Today was my first match of any kind.  Overall I really liked it.  Everyone was really helpful and I definitely appreciated it.  I'm sure they were nervous with a new guy around, but they didn't treat me like a new guy, if that makes sense.  Will be going to more in the future.  Knew I would need to slow down, but when I got to run the stage, sure enough, I went too fast.  Also, my nerves made me jerky on the trigger.  

One thing I was really proud of was my muzzle control and safety coming out of the holster.  I never had anybody say anything to me about not being safe (they will if needed though).  I felt that it was well worth the time and liked that being a first time shooter, there was no price to be at the match.  If you want to give any pointers, have it

ETA:  Also, any sight recommendations?  Have a S&W M&P 9 full size.

For fiber optic sights, get a 10-8 Performance u-notch rear and the thinnest Dawson front sight you can find.

For tritium sights, I really like the new Trijicon HDXR sights, they are much thinner in the front than the previous HDs. 

TruGlo TFX Pro is a good hybrid, but they are long as hell.

I use Dawson precision competition sights on my IDPA guns. All black rear and thinnest fiber optic front they have for the height I need. If you get both fronts and rears from them and you POA and POI are off, they will replace your front with the correct height to match up POA/POI.