That is the point I made :wink:
The minute you enter a competition of any sort....it is not a hobby :wink:
Sorry Tink, i disagree
As an ex competitive Archer for many years, i shot anywhere from 1 - 5 times a week,
I was fortunate to live in a city with an archery club that had provision to shoot 24/7, (which helped no end .)
The fundamental difference between Archery & Clays, is bullets and arrows
, (before some smart arse chips in .)
Its the way participants come in to and progress at the discipline, either at club, Inter club, county or international level
90% of Archers were club members, what is the figure for CP?
There is no bird or target only option in Archery
All scores you shot at any club day, club comp, interclub, or county shoot were recorded and submitted to the then GNAS
(Grand National Archery Society). Your club worked out your classification, and handicap, and submitted your scores.
You would when you joined GNAS , or affiliated to them be issued a number
this number was used to identify you & your score for any competition , league or match. No number:- no score recording / handicap /classification
You could enter a comp / match but your score would not be counted,
The only time you didn't record your scores was practice days, (although most did, otherwise how well do you know you are doing)
If you shot a comp and were doing badly, .... Tough, your score got reported, DNF, was scored on the shots you made, to the point of DNF,
If you asked to have your scores not submitted it could be done, (but the only loser was yourself) it was recorded as a 0 DNF
Sandbagging was possible, but the handicapping system could spot that and after a couple of shoots your classification would be adjusted,
We fiercely shot club inter club & county matches, and also hosted open club champs, which were always over subscribed,
There was no ££ for prizes is was a medal or a cup, spot prizes existed throughout most comps. Closest to the cross, Lady P prize, 6 gold end , Handicap prize etc. It wasn't about the prizes, it was the winning
Whilst i don't disagree with the concept of high gun, and pool shoots, the reality is only the few benefit.
Some will say " That's how it should be", with the best migrating to the top, and reaping the rewards.
Where is the encouragement for the lower ranks to progress? ££ may be a motivator, but its not the right way,
Where is the system to talent spot the rising stars, and to nurture and guide them
When we had members of team GB come and shoot with us, there were no snide remarks, or animosity, they came and offered advice and encouragement to all, and it was greatly received.
Of course i want to win, its human nature, but I'm not daft ., my chances of winning an open are equal to none, but it still doesn't stop me from having a go, My rival is me, my motivator is my desire to do better.
If people want to shoot BO that's their prerogative, they shouldn't be castigated for their choice. Its the system gives them that choice.
As a question to all "Are you shooting to win" or are you shooting for the £
Their is a difference
Mart