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SAIDSA Reaction Man Competition 2015

The South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA), held its 10th Reaction Man Competition at Swartkops Raceway on Thursday 20th August 2015. Over the last 10 years, the Reaction Man Competition has grown exponentially and this 10th year anniversary was the biggest competition thus far.

SAIDSA secretary, Cheryl Ogle, explains that the intention of hosting this annual event is to honour the armed reaction officers’ role in the security industry. Every day these dedicated personnel put their lives on the line to protect people and property, often without true recognition for their skills. They are making SA safer for all its citizens.

Ogle further explained that the event has become so popular that from only 10 teams that took part in the first Reaction Man Competition it has expanded to 22 teams enrolling in 2015. Only companies who are registered with SAIDSA may take part in the competition. SAIDSA has grown membership over the last few years and more armed reaction companies are applying to be part of the annual competition.

Armed reaction officers from all over SA participated in five compulsory events.

1. Shooting

2. Fitness obstacle course

3. Skid pan advanced driving

4. 4 X 4 vehicle skills driving

5. Written theory exam

Registration was at 07h30 followed by a breakfast and the written theory exam. Top scorer in the theory exam was Gerhard De Beer from NSA. The two morning events, namely the shooting and fitness began at 09H00.

Shooting

At the shooting range, two teams were on the range at the same time. Different stances, standing, kneeling and lying paid a critical role in target scoring. The scores were totalled out of 50 shots. The reaction man with the highest score won the first prize. The shooting event was won by Levy Malete from ADT.

Fitness

The fitness course consisted of barriers, tractor tyres, tunnels and various other obstacles to slow and tire the contestant quickly. Time was everything. Fitness was won by Riaan VD Schyff from EPR.

Skidpan

All teams took part in the skid pan challenge. The vehicle was kindly sponsored by Toyota.

The route, on a very wet and slippery skid pan, was to be driven at high speed as the timing determined the winner. This is truly a fun event and it was great to see how differently individual reaction men handle the vehicle. Skidpan event was won by Riaan VD Schyff from EPR.

4x4 Driving

The 4X4 course tested the driving skills of the reaction man over a rough terrain. The 4X4 vehicle was also sponsored by Toyota. At this stage all participants were tired, but this didn’t deter them from team spirit, camaraderie and superb driving techniques. The 4x4 event was won by Gerhard De Beer from NSA.

Tech Man

For the first time, SAIDSA introduced the Tech-man competition. In this event, 20 technicians from various security companies competed with one another to wire up an alarm panel, PIR, siren, panic alarm and radio. This was done on a vertical stand and correct wiring and neatness played a crucial role. SAIDSA’s Bryan Rudolph was the judge.

This event was won by Star Alarm’s Adrian Carrer. Carrer said, “I’m happy and I feel good to have won this event in its launch year. This achievement goes to good preparation and hard work from my side.”

The overall Best Reaction Officer of 2015 is Riaan Van Der Schyff from EPR. The Best Reaction Company for 2015 is EPR.

Judged by the representatives from Toyota, the team with the best spirit and enthusiasm was SA Security.

SAIDSA’s David Shapiro explains that SAIDSA is an association of security service providers and is regarded as the watchdog of the industry which has the interests of both its members and the public at heart. SAIDSA’s objective is to monitor and upgrade the quality and standards of the industry. The association’s by-laws pertaining to various aspects of security are guidelines to correct practices. To be compliant to these rules will save lives, said Shapiro.

SAIDSA conducts a series of comprehensive training courses for new and current technicians aimed at skills development and upliftment. These training courses are offered countrywide.

For more information, go to www.saidsa.co.za

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