Practical Shooting After Dark EP 72

Published on October 24, 2019
Duration: 49:52

This episode of Practical Shooting After Dark discusses the alleged cheating incident involving USPSA competitor Tony Cowden. The hosts, Ben Stoeger, Tyler Turner, and Matt Frank, delve into the evidence of score tampering, the USPSA's investigation and subsequent board vote, and the broader implications for the sport. They also touch upon the importance of instructor demonstration in training classes.

Quick Summary

The USPSA is facing scrutiny over its handling of alleged cheating by competitor Tony Cowden, involving score tampering on tablets. Despite evidence of numerous edits and witness accounts, a board vote failed to result in a ban, raising questions about the organization's investigative effectiveness and the weight given to circumstantial evidence.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Guests
  2. 01:14The Tony Cowden Situation
  3. 01:43Big Picture: Cheating Allegations
  4. 06:38What Exactly Did Cowden Do?
  5. 10:35Verifiably False Explanations
  6. 13:36Inconsistencies in Cowden's Story
  7. 15:02Cowden's Suspension & Instagram Posts
  8. 17:22Witness Accounts & Club Reports
  9. 19:36USPSA Investigation & Board Vote
  10. 22:08Vote Results & Dissension
  11. 24:05Circumstantial Evidence Debate
  12. 31:07Cheating as Cancer to the Sport
  13. 32:05Trial by Internet vs. Discreet Handling
  14. 34:06Organization's Ineffectiveness
  15. 37:37Demonstrating in Classes
  16. 40:32Outdated Experience in Instruction
  17. 43:03Why Instructors Don't Demonstrate
  18. 44:29Importance of Demonstration
  19. 45:03Ben Stoeger's Class Change
  20. 49:01Conclusion & Class Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main allegations against USPSA competitor Tony Cowden?

The primary allegations against Tony Cowden involve tampering with scores recorded on tablets during USPSA matches. This includes numerous 'classifier edits' and potential stage edits, which appear to have consistently increased his scores and classification ratings over a period of about 18 months.

What was the outcome of the USPSA's investigation into Tony Cowden's alleged cheating?

After an investigation lasting several months, the USPSA board held a vote on a motion to terminate Tony Cowden's membership. The motion failed, with several area directors voting against it, citing insufficient evidence or a desire for a less severe sanction than a lifetime ban.

Why is instructor demonstration important in firearms training?

Instructor demonstration is crucial because it provides students with a clear, visual example of the skills being taught, reinforcing understanding and building confidence. Seeing an instructor perform a technique correctly validates the instruction and makes the concept more tangible than verbal explanation alone.

What are some common excuses instructors give for not demonstrating skills?

Some instructors claim it's not about their own skill level but the student's performance. Others might suggest their experience is outdated or that they are focusing on intellectual understanding rather than physical execution, though this is often seen as a sign they cannot consistently perform the skills themselves.

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