I don’t know what you are talking about. But it sounds fun. Right from the heart. New subscriber!

[@CRA677]

I truly expected Timmy to announce he'd received a letter.

[@troyschmidt2704]

Thank you for your dedication to bettering the sport by calling out those that are not doing their part. The one thing that every member can do to get the attention of the BOD is to cancel their memberships immediately. That is the fastest way to bring change to the organization and to show support for you and others that have been 'Punted' .

[@markcasey1127]

Hey Ben I have learned a lot from you and the gang to help me in IPSC. Hope this BS gets sorted.

[@warrenrosen2326]

Sounds like the same due process you get from "red flag" laws.

[@2aholes402]

I didn’t know that was going on. Hope you get back in. Not sure if this video will help or hurt your chances. That said you have been one of two main sources of getting better at uspsa and it’s a shame if you are kicked out.

[@S_ipsc]

I find it pathetic that all the other top pro shooters are staying quiet. No balls to speak up on how the org is falling apart or treating you the way they are. Either they don't care or they are too afraid of the BOCs..

[@bb98338]

Your not alone, alot of people are tired of how USPSA is being runs even down to the local match level. No one has accountability and they are just doing what they want including edited scores hours after a stage is complete with no explanation which has happened to me personally . To me this is cheating and I wish there would be another option similar to USPSA. If they keep it up people are going to shift to IDPA, me included. Love your podcast and honesty against the organizations BS.

[@Rhodesian_FAL]

I tuned in because of the shirt, but I stayed for the unfiltered content!

[@dougbursey9021]

Keep fighting. Many will stand with you.

[@mickbrentar784]

Hey Ben! It was both an honor and a pleasure participating in your class a few weeks ago. I’m genuinely sorry to see this happen. No organization should be above comprehensive criticism. Having USPSA without Ben would be like having The Justice League without Superman. I hope this information helps to inform members when it comes time to vote.

[@davesmith5248]

All of the stuff that has been coming to light in the last few years has me wondering why support the org at all. I’m inclined to let my membership lapse and just support my locals by helping set up, RO’ing and shooting the matches. The only benefit to me shooting a level 2 match is to have definitive date to train for.

[@smc4229]

The sport only survives because of the folks at the local club matches that do all the work. If the org died, there'd still be all the people that work their local club matches every month.

[@AR-yy9ge]

Banger indeed.

[@DustysDriver1212]

flamboyance of flamingos 👏

[@dennisparham5860]

Loved the program.

[@brad_1388_]

These middle manager types get one taste of power and drive their organization into the ground, wow

[@jamesdomenico2953]

Can anyone direct me to a link for USPSA Area Director Election Cycles? I cannot seem to find this information anywhere.

[@raymicciche8869]

Sorry that happened. IMO you have earned the right with USPSA to say whatever you want. Consider the enormous contributions you have made to the sport and to the public. Incalculable. Nothing else matters.

[@stansenter2660]

So...sounds like it's not worth joining the USPSA...?

[@johnb7430]

Honestly you should request and follow through with the entire process. Because "reasons"

[@callsigndibs5460]

Best of luck bud. I think you should let the community know what they can do to contribute to the solution.

[@lumberjack218]

Sounds like you need a fishing vest. 😉

[@philosophyofcarry]

I just emailed my area rep, make them aware we are unhappy, gentlemen.

[@CompShooter54]

I'm paraphrasing here but you touched briefly on USPSA forcing people to be illegal regarding the magazine capacity laws. About 5 years ago when I started in USPSA I emailed my concerns to USPSA about living and shooting in a state that has a 10 round mag limit, and asked why USPSA didn't have a sister class, like L10, for other classes like carry optics and even open, so that we weren't breaking the laws in our state by owning and using higher capacity mags. They didn't want to hear that. I was told that if I was worried about that I could just shoot 10 round mags in any class I wanted. What? I asked how I could be competitive doing that and was told "that's your problem". Or I could shoot in production if I was concerned. Not the answer I was looking for, as my eyesight does not allow me to effectively shoot iron sights, and I must use a dot. I have been forced to use higher cap mags, disassemble them and hide them while traveling to a match, reassemble them and hope there is not an undercover sting waiting for me at the match. And for those of you that think a sting could never happen, you are delusional. Having said all of this, the federal bill banning assault weapons also includes the ban of magazines over 10 rounds. What does USPSA say bout this? I'm pretty sure I know; buy preban mags, which all of you know are not available for most of the newer guns being produced. I don't like the rules of IDPA, but may be forced to go to the dark side. This is from the USPSA rules, which in my opinion, touches on the mag limits. We are being forced to break the law. 12.3 Disclaimers Competitors and all other persons in attendance at an USPSA match are wholly, solely and personally responsible to ensure that all and any equipment which they bring to the match is fully in compliance with all laws applicable to the geographical or political area where the match is being held. Neither USPSA nor any USPSA Officers, nor any organization affiliated to USPSA nor any officers of any organization affiliated to USPSA accepts any responsibility whatsoever in this regard, nor in respect of any loss, damage, accident, injury or death suffered by any person or entity as a result of the lawful or unlawful use of any such equipment.

[@Matt-dc8lp]

There are too many divisions as it is. Now we need to make more for folks in non free states? USPSA should follow state laws and enforce mag capacities (or at least capacities loaded) at events in these non-free states. This would at least put competitors on a level playing ground at those events even though it doesn't address the event to event differences.

[@CompShooter54]

@@Matt-dc8lp As of now they won't enforce it. When I was emailing with them they said they encourage the match directors to follow state laws but that was it. It will be interesting to see what they do when it becomes federal law.

[@beantown_billy2405]

Are you in MA? The argument is that they can have "pre-bans" there.

[@CompShooter54]

@@beantown_billy2405 I am, and being "Beantown Billy" I assume you are as well. The problem with pre-ban mags is that some of the newer guns have not been around long enough to have pre-ban mags, like Canik, so we are screwed. RI just put the ban in place and do not allow pre-ban mags to be owned. GOAL has filed a lawsuit against the state as to this being unconstitutional. You can't take away someone's property without compensation. Let's see how that goes. This weekend I shot in a match in RI that restricts pistols to 10 round mags but PCC is unlimited. They say that they will not enforce the ban at their matches next year, so once again it's up to the competitor to take his chances transporting mags to the shoot. The 10 rounds for pistols was not because of the ban, it was for the course of fire, and has always been that way.

[@jaaronbanks]

You should appeal. So at least it’s on record.

[@Desertpunk1986]

Been running a business for 10+ years now with over $1 million revenue yearly. I’ll run this shit! Lol, my wife is a CPA and I have a BS in Finance. We can audit this shit show and get it corrected.

[@joshuagrabow2437]

Welp, this makes it look like they've got nothing to hide>.>

[@johnkostov2612]

Legend 👍

[@robertwatson818]

I quit shooting at one club because of an "out of left field" rule requiring anyone shooting in their matches to show up on Saturday to help set up for the Sunday match. Failure to show up meant not being able to shoot there until the offending person showed up to help with match set up. I lived over 100 miles from that range so round trip I would have to drive over 200 miles. This would occupy an entire Saturday to say nothing of gas and various other issues. I simply stopped going to those matches. The person responsible for this assinine rule rocketed to the top of Area 4. What is going on?

[@austenleffler95]

At first, I was big sad when I watched this. I was hoping you'd announce that you were requesting a "hearing" and you'd livestream it, just so everyone could see firsthand what kind of characters sit on the BOD. But I actually like the "Here's my response. Read the CC if you want it in writing" approach. I think now the only way for them to save a LITTLE bit of face is to publicly present their "case" and then either retract the suspension for lack of evidence or ban permanently, which will almost ensure even more of an uprising. I'll be surprised if they change course and try to do the right thing--these idiots just can't help shooting themselves in the foot at every opportunity.

[@tangero3462]

This shit plays like drama in a ten person town in BFE yet it's a national org of thousands of members. Friggin ridiculous, excited to see what all gets dug up

[@shuumai]

3.5 minutes in and I'm thinking, if I join anything, maybe it should be IDPA instead.

[@acespeedy]

Doesn't have any audio.

[@Sneakypete777]

@theuspsa So you won't "suspend" cheaters but you will "suspend" champion shooters for calling attention to your malfeasance. Nice job! Excellent work to "grow the membership".

[@jimsragetogm-uspsa4151]

I have listened to all the podcasts and it seems like all big organizations and the gubmemt, there is a double standard. The peons must fall in line or else. I wonder if there is something in the bylaws to have a recall election? We need folks to stir the pot and bring light to things the BOD is doing under the table. I would love to see an itemized receipt for the "dinner"

[@madeleineoiseau4676]

have you considered pro wrestling as a backup career?

[@mwileyy112492]

You and the rest of the PSTG are the only people I have seen actually invest in teaching people how to be better competitive shooters. I hope it works out for you.

[@jasestrong]

The good old boy system is always sad to see , sorry this happened to you. I have always said if it looks like a duck, it’s a duck. If the act like a scum bag criminal, they are probably a scum bag criminal. I also feel that institutions like This should promote strong ethics and highly ethical persons when dealing with our exercising of our constitutional rights. There is no room for shat people in this case.

[@zen-Tii]

I don’t shoot USPSA anymore so I’m not invested in any way but, good luck Ben.

[@michaelboyle9512]

Huh, so the uspsa overhead is just like the union.

[@NinetyMinusTen]

USPSA President elections are on now. If I can, I'll write-in Ben.

[@benjaminjohnson4568]

Absolute banger

[@the.albertan]

Yikes. I might skip shooting USPSA for a while until this gets sorted. Got other countries to check out anyways

[@austinmurphy6359]

Ben why don't you take all your knowledge and experience and start up your own competitive pistol organization?

[@SinistralRifleman]

I regret that I am not a member so that I could also be banned.

[@charlesdesalme6405]

This is really pissing members off. Facebook comments are really standing behind Ben. Let’s try and get these BOD on your podcast and let them explain. Of course we know they won’t do it.

[@magdumpmoravec3557]

Banger show

[@scottmeredith3359]

Surely you have to show up to the hearing and make your case right? Isn't this what you've always wanted, to go in front of the organization and lay out the myriad problems, allegations,lies and bullshit you've called out on the show for years?

[@post_vol4510]

I think you got Red Flagged by the USPSA lol

[@r1ght1left1]

Do a golf league move and reach out to some Saudi investors to make your own LIV PSA league.

[@frccustomguns7859]

I miss the doodie.

[@ShooterQ]

It took years and years, but we finally did something about the Ben Stoeger situation. (Old reference, not sure if people will get it)

[@kevinuspsa9353]

If you know, you know!

[@rodanone4895]

I've read those books.

[@greggarmin9426]

Sounds like some Wayne LaPierre shit there.

[@crdowney1]

you should appeal, then Rick roll them 2 mins into the call.

[@RJMEIRELLES]

$$ twist the weak mind. Unfortunately most shooters don’t care about the organization, only their classification for show. So whatever the BoD is doing as long is not impeding their local matches they don’t care.

[@davidhoward9722]

Let Ben back in !

[@mikpopiel473]

Nice coin. Facta Non Verba

[@JewJitsutherealJitsu]

audio works!!!

[@aussieexpat]

WTF.... ok... new sport?

[@feetpiece_704]

Subscribed

[@kevinizatt]

No audio

[@kevinizatt]

Fixed

[@kspen1336]

Mid West Combat Pistol League, anyone?

[@davidwilliamson3001]

Go IDPA!

[@-woobies-]

whoa, Ben seems cool as shit. subscribed.

[@Sometimes_Always]

He's kind of a dick in real life.

[@countrugensfriend350]

just wasn’t informative to someone with very little background of USPSA internal stuff. VERY interested in details. Links or URL? All too often officers of organizations annoy me. USPSA has done so in years past.

[@txaggie1991]

The real crap part is that you have "prove" why you shouldn't be banned - bullshit. Have them prove why your comments and baiting caused harm to the org. It's a steaming pile of shit.

[@yarborough137]

Higher a lawyer

[@AdventInnovative]

Lol!!! C classes

[@ryanrudolph2857]

Hey, start your own shooting competition. Don’t crawl back to them and beg to be allowed to shoot for them.

[@charles17508]

Uspsa is such a click sport and that's why they have never been that popular as a sport .

[@bootchumbley1766]

How is that going to impact your business? Good luck man

[@lcash365]

While you seem to be a natural iconoclast, the content of all your criticism is rock solid. It seems like USPSA is teetering on the edge of something.

[@lcash365]

At the same time, from an outsider's perspective, it seems like you've been starting fires with motives that range from righteous indignation to just liking to watch things burn. And now your own livelihood is getting caught up in the conflagration. How could your approach have turned out any different? Can you imagine a pro in a sportsball league uploading weekly videos that were highly critical of their league and the individuals running it? The veracity of the claims would have no bearing on that pro getting shut down hard. I think the board is aware, the people in USPSA that know about and care about these political issues is like 1%. Where would they even hear about it in the first place? Not on Enos, so they'd have to go looking for it. So bottom line is, the board can kinda do what they want in situations like yours. And you've given them a lot of reasons to want to do what they did.

[@brized]

5:25 It's only slander if it's untrue and you acted with reckless disregard of the truth. Ironically, it seems you have more ammo for a defamation suit than they do.

[@walterwilliams1791]

wtf

[@bulleit9459]

I have stopped shooting uspsa matches because of the douchebaggery that ive noticed becoming more and more prominent with ROs. As i dont have the restraint of most people, id knock out an RO for a bullshit call especially at an area or larger match. The shit theyre pulling with Ben is an atrocity. Multi national champion, ambassador of the sport, and they pull the same douchebaggery that is being witnessed throughout the organization. 👎

[@jaaronbanks]

Don’t talk about it, be about it.. something tells me you couldn’t knock yourself out a wet paper bag.

[@SHEPDEV_ONLINE]

Is that a JTF2 coin I just spotted in your hand? 🫢