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IDPA matches are fun. They do offer good practice and a variety of scenarios to get you thinking tactics.

However, my club dropped IDPA a couple years ago because they started changing some of the rules that pulled away from real life practices and more like a game to be able to deduct points and make it easier to separate competitors scores. It kinda ruins the sport for new shooters that don't see the point of some of the rules. My club went to a personal defense type match that has its basis in IDPA, but allows more freedom for some things that would/could happen in the real world.

How ever its done it is good as long as it's done safely.

My first match, I went with a friend just to watch and halfway through wish I had entered. After several more matches I bought my own timer. I'm glad I did. I changed employers shortly after that and haven't been able to do, but one or two matches a year at the most due to my schedule. However, I can still set up single or multiple targets and practice on my own. Another advantage of being a member of a private outdoor club and having a couple weekdays off each week.

When you do your first match don't be too intimidated by the others. You are there for yourself. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Actual speed will come in time. You don't want to rush things when it comes to a sport like this if you're not proficient enough and ready for it.

Happy shooting and I hope your bank account can handle it. It's addicting!