The Update You’ve Been Waiting For: CMP’s 2021 National Matches
March 9, 2021
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Looking toward the summer months, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is eagerly anticipating the return of one of the most acclaimed events of the year – the National Rifle and Pistol Matches, held on the historic ranges of Camp Perry.
The National Matches has been an honored tradition for generations – first firing on the Camp Perry grounds in 1907 and featuring a lineup of rifle, pistol and air gun events for both seasoned and aspiring marksmanship competitors.
With the evolving regulations of COVID-19, CMP staff members are hard at work updating the National Matches to fit the modern era. Procedures for the 2021 National Matches include revisions to safety regulations (such as social distancing and mask wearing), limiting firing points, squadding protocols, in-processing, awards and other details.
The CMP is partnering with the Ohio National Guard to remain up-to-date on CDC guidelines, to provide an environment that is as safe as possible for guests of Camp Perry, while also staying true to the events and customs that have made the National Matches a celebrated destination for marksmanship enthusiasts for over a century.
Provisions for the 2021 National Matches may change in the coming weeks but currently cover:
First Shot Ceremony:
Due to the complexity of dealing with COVID concerns, the First Shot Ceremony, which typically serves as the formal opening event of the National Matches, will not be held this year.
Squadding:
Squadding/participation for all events will be held to half of the maximum capacity. Competitors will be placed at every-other firing point for distancing purposes. For those events squadded on the line, social distancing and masks will be required while squadding is taking place.
NM Welcome Center (In-Processing):
Several check-in desks, appropriately spaced, will be available for arriving guests. A limited number of individuals will be permitted into the building at a time and will be required to be seated in chairs, six-feet apart, to discourage gathering while waiting to check in.
Awards:
In order to prevent crowds, the traditional awards ceremonies will not be held in 2021 – including competitor receptions held prior to the awards.
Register:
Registration for the 2021 National Matches opens April 1! Learn more about the event and updates on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/cmp-national-matches/.
The CMP would like to thank all individuals for their cooperation as we navigate the most efficient ways of hosting our events and ensuring the safety of our staff and supporters. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back on the shores of Lake Erie for more marksmanship memories and fun in 2021!
NOTE: Although it is CMP’s hope to hold our upcoming events, please keep in mind that we may have to cancel due to COVID-19 issues. For those events that we do conduct, we will follow the appropriate state’s guidelines and recommendations. We continue to monitor the venue states’ guidelines and adjust our procedures based on those guidelines and common sense. As always, the safety of our customers and employees is our priority.
Will ammo be available for competitors at the CMP store during the National Matches?
Bill,
We are unsure at this time. Ammo is on order but we are unsure of the delivery date. Please feel free to reach out to our North Store Manager at mhille@thecmp.org in a few weeks.
Thanks,
Christine
My question today is will there be any restrictions or proto call for spectators for the matches? Thank you.
CMP will follow CDC guidelines in order to provide an environment that is as safe as possible for guests of Camp Perry. Current updated procedures for the 2021 National Matches may include safety regulations (such as social distancing and mask wearing), limiting firing points, squadding protocols and other details.
Thanks,
Christine
Another question, I see on the registration for the SAFS rifle there is no check in on the morning of July 31, it must be done prior. I will be having some new shooters coming in that morning from out of town. How do we handle this? should they plan on arriving a day earlier? Thank you.
Richard,
Please reach out to our Competitions Coordinator, Christina, at competitions@thecmp.org and she will be able to answer your question and help assist you.
Thanks,
Christine
Great work! Thanks for the update. I am looking forward to the matches this year.
Will there be electronic scoring so we are not on top of each other in the pits?
We are planning to continue using electronic targets for the CMP Highpower Rifle Championships, July 26-29. All other matches will use paper targets. We plan to squad every other target so competitors can spread out in the pits.
Christine
Will preference be given to those of us who registered for last year’s National Matches before they were cancelled?
Registration will open on April 1st to everyone, no preferences.
Thanks,
Christine
Will JR Shooter’s have a priority over the adults when it comes to Squadding/participation.
Our competitions staff would be able to answer this – I’ll forward your question to them.
Thanks,
Christine
Thank you for the update. My family and I appreciate all the hard work that the CMP has put in to ensure we can hold the matches this year. It is very much appreciated and we will be there!
Can you tell us what the “maximum capacity “ this year for the rifle matches such as the Presidents 100 and NTI. Just to have an idea of the maximum capacity for a given match each stage.
Thank you again for all of the CMP and Ohio National Guards efforts to hold the matches this year.
Leroy
Our competitions staff would be able to answer this – I’ll forward your question to them.
Thanks,
Christine
The maximum capacity for the rifle President’s 100 and NTI is 714 IF we are only fire six relays and still have to squad every other firing point. If we add extra relays, each relay will add 119 competitors if we are still have to squad every other firing point. Things may change as we get closer to the National Matches and we may be able to squad every firing point, but at this time we are making preparations for the social distancing guidelines we currently have.
Online registration will open on April 1. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the National Matches at Camp Perry.
If you have any further questions please feel free to email me.
Thank you,
Christina Roguski
CMP Competition Coordinator
This COVID nonsense is completely overblown and it is PAST time to put an end to it. FULL PARTICIPATION for all matches!!! No “half-registration!” NO masks!
Competitors will be JUST FINE.
If, by August 2021, CMP remains needlessly concerned about COVID — after a year-and-a-half (!) — then they can have competitors sign a release form to the effect that they attend at their own risk.
When does this END?
CMP will follow all state and CDC guidelines during the National Matches.
Thank you for your support,
Christine
I for one will be there with several of the people that shoot with me at our range. It has been a rough year for all. I am sure you had some people quarantined and work schedules interrupted. I have worked with many of the people involved as my club’s CMP match director and they are by far the best people I have had the pleasure to work with. I appreciate the effort you put into this this year and hope everything will return to normal by next year if not sooner. Thanks to all for all you do for the CMP programs. See you at nationals.
George,
Thank you for your comments and support. We look forward to seeing our National Match competitors on the firing line!
Christine
How will the CMP handle the situation in the pits? With two people per target, pit officials, and National Guard representatives there will be no way to social distance. I am as anxious to compete as the next, but safely.
Targets are 6×6 and we are spacing out targets so individuals in the pits can social distance. Masks may be required.
Christine
Christine – Please advise if there will be a restriction on the total number of competitors. If so, please advise the number for the 2700 and the pistol P100 and NTI.
Mike
Squadding/participation for all events will be held to half of the maximum capacity. We haven’t reached capacity for our pistol events the past few years but our numbers will be based off of the maximum capacity for each range.
Christine
Aren’t this firing points at Camp Perry at least 6 feet apart so there would be no need to only use every other firing point?
Plenty of fresh air / ventilation outdoors as well
Huge Thanks for all you at the CMP do
The firing points are not 6 feet apart and we will need additional space for those in the pits. Therefore, using every other firing point will help us social distance.
Christine
I don’t see the Roosevelt Commemorative match on the schedule. Will it be held in 2021?
Dan,
Unfortunately, we did have to remove the Roosevelt Commemorative Match from this year’s calendar. We moved the Carbine Match to Friday in order to accommodate the NTT which will spaced out on the two ranges.
Thanks,
Christine
Will the CMP be creating an AR15-NMA2 games match similar to the Garand match at some point in time?
I like my old style iron sights service rifle, and have elected not to get on the new equipment treadmill.
THanks.
Mask wearing on the line, outdoors, every other firing point, in the sunshine and breeze should not be necessary.
Are you implying that competitors must wear their masks while firing??
Ronald Rumpf, M.D.
Per guidelines at this time, masks must be worn while indoors and when you cannot social distance. Competitors will be placed at every-other firing point for distancing purposes—therefore, masks will not be required while firing.
Christine
Thank you and Bless You All!
Sorry, but this is NOT the announcement I’ve been waiting for!
I may have missed it, but when will registration open?
Registration for the 2021 National Matches opens April 1! Learn more about the event and updates on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/cmp-national-matches/.
Christine
From reading this above. It seems not worth it for anyone to attend this year also.
Open it up with no restrictions with proof of vaccinations.
In looking at the calendar, I did not see the Roosevelt Commemorative Match listed. Normally, it’s held on the Friday before the CMP weekend (Garand, Springfield and Vintage matches). Is the Roosevelt being removed from the Match calendar? I’m a huge Krag enthusiast… and I would hate to see this match, which favors Krags be removed.
Thank you very much
Paul Steinmayer
Paul,
Unfortunately, we did have to remove the Roosevelt Commemorative Match from this year’s calendar. We moved the Carbine Match to Friday in order to accommodate the NTT which will spaced out on the two ranges.
Thanks,
Christine
Thanks so much for letting me know Christine. Looks like I’ll be shooting my Krag in the Vintage instead (need to give the ole girl a good dance)! Hopefully, the Roosevelt will return in 2022.
You all do such as awesome job… and I support any decisions you make regarding the matches and our safety. I’m sorry that we all have to see comments like that Mike guy’s remarks from Saturday. Guys like that are the reason COVID got this bad in the first place!
Thanks again
Paul
Will there be fewer EIC points available due to spaced lane assignments?
We sent out a survey to our President’s and NTI competitors yesterday with a few options. At this time, we are gathering data for the best possible option to accommodate as many competitors as possible. If we do need to limit squadding, then yes, there will be fewer EIC points award.
Christine
Will there be a commercial row?
The Guard is working on the details of commercial row now. They are going to have commercial row but restrictions will apply.
Christine
What is happening with Commercial Row this year for CMP Pistol week?
The Guard is working on the details of commercial row now. They are going to have commercial row but restrictions will apply.
Christine
“Squadding/participation for all events will be held to half of the maximum capacity.”
Does this mean the number of participants for the big matches will be limited, or will it just mean additional relays at each firing position?
I’m assuming these changes will continue to be updated as state and CDC guidelines change….?
Yes, the matches will be at ½ capacity of the maximum capacity. At this time participants will be limited. Yes, we will update our procedures and guidelines as state and CDC guidelines change.
Christine
Will the SAFS (Rifle/Pistol) still occur, particularly in the theater, as has been past practice?
Yes, the Small Arms Firing Schools are still on the schedule for 2021, we will have a reduced number of spots available. We suggest you sign up early if you’d like to take the class.
Thanks,
Christine
When the COVID nonsense is CANCELLED I will return to Camp Perry.
Until then, my answer is NO.
I’ve been vaccinated. And you want me to keep six feet from others? No. Not happening.
Good for you Mr. Jeter, vaccination or no.
Will there be vendors on Commercial Row during the pistol phase of the national matches? Running very low on shooting supplies.
The Guard is working on the details of commercial row now. They are going to have commercial row but restrictions will apply.
Christine
Thank you for posting this information. I already have my matches picked out and I’m looking forward to the camp perry experience again. You’ve made my day!
We look forward to seeing you on the firing line soon!
Christine
Thanks for the work. Going to Perry is a highlight for my year.
Will on base housing remain available? My family’s ability to participate pretty much hinges on availability of a hut for our family.
Yes, on base housing will be available. Please visit their website at https://cplcc.com/national-matches/ for all the details and dates.
Christine