A “match” or competition is divided into different “stages.”
Each stage has a “Course Of Fire (COF).”
Each COF consists of one or more “props”, a number of positions from which to shoot, and one or more targets at possibly different distances.
There will also be a time limit and a specified number of rounds required per COF.

All participants are divided into “squads”. Within the squad, there will be a specific order that will be maintained for the rest of the match. The shooter who starts first will, start last on the next stage, and the rest of the squad will simply continue.
The squad's weapons will be located in a designated zone, with the muzzle pointing in the designated safe direction. Unless it is their turn, the weapon will remain in the safe zone at all times, unloaded (no ammunition or magazines on the weapon) and with a clearly visible “chamber flag.”

Scoring is very simple: each target hit within the time limit counts as 1 point.
The shooter with the most “hits" is the match winner. Only in the “skill stage” will both the targets hit and the time taken to complete the COF count. This stage serves as a tiebreaker in the event of a tie.
 
At the start of each new stage, the squad will have two minutes to inspect the props and draw up their plan. This will be done without weapons.
On the RO's command, the shooter will come to the starting point with all (as mentioned in the matchbook) his equipment in hand. The next shooter in line will already be getting ready at this point to ensure that the competition runs smoothly.

When the shooter is ready, the RO will give the following commands:
 
“Do you understand the Course Of Fire?”
Does the shooter understand what is expected of him/her? If there is no response, the RO assumes that everything is clear.
“Make Ready” or “Load and Make Ready”
The shooter removes the chamber flag from the weapon and prepares the weapon for the COF. The shooter may not leave the position without the RO's permission.

“Are You Ready?”
Is the shooter ready to start? If the shooter is not ready, this must be specifically reported to the RO.

“Stand-by”
The start signal will follow within 1 to 4 seconds.
 
The start signal can be a “beep” or a verbal start command.
The only information that will be given by the RO during the COF will be safety-related or whether the shooter has hit the correct target.
 

“Stop” or “Cease Fire”
At any time during the COF, the RO may give a "Stop" or “Cease Fire” command.
This command is also used to indicate that time is up or the COF has ended. The shooter keeps his/her weapon pointed in a safe direction and stops what he/she is doing.

“If You Are Finished, Unload And Show Clear”
The shooter keeps his barrel in the safe direction, unloads the weapon, and shows the RO that the weapon is unloaded.

“Insert Chamber flag”
The RO will give this command once he has verified that the shooter's weapon is safe.

“Range Is Clear” or “Range is Safe”
The stage where the shooter is located is safe.

The shooter returns his weapon to the safety zone.

At the RO's signal, the next shooter will now take his place at the starting position.

You will mostly receive the matchbook the evening before the event. Here you can find some examples.