I've never shot an IDPA compitetion and I was wondering what the average cost for a match runs. Taking into account, match fees, ammo, etc. Thanks
Walt
$15 match fee for public, $10 for club members. You must be an IDPA member to compete, and that's $35/year. Factory ammo runs $5-$15 a box, and our matches are usually about 70 rounds. Double tall, split-shot, non-fat latte goes for about $2.50. Burgers and beers with The Boys, after the match, usually runs about $20.
Not sure about your club but at mine you don't have to be an IPDA member to compete, but your scores don't count towards classification if you are not.
A lot of clubs actually let you shoot your first time for free, I guess get 'em to come once and have fun, get 'em to come back and pay to have more fun!
IDPA requires that any affiliated club demand that you join after shooting one match. They don't have any way to police it that I know of - stool pigeons, maybe - but that is a condition of affiliation with the parent organization.
IDPA does not classify based on match scores, they have one specific classification course of fire - that most people hate, so it is seldom done except for new shooters or upon request by someone wanting to get promoted.
USPSA/IPSC has a book of classification stages and will run at least one every match.